Page 129 of Tangled In Tinsel & Knots
“Ouch.” Kane presses a hand to his chest. “Wounded.”
“Truth hurts,Candy Kane.” I grin.
He groans. “I knew that nickname would come back to haunt me.”
I move to distribute food to the other reindeer, ensuring everyone gets their fair share.
“He’s really attached to you,” Kane observes, watching Corn Dog shadow my every move. “We’ve had these guys for years, and he’s never been this affectionate with anyone. Usually, he just tolerates us between bouts of property destruction.”
“Well, maybe I’ve just got that special touch.” I dust off my hands and walk toward the fence where Kane is now waiting. “Or maybe I’ve taken to all of you, reindeer included, and apparently you can all sense it.”
“It’s your home too now.” Kane’s voice drops. “You know that, right? You’re not a guest anymore. This is permanent. So if you want to change anything—redecorate, make us all move into your room, burn down the guest room and build a shoe closet, whatever—just say the word.”
“A shoe closet?” I laugh. “Do I look like I have that many shoes?”
“You could. I’d support that dream.”
“How generous of you.” I’m grinning as I reach the fence. “And about the room situation. I haven’t decided yet. I might just wander the house like a nomad, showing up in random beds at random times. Keep you all guessing.”
“Spontaneity. I can work with that.”
“Or maybe I will make you all move into my room. Really lean into this pack-bonding thing. Just one giant cuddle pile every night.”
Kane’s eyes heat. “Also not opposed to that option.”
“Of course you’re not.” I lean against the fence, staring up at him. “Speaking of the pack, I have an idea for the tree lighting ceremony. Something that’ll make it unforgettable.”
“Yeah?” He straightens slightly, interest clear on his face. “What is it?”
“Not sharing until I work out all the logistics.” I shoot him a smile. “But it involves Corn Dog, so prepare yourself.”
Kane actually laughs out loud. “You’re planning to put Corn Dog in a public event? That will be interesting.”
“That’s exactly why I’ve been bonding with him. He trusts me.”
“Yeah, to give him moss and scratch his ears. That’s not the same as trusting you to get him to behave at a formal town event.”
“Ye of little faith.” I push off the fence. “Just wait. It’s going to be amazing.”
“I’m equally terrified and impressed.” Kane opens the gate for me. “Also, I made breakfast. Eggs, hash browns, the works. Figured you’d be hungry.”
My stomach growls so loudly it startles a reindeer.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Kane grins.
I give Corn Dog one last handful of moss. “Be good. I’ll be back later to work on your training.”
As I pass through the gate, Kane catches my waist and pulls me flush against him, stealing a kiss.
“Morning, baby girl,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Smooth talker.” But I’m kissing him back because he’s mine.
We head indoors together, and the warmth of the house immediately thaws my frozen fingers and nose. The kitchen smells divine.
Chris is at the stove, and Noel is at the counter with his laptop, scowling at whatever he’s reading while drinking coffee from a mug the size of a soup bowl.
They both look up when we enter.
