Page 48 of Bragg's Christmas

“Clove,” I growl in warning. She can’t seriously think Damon and I are the next gossip gal project.

She widens her eyes. “What?” She bats her eyelashes. “I didn’t do anything.”

“Come on, Love.” Damon nudges me toward the hill. “Squirt can’t wait to go on her first sled ride.”

Clove sighs. “Such a lovely family.”

Pain slices through me at her words. Damon and Skye are not my family.

“Race you up the hill,” I call to Damon.

Even with him carrying Skye and the sled, I have no chance of winning. But as I reach the summit of the hill – out of breath and laughing at Damon’s victory dance – the pain of Clove’s words has faded, which is a win in and of itself.

I snag the sled from Damon. “Let’s get on the sled before someone decides your daddy is having a seizure.”

“Don’t be a sore loser.”

I ignore Damon’s taunt and motion to the toboggan. “You’re in front, Skye. I’ve got the back.”

She climbs in and I hand the ropes to her before sitting behind her. Damon climbs in after me.

“What are you doing? This toboggan isn’t made for three people.”

He points to several families on toboggans. “Beg to differ.”

“Whatever,” I mumble since I can’t deny he’s right.

I scooch forward so I’m not cradled between his strong thighs. No, not strong thighs. Legs. Merely legs. Nothing exciting to feel here.

“Ready, Skye!” Damon shouts.

“Ready, Daddy!”

He pushes us off with his hands and off we go. As we build up speed, I’m forced back into Damon’s arms. I have my arms around Skye while he has his arms around me. So much for not thinking about what Clove said.

“Steer to the left, Skye!”

She pulls the ropes to the right.

“Your other left!”

Uh oh. We’re headed straight for a big snowbank. I yank the rope to the left but it’s too late. We careen straight into the snowbank with an oof! And come to an abrupt halt.

“Skye, Skye, are you okay? Are you injured?” I claw at the snow to get to her.

She giggles. “Can we do it again, please?”

I fall back against Damon as relief hits me. “You took a year off of my life.”

He barks out a laugh. “Welcome to the life of a parent.”

I wish, Damon. I wish.

Chapter 17

I’m offering a reward for anyone who catches the gossip gals with listening equipment. ~ Message from Peace on the Winter Falls Facebook page

Damon

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