Page 33 of A Moon Lake Christmas Hero

Shit.

“It’s easier getting in this way,” he murmured against my ear. “Even when it’s warm.”

That’s when realization trickled in—he was still holding me in his arms.

I felt his warmth against my skin where his body touched mine.

I looked up at his face. “That wasn’t necessary. I would’ve…”

His grin turned serious. His eyes turned darker, which had me on edge. When his gaze darted to my mouth, I just knew he wanted to kiss me again.

And I wanted him to kiss me.

Then suddenly, Abby and Marley were all over us.

Marley climbed James like a little monkey, and Abby wedged herself between our bodies. “Daddy, Daddy, do it with me,” Abby said.

“No, me,” Marley shouted.

James let go of me, and I floated away. Gone was the warmth, the connection.

I watched James get out and jump in first with Abby, then Marley, then with both at the same time. The cheering and laughter of the two girls filled my heart and echoed off the glass walls.

Outside, the snow fell harder, creating an intimate cocoon around our little scene. The Christmas lights strung around the pool area cast dancing patterns across the water's surface, making everything feel magical and surreal.

James was completely focused on his girls, made them giggle, snuggled with them. Stole kisses and gave them boosts so they could torpedo out of the water.

This was a healthy, happy family scene if I’d ever seen one.

And there I was. Floating on the outskirts, watching, longing…from a distance.

An outsider looking in.

“Daddy, Daddy, do it with Erin.”

James zeroed in on me again. I thought he’d lost track of me, but by the way he looked at me, he’d known where I was the whole time.

“I’m good over here, thank you,” I said with a smile.

Playing around in the water looked like fun, but I was content floating and feeling the smoothness of the warm water against my skin.

Also, I was an outsider.

“Tell you what, little one. Why don’t you and Marley practice your jumps a couple more times? Your skin is already all wrinkly. And Marley’s lips are turning blue. So we can’t stay in here all that long”

It didn’t even occur to me to watch for those signs. But it was another testament to how dialed in James was as a father. He had that shit down—was loving, protective, and caring of his children.

He was exactly the man I’d always wanted. Exactly the father I’d always wanted for my imaginary kids.

“Earth to Erin. You still with me?”

I hadn’t realized he’d come up next to me, not until his hand touched my shoulder.

The soft touch was enough to catapult me out of my musings and back to reality.

“You okay?”

I nodded. “I’m fine. Just been thinking about how good you are with Abby and Marley.” I swam around him.

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