Page 149 of If You Claim Me
“Thanks. I’ve been waiting for the right moment and figured I better get a move on before someone else jumped in to steal my thunder again.”
I nod. “Sorry about my role in that.”
He shrugs. “I had to stop worrying about making it perfect.”He sips his eggnog. “Dred said you surprised her with the twins today.”
“I did. She’s rather attached to them,” I explain. “They make her happy.”
“You make her happy,” Roman replies.
“She’s good for you.” Hollis claps me on the shoulder. “You’re having a great season, the best of your career.”
I’m gelling with my team in a way I haven’t before, and my stats are up. “She settles me.” If not for Mildred, I’d have entertained Meems for a while today, gotten day drunk, watched bad movies, and felt sorry for myself. Instead I’m surrounded by people—everyone who loves her. My heart feels like it’s expanding and contracting simultaneously. Would she choose me the way I would choose her, without the contract? I’m afraid to burst this bubble to find out. But I may burst if I don’t.
Once everyone has arrived, we gather in the living room. Mildred settles in my lap since couch and chair space is at a premium. The kids lounge on beanbags.
“It’s time for the Secret Santa gift exchange!” Roman calls.
“Yes!” Callie bounces to her feet. “Can I hand out all the presents?”
“Of course you can, kiddo.” Roman ruffles her hair.
“I didn’t bring anything for a gift exchange,” Mildred whispers, suddenly panicked.
“I took care of everything, darling. No need to worry.”
She looks at me. “Did you plan all of this?”
I skim her cheek with my fingers. “I wanted Christmas to be special for you.”
“Such a lovely villain.”
The warmth in her eyes makes me want to believe. “I don’t even mind if people find out and it ruins my reputation.”
She brushes her lips over mine.
“Hey! No making out in public! It’s a house rule!” Callie gripes.
I laugh, and Mildred presses her face against my neck while our friends chuckle.
Callie hands out gifts. Mildred’s Secret Santa gets her a new holiday outfit for Dewey. Everly receives a special hardcover copy of her favorite book, and Victor gets a new book with all his favorite hits arranged for piano. I shake my box. It’s suspiciously light. I peel the wrapping paper free and carefully peek inside.
“What is it?” Mildred asks.
“It’s…nothing.”
She skims the shell of my ear. “The color of these tells me you’re lying.”
“What’s your gift?” Callie asks.
“Yeah, Connor, what are you hiding?” Roman asks.
“This was you.” I point an accusing finger at Roman.
He shrugs. “It’s Secret Santa.”
Everyone heckles as my wife tries to pry the box out of my hands.
“You don’t want to do that, darling.”
