Page 94 of Yuletide Acres

Dylan chuckles, his body sliding along mine, his focus on removing all the clothing I put on only an hour earlier. “I thought you might.” Grasping my fingers, he lifts my hand to his lips, but the smile never falters. “I had a feeling you were pregnant.”

“You did? I thought I kept it so well hidden.”

“I know you, Sunshine. We’re two halves of the same whole, remember?”

“I was scared that it might be too much or too soon.”

Dylan’s tongue plays along my lips, flirting and teasing. “Nothing with you will ever be too much. You don’t know how hard I prayed for this baby.”

I frame his face with my hands, tears pricking my lids. “I did, too. I guess sometimes, dreams do come true.”

“I have you, Poppy. Proof positive that dreams come true.”

* * *

A year later…

I look out the window as I prep the beans for the casserole, marveling at the beauty of the sun reflecting off the newly fallen snow. We’ve already had two feet, and it’s not even January. Montana sure loves the white stuff.

At least this year, I’m prepared.

“Mom, can I go outside and build a snow castle?”

I glance over my shoulder at Marissa, leaning against the doorjamb. “What? You don’t want to help me peel potatoes?”

Marissa giggles, shaking her head. I swear, I love that child more every day. I don’t know where I’d be without her in my life.

“Hmm, sounds like someone is smarter than me. Playing in the snow is far more fun than cooking.”

“So, I can go?” she hedges, taking a step out of the room.

I dry my hands, closing the distance between us. “We still have a little time before dinner. But, check with your father first.”

Marissa juts out her lower lip, and I gather her to me, tickling her ribs. “Stop with that silliness. You know he’ll say yes.” I smack a kiss on her cheek, watching her run off in the direction of the living area.

“Poppy, get in here,” Dylan calls out a minute later.

I stroll into the great room, offering my husband an innocent smile. “What can I do for you, Mr. West?”

“I have to decide?”

“We both know what the answer will be,” I counter, winking at them both. “Now, get outside and build a castle. Make me proud.”

Dylan shifts, careful not to wake Luke, nestled in his arms. “I just got him to sleep.”

Our little man has been fussy the last few nights and sleep is at a premium. “Luke and I will do some baby massage. Hopefully ease his tummy.” I take Luke from Dylan, laying the baby gently over my shoulder. “You two go play.”

Dylan bends over, pressing his lips to mine, his hand reaching around to cop a feel. “I’d like to play with someone else later.”

“You better quit, or you’ll wake Luke.” I grin as Dylan grabs up Marissa, and they head to the mudroom to change.

This man and his children. He was born to be a father.

And a husband. I couldn’t ask for more. The man showers me with adoration, and although I tease him, I love the constant affection.

I walk upstairs, settling next to Luke on the bed, as I massage his extremities. Even when he’s balking or crying endlessly, I’m amazed by this little life.

I still marvel at the last year. Dylan was right about his super sperm. I got pregnant right around Yule. I swear it was the night before our wedding—the universe reminding me how much Dylan and I needed one another. We were literally married for a minute, and I was knocked up.

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