Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
“Thank you for this weekend,” she murmured, tightening her arm around my waist.
I bent and pressed a kiss to her head. Beside us, Evan and Holly were wrapped around each other, admiring the view.
Dinner had been delicious, and we’d all eaten far too much. I’d had two large scotches, and Evan and Amy shared a bottle of red. Holly had a couple of sips, but otherwise stuck to tonic water and lime. We’d finished off the dinner with a decadent array of desserts and decided we needed the exercise so chose to walk for a while before getting a cab to the lodge. Knowing I was going to drink, we’d chosen to leave the van there to be safe.
“I came here once at Christmas. The light displays were incredible. Maybe we can do that one year,” I said. I had a feeling a lot of family trips were in the future for us. We got along well and enjoyed one another’s company. Plus, the kids were such good friends, I could see this happening a lot. The thought pleased me.
Holly nodded. “I used to take the bus out and walk around close to Christmas with a couple of friends. It was amazing.”
“We’ll plan it when your current bun is done and walking.” I winked at her.
She grinned. “Your own might be cooking by then.”
I met Amy’s eyes, and a silent conversation flowed. We both liked that idea—very much.
Holly’s grin got wider as she looked between us. “Or sooner.”
I tucked Amy close. “Or sooner,” I agreed.
We all looked back at the lights.
Smiling.
The next morning, Amy closed her bag. “Ready.”
Mia grimaced. “I can’t get my zipper to work.”
Laughing, Amy leaned over and helped her. “That’s because you bought so many things yesterday,” she teased. “Your suitcase is bursting!”
Mia giggled.
“I think the rainbow unicorn is the cause,” I added. She had seen the overly large “stuffie,” as she called him, in the gift shop, and I couldn’t resist buying him for her. She rarely asked for things, and I enjoyed spoiling her on occasion.
“But Daddy, he was so cute!”
I ruffled her hair. “I know, Sweet Pea.”
She flung her arms around my legs, hugging me. “I had the best time, Daddy! It was so much fun.”
I bent and lifted her into my arms, hugging her close. I was grateful Kelsey hadn’t even registered with Mia or confused her. “I’m glad. You ready to go home?”
“Yep!”
I set her on her feet, and she ran to see the girls. I turned to Amy. “You ready, Chippy?”
“Yes.”
I stepped closer. “Are you coming with us or going to your place?”
“To yours.”
I kissed her. “Good answer.”
The flight was uneventful. As we waited for our luggage, I sighed in relief as I looked around the small airport.
“I always thought I would live in Toronto,” I mused. “But after being gone for a while, I am so glad I don’t. The people, the smog, the traffic…” I chuckled. “I had forgotten.”
“I know what you mean,” Evan agreed. “Once I lived here for a while, I never wanted to go back.” He linked hands with Holly. “Although my one visit was certainly worth it.”
“Think how many people’s lives you changed because of that drive, Evan.”
He nodded. “All because of a broken part and the sweetest angel helping me warm up.” His gaze was soft as he looked at Holly. “I found my place because of her.”
She smiled and leaned up on her toes to kiss him, then winked. “We both did.”
He shook his head, clearing the memories, no doubt. “Anyway, it’s a fun place to visit, but this is home.”
I laced my fingers with Amy’s and met her soft glance. “Yeah,” I said. “It is.”
We separated at our cars that we had left at the airport and headed to our respective homes.
“You need anything from your place?” I asked Amy.
“No. I packed an extra outfit for tomorrow. I’ll pick up some more things after school.”
I loved it every time I opened the closet and saw something else of hers hanging beside my clothes. Or cleared out more drawer space. The more things she left, the more we got to have her with us. Mia and I liked that a lot.
We got back into our routine quickly, except for one change. Amy stayed over more often. I missed her on the Thursday night while she had dinner with some friends and went back to her apartment. She called to say good night and see how we were. I smiled into the phone.
“I’m in bed, reading. Naked. You could come over and help me turn the pages, Chippy.”
“Stop it. I’ve had wine, so I can’t drive.”
“Take a cab.”
She laughed. “It’s ten o’clock, Simon. Tell your dick to stand down and I’ll take care of him tomorrow.”
It was my turn to laugh. “He never stands down long around you. But my bed feels empty. And there isn’t anyone running their cold feet on my legs to warm up.”