Page 67 of Stolen Holidays
“No, I’m good. More than good. I’m great.”
“Okay, then what’s going on?” He wraps his arms around my waist.
“Do you remember, on my birthday, when we got a little kinky and started talking about babies?”
Eli’s throat bobs as he swallows. “Yeah.”
“Well, turns out you really did fuck a baby into me.”
He flinches in shock, and his eyes drop to my stomach and back to my face.
My brain goes into overdrive as tears sting the back of my eyes, and my stomach drops. Was he just caught up in the moment? Does he not want a baby right now?
Then a huge grin spreads across his face, chasing away my fears. “You’re pregnant?”
“Yes.” The tension in my neck dissipates as his demeanor changes. “I get a wife and a baby on the same day?” Despite the smile, he still sounds unsure.
“Wife now and a baby in eight-months, give or take. I need to go to the doctor. But I took a test.”
“That’s why you’ve been tired and picky about food.” He knows me so well.
“My boobs also hurt, and I’ve been extra horny,” I add.
“Is that so?” Eli grips my hip and tugs me to his body.
“That’s why it was so easy for you to bring me in here and have your wicked way with me.”
He barks a laugh. “Princess, you would let me have my wicked way with you anyway. That’s how good I make you feel.”
“So cocky.”
“You like it when I’m cocky.” I drop my head onto his chest with a laugh. He tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Guess I really stuffed your stocking this Christmas.”
I bark a laugh. “That was horrible.”
“You liked it.”
I did. I love this playful side of Eli. Aside from his family, he only shares it with me, making it more special.
“Can we hold off on telling everyone? I’d really like to go to the doctor first.”
“Of course. But first…” He drops onto his knees and lays one hand on my stomach and one on my lower back, pulling me as close as possible. “Hey, little one. This is your daddy talking. I haven’t even met you yet, and I already love you with all my heart. I’m going to take such good care of you. I’m going to do everything I can to be the best dad to you.”
Tears well in my eyes and spill down my cheeks as I listen to my husband speak to our unborn child.
He does this every night until our son, Andrew, whom we named after my father, is born eight months later. He repeats the tradition with our son, Deacon, and our daughter, Astrid.
True to his word, Elijiah Miller is the best dad to our three children. He’s also the best husband a woman could ask for. The best thing I ever did in my life was sign a contract with his company all those years ago. It put us on the path to each other. On a path to a wonderful life together. A life full of love and happiness.
And of course, a lot of stocking stuffing during the holidays.
twenty-seven
Mason
Ileanbackinmy chair and take another sip of my water. I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since Emery told me she was pregnant. Figured if she couldn’t drink, neither should I. Besides, champagne tastes better when I’m lapping it off my wife’s body.
Cameron slams his drink on the table. The big oaf forgets his own strength and has a knack for being loud. He’s everything I’m not, and I’m grateful for it. My baby brother has always had a way of getting me out of my shell. The two of us have a special bond. I think it’s because he’s always been able to speak enough for both of us.
