Page 80 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets
“I think I have a pretty good idea. I can be that way myself. Everyone can. Life isn’t all about smiles and good times—although it’s necessary to have those. But it’s also knowing you can count on the people you’re doing life with, you know?”
He nodded, then pulled her close to kiss her. A sweet, cherished melding of lips and hearts. After a moment, he lifted his head. “I love you, Jade. With everything in me. I think it’s only fair that you know that.”
“Why do I hear abutin there?”
“Only a faint one. I don’t want to live my life in fear—or regret not taking chances. I don’t want to look back in twenty years wishing I’d done something different. I want a life with you and Mia. I know my PTSD worries you, but if you can bring yourself to trust me—”
She pressed cold fingers to his lips. “I trust you. I trust you with my life. The one you saved not too long ago.” A shudder rippled through her at the thought, and he hugged her close, relishing her nearness. A little surprised she wasn’t pushing him away. “So, can we tell Mia?”
“As soon as they get home.” She glanced at her phone. “Which will be any minute now.”
They rode the horses back to the house, and Bryce saw the Harrises’ vehicle in the drive. His heart pounded, and anticipation made his hands sweat in spite of the chilly weather.
Mia must have been watching for them, because she burst from the door in an all-out run, launching herself at Jade as soon as her feet were on the ground. “Mama, we’re back!”
“I see that.”
Mia turned to Bryce. “I’m glad you’re here, too.”
Bryce could only stare. This beautiful little girl was his.
“Bryce?” Jade asked. “You okay?”
He cleared his throat. “Yeah. I’m okay.”
Jade smiled. “Let’s go in the barn and have a chat.”
“Mr. Bryce, too?”
“Yeah,” Jade said, “Mr. Bryce, too.”
Once in the barn, Jade and Bryce tied up their horses and quickly pulled the tack from them, then sent them out into the pasture. Jade pulled Mia into her arms and kissed her forehead. Bryce decided he’d never tire of watching the two of them together. The three of them sat on the large hay bales overlooking the land.
“Mia,” Jade said, “you know how you’ve asked me about your daddy and how you wanted to meet him?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Well, what would you say if I told you Mr. Bryce was your daddy?”
Mia’s eyes went round and she turned her gaze on Bryce. “You’re my daddy?”
“I am.”
Mia wiggled out of Jade’s arms and turned to stand in front of him. “Are you really and truly?”
“Really and truly.” Bryce couldn’t help the huskiness in his voice.
“Are you going to be here for Christmas?”
He lifted his gaze and locked it on Jade’s. “I’m planning on it.”
“Cool.” She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. “Will you take me fishing?”
Bryce let out a laugh. “Fishing? Sure.”
“And will you put the squirmy worm on the hook?”
“Absolutely.”
