Page 83 of Tangled with the Tight End

Christmas Eve

Sittingwith Gabriel beside the tree while wrapping presents for Gino fills me with such happiness–a happiness I can’t begin to describe with words but feel it deep in my soul.

We flew back to Evergreen Lake as soon as the game was over. Thankfully, they won, so the coach was generous and gave everyone two extra days to top off the already planned day for a win, giving us extra time together before Gabriel flies back for practice tomorrow night. It’s not much time, but I’ll take it. Soon, the season will conclude, and we’ll have more time to settle into a routine.

If he can get out of here. There was a blizzard that started as soon as we reached Evergreen Lake.

Once I wrap the toy I purchased from Santa’s Closet and deposit it under the tree, I turn around to find Gabriel studying me. He smiles and lifts his hand, grabbing mine and tugging me until I’m settled on his lap, facing the glowing tree with his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. “Thank you.” He nuzzles my neck as he speaks.

“Thank you, for what?” I twist my head to look at him.

“For being an amazing girlfriend.” He kisses my lips slowly and pulls back.

My body remains limp from his kiss. The man takes my breath away over and over again. I lick my lips and open my eyes. “You’re welcome, but I’m the one that’s blessed.”

He shakes his head. “No, I am. You took a chance on me. A man with baggage in the form of an ex, a son, and a job that pulls him away every week.”

“You aren’t the only man in the world with a job in another state. We aren’t rewriting the history books here.” The corners of his mouth arch upward.

“Fine, but I still love and appreciate you.”

I cup his face as the butterflies flutter in my belly. “Thank you for not giving up on love and giving me a chance.”

“Every day.” His lips cover mine again, and its minutes before we come up for air.

“My attorney called.”

My heart skips a beat. “What did he say?”

After Gabriel’s trip to Florida, things have been quiet. The twinkle lights send a glow over the gold foil wrapping paper.

“Good news. The paperwork has been filed, and the judge has contacted both attorneys. There’s no need to show up in court. Next week, the divorce will be finalized.”

“Oh, my God.” My mouth goes dry as blood rushes in my ears. It’s almost done. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Norah….” His eyes narrow into slits. “Do not ask that question.”

“No.” I swat his chest. “I know you want the divorce. Are you sure you want to give her so much?”

“It’s only a fraction, and as much as she doesn’t deserve it, it’s more than she’d get if we drug everything out in the open, and she knows it.” His jaw flexes. “But I’m not waiting six months to a year to finalize this divorce. I want it over now so we canmove on.” He shrugs. “Besides, I was the one that was stupid and deserve the consequences.”

“You do not.” Anger swirls inside of me that he still feels foolish for having sex with her. “We’ve all done things we regret. No one deserves to be tricked by a manipulative woman hellbent on finding a free ride.” The fact he still blames himself for being tricked by her pisses me off and re-ignites the desire to see her suffer for her criminal acts.

“Babe….” His eyes dance as he turns me around to face him. “I love seeing you get all feisty.”

With my legs wrapped around him, it’s easy to discover his love of my feistiness as it rests against my now humming sex. I bite my bottom lip. “I didn’t bring my birth control pills.”

“Hmm….” His eyes dance with happiness. “Intentionally or on accident?”

“On purpose.” We’ve discussed starting a family soon but haven’t settled on a date. Besides, it’s not like the first time will take, and practicing until we get it perfect sounds like a good way to spend our time.

I bite my lips together as he twists me onto my back and lays over me, my thighs encircling his hips and drawing him to my apex. “It’s my Christmas present to you.”

“Then let me unwrap my present.” He makes quick work of removing our clothing.

When we’re naked under the faint lights of the tree with presents all around us, he snatches a red foil wrapped box out of his jeans pocket and leans up on one elbow, giving me room.

“Merry Christmas, love.”

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