Page 26 of A Constant Christmas

“What?” I say, trying to stop coughing.

“I wasn’t quite sure how to tell you, but her name is Macey, and she lives over in Harding. She really wants to meet you. I didn’t know how you would react, but then, I saw you be okay with meeting your brothers’ ladies, and I figured I’d ask if you wanted to meet mine.”

The news that my father is dating hits me like a Mack truck. Never did I think he would step into that realm again. Never has he even looked at another woman since my mom died…until now.

He starts speaking again when I stay silent. “Sammie, I didn’t think I’d ever find anyone to replace your mama. And I’m not saying Macey does that, but she’s really sweet, and we have a really good time together. It’s nice having her around.”

I don’t want my shock to appear as anger because truly, I’m not angry. “I’m sorry, Dad. I just got caught up in my thoughts. I think it’s great that you found someone. And I’m sure Mom would have wanted that too. Bring her over today. I’d love to meet her.”

Chapter Eighteen

Tyler

I’m in the middle of a peaceful sleep when I feel a thump on the bed. Forgetting where I am, I figure it must be one of the girls, but when I smell peaches, I know it must be Sam.

I feel her crawl up so that her face is close to mine.

“Wake up,” she whispers.

When I don’t answer after the third time she has said it, she sticks her finger up my nose. That gets me to move.

“You know, you can be really annoying in the mornings,” I say looking at her.

Her face looks like the cat who just ate the canary.

“What’s wrong with you?”

She sits back on her knees. “I need you to sit up and look at me for what I’m about to tell you.”

“Sam, it’s early,” I grumble.

“Tyler Wendell, I will keep picking your nose until you sit up.”

As I slowly obey her request, I say, “Remember a couple of days ago when you woke me up with your mouth on my dick? That was much more fun.”

“Later,” she says.

“I’m holding you to that. Now, what is so important?”

Her hands are clamped over her mouth like she’s trying to keep in a huge secret. Finally, without warning, she spits out, “My dad has a girlfriend.”

“What?” My eyes widen.

“Yes. My dad. Mr. Lone Wolf has a girlfriend.”

“How do you know? Did you see them doing something?” My eyebrows move up and down.

She smacks me in the chest. “No, gross! He told me about her and asked if I cared if she came over to eat lunch with everyone.”

“And you said?”

“Well, of course, I said yes. I need to meet the woman who has stolen my father’s ice-cold heart of stone.”

“And you’re going to be nice?” I point at her.

“Sure,” she gives an awkward smile.

“Kansas, you have to be nice!”

---