She stirs slightly and sways her hips over mine more. My cock surges underneath the sheet with a need only she can satisfy. My perfect baby, Winter.

Stretching my arm out as far as possible, I snag my phone from the nightstand and text Jake.

Me

I need to meet on Main Street for brunch.

Jake

What about your goddaughter?

Me

She’ll be at your establishment working. And I need some help.

Jake

With drinks?

Me

Sure. I’ll buy you a beer after.

Jake

Sounds perfect. See you around noon.

Her alarm goes off on the other bedside table and she blinks her eyes rapidly, rubbing them with the backs of her hands.

“Oh! Daddy! Happy Christmas Eve Day!” A little sleepy smile settles across her cheeks, and I beam right back at her.

With a small swat on her pert ass, I slide out from under her. “Get up and get dressed. Time for you to get to work. You’re done early today, right?” The lodge usually closes early on Christmas Eve.

“Yeah, I am, but where are you going?” She sits up and turns off her phone.

“Got plans for dinner tonight and want to get a head start.”

A worried look crosses her face. “Plans? For-foryouor…”

Hurrying back to her, I grab her face in my palms. “No. Forus. I’ll pick you up after work.”

The grin returns and makes my heart want to explode, but I manage to get dressed and head over to the Golden Trace country club. Fortunately, the owner and I went to high school together. Carol has always liked me. There’s one table left for the busy holiday evening, and I make the reservation for two. After that, I find Jake on Main Street walking toward the bar.

“Wait! Not yet!”

He stops mid-stride and turns slowly to face me with a smirk painted on his face. “You look tired, old man. Little girls running through your house?”

“Stop. Just… stop. It’s embarrassing enough, and I—” Swallowing, I point toward the opposite direction, and he falls into step with me.

“What? I’ve never seen Ben Stone so nervous.”

My hand waves at the glass storefront, and his eyes widen as I showcase the destination. “I’m going to marry her. You have taste. I don’t. Help me pick out a ring for Winter.”

“Oh, man…”

“Don’t judge, please.”

Jake slaps his hand on my shoulder and stares me down with a seriousness I’ve rarely seen him have. “Never.”