Page 51 of Snowed In With The Second Chance Daddy

Iris nods. “That was a good one, McCoy.”

Our eyes connect for a brief moment.

In the past, this would have been the beginning of foreplay. One little comment made by one of us, an exchanged glance. It didn’t matter if it was a silly joke or comment. We had a secret language. Like we were already married. Like we’d been married for fifty years. We were perfect for each other.

I still wish we were.

“Thanks, it was just for you, Galletto.”

Iris’s eyes widen, and I give her a playful wink.

I’d like to punch myself in the face for the wink. I don’t know why I did that.

Oliver returns, and we are able to extract the humungous dollhouse from the box.

“This is going to be a pain in the ass to get home,” Oliver grumbles.

Rowan elbows him in the ribs.

He smiles at her, rubbing the spot she poked him.

I want that again.

I want thatback.

In my pocket, Iris’s gift is threatening to burn a hole.

I want to give it to her, get it over with so that I can feel foolish and move on.

We didn’t talk about gifts. In fact, I wasn’t going to get her anything until…until I did.

We had plans for this Christmas. We were to be married at this point. We were going to start our family traditions, things we could do every year and one day introduce our kids to. We’d decorate the tree together, go ice skating, go seeThe Nutcrackerat the ballet…

Instead, we’ve had a Christmas season of pretending we’re just having sex when I nearly told her I love her last night. Still do. Always have.

Who am I kidding? I pushed her awaybecauseof how much I love her.

Sitting here, watching Iris help our goddaughter open her Christmas gift, I only love her more.

I have two days to tell her. Today is Christmas. I can’t fuck that up for the family. So, there’s tomorrow. Then she’s leaving for Seattle the next morning.

I’m hoping my gift to her can help bridge the gap for me. Give me an opportunity to show her again what we had. What we can have again. Explain myself, why I had my head in my ass. How I’d still give her anything.

I’m not scared anymore. Not terrified she’ll leave me forever.

I’m terrified I won’t get a chance to ask her to stay.

“You good?”

“Huh?” My attention snaps to Iris.

Iris frowns. “You’re kinda staring off into space.”

I’m thinking about you.

I lift my coffee cup. “Need more caffeine.”

Iris smiles and shakes her head.

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