Page 65 of Finding Love on the Slopes

Enrique had barely finished his statement when Leigh launched herself into his arms. “Thank you! I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. To have my family with me again means so much.”

They kissed and held each other for a few minutes before she handed him a wrapped package of her own.

“You are pretty hard to shop for as well. We will have to come up with a system for gift-giving- a list of experiences or something. I’m not giving you one of these every year, that’s for sure.” Mischief reflected in her eyes, and he wondered what could be hidden inside.

He tore the dark green metallic paper and popped open the clear packaging tape, sealing the box closed. Inside, he found a bib that read, “I’m Daddy’s Baby and Mommy’s Angel.”

“Now youhaveto find a new endearment for me,” Leighann quipped, but her smile was contagious.

“What? Really? Already! That’s wonderful!” Enrique hugged her and held her, his heart racing so fast he thought he might have a heart attack. He couldn’t believe it—he was going to be a father!

This Christmas was going down in their history book as one-of-a-kind. There was no way to compete with the wonderful surprises this day held. Their future just kept getting brighter and brighter.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

As soon as they pushed through the door of Anthony’s mansion, Enrique was pulled into a hug by a strong man close in size. Leighann assumed, based on the description, that it was his older brother Julio.

“No way! Enrique on time? Is this a result of Hannah’s genius, if slightly diabolical punishment last year, or the lovely lady I see standing by your side?” his brother asked, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Guess we will never know, as my lady hates to be late and won’t allow it to happen,” Enrique replied, helping Leigh out of her coat.

A stunning, biracial woman peeked her head out of a door, presumably the kitchen, and quickly approached, wiping her hands on her apron. “Leighann, it’s so good to finally meet you.” She wrapped her in a welcoming hug, and Leigh knew instantly that this was Hannah.

“Hi, I’m so glad to finally meet you, too. Thank you for all your help with Enrique. You played a huge role in all of this, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

“I would do anything to help my boys find happiness. I’m so glad he found his one-in-a-million. He doubted you were out there, but I knew if he opened himself up to the possibilities, the Lord would bless him.” Turning to the room at large, “Dinner in five minutes, guys. Find your places.”

“What about Gabe?” Fernando asked, confused. Hannah never allowed family dinner to start without everyone present.

“Just pulled up,” she said over her shoulder, heading to the kitchen. Anthony followed on her heels to help carry out the food.

“Has motherhood enhanced her hearing because I didn’t hear anything,” Julio commented.

Just then, a car door closed, and two sets of feet could be heard coming up the stone steps.

“He probably texted her, the brown noser,” Enrique added as Gabriel entered, holding the hand of the woman behind him.

When she stepped around him to remove her coat, Leigh’s jaw dropped, “Mia? You’re with Gabriel?”

“Finally! It was so hard keeping that secret from you, boss. He made me promise not to say anything since everyone was keeping their pact details a secret, but…”

“Wait, pact secrets?” Leigh turned to Enrique, demanding clarification.

“You’ll see over dinner. Come on, I’m not going to be the one keeping Hannah waiting this year.”

He took her hand and led her to a seat at the table. An absolutely gorgeous woman who looked like a model right off the runway sat down beside her.

Leaning over, she whispered, “I know this is all supposed to be a secret, but I wanted to say thank you. If it hadn’t been for your caves, I never would have survived. You, Curtis, and Enrique saved me as much as Julio. He couldn’t have done it without your family’s help.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but you’re welcome. You said my brother Curtis helped you? You visited my caves? In Colorado? I think someone forgot to loop me in on this little adventure,” Leigh said, glaring at her husband.

“I think we’re all about to hear the stories. Isn’t that what this whole night is about? Telling about the fulfillment of the pacts and finding out the new challenge for the year,” the woman, whose name turned out to be Maria, said softly.

Sure enough, all the brothers went around the table explaining how they addressed their fears and introduced the women they had decided to share their lives with. Enrique was proud as a peacock when his turn came, and he was able to introduce Leighann as his wife. The brothers were a little surprised and put out to find that Gabriel and Hannah had both known and managed to keep it a secret all year.

“Some partner you are,” Julio grumbled. “How did her name not appear on any of the business documents if she is married and there is no prenup?”

“Glass walls, brother. You won’t find Leighann’s name anywhere near Braveheart Securities. I have layers upon layers of separation. You will need to do the same for your lady. I have a great attorney named Max that will help. He set it all up for a friend who needed total anonymity.”

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