Page 149 of Stuck With You
I twist and—
Splat!
A giant clump of snow hits me square in the face. I fall back into the pile along the side of the driveway.
“Oh my gosh.” She laughs, but I can’t see anything. “Are you ok?”
I wipe the icy flakes from my eyes and beard and blink away the cold specks. She stands over me with her hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh.
I’d take another hundred snowballs in the face if it made her this happy.
“I’m sorry. I meant to hit your back.” She extends her hand to help me up, and I take it, yanking her down into the snow beside me.
Laughter spills from her, and I smile to the sky, knowing I definitely won in this game.
She rolls to her side and extends a handful of snow over my face. I turn to look at her, and she presses her lips together, withholding her joy.
“I’d be very careful, Sarah,” I say, watching her contemplate it.
“Oh really? Or what?” she dares.
I grip her wrist, gently lowering it as I roll over her and pin it to her side. My chest rests against hers, and she watches me closely, her eyes staring into mine.
“Or this will turn into an entirely different kind of game.”
Her eyes flick between mine. A red stocking cap covers her dark hair, but the long strands are splayed in the snow around her. She’s stunning. An angel sent to save me from my self-sabotaging ways.
“Was this your plan all along? Getting a tree for us?” It’s only a whisper, her breath moving over my lips.
I blink, wondering if she still tastes like chocolate and marshmallow.
“Slade, I can’t accept the tree. You’ve already—”
“Yes, you can,” I say softly.
Her gaze drops from mine, falling somewhere in the minimal space between us. “I can’t. . .repay you.”
“You already have.” My stomach pinches tight with the absolute truth. “This is. . .the best day I’ve had. Ever.”
Today was a gift. Just being with her and the kids.
Her gaze returns to mine, searching.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do and have never had anyone to do it with.” My lungs burn with the honesty.
She reaches up, running her fingers over the icy droplets on my beard. “Thank you for watching out for us this morning and asking us to go with you. Ollie and I won’t ever forget it.” She blinks quickly.
I lower my forehead to hers. “Sarah,” I breathe out, cupping her face with my cold fingers. I run my thumb over her parted lips.
“M-mama,” Ollie whines, and I feel Sarah exhale beneath me. “Frankie is c-c-crying.”
I roll off of her and stare at the gray sky as she stands, brushing herself off. “I’m coming, bud.”
She extends her hand, and I take it.
“I’ll be back in a few,” I say, shaking the snow off my coat and pants.
She nods, heading into the house while I gather myself back from blissful anticipation.
