Page 14 of One Golden Ring

I wind my arms around his shoulders, loving the feel of his soft skin against mineand his scent all around me. “That was amazing.”

“Give me a few minutes to recharge, and I’ll really show you what’samazing.” He squeezes me tight. “I am Drake the Cake, after all.”

“You’re a goof.” I laugh.

“I’m your goof.” He presses a kiss against my temple.

“You are,” I yawn. “Will you stay the night with me?”

“Absolutely. I’ll spend every night with you if you’ll have me.”

My heart swells at his answer, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face as I nestle closer to him. His arms wrap around me, strong and steady, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel... safe.

As I drift off to sleep, I realize I’m still smiling—not just because of what we shared, but because I know, deep down, Drake isn’t just a moment. He’s more than that.

He’s a gift.

Chapter Ten

Drake

“I can’t believe it,” Wynter scurries down the romance aisle, her bright smile practically lighting up the room. “The festival’s in two days, and I think everything will be done in time.” She stretches across the counter, giving my beard a playful tug. “Let’s do some celebrating tonight. And by the way, don’t you ever shave this off. I like the way it tickles my thighs.”

I bite back a grin as Mrs. Appleton strolls past with her six kids in tow. “You’re being a naughty girl, sunshine.” I lean in, kissing the tip of her nose.

“Wait till tonight. I’m going to show you just how naughty I can be.” She bats her lashes, then dashes off past the reindeer display.

I look around the library, taking in the whirlwind of Christmas decorations. It’s over the top—Christmas on steroids—but it’s all Wynter. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

Because I love Wynter.

Every morning, when she climbs out of bed, yawning and stretching like a cat, her hair a wild mess, I fall a little more in love. Every night, when she curls up against me, her arm draped across my chest, I wonder how I ever slept without her.

I’m living my best life, all because of her.

I pick up my coffee cup and chuckle when I see the Grinch staring back at me. My girl is full of surprises.

The door to the library bursts open, a blast of icy air sweeping inside. Mr. Abernathy rushes in, looking pale and distraught.

“Mr. Abernathy?” I round the counter. “Are you alright? You don’t look so good. Here,” I pull over a chair, “sit down. Do you need some water?”

“No, no,” he shakes his head, collapsing into the seat. “I just need a minute.” He pulls off his glasses, burying his face in his hands. “I don’t know what to do.”

Wynter walks by, an armful of garland in hand. She immediately sets it down, rushing over. “Bill, what’s wrong?”

“My mother’s had a stroke,” he mumbles. “Doctors say it doesn’t look good. I tried to get a flight to Florida, but with the storm and all, there wereno flights. We’re going to have to drive. If Millie and I take turns, we can make it in twenty-four hours if we push.”

“What can we do to help?” Wynter asks. “Would you like us to watch your house? Feed your dogs? Drake and I will do whatever you need.”

Hearing her say "Drake and I" makes my chest swell. It feels… right.

Bill shakes his head, taking a deep breath. “Rusty’s going to take the dogs to his kennel, so they’re fine. It’s the boys I’m worried about.”

“Boys?” I frown. “I thought your sons moved to Washington state.”

“Our foster boys.” He takes a shaky breath. “Millie and I took in four boys a couple of weeks ago. We were so excited to give them a real Christmas. But now… with my mother… the state says they’ll have to separate them while we’re gone.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I know what that’s like—being ripped away, shuffled around like an afterthought. And it stirs something deep inside me, something I haven’t felt in years.

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