Page 113 of Sexted By Santa
He laughed, gaze darting to the hall where Tori had disappeared. “Raincheck? We should probably clean this mess up before it’s time to head to Henry’s.”
Between cooking a big breakfast and presents, it was nearing 11 a.m., and neither of us had so much as showered or dressed for the day. I kind of liked Christian in his flannel pajamas and bedhead, looking as if he belonged in my home, but a visit to Henry called for a little more formal attire.
“Fine, I’ll get a trash bag and get started on the wrapping-paper confetti strewn all over the place.” It seemed only fair since I’d told Christian to let Sir Elton John make the mess. “You can grab a shower first.”
“Sure, right after I wash up the breakfast dishes. I can shower at home. I should probably take Sir Elton back there before we go to Henry’s.”
I frowned. “You can leave him here.”
“Are you sure? He likes to chew things up.”
“He does?” I thought back. “I’ve never seen him do that.”
“Huh. True. Not even the night I left with the ambulance…” Christian’s brows drew together.
“You know, pets act out too. Maybe he wanted attention.” I nodded toward the hall, where Sir Elton was assuredly in the middle of Tori’s business. “Those two are best buddies now. He’s in doggy heaven.”
Christian smiled faintly. “Well, I’m happy to test the theory, but it’s your shoes on the line.”
“Go walk him. Then bring him home to us.” I met his gaze steadily. “It’ll be a good test run, don’t you think? For when we eventually live together.”
Surprise flared in his eyes, followed by unfiltered happiness. “Okay,” he said softly. “Good idea.”
I pulled him close and brushed my lips against his, nuzzled his nose, and just reveled in the feel of him against me. “You’re it for me, Christian. You know that, right? I want you and Sir Elton to be a permanent part of this family.”
“I want that too.” He swallowed hard as he met my gaze. “I know relationships are hard, and we won’t agree on everything all the time, but I promise you I will never give up on you and Tori. Even when I left the hospital that night…” He licked his lips. “That was just misguided fear that you didn’t want me there. I wasn’t really leaving. I’ll always come back to you.”
“Good.” I gave him a hard kiss. “Because Tori and I will always want you here. You’re part of our family now.”
“And you’re part of mine,” he said. “Aunt Henry has already claimed Tori as her surrogate grandchild. I hope you don’t mind if she spoils her a little.”
“I suppose I’ll have to get used to it,” I said, though secretly I was thrilled. I wanted to provide Tori with everything in the world—and that included more people to dote on her. Christian had given me more than his heart; he’d given me his family too. A chosen family, which was ultimately better than the biological ones that had let us both down. “Aunt Henry is part of the Christian benefits package, just like Tori is part of mine.”
“Then I think we both got a very good deal.”
“We did. I believe in this, in us. I know you’ve tried love before, but…”
Quietly, Christian murmured, “Love leaves no room for regret.”
It was the line of script I’d tattooed across my chest after Tori had been born. It was a belief I held dearly, but I was surprised to hear Christian quote it.
He brushed his thumb over my T-shirt, just above where the tattoo rested. “You know, there was a time I didn’t believe in this. When I first saw it on those app pics, I thought,Loving Fynn created a lot of regret.But later, I thought about the reverse of that quote.Love leaves no room for regret, but regret leaves no room for love.That’s when I decided to take a chance with you. Because loving Fynn—trying to love him, anyway, because I’m no longer sure it qualifies—helped me see the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship. And because of that I know this: What we have is real and lasting and worth everything I have to give. I’m with you, Jax. You and Tori. One hundred percent. This feels right, and for the first time, I really believe that I’m enough.”
“Oh, you sweet, sweet man,” I said, squeezing him tight. “You’re not just enough. You’re more than I ever could have dreamed. Accepting the request from that silly Santa online is the best thing I’ve ever done. I love you”—And because shit was getting heavy and I couldn’t help myself, I added—“Santa Daddy.”
Christian gave a mock scowl, but I saw his lips twitching with exasperated amusement. Behind us, Tori called out. “Daddies! I need some help with this toy assembly!” Sir Elton John barked a few times to chime in.
My shoulders shook with laughter. I felt utterly content despite the interruption. Christian and I had said all that needed saying. Now, the only thing left was to live our words.
“You want to go or should I, Santa Da—”
“Don’t say it,” he warned.
I coughed to cover my laugh, and his scowl softened into a besotted smile.
“I’ll go,” he said. “You’ve been doing it for years. I need to make up for lost time.”
Oh boy. I doubted that attitude would last beyond the honeymoon period. But that was okay. I’d appreciate it while it lasted. Christian headed down the hall, and a moment later I heard him squawk, “What happened here? There’s glitter all over the dog!”
