Page 50 of Snowed in with the Grump

He glances at me, and I nod, confirming they should be cool enough to eat.

I'm grateful for everything we have – my fulfilling teaching job, our cozy home, Carter's steady recovery from his emotional wounds, and our wonderful child who brightens even the darkest days.

* * *

Now that theholidays are over and everyone has gone home, leaving Carter and me content but exhausted, it's late, and he's putting Lily to bed.

Carter sneaks into the den. I look up from my book and smile. “Is she asleep?”

He grins, collapsing beside me on the sofa. “Out like a light. Who knew one tiny toddler could be such a whirlwind?”

I curl into his side. “She takes after her daredevil daddy, that's for sure.”

“Don't I know it.” He spots the mugs on the coffee table. “Is that for me? You take such good care of me.”

I nod, smiling as he takes a long sip and sighs contentedly. “You look pretty worn out,” I say, brushing a hand through his hair.

Carter's eyes snap open. He sits up straight, slapping his thighs. “Nonsense, I'm ready for our annual tradition whenever you are!”

I laugh at his sudden enthusiasm. “We can skip the game of strip poker tonight if you'd rather sleep.”

“No way! We can't break tradition or our promise. This is our ritual on the day everyone leaves; we play a game of strip poker to mark the first night we were alone in this place without fear of being caught.”

“I'm not too keen on people finding out what we're up to when we're naughty.”

A mischievous smirk creeps onto his face. “I'm not surprised. You're very noisy.”

My cheeks flush as I playfully smack his arm.

He winces dramatically. “Ouch!”

I roll my eyes and poke his chest. “Come on, you know it didn't hurt a big, burly man like you. It's like a fly landing on you, so don't give me attitude.”

He bursts into laughter and pulls me closer for a kiss. I love this man as if my life depended on it. Even now, I shudder at the thought of what might have happened without Carter being at the cabin and whether I would have been okay on my own in the storm.

I brush off the thought because it didn't happen. I try to avoid inviting negativity into my mind.

“I'll get the cards,” Carter jumps from the couch and hurries to the sideboard.

The drawers rattle as he opens them one by one. He fumbles through the contents, muttering and cursing under his breath.

“What's got you grumbling?”

“Kids! I can't find anything in this house after they've moved our things.”

His eyes meet mine, and he slides the drawer shut. “On second thought, I've got everything I need for strip poker right here.”

He stalks over to me like a predator. Carter pulls me onto his lap with a wicked grin.

“All I need is my beautiful wife and clothes to strip off her.”

“Really?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

A thrill rushes through me at the endless naughty possibilities. I make a show of looking him up and down. Carter flexes, and I stifle a giggle.

“You're so skilled at adapting to any situation. Impressive talent you've got there.”

He leans in with a wicked grin. “Oh, I've got skills, baby. Lie back, and I'll show you.”

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