Page 95 of Educating Arrogant Mr. Hunter

Beckett laughed and let go of our hands. “We think so too.”

“I like to see my dad happy, Ms. Winter, and you make him happy.” I wondered if the day would ever come when she’d call me by my first name.

“He makes me pretty happy too.”

“If you and my dad got married, would I have to call you mom?” Her eyebrows drew together and confusion laced her tone.

“You have a mom, sweetie. I’m not trying to replace her, but I’d like us to have a chance to get close. I’d be here to help you find ways to remember her and honor the relationship you had.” I brushed a piece of honey-brown hair back from Zoey’s face.

She nodded. “I’d like that. Maybe we can honor both our moms together.”

Be still my beating heart. Tears burst into my eyes, fighting for release at her beautiful statement. “I’d really like that.”

She sniffed too and gave me a watery smile. “I like that you’re going to be part of our family.”

“I do too.” Happiness was sure to be radiating from every pore in my body.

Zoey wiped at her eyes. “Do you think we could all hang out together today?”

“I think that’s a great idea.” My throat tightened with unshed tears. How had I gotten so lucky to have Beckett and his sweet daughter in my life? This was more than I had ever hoped for.

“Why don’t the two of you go pick out something for us to watch? I’ll make the hot chocolate and put together a few snacks.”

Zoey skipped ahead to the living room and grabbed the remote from the coffee table. I sat down on the couch and watched as she flipped through a streaming channel at the various kids movies until she finally decided onEncanto.

My heart squeezed when Zoey climbed onto the couch and asked if she could sit beside me. “Any time.” When she curled up into my side, I wrapped my arm around her and enjoyed being together like this. It gave me hope that we could have a relationship like I’d always dreamed of with my stepmother.

Beckett sat on my other side, and we cuddled together, ate snacks, and watched TV. It was probably one of the best afternoons of my life.

Chapter Twenty-Three

BECKETT

Iwoke up to Zoey throwing herself into the bed beside me. “Kiddo, don’t wake up—”

Wren yawned and gave us a sleepy smile “It’s not a big deal. I’m already awake.”

“Oops, sorry. I'll go make us all breakfast.” Zoey bounded out of bed after giving us both a hug.

“Can she cook?”

I sat up and leaned against my headboard, drawing Wren to me before I answered. “Good morning. We have microwave pancakes that are surprisingly good, which she knows how to make. And sometimes she’ll make coffee too with the Keurig.”

She snuggled into my arms, and all was right in my world. “I am so happy Zoey knows about us.”

I rubbed my hand up and down her back. “I am too. It’s like this big weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”

Wren’s heavy-lidded eyes met mine. I knew that look intimately. Her hand trailed up my arm, sending fiery sparks in their wake until she got to my shoulders. She shifted until she straddled my lap. “I’ve been admiring these big strong arms and shoulders.”

“Have you?”

“I have.” Her core was perfectly aligned with my cock. My fingers reached under her tiny shorts until I got to the underwear hidden beneath.

Her breath shuddered out of her as I traced my fingers along her seam.

I nipped at her earlobe. “I want to fuck you with my fingers until you scream my name, then I’ll plunge my dick into you so hard—”

“I’m done with your breakfast,” Zoey sang from the hallway. From the sound of her voice, she was close.

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