Page 23 of Holly's Christmas Biker

I can’t help snickering as he turns and as a group we walk away from Paula, leaving her there fuming.

“Hopefully, you’ll show me at your earliest convenience,” I reply. “Now, which tree, ladies?”

“Grammy, you outdid yourself once again,” I say as I set my fork down, patting my belly.

“Couldn’t have done any of it without my sous chefs,” she replies, looking at Mina and Ruby with love and admiration in her eyes.

“We helped cook, Mr. Rebel,” Mina says, smiling at Rebel.

“You did?” he asks.

“Uh huh. We tore the bread for the stuffing, and Grammy let us scrub the potatoes in the sink for the mashed potatoes. Mama chopped the onions and celery, and we all helped with the pies!” Ruby adds.

“Well, I’m an official pie taste tester,” he says, his voice serious as he looks at the two of them. “Do you think I’m going to like them?”

“Yes!” they both exclaim, causing me and Pappy to burst out laughing.

“Grammy, can we clear the table so we can have pie?” Mina asks.

“Give us a few minutes, girls,” Pappy replies. “We need to let our food settle for a few minutes, then we’ll all help get it cleared before we enjoy dessert, okay?”

They nod, ask to be excused until then and then run to the small table so they can color while we visit. “How’s the room coming?” Grammy asks once she makes sure they’re not listening.

“Well, one of Rebel’s brothers is working on the thing that I couldn’t find,” I reply in code. “But other than that, I think it’s going to look good.”

“I have the prospects coming over to paint,” Rebel advises. “They’ll come early one morning after she takes them to daycare, so it’ll hopefully be dry, and the fumes gone before they come home.”

“I’ve got one of those huge industrial fans out in the barn,” Pappy advises. “If you put that by the door and open the window, it should do the trick.”

“That might work,” Rebel muses.

“I’m so excited,” I add. “I think they’re going to love it.”

“Me too,” Grammy says. “We still going out for a little bit tomorrow to try and get some of the deals? I want to make new quilts for their dolls.”

“Pappy, are you watching the girls for us?” I ask.

“Figured they could just spend the night tonight and give you two some alone time,” he says, winking at Rebel.

I get up and throw my arms around his neck. “You’re my favorite Pappy ever!” I exclaim.

He chuckles while hugging me back. “And you’re my favorite Holly,” he teases. “Now, who’s gonna help us clear this table so we can eat some pie?”

“We are!” Mina and Ruby yell, rushing back to the table.

It doesn’t take long to get everything cleared so that we can sit and enjoy our dessert. The girls are ecstatic when they find out they’re spending the night while Grammy and I decide what timewe’re going to head out with Rebel acting as our driver. Secretly, I think he just wants to spend time with me.

Not that I’ll ever complain aboutthat!

“It gets better every time,” I breathlessly gasp out as we both struggle to catch our breath after an exuberant lovemaking session. I think what I enjoy most is nothing is off limits; if I want to try something, Rebel is more than willing.

“Yeah, it does,” he murmurs, his voice already sounding sleepy. He pulls the covers over the two of us, kisses me and says, “I love you, Holly.”

“I love you too, Rebel.”

CHAPTER

THIRTEEN

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