Page 109 of A Very Daddy Christmas

I laugh. “We decided on Matthew and Scott.”

“Perfect,” my sister says as everyone gazes at my sleeping sons.

A ping comes from Waylan’s pocket breaks the spell. He reaches in and pulls out his phone. “Looks like sentencing has been announced,” he says. After months of rescheduling and recesses, of witnesses popping up and then vanishing, justice finally caught up with Orson St. James, George Hamilton, and Denaro.

“Fifteen years each for Orson and George,” Waylan says. “Denaro got thirty.”

“The Feds were looking to flip him, though,” Riggs says. “He might be able to cut himself a deal if he helps the Bureau do a bit of cleanup in Chicago.”

“As long as he’s as far away from us as possible, I don’t really care what he does,” I say.

Sebastian shakes his head. “He’s never coming anywhere near the state of Colorado, Cora. Besides, the building is yours. Orson and George are in financial ruin. The danger has long since passed. You’re safe.”

“I’m not just safe,” I tell my men and the handful of people who know the details of our peculiar love story. “I’m blessed.”

Extended Epilogue: Cora

A year can go by in the blink of an eye when you’re happy and busy all the time.

“Wow, you guys are ridiculously full for a Wednesday afternoon,” Sebastian declares as he comes into the bakery with our twins in the stroller.

Waylan and Riggs are right behind him, flanking a rapidly growing Dario. He’s already two inches taller from where he was this time last year and in desperate need of some new clothes, which is why Waylan’s carrying so many shopping bags. They’ve been at the mall all morning, which is good, because the twins are halfway into their afternoon nap already.

“Yeah, we’ve been picking up a lot of traffic with your campaigns,” I tell my men from behind the counter, my hands busy slicing open a croissant for an order.

Eva is packing up some pastries for another customer. “It’s good, though. I’d rather it be busy all day than what we had this time last year.” She pauses and gives Dario a bright smile. “How are you doin’, buddy? Y’all went shopping, huh?”

“I needed new clothes,” Dario sighs.

“He’s sad because his favorite hoodie won’t fit anymore,” Waylan chuckles. “But we got him a new one. It’s even cooler than the last.”

“It was a gift from his parents,” I whisper to Eva, well aware of the story behind that particular hoodie. “Dario, it’s okay, we’ll find another purpose for your favorite hoodie. Eva is really good with the sewing machine.”

“Oh, yeah, I could make it into a cool pillowcase,” my sister exclaims.

It’s enough to put a smile back on our big boy’s face. “Awesome!”

“Come on,” Eva says once she’s done with the last order. “Join me in the back for a minute or two. I’ve got some cakes I want you to try, Dario. Let’s take the boys, too. It’s pretty loud out here.”

“Thank you,” I whisper to my sister, then watch her wheel the twins and escort Dario into the back. It’s a big day for me, and I’m growing more nervous with every passing minute, especially as Sebastian, Riggs, and Waylan come closer to the counter. “Order up!” I call out, presenting a croissant sandwich on a plate.

One of the customers gets up from his table and rushes to get his late lunch.

“Thank you, Cora.”

“You’re most welcome, Shane. Let me know if you need another coffee,” I reply.

He gives me a slight nod and goes back to his table, where his pregnant wife is busy scarfing down a few honey and almond pastries I made especially for her.

Which reminds me.

“How are my guys?” I ask, whipping out the brightest smile I can muster.

Waylan sets the shopping bags down near one of the tables by the window. “Already tired, but we’ll power through the rest of the day until you get home, I promise.”

“Sherry’s back from her holiday next week, right?” I ask.

With Sherry away, the guys decided to take a break from work to look after the kids. Given how busy we’ve been at the bakery,they didn’t want me to overwork myself in any aspect of our life, which makes me love them even more.

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