Page 134 of A Very Merry Mistake

“Forever,” she whispers, and it’s a confirmation.

“Claire Manchester is in love with a lumberjack.”

She kisses my chin. “I’m in love with a caring, funny, and sexy-as-hell man who has a huge cock.”

I chuckle. “Yeah? Well, I’m in love with a beautiful Stubborn Susan who’s also a very good girl.”

“I’ve won the boyfriend lottery,” she says, kissing me once more.

“Boyfriend?” I lift my brow.

“Unless…”

I place my finger on her lips. “I want it to be official, Claire. I want it to be forever. But we’ll go slow.”

“I don’t want to rush forever,” she whispers, her eyes hooded.

“Never.”

* * *

The next morning, I open my eyes and find Claire sleeping soundly next to me, with Tinsel curled up next to her.

“I see how it is,” I whisper, and Tinsel stretches a little further. Then I glance back at Claire to discover she’s awake.

“Good morning,” she says, reaching for me, and I softly kiss her.

“Mornin’,” I say. “Merry Christmas, darlin’.”

She smiles. “Merry Christmas. I feel like I’m dreaming.”

“Shall we see if Santa left any presents under the tree?”

She makes a face. “I hope you didn’t get me anything, Jake. I didn’t…”

I stop her with a kiss. “You are my gift, CeCe. I didn’t get you much. It’s just a little something. Meet me in the living room when you’re up.”

“Okay.” She stretches, then notices Tinsel and finds a different way to put her feet on the floor so she doesn’t disturb her.

I grab my glasses, then go to the kitchen and brew us both a cup of coffee. Outside, there’s a buck in the distance, and I stand at the windows and watch the animal. He’s regal, a monarch surveying his kingdom.

“Wow,” she whispers, walking over to stand beside me.

I wrap my arm around her and kiss her forehead. “Made you a cup of coffee. It’s on the counter.”

“Ooh.” She moves to the counter and grabs it, then comes back to me.

“His antlers are huge.” She blows on the top before taking a sip. “Is that the same one that scared the shit out of me?”

I chuckle. “Very well could be. There’s a herd of them that stays around here. It’s safe, with lots of land, ’cause no one in my family hunts.”

She’s listening but is not quite awake yet. “Coffee is great.”

“Ready for your gift?” I ask.

“Jake,” she says, “I feel awful.”

“You’ve done enough, CeCe.” I grab the small box and hand it to her.

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