Page 140 of Beautiful Storm

“Okay, Jesus.” She frowns as she flicks back the blanket to reveal she’s wearing a pair of plaid pajamas despite it being midafternoon. “I might be a little while.” She runs her hand through her messy hair and I can’t help but laugh.

“Take all the time you need.”

I make myself a sandwich while I wait, but it’s only about thirty minutes before Amelia speaks from behind me.

“I’m ready, sir.”

I turn loaded with a smirk, but she knocks me off my feet. Not literally but enough that I have to grab the stool beside me. Amelia is always beautiful—even in her plaid pajamas and messy hair, she was absolutely stunning. This isn’t about her physical beauty. At least, it’s notonlyabout that. Rather she has a glow about her and a sparkle in her eyes that I haven’t seen before. She’s breathtaking in every sense of the word, and I find myself at a loss for what to say.

“You…I… Wow.”

“Thank you.” She giggles, and then because she can’t help herself, she adds, “Nice to see you got changed for the occasion.”

I bark out a laugh as I glance down at my ripped jeans and old sweater. But in my defense, I planned to get changed; I just thought she’d be longer. “I’m on it. You were faster than I thought you’d be.”

“I didn’t do much, and I wasn’t sure what we were doing. Should I—”

“You’re perfect. Everything about you is perfect.”

Amelia smiles before turning away, and I swear the hint of a blush coats her cheeks. But that can’t be right? Surely I haven’t gotten under her skin like she has mine.

“I’ll be right back,” I say as I walk past, running my hand gently across her stomach in her fitted dress, loving the way she shivers when I release her.

After quickly throwing on a new pair of jeans and a fitted long-sleeve tee, I’m backdown the stairs before Amelia has her shoes on.

“Let’s do this,” I say, making her laugh.

“Do what exactly?” Her eyes narrow but I don’t miss the way they momentarily drop to my chest. I’m not stupid—I know this shirt shows off my muscles.

“We’re going to create our own Christmas traditions. I have a few options, or we can make up something completely different.”

Amelia bites back her smile. “Be careful or I’m going to get used to the romantic side of you.”

“Good, because he’s here to stay. So what do you think? Should we visit the Christmas displays? Find some carolers? Eat pudding? Can you eat that? I’m sure you can. Or we could-”

“Oh, I know.” Her eyes widen excitedly as she reaches out to grab my arm, sending a spark to my heart. This is what I wanted. This is what she deserves. To finally know she has a family that loves her. “Let’s try to find as many decorated trees as possible.”

I consider that for a beat before the idea excites me too. “I like it. Am I allowed to commission a private plane?”

“What?” Amelia laughs.

“I figured we could find more that way.”

“No.” She laughs louder. “We’re staying in San Francisco.”

“You’re no fun. But okay. I guess we can do that.”

She jokingly smacks my arm until I laugh again and then we’re on our way, in search of a great Christmas tradition. One I hope to do for years to come.

Whatever it takes.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Luke

“Slowdown,” I call out, but Amelia doesn’t listen until I catch up and clasp her hand, slowing her to a brisk walk.

“I’m pregnant, not sick. I’m allowed to walk fast. We’ve got less than an hour left.”

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