Page 23 of It's Your Love: Rebel & Holly

They nod, ask to be excused until then and then run to the small table so they can color while we visit. “How’s the room coming?” Grammy asks once she makes sure they’re not listening.

“Well, one of Rebel’s brothers is working on the thing that I couldn’t find,” I reply in code. “But other than that, I think it’s going to look good.”

“I have the prospects coming over to paint,” Rebel advises. “They’ll come early one morning after she takes them to daycare, so it’ll hopefully be dry, and the fumes gone before they come home.”

“I’ve got one of those huge industrial fans out in the barn,” Pappy advises. “If you put that by the door and open the window, it should do the trick.”

“That might work,” Rebel muses.

“I’m so excited,” I add. “I think they’re going to love it.”

“Me too,” Grammy says. “We still going out for a little bit tomorrow to try and get some of the deals? I want to make new quilts for their dolls.”

“Pappy, are you watching the girls for us?” I ask.

“Figured they could just spend the night tonight and give you two some alone time,” he says, winking at Rebel.

I get up and throw my arms around his neck. “You’re my favorite Pappy ever!” I exclaim.

He chuckles while hugging me back. “And you’re my favorite Holly,” he teases. “Now, who’s gonna help us clear this table so we can eat some pie?”

“We are!” Mina and Ruby yell, rushing back to the table.

It doesn’t take long to get everything cleared so that we can sit and enjoy our dessert. The girls are ecstatic when they find out they’re spending the night while Grammy and I decide what time we’re going to head out with Rebel acting as our driver. Secretly, I think he just wants to spend time with me.

Not that I’ll ever complain aboutthat!

“It gets better every time,” I breathlessly gasp out as we both struggle to catch our breath after an exuberant lovemaking session. I think what I enjoy most is nothing is off limits; if I want to try something, Rebel is more than willing.

“Yeah, it does,” he murmurs, his voice already sounding sleepy. He pulls the covers over the two of us, kisses me and says, “I love you, Holly.”

“I love you too, Rebel.”

Chapter Thirteen

Rebel

“Istill can’t believe some of the things Tiny Sparkles got into,” I say as I help Holly finish up the playroom.

My brothers showed up and showed out, with Monster, Tank, and Psycho utilizing skills I didn’t know they had to build a helluva kitchen, as well as two baby doll cribs, two desks, a ‘teacher’s desk’, and some small furniture that we’re currently grouping as a living room area within the playroom.

Holly starts laughing then asks, “Which was your favorite?”

I stop and think before saying, “I think the movie night was my personal favorite, although I did enjoy the ‘race’ she was having with their other stuffed animals. Where do you come up with the ideas?”

“Google, of course,” she teases. “I’m glad Grammy and Pappy have them for a few hours so we can finish all of this up, you know? I’m not sure how I’m not completely crazy at this point.”

“Babe, you impress the fuck out of me,” I tell her, my voice sincere. “You’ve managed to keep working at the bar, shopped for Christmas, took on the club businesses,andspent time with me as well as the girls. But I know you’ve gotta be wiped out at this point.”

“Well, now that Myra’s paid off, I can cut back on my shifts at the bar for sure. Just need to make sure I take plenty of tissues for Morris, because I think he’s going to break down when I tell him I can’t keep this up anymore.”

“Good thing that one of our prospects used to bartend. He can cover the weekends you don’t work. Life’s meant to be lived, babe, and these past few months, you’ve had to exist.”

“I know, but it’s almost over.”

“Why don’t you let me finish in here while you go wrap?” I suggest.

“I only have a few things left to wrap. Their Santa present isn’t wrapped, so we’ll put them out once we’re one hundred percent positive that they’re sound asleep. I hope you’re ready to eat a few cookies,” she replies, giggling.

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