Page 33 of Heat Haven Holidays

The home is a modest log cabin, but it’s been newly renovated. The renters have even decorated the interior for Christmas, which brings me even more joy.

Smith carries our bags in as I take in the soft wood finishes, the cozy beige sofa in the living room that’s pillowed by a soft fur rug. The stone fireplace sits in the center of the room and I can’t wait for Smith to light it up. The kitchen is small, but clean and rustic. The countertops are made of wood and the cabinets are a stark white. Looking out the back windows, there’s a hot tub, a fire pit, and a brilliant view of the lake. Currently, it’s just a sheet of white wintery bliss outside, with trees covered in powdery snow across the way.

Warm arms wrap against my middle. The soothing scent of whiskey and sandalwood hit my nose and I hum in approval.

“What do you think, baby?” he asks. His bearded chin rests on the top of my head.

“It’s perfect.”

“Do you need some rest?” he asks. As badly as I want to say no, let’s fuck on every single surface of this cabin, the truth is, I am exhausted. I’ve been working myself so hard and not feeling well on the drive. Sleep would be great. I don’t answer and he just nods his head, picking me up bridal style and carries me to the main bedroom. It’s warm and comfortable in here. There’s a massive log-framed king size bed, with a nightstand on each side with soft glowing light. The bed has a very cute quilt on it, but it’s not mine.

Smith sits me on the chaise in the corner before taking the quilt off and going to the living room to bring our blankets from home. He works fast and diligently, changing the sheets and unloading the ridiculous amount of pillows and blankets I had packed.

“Thanks, baby,” I say. He grins, picking me back up and tossing me on the bed and wrapping me up in some of my favorite textures. They smell like the combination of us, and I already feel like I could sleep for days.

“Get some rest, cause I have plans for you tonight,” he says, kissing my forehead and turning off the bedside lamps. I smile and snuggle into the blankets. Sleep takes me quickly.

I wake up from my nap feeling refreshed and hungry and with my stomach rumbling its displeasure. Luckily, when I wake up, it’s to the smell of bacon and something else I can’t decipher. But when I walk into the kitchen, I see my sexy Alpha with a spatula in his hand humming along to a Christmas carol he has playing on his phone.

His tight ass swishes as he flips a pancake and opens the oven to remove the bacon. Breakfast for dinner, my absolute favorite.

But I notice immediately as it gets better, as he pulls the whipped cream and strawberries out of the fridge. He won’t put them on his own pancakes, but he knows how much I love it.

“Smells amazing,” I say. He doesn’t startle, just turns and smiles.

“Take a seat, little star. It will be ready in a few minutes.” I smile and take a seat at the table that overlooks the lake. There are small flakes falling from the sky. It’s almost like I’m staying in a snow globe. My phone buzzes on the table and it’s a FaceTime from my mom. I answer it immediately.

Her lovely face takes up the screen, her new boyfriend Nelson next to her. He took her to Paris for Christmas. I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am that my mom found someone. Apparently last Christmas she had too many Hot Toddies and told Smith that now that she knows her baby is being taken care of, she felt ready to open her heart again. I didn’t think she could ever love someone like she did my dad, but clearly Nelson is doing something right. The Alpha has completely swept her off her feet. I’ve been begging her to quit the post office for years. The man tells her he wants to travel the world with her and she quits on the spot. I grin as I hold the phone.

“Hey, Mama.”

“Hey, baby. How are you and my son?” she says. I pan the camera over to Smith, cooking in the kitchen. He waves the spatula and grins.

“Merry Christmas, Mama.”

“Always taking such good care of our girl. My Christmas presents should be arriving soon. I hate to talk trash about my old employer, but USPS is running behind,” she says, grimacing.

“That’s okay. We’re holding on to your gift until we see you next,” I tell her. Because I’m a terrible daughter and I forgot to get her anything. I’ve been so fucking busy. It seems like until today, Christmas has been completely on the wayside.

“Oh, I’m not worried about that. Where are y’all, anyway?” Mom says.

“Poconos. We rented a cabin last minute,” I say.

“Isn’t that lovely? You deserve it baby, you’ve been working too hard.”

“We saw your jingle bell performance, Cami. What do the kids say? You sleighed,” he says and I can’t help but cover my mouth and laugh.

“Thank you, Nelson,” Smith is holding his laughter in from the kitchen.

“Thank you for letting me have your mom for the holidays,” he says gently.

“Of course. Thank you for taking care of her.”

“Oh, Nadia, can you go see if they’re open?” Nelson says, shooing my mom away.

“I wanted to ask your blessing to propose,” Nelson says quickly. I nod my head and tears form in my eyes. I’m such a fucking sap lately.

“Yes! She will be so happy. Thank you for making me a part of this.” He nods his head. I expect him to hang up the phone, but he places it on the table and I see an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower in the background. I act fast, dropping down to record my screen. I watch as Nelson gets down on one knee and asks my mom to marry him. She jumps up and down, he embraces her, and they kiss. I’m a full on fucking sobbing mess at this point.

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