Page 53 of Festive

My head snaps up, and my throat instantly turns dry. “Shit, baby. Are you okay? Did I hurt you? Fuck! Is the baby coming?” I question, panicked. I was too rough and step back, ignoring the shudder as I slip free. Gently holding her by her waist, I help herto stand upright and turn her so I can see her face. My eyes widen as I take in her tense expression and the fact her hands are on her belly. “Thay?” I ask more sternly.

She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, my anxietyreaching a whole new level. “It’s just Braxton Hicks contractions. Nothing to worry about… honestly.”

Nothing to worry about?

Easy for her to say.

Letting out a small obnoxious laugh, my hands rush to her stomach. “I’m taking thisveryfucking seriously.”

Her hand comes up, caressing my cheek to try to placate me. “Koda… I’m fine, I promise. Remember I had these with Kinzley last time? I remember what they felt like. We just overdid it with all the amazing sex. I amabsolutelyokay.I swear I wouldn’t lie to you or put our baby in harm’s way.”

Staring into her eyes, I see she is telling me the truth. I let out a long puff of air and pull her to me, wrapping my arms around her. “We did just have amazing sex, didn’t we?”

She snorts, rolling her eyes, and pushes away from me, heading for the bedroom. “Of course, that’s what you focus on.” She giggles and continues into our room. I follow after her as she makes her way for our bed, completely naked and lying down. “I just need a few minutes to recover… let the contractions settle down, and then we can go out and be social. Lay with me?” she asks with a warm smile.

Stepping up beside the bed, I move in beside her. “Baby, I would spend forever laying with you in this room if I could.”

She glances up at me, a slight grimace crossing her face, her hand moving to her stomach again as she tries to hold in her moan. “You’re a softy at heart… you know that?” she murmurs through her pain.

Narrowing my eyes on her, I hold her tighter and nod. “Not long, and our little man will be here, I think.”

Rebel glances up at me and smiles. “We just gotta make it through Christmas... for the girls.”

Weakly smiling at her, I lean in, gently placing a tender kiss on her forehead, my hand sliding out, slowly rubbing herstomach. “Then I am going to make this Christmas the most fucking festive one we’ve had yet.”

She smiles up at me with a small giggle. “Have I told you that I love you?”

Shrugging, I shake my head. “No… I don’t think you have. You might have to tell me again.”

Rebel lets out a laugh that sounds like a freaking Christmas choir as she spins to face me, putting on her serious face. “I, Thayleah Ryan, really,reallyfucking love you, Koda Walker.”

My chest swells as I stare at her, an idea springing to mind. I told her I was going to make Christmas the best day for her, and I think I know exactly how to do just that.

Smiling so wide at the plan formulating in my mind, I bring both hands to her face and pull her closer to me. “And I really,reallyfucking love you too.” She smiles, about to say something in return, but before she can, I slam my lips to hers, showing her how much I adore her.

How much she means to me.

How much she owns me, body and soul.

Ever since we first met, whether she’s known it or not, this woman has completely had my heart. Yeah, we’re young, and everything has started so early for us. But to me, that can only be a good thing because it means I just get to spend so many more years with her by my side.

As my rock, as my confidante, and as the woman who is the strong part of me.

So if she wants an amazing Christmas, I am going to go all fucking out!

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

REBEL

Christmas Day

A couple of weeks ago, I wasn’t sure what this day would look like. It feels like so much has happened in a short period of time. I am glad everything seems to be settling down, and I am here with my family, where I belong. Though I must admit, I miss Shotgun, Avery, and Gage on days like this. That distance between us always makes me miss them, even if I only saw them two weeks ago.

But still, today is all about the kids, food, and festivities. So right now, I am in the kitchen helping make the lunch feast when Prinie comes rushing in and grabs my hand with a giant smile on her face. “C’mon, Six has a surprise for you.”

Shaking my head, I resist, trying to move back toward the stuffing. “I don’t have time. I have to help with the lunch.”

Prinie groans. “Lunch is still a couple of hours away. This takes precedence, c’mon.” She tugs me harder, dragging me to my room, and she closes the door behind us.

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