Page 103 of Snowbound with the Santas

Indeed, she can.

Outside, snow dances past the window as the clouds burst and coat the mountains in another layer of glittering white, and just through the gap in the curtain, I can just make out the glittering reindeer lights Archer set up upon arrival. Honestly, I don’t think they’ll survive the storm.

I set my cup down and move toward my men, who are finally making progress with the playpen. Passing Nick, I caress his back and reach the giganticrealtree in the corner of the room.Archer did immense research on making sure the tree wouldn’t pose a threat to Harry before he went out to cut one down.

I slowly crouch down, ignoring the pull of an ache through my hips as I do so, and gather up the three remaining parcels under the three. Most of the presents were for Harry, but I splurged on something a little extra this year.

“Okay,” I declare. “Enough building for now. We have some presents to open. Namely, you three.” I set the presents down on each seat then cross to Archer. He kisses Harry’s forehead then very delicately deposits my son into my arms. Archer almost looks forlorn to lose the contact.

“You were growing a baby and pushing out a watermelon. You didn’t have to get us presents!” Frankie says, despite wearing a gigantic grin as he gathers up the parcel with his name on it.

“Yeah, our son is more than enough of a gift,” Nick agrees.

“Okay, I’ll remember that the next time I forget a birthday.” I chuckle.

“Honestly, you deserve a pass.” Nina laughs. “You havethreebirthdays to remember and they can help each other remember just one!”

“Hey, whose side are you on, MissI mixed up Frankie’s and Archer’s birthdays?” Archer snorts. “You’re as bad as us!”

Soft laughter fills the air as I stare down at my gorgeous baby boy. I can’t tell if he’s tired or if he just knows he’s safe because ever since we arrived here, he’s been sleeping like an angel. Every time his face moves, I see flashes of each man in it. Sometimes his frown looks like Archer. Other times, his gurgles make him look like Nick, and his smile looks like Frankie. There’s a piece of all of us in him.

I love it.

I laugh. “Okay, shut up and open your gifts.”

They do just that. There are thirty seconds of no sound except paper tearing and rustling, then slowly, amused chuckles rise up from each of my loves.

Their gift is matching Christmas sweaters, complete with one for me and a mini one for Harry. The pattern is shocking to the eyes, and the garish colors are almost nauseating. Right across the chest is a stitched design of our very first photo as a family, although you have to squint a little to really see the detail.

“Holy shit.” Archer snorts, earning a smack from Nick.

“This is…” Frankie’s eyes are wide as he laughs.

“I love it.” Nick beams at me. They all move forward, gently tackling me with hugs and kisses while just behind them, Nina whips out her phone to take a picture.

Yes. I am very happy.

I don’t know what my future will be like now as a mother, whether I’ll keep teaching or pursue something else. But I do know one thing.

With these people by my side, my life is complete.

Everything else is just a bonus.

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