Page 145 of If You Claim Me
I don’t know. I woke up alone.
Lexi
Dred
He left a note saying he had to take care of something. I leave for the soup kitchen in half an hour.
Lexi
Maybe he had to pick something up?
Dred
I’m sure that’s it. I’m excited to see you and the girls later today.
Lexi
I can’t wait, and neither can they. You’re welcome to come earlier.
Dred
Thanks. I’ll message when I’m finished at the soup kitchen.
I eat half the strawberries and yogurt and sip my coffee, but my stomach is twisty. Where would he have to go on Christmas morning when everything is closed? I set the spinning thoughts aside, put Dewey back in his cage and feed him, then grab my purse and head downstairs.
The front door swings open as I’m putting on my running shoes.
“This looks like something out of a movie!” a familiar voice makes my heart skip a beat.
A moment later Everly appears, followed by Victor and my husband.
“Dred!” Everly drapes herself over my back and hangs off me like a human cape. “Merry Christmas!”
“Hey, hi.” I cover her arms with mine.
Connor stands behind Victor, hand tucked into his pocket, a small smile on his lips.
I open my arms for Victor, and he steps into them. “Merry Christmas, Dred.”
“Merry Christmas, Victor.”
“We’re coming with you to the soup kitchen!” Everly exclaims.
“And then back here for Christmas stockings and brunch,” Connor explains.
“And then we can explore this place, right?” Everly asks.
“You can explore this place,” Connor agrees.
“That sounds amazing.” I’m lucky my voice doesn’t crack with the emotions clogging my throat. There are probably zero chances I will make it through today without shedding a couple of very happy tears, but I’m holding those for later.
I grab my purse, and we leave the mansion. Victor andEverly climb into the back seat, and Connor follows me to the passenger side.
“I’m sorry you woke alone. I tried to get back before that happened, but I hope the surprise makes up for it,” he says.
“More than you know.” I hug him. “This is a chart-topper Christmas surprise.”
His lips touch mine. “I’m also sorry about my lack of control last night.”
