Page 71 of Wylder Ranch
“He does,” I mouth to Haven, following Miles into the library. The bar has already been set up and laid out to make everyone’s favorite drinks. He walks behind it and slaps his hands down on the bar top. “Miles likes to play bartender.”
“And I’m excellent at it.” Picking up a tea towel, he drapes it on his shoulder, and lays out three glasses, then sticks a toothpick between his lips. “Now, Haven, what can I get you? Al, an old-fashioned, I presume?”
I nod, barking out a laugh at this ridiculous role he plays, complete with a very odd-sounding American accent. If he wasn’t a world-class polo player, Miles could be a very average actor. “Got it in one.”
“Well, if you’re making it, I’ll take an old-fashioned too. I’ve pumped enough milk to last until tomorrow, and I think I deserve a drink,” Haven declares, scooching onto the barstool, while I take Everly.
“Three old-fashioneds coming right up.” He starts scooping ice into a shaker. “Shit. Hang on, there aren’t any oranges. Back in a jiff.”
When he sprints off and leaves the three of us alone, I pull Haven’s stool closer until her knees slot between mine.
After the chaos of this morning, where the fire brigade wouldn’t take my word for it that no fire occurred and proceeded to check the kitchen and examine the roof with meticulous detail, I’ve barely had any time with Haven to pick up where we left off, so I’m taking the opportunity while I have it.
Getting as close to her as I’m able while holding our daughter, my mouth surrounds hers. Maybe this is our new norm: kissing while holding a baby. But I do my bestnot to muss up her perfectly made-up face or her hair, which I know she spent an hour styling.
I get to take my time with this kiss. It’s not frenzied or particularly hot. It’s calming. Both familiar and new all at the same time, with an overwhelming sense of relief that I’ve finally found what I’ve been searching for. I have her back.
And when I pull away, she leans into my palm and lets out a soft moan of contentment that I feel deep in my chest.
“I’m sorry this has to be our first date night. I promise it’ll only be the two of us for our second.”
“Are you kidding me? I love it. Big family dinners were always my dream as a kid. I love that Everly will get to have it in her life.” The grin she began her sentence with tapers off until her brows furrow and her expression turns wary. “Alex, are you sure about the tree?”
“What d’you mean?”
She looks down at her crossed legs, and I note how the pink polish on her nails catches in the bar lights. “Don’t feel like you have to do things on my account or even stay here. Clementine said you always leave Valentine Nook for Christmas, and if that’s what you want to do, then we’ll come with you. I said I’d spend Christmas with you, but it doesn’t matter to me where that is.”
My sister’s got a big fucking mouth.
My second thought is that I’m sorely tempted to take Haven up on her offer.
However, as much as I hate to admit it, Lando and Miles and Hendricks and Clementine,andmy mother, are all right. My father would be so disappointed that I lived like this, that I avoided his favorite holiday. So maybe this is the year I finally get my shit together and hang a baubleon a fucking pine tree.
“No,” I say as firmly as I can, ignoring the churn in my guts and the blood whooshing in my ears. “We’re staying here. And we will decorate the tree.”
The hint of a smile tugs at Haven’s mouth. “Really?”
“Really.”
“With the whole family?”
“With the whole family. Actually, I don’t think Holiday and Lando will be here since they’ll be in America for Thanksgiving.” I grimace. “Are you sure you don’t mind missing Thanksgiving? We can fly back to Aspen if you do.”
She shakes her head. “No, Christmas was always the big holiday for me with my parents. We’d decorate the tree and sing carols. I’m happy to trade the holidays, but I still get to give thanks”—she pauses, taking a breath—“and I’m thankful for you this year.”
“Me?”
“For giving me Everly.” A smile tugs at her lips. “And Christmas.”
My throat lurches, and I swallow down the tears lodged there.
“Then you’re welcome.” I lean in and press my lips to hers. “I still wish it was just the two of us. Dinner with my entire family was not what I had in mind.”
“What did you have in mind?”
My eyes drop to her plump mouth. “I wanted to make out all night.”
She edges forward, teeth scraping her bottom lip as she peers up at me from under sooty-black lashes. My dick immediately pays attention.
