Page 49 of A Cowboy Home for Christmas
Chapter Twelve
BARKER
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Iwake up to the girlsstomping down the stairs.
Fuck. What time is it?
I bound upward on the sofa. I rub my eyes and focus. It’s still dark outside.
Shit, is Lauren home? I didn’t hear her or Savi come in last night? Are they still at the hospital? Lauren messaged me when my nephew was born, and told me everyone was healthy. She should be back. Did I pass out so hard I missed them?
“It’s Christmas!” Lark shouts, and Clara adds, “Wow!”
The girls halt in the living room. Their star-filled gazes cruise over the mounds of presents under the lit tree.
My stare passes them. Lauren sashays down the stairs. She smiles at me. Warm, sweet, and refreshed.
The three of them are wearing another set of matching pyjamas. Black and red buffalo plaid onesies.
“This is the mostest presents we’ve ever had.” Lark shuffles through the presents. “This one says Clara. And this one says me!”
“Girls, are you going to invite meemaw, pawpaw, and Savi?”
The girls rush to knock on their doors.
“You didn’t wake me?”
She sets two wrapped presents on the table. “You were out cold. There was no waking you.”
I take her hand. “Are you alright?”
She engulfs me in a hug. Her soft luscious body molds perfectly into mine. My arms clamp around her so damn hard.
“Merry Christmas, Barker.”
“Merry Christmas, Lauren.”
“Coffee.” My pa’s cane taps the floors.
“Make it strong.” Savi tugs a winter beanie over her bed-head.
“I’ll get the strawberry bread.” My ma runs her hands over me and Lauren on her way by. “And we want to hear everything about the baby.”
“Look,” Clara says, and Lark add, “Santa are all his cookies and drank his milk.”
Lauren walks by and all I want or do it pull her to my lap and watch the girls play among their gifts. One day we will get to that point. One day soon, I hope.
“Uncle Barker, there’s one gift left.” The twins carry a wrapped to me.
“It’s not from Santa,” Clara says, and Lark adds, “It’s from me, Clara and mommy.”
“Thank y’all.”
“You gotta open it, silly.” Clara laughs. Lark rips the corner.
“You help me.” While the girls tear into it, my eyes meet Lauren’s. I wish I could’ve kissed her good morning. Kissed her goodnight. Woken up with her in my arms. Live everyday in the same house. One day can’t some soon enough.
