Page 94 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
“Because for the first time since this nightmare started, I’m accepting that what you said would happen really will. That this is not just some Harlequin Christmas story, but real life. And those kids are going to be incredibly lucky that you found them that day.”
Slowly, he held her away so he could look into her face. “Hold it. I only became involved because you called out. Your screams for help were what made me stop in time to save Charlie’s life. If it hadn’t been for you seeing the igloo collapsing, who knows whether we could have saved either child.” He shook his head. “It’s unbearable to even think about it.”
Listening to his words made the nightmare rise again, and Jaq lowered her head to his chest, needing his comfort. “So close, Colin. So close. I can’t bear to think of the ending being different. And knowing you’ll have those kids with you from now on makes everything bearable.”
Colin pulled back from her so he could look into her eyes. “For me, what would be unbearable is not having you with us. I can’t imagine a world where the three of us are together without you, Jaq. Is there any way that you might consider a relationshipwhen we’re back in Vancouver? Trust me, neither the kids nor myself want a life without you included.”
“You don’t?”
“Of course not. I thought you understood that. All my plans for the future include you. I need you. We need you.” His lips lowered to hers, and the world exploded. He picked her up in his arms and carried her into the dimly lit living room where the dazzling tree stood in front of the main window. There, the many twinkling lights and sparkling decorations reflected themselves, doubling their glowing attraction.
Letting her body slide down his provocatively, he watched for her reaction to his declaration. Once she stood in front of him, still wrapped in his arms. gratitude showed in her soft smile. Whispering, she spoke close to his ear. “You care about me too?”
“Of course I do. From the first moment we met, you’ve been a huge part of this whole story.” He smiled teasingly. “I can even say the main character. I’m positive I wouldn’t have been able to manage this situation on my own.”
Intensity filled her voice as she argued. “You would have.”
“No. You don’t understand. Sure, I would have helped Gisele any way possible but adopting children and making a life for them without you in the picture… I’ve asked myself that more than once. And the answer is always the same. How would it be possible?”
“Then I’m glad I was there. It was meant to be.”
“You feel that too. I’m so glad.” He lowered them to the sofa, and with her wrapped in his arms, he kissed her deeply. Their mouths fusing to each others while he cradled her head, his hands gently pushing her hair out of the way. Passion flared quickly between them and soon their intimate embrace pulsated with seduction.
Their breathing became affected, and it was Colin who pushed back, letting his forehead rest against hers. Panting with urgesbecause of her response, he forced his own restraint to kick in, knowing that with sparks igniting the way they were, he’d be hard pressed to let her go if they went any further. “No. We need to stop. One of the kids might come out to use the potty.”
“I know.” Jaq all but cried the last word. Her desire to be in his arms had overtaken common sense. She’d never felt this way before and wasn’t in control of herself… not in any way. To her surprise, her body had hungered for satisfaction, making her willing to do whatever he wanted.
“Oh, God. I need to leave… go to the hotel.” He wrenched himself from her clutching arms. “I can’t stay here with you, or I won’t be able to control myself.” Sadly, she tucked her hands into her lap, letting him go.
Then she remembered, “You can’t. We have presents to wrap.”
“You’re right.” Groaning, he grinned her way. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Maybe. A little. Look, I didn’t understand how much I’ve yearned for this myself.” Chuckling, forcing her hair away from her face with a shaky hand, in a strained voice, she admitted her folly. “We’ve only known each other a short time, but I swear it feels like a lifetime to me.” Softened with love, her amber-like eyes glowed with sincerity.
And though he turned away, the roughness in his voice proved that it took a lot of will power. “Stop it.”
“Stop what?”
“Looking at me that way. Being so beautiful that I can’t keep my hands off you. Caring as much as I believe you do.” He bent toward the table where a glass of milk and a dish of cookies sat waiting for Santa Claus. Quickly, he gulped the milk, looking her way with the white mustache that made her chuckle.
“Why are you smiling? Help me. I can’t eat all these myself.”
Laughing harder, overcome with sheer joy, Jaq grabbed a cookie. “It’s nothing. I’m going to fetch the bottle of wine webought to celebrate, then I’ll bring out the bags that I hid in the closet in my bedroom.”
“Okay. Pour me a double, will ya? In the meantime, I’ll grab the kids’ presents from the trunk of my car.”
“Don’t forget the wrapping paper and the bag with the bows and scotch tape.” Once the door closed, she hugged herself gleefully, dancing her way to the kitchen.
Chapter Twenty-one
Not only did all the clothes fit that had been gifts from Jaq, but they were greatly appreciated. Even Colin seemed to like the new shirt she’d picked out for him and the matching silk tie.
When Maggie opened the box from Santa holding the baby doll princess, the one she’d oohed and aahed over at the hotel, she recognized it immediately. “Cowin, Santa bought me my dowie from the hotel. The one I wanted the most.” An awed tone seeped through her joy. “She’s so pretty, isn’t she Charwie?”
“Yep, she is. Almost as pretty as you are. What are you going to call her?”
“Pwincess. I want to name her Pwincess.”
