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The back door opened before they had a chance to knock. Cody grinned at them.

“Come inside. It’s a little chilly out there today.”

“A little chilly? It’s twenty degrees,” Levi said.

“You should be used to being out in it,” Cody said.

“Doesn’t mean I like it.” Levi shook his hand and nodded for Kinley to go inside, then he followed her.

Kinley hugged Addison. “It smells amazing in here.”

“It sure does,” Levi added.

“It will be ready in an hour. For now, we can watch the parades.” Addison waved for them to follow her to the living room.

Levi helped Kinley remove her coat and beforehe even had a chance to hang it up, she was gone. He looked at Cody while removing his own.

“Do you think they’re anxious to see the parade?”

Cody grimaced. “Addison’s been watching them all day. But she said once you two got here, we’d watch football. I am not going to let her forget it.”

Levi chuckled. “I watched a little of a parade this morning, and I’m done with them. So, let’s hope you can wrestle the remote from your wife.”

“I like wrestling with my wife.” Cody wiggled his eyebrows, making Levi shake his head.

“Too much information.”

Cody chuckled. “Okay. Let’s go join our beautiful ladies.”

“Right behind you.”

The men entered the living room. Levi sat on one sofa with Kinley, while Cody joined Addison on the other. He watched Cody kiss Addison as he took the remote from her. Levi laughed when Addison elbowed him, but laughed.

A while later, everyone went to the kitchen to get the food set on the table. Cody carved the turkey, and once everything was ready, they sat down to eat. The day was filled with teasing, laughter, and good conversation.

Levi was happy Cody had hired him because he was not only a good boss, but a damn good man. He knew a time was going to come when he needed to tell Cody about his past, but today was not that day. Soon, though. It wasn’t something he was looking forward to, but he knew Cody deserved to know.

He looked across the table at Kinley to see herlaughing at something Cody said, then she looked at him. Levi knew he was in way too deep with her and she also deserved to know his past, but the one thing he had to tell her scared him.You should have told her sooner. He just hoped she stayed with him once she knew because he loved her so much, and the thought of losing her made his gut ache. After everyone helped clean up, Levi and Kinley drove back to her place. All the while he wondered when the time would be right.

Chapter Six

Christmas Day, Levi woke up early as usual and looked at Kinley as she slept.

He was so in love with her, but he still hadn’t told her about his past. They needed to talk.

He slowly slid out of the bed, dressed, and headed downstairs. Her cat was at the bottom of the bed, but jumped down and followed him.

As he walked down the stairs, his cellphone buzzed. Picking it up, he grinned when he read the text from Tara.

Merry Christmas!

You too.He sent back.

I hope Santa brought you everything you wished for.He grinned at the Santa emoji.

He skipped my house.

Are you doing alright?