Page 29 of Pucking Christmas Triplets Surprise

“Now, about those pancakes,” Christopher says, returning his focus to me as Abby’s footsteps fade. He sets the plate down and takes a seat, his eyes never leaving mine.

I slide the pancakes on the plate along with syrup and butter and slide the plate closer to him, smiling at the slight mischief in his gaze. “Here you go. They are a family recipe.”

Christopher takes a bite, his gaze intense, his lips curling slightly. “Hmm. They’re good, but,” he leans closer, his voice dropping to a murmur, “I know something that tastes better.”

CHAPTER 12

CHRISTOPHER

Abby’s foot taps against the dashboard anxiously as we approach the long, tree-lined driveway of her boarding school. Abby is sitting shotgun with her phone buzzing on her lap, but she refuses to look at it, and instead keeps her eyes trained on the exit as she gnaws on her bottom lip.

“You know, if you keep biting your bottom lip like that you’re going to bleed.” I comment, my eyes darting between the road and her school. “Just say the word, and I'll whip this car around.”

Abby slumps back, looking out of the window. “I thought you said I had to go back?”

“I did, but if you’re not ready, I get it. Thanksgiving is only three weeks away, we could get your homework and take you back home.” I shrug, parking the car right in front of her dormitory.

The old bricks look like a whistle could bring them tumbling to the ground, and I almost regret ever bringing her here. I know I am raising a strong, independent girl, and I know Iwant her to tackle this head on, but the only thing worse than running is fighting before you’re ready. My chest squeezes at the thought of her coming back to me a little more messed up than before.

Her ginger hair is fading to brown, but falls in waves around her face, as she pulls her knees to her chest, forcing the vibrating phone to fall onto the floor of the car. “I’m ready,” she whispers, a small nod as she speaks. “ I mean I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Oh, I can tell by that smile and all that laughter,” I tease, leaning over and running my fingertips lightly along her sides. She twitches and bends, her giggles erupting uncontrollably as she squirms in her seat, desperately trying to escape the tickle onslaught.

Abby squirms and squeals, her laughter filling the car. She tries to bat my hands away, but she’s trapped in her seatbelt, her giggles bubbling uncontrollably.

“Uncle Chris!” she manages between bursts of laughter, her voice high-pitched with mock outrage. “Stop! I’m—seriously—I’m gonna?—”

I stop the tickle attack just in time, leaning back in my seat and grinning at her, feeling victorious. She gasps for breath, her cheeks flushed and eyes bright, and even though I know she’ll never admit it, I can see she feels lighter.

“That’s what I thought,” I say, folding my arms and giving her a triumphant nod. “Youdefinitelyneeded cheering up.”

Abby narrows her eyes at me, with a smile on her face, despite trying to twist her lips in frustration. “You arethe worst,” she declares, pulling down the car mirror and adjustingher hair in it.

“Yeah, yeah,” I say, still smiling. I lean over and press a quick kiss to her temple, and she doesn’t pull away, which makes my heart clench in that way only she can manage. “You’re ready, Abs. You’ve got this.”

“Actually, yeah, I do.” She replies.“And it’s not because you just tickled me! It’s because Josie gave me some good advice.”

“Did she now?” I try to hide the smile creeping onto my face, but Abby sees right through me.

“She said the mean girls here aren’t worth my energy,” Abby explains, crossing her arms with a smirk. “That I should focus on the things Idolike. You know, stuff that makes me happy.”

My chest swells with pride, and I can’t help but reach over and ruffle her hair, earning a squawk of protest. “Josie’s a smart one. Glad you listened to her. But hey, I’m also pretty wise myself, right?”

Abby rolls her eyes, a small chuckle on her lips. “Sure, Uncle Chris.Whenyou’re not trying to beat Josie’s advice with some boring inspirational quote.”

I hold a hand to my chest in mock offense, as I fish my wallet out of my pocket. “Boring? How dare you say that about the man who holds your lunch money in his wallet!”

“Just telling it like it is,” she shoots back, eyes twinkling as I slide out three a hundred dollar bills, and she swipes it out of my hand with a smile. She slides the money in her pocket, before taking a deep breath, her eyes softening. “I like Josie. She’s really good for you, you know.”

Her words strike me deep, making me pause. I glance over, our eyes meeting for a beat. Her approval means everything—hell, it’s the foundation of every choice I’ve made since she came into my life. As much as Josie has become my entire world,Abby’s happiness will always come first. She may biologically just be my niece but in all reality, she’s my daughter, even if she doesn’t call me Dad, we both know it.

I let out a slow breath, my grip tightening around the steering wheel. It’s true, though. I’d been terrified to introduce them, worried that Abby might not like Josie, even though I know in my heart there’s nothing about Josie that’s easy to dislike. But still, if they didn’t get along… if I had to choose…

I don’t know if I’d survive that choice. Because as much as I’ve always prioritized Abby, never in my life have I wanted someone the way I want Josie. It’s different, deeper than anything I’ve felt. I’ve never been obsessed with anything except hockey, but Josie? She’s in my bones, my lungs, under my skin.

I want her like I need air. I want her like she is my only salvation. I want her like she is something I’ve been waiting for my entire life. I fucking need her.

I love her.

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