Page 88 of Clause & Effect
Charlie groans into her hands and then drops them to her stomach. “Twins. It’s not my fault I’m horny.”
“Zero complaints, though I think Rudolph’s tired of wearing the earmuffs, even magic isn’t shielding people from your screams of ecstasy.”
She grins and stands up on her tiptoes. “And here I thought you’d be the one with the belly.”
“I think you take the—cake?” I offer her a piece from the shelf. “On that one.”
“Hilarious.” She swipes it out of my hands. “Now go get dressed and tell Hope grandpa’s almost here.”
I smack her on the ass. “On it, and don’t forget Grace has your baby shower right after the New Year.”
“Right.” She does a small circle in the kitchen. “I’ll just…”
“Sit.” I pull her over to the living room where Jayson and Ethan are already dipping into the spiced eggnog and get her a heated blanket. “Just leave it to me.”
Tears well up in her eyes. “Thank you, my feet hurt so bad.”
“It’s a pleasure to serve my queen.” I joke and stare at the giant emerald on her finger, the one that the first Mrs. Claus wore—my mom wore as well.
And all because I sensed her.
Fought a polar bear.
And did the second scariest thing I’ve ever done—asked her to sign the clause.
“Jayson,” I snap my fingers. “Feet off the furniture.”
He stares me down and grins. “Marriage changes you. I don’t know how I feel about it.”
“You’re lucky you even have someone who wants you with your inability to stop arguing over the XBOX.” Ethan says under his breath.
“ANNIE!” Jayson yells. “Ethan’s being mean again!”
A lot of changes happened in the last few years, some magic is meant to be altered a bit, and the minute Charlie became my family—so did hers, brother, sister-in-law, and all.
Santa’s home had laughter again.
I guess we can all thank Grace.
Maybe that’s why I named our daughter—Hope.
Now, our Christmas future is nothing but joy.
I smile to myself and walk into the kitchen to see Hope and my dad holding hands and whisper. “Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight.”
