Page 24 of New Home for the Holidays

Honestly, I thought Jared decided I’m a grown adult and could make my own decisions. I figured he was just having a hard time reconciling his need to protect me and my ability to make my own decisions and being in a relationship.

“I told him to fuck off every time he’s started with his bullshit,” Walker’s voice is like steel.

I’m shocked; my mouth falls open and my eyes widen with Walker’s admission. Every guy Jared has warned away from me listened to him and took it. It didn’t matter how old I was or who the guy was. Jared was able to intimidate them every time.

When I was younger, I wrote it off. Of course they would be intimidated by my older brother threatening them. After he came back after serving, I figured it was better to find out the guy wasn’t worth my time because he was willing to back down and not see me just because my brother said so. I had resigned myself to that.

But having someone stand up to him?

My pussy clenches around nothing and I desperately want to show Walker how much I appreciate him.

“You did?” The question comes out as a squeak.

Walker’s eyes soften and he nods slowly. “Of course I did, Treasure. You’re mine and I’m yours. Jared will get over it eventually. That’s not on me or you, it’s all him.”

I melt into his chest and fall even deeper in love with this man. Since he’s come into my life, I’ve thanked the stars, or fate, or magic, for the way he found his way to me.

I love you.

It’s right there, on the tip of my tongue. The need to let those words escape makes me feel like I’m drowning a little bit. I’ve been holding them back, trying to convince myself it’s too soon.

But is it?

Nothing is guaranteed in this life, least of all tomorrow. Does it matter how soon you know? Love shouldn’t be contained and there’s no ‘right’ timetable when you just know what is in your heart.

“I don’t want to ruin your Christmas or make a scene in front of your parents if Jared tries his bullshit in front of them. I won’t stand for it,” he growls dangerously.

“I get it,” my words are dripping with disappointment. I try not to pout, I really do, but it’s impossible not to.

I want him there. I’ve never taken someone home with me to meet my parents. And Cove and Langston will be there. I want him to meet them too. This man deserves to be pulled into the warmth of family; he’s already lost so much, and this is something I can give him.

Walker searches my face for a moment before a soft smile curls his lips. “If you want me there, Morgan, then I’ll be there. Just know I’ll shut Jared down if he starts being an ass. I respect him as a fellow officer and your brother, but I won’t let him get in our way. I can’t.” His expression is earnest and makes my chest ache. “I love you, my Treasure. I’ll never let anything stand in our way.”

Air wooshes from my body in a gust and I sag against him. His hands glide down my shoulders and back until I’m wrapped up in him completely. I feel safe. I feel secure.

It’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more.

“I love you, Walker,” I murmur against his chest, the words muffled and I’m not sure if he’ll be able to hear them.

The way he stiffens and then relaxes tells me he had no problem hearing the words straight from my heart. “That’s good,” he growls, “because I wasn’t going to give you much of a choice. If you weren’t in love with me yet, it was simply a matter of time.”

I laugh at his caveman antics. While I should tell him he’s being ridiculous, I don’t. The only thing I’m capable of is snuggling against him and soaking up the moment.

I love him.

He loves me.

We’ll be celebrating Christmas together. I know it’s going to be the first of many; I can’t wait.

CHAPTER 11

WALKER

The warmth of my woman as I wake up wrapped around her is soothing. Comfortable. Right.

I snuggle into her more, leaving kisses along her neck and chuckle softly when she stretches against me like a kitten. The love I feel for her blooms inside of me, strengthening and tethering us together. There’s no future without her in my arms.

“Merry Christmas,” I rasp against her skin.

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