Page 12 of The Daddy Claus

Fudge my life. My face turns beet red as I mentally explore all the ways to kill Jordan.

Roman blinks away his shock and rushes over to slap his older brother on the back. “Congratulations. Next Christmas, we’ll have little ones to celebrate with.”

“Ones?” Atlas suddenly pales and glances down at Gabbi. “Is there something you haven’t told me?”

Roman and Jordan both forget all about our big announcement and storm over to their sister and her soon-to-be-injured boyfriend. Each Sterling brother grabs one of Atlas’ shoulders. “Why don’t you ladies continue decorating while we take care of business?”

“Stop right there.” Gabbi glares back and forth between her two older brothers. “If you harm one hair on his head, I’ll never forgive either of you.”

“We won’t touch his head.” Jordan smirks. “But the rest of him is free game.”

Raven wraps her arm around Gabbi’s shoulder. “Ignore them.” She turns her toward the three men standing in the doorway. “They’re probably taking him out into the backyard to smoke cigars and drink expensive whiskey.”

“I’m going to spank your gorgeous ass for giving away our secrets,” Roman promises his wife.

“Now, who’s giving away secrets?” Raven calls after him.

“It really isn’t a secret,” Gabbi whispers to her sister-in-law. “We all know what goes on in The Sterling Rope.” Boy, do we ever.

* * *

At the endof the day, Jordan insists on driving me home. “You aren’t driving around in that tin can on wheels.” He leads me out the back door and into a huge garage. “Not when I have a garage full of cars for you to choose from.” My mouth falls open as I glance around at the impressive collection. Each of these cars is worth more than most people’s homes. “Or I’ll buy you whatever car you want.”

“Hold up right there, mister.” We need to get a few things straight right this minute. He isn’t going to buy my affection. Little does he know, he actually already owns me, heart and soul, but I refuse to roll over and let him have his way. Oh no. I’m going to make Mr. Jordan Sterling prove his love to me. “I’m not driving a car that costs more than a house.” That’s just not me. “I already own the perfect car. My car is reliable and easy to drive.”

As he stares down at me, I can see the wheels turning. “We’ll talk about it later.”

Typical man. He thinks he’ll eventually get his way. Oh, Mr. Stubborn will learn soon enough. I mutter under my breath, “Whatever,” and watch as his eyes narrow. “I’m driving my car home tonight because I have plans for tomorrow.”

“Plans?” His roar echoes around the large garage. “Who do you have plans with.”

We aren’t going to start this relationship off with him telling me what to do. “None.” I poke in the middle of his chest, “of,” another poke, “your,” another poke, “business.” I glare at him. “I saved myself for you for five freaking long years. I’m not going to turn around and start seeing someone else on the first day of our relationship and the day we find out we’re having a baby.” I throw my hands up in the air.

His face turns bright red as he opens and closes his mouth silently. After a few seconds, he takes a deep breath and slowly blows it out. “You’re going to need to have a little patience with me.” He smiles ruefully. “I’m going into this blind, and it seems like I fuck it up at every turn, but I promise you I’ll figure it out.”

He pulls me into his arms and hugs me close to his warm, muscular body. I forget everything when he leans over and places soft kisses on the side of my neck. “I’m sorry I’m being a brat.” These hormones are no joke. “I’m still reeling from finding out about the baby and…”

He lays his fingers across my lips, halting my words before sighing. “We’ll work on this together.”

Since I’m tired and he’s trying hard, I cave in and let him follow me home. I keep glancing in the rearview mirror the entire ten-minute ride to Silver Spoon Falls, and each time I find his huge black SUV behind me. A safe distance behind me.

I park in the back lot and watch as Jordan pulls into our guest parking spot. “I don’t like you parking all the way out here.” I mentally roll my eyes.

* * *

Two weeks later,I meet Gabbi and Raven for lunch at the 5th Avenue Diner. It’s my day off, and I need some girl time with my friends. I step into the adorable restaurant and glance around at the recently remodeled interior. They installed fancy burnished gold floor and plush red leather booths that scream luxury. I’m pretty sure the gorgeous small painting hanging over the entrance to the back hallway is an original work of art from a famous artist.

In a way, it’s exactly what one would expect in this small Texas town where the population is made up of more millionaires and billionaires than regular, middle-class residents.

“Hey, girl.” Gabbi stands up from a booth in the corner and waves me over.

I drop down in the large circular booth and scoot in. “What can I get you to drink?” The middle-aged, red-headed waitress smiles and sets a glass of water in front of me.

“Is it too early for alcohol?” I joke, but there’s no way I’d risk my baby’s health.

“Yes,” Gabbi cuts in. “Eight months too early.”

The waitress’ eyes widen as she comprehends my friend’s meaning. I’m betting the Silver Spoon Falls grapevine will be buzzing with the news within an hour. “I’ll have a large mimosa.” I smile and reach for one of the menus stuck between the condiments as my two friends gasp. “Minus the champagne.” They both roll their eyes at the same time.

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