Page 53 of Wild Nights

It was one thing to say you didn't want to introduce your fling to your son, but another never to mention him at all. I'd shared the details about my father's affair and how devastated it made us feel. It hurt that Oliver hadn't felt like he could share the details of his life with me.

Joey had a ton of energy but was content to spend the evening at the lodge. He seemed like a good kid.

"I was thinking of making chocolate peppermint popcorn. Who wants to help?" Marcus asked once we were all finished with our hot chocolate.

"I think I'm going to head up. I'm tired," Arthur said.

"Do you need anything? Extra towels?" Oliver asked.

Arthur shook his head. "I'm good."

"The front desk number will be forwarded to my cell tonight if you need anything," Oliver said to Arthur.

"I'm sure I'll be fine. I've been stuck in bigger storms than this in my lifetime." With a parting smile, he headed toward the staircase.

I gathered the mugs and placed them on the tray. When I went to lift it, intending to carry it into the kitchen, Marcus said, "You don't have to do that."

Oliver lifted it out of my hands. "I've got it."

"I want to make chocolate popcorn," Joey said as he tugged on Marcus's hand.

Marcus chuckled. "I thought you might."

"I'd love to see how you make it," I said,.

Marcus took Joey's hand, and we followed him into the kitchen. Oliver cleaned the mugs while Marcus grabbed a container of popcorn kernels from the pantry along with chocolate and peppermint shavings.

I sat on one of the stools to watch. I wondered if I should have headed to my room when Arthur did, but I wasn't ready for this night to be over. I was enjoying getting to see Oliver as a father, and Joey was a delight.

Marcus melted the chocolate in a pan on the stove, and let Joey slowly stir it. Then Joey helped Marcus scoop the kernels into a large popcorn machine that looked like it belonged in a movie theater. "This time we're not going to add butter because we're going to drizzle it with melted chocolate and peppermint."

Joey nodded from his spot on the chair.

It seemed like Joey had a good relationship with Marcus. As if he took the time to teach him things in the kitchen. It was sweet.

Oliver stood back, letting Marcus take the lead with his son.

When the popcorn was popped, Marcus dumped it on the baking sheets. "Make sure the popcorn is all one level so they get covered when we drizzle the chocolate over it."

Marcus patiently showed him how to pour the chocolate over the popcorn.

Joey was so excited just to help. It was hard not to get caught up in the joy of the moment. I turned on some holiday music on my phone, and Marcus smiled. "It's hard to believe Christmas is in a few days."

"Can we stay here for Christmas Eve, Daddy?" Joey asked.

"I don't see why not. Eli is staying with Scarlett in the penthouse."

"Will Uncle Xander stay overnight too?"

"He might if you ask him."

"I want him there to open presents with me." Joey's eyes were bright with excitement.

"You can ask him," Oliver said tightly.

I had a feeling Xander was a source of contention with the brothers. Maybe he wasn't as involved with the business, and the other brothers resented his disinterest.

Once the popcorn was drizzled with chocolate, Marcus dropped peppermint shavings over it, then poured the confection into separate bowls. We grabbed one, and headed into the great room to watch a holiday movie. Joey picked one of the ones where the boy is left home alone. It was a newer one I'd never heard of before. Joey was cuddled up with Oliver on the couch, and by the time the credits rolled, Joey was asleep.

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