Page 87 of A Cowboy's Bride
Petra pinched the bridge of her nose. “Did my mother give you a lecture about safe sex and the best ways you could find a future partner who will remain sexually compatible with you into your golden years?”
His eyes widened. “Not yet, but I suppose that’s something to not look forward to.”
They might be family, but they were a lot at times.
Petra took a deep breath and enjoyed the scent of cinnamon and orange peel that lingered on the air. Jake had cooked last night, which meant he mysteriously brought food to the table that she still suspected he’d purchased from Tansy, but at this point Petra didn’t care. There’d been some kind of Peking duck along with spring rolls that were crisp and delicious.
Tonight, though, she and Aiden had been in charge and they’d gone traditional. They had cooked up a ham and mashed potatoes and green beans and a few Ukrainian dishes thrown in for good measure because it wouldn’t be Christmas for her without perogies and kielbasa.
Most of the food was already in the oven, so other than putting together a salad at the final moment, no more fussing was required.
Which meant she had time to finish the one project that still needed a little work. She slipped into their bedroom, heading for the corner where Aiden had placed a comfortable loveseat. It was small enough to fit in the sunny corner beside the window, and since her birthday, they’d made sure to take time every day to sit there for a little while together. Sometimes in the morning, sometimes after they’d finished the family time. But with so many adults around all the time, they brainstormed to come up with this so they’d have a chance to keep talking aboutthem.
To keep learning more and keep falling deeper in love.
Of course, with the surprise she’d put together, it wouldn’t be too much longer that they’d need to use this cozy corner. Petra sat on her side of the loveseat, curling her legs under her and picking up the final project she needed to complete. She had all her Christmas presents done for the High Water family, and a toque and mitt set for Sasha Stone that she had helped Jinx with.
She just wasn’t quite done with the set of slippers she was making for her father, and she got her needle to work as she stared out the window, contentment washing over her.
The door eased open, and Aiden’s bright smile appeared around the edge. “I wondered if I’d find you here.”
She patted the seat beside her. “It’s as good of a place as any to hide so my mother can’t request I dress up like an elf or something.”
He laughed, detouring to the side of the bed before joining her. He put a small, brightly coloured bag down by his feet then draped her legs across his lap. “There we go. Much better.”
“Are you done with all of your cowboy things for the day?” she asked.
“Until evening chores, yes. Which means I get to relax and eat lots of food and enjoy our gift opening tonight.”
Petra eyed the bag beside the couch. “Last minute item to toss under the tree?”
“Definitely not last minute, and not something I think I should put under the tree.” He eased his hand down her thigh and over the arch of her foot, petting her the way that he always did when they were together. He touched as always, brushing his hands over her and making her feel as if being right beside her was the most important thing in his world.
She twisted on the spot, curled her arms around his neck, and kissed him. Because she could. Because she wanted to, even needed to.
The craving for him kept growing bigger and bigger.
He kissed her back with heat, but controlled enough that when he pulled them apart only a minute later, she sighed happily.
“I like you, Aiden Skye.”
“I know.” He winked, cupping her chin in his hands and brushing their lips together again. “I like you too, Petra Sorenson.”
“That’s good.”
It was his turn to snicker.
She glanced down again because she couldn’t help herself. “You going to tell me what’s in the bag?”
“I’d like to know how you feel about early Christmas presents.”
“I highly approve of them,” she assured him. “Especially when they’re for me.”
He eased back far enough to pick up the package, holding it just out of reach. His expression turned serious and he took a big breath before speaking again. “Remember we promised to keep talking, so if I screwed this up, you let me know. I won’t be hurt.”
“Now I don’t know if I want to open it,” Petra said quietly.
“Oh, you want to open it,” he assured her. “Here.”
