Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“I’m a family man. Ain’t no shame in my game, Stel. I make that minivan look damn good.”
She grins and shakes her head.
Last month, I finally convinced her it was time for a new car. We both want more kids, and hers wasn’t going to last much longer. I did the best that I could, having my brother make it as safe as possible, but she was long overdue. I tried to get her to buy an SUV, but she said that a minivan made more sense with all the kids in the family, and the ones we want to have.
I relented when we found the Honda Odyssey. This thing is sweet. A good sound system, all-wheel drive, automatic doors, and even a vacuum for messes the kids make. I was sold, and now, here I am, a minivan dad and living my best life.
Hitting the automatic back gate button on the key fob, I start loading the presents. I remember the days when it was just Blakely. Our family is rapidly growing, and I love it. I know my parents are thrilled as well. They got Ada this year, and Alyssa and Jordyn are both expecting. I’m sure they won’t be the only ones. It seems like someone in the family is always pregnant these days.
It takes me two more trips to get all of the gifts loaded. “The car’s warm,” I tell Stella.
“Okay. Let me wrangle Ada into her coat, and we’ll head out.”
“I’ll get her. Just grab the diaper bag, and I’ll meet you out there.”
“Okay.” She picks up the diaper bag and stops. I know she’s mentally going through her checklist to make sure she’s remembered to pack extra everything. Stella is always prepared. “The fudge.”
“Already in the van. I put it on the floorboard of the back seat.”
“Thanks, babe.” She tilts her head up for a kiss, and I oblige her. There will never be a time when I will refuse to kiss this woman. I don’t care where we are or who is around to witness.
Once she’s bundled up and out the door, I scoop Ada up in my arms, and we race down the hall to her room. I quickly change her into the outfit I hid in her closet. I pat my pocket, making sure I have what I need, before making funny faces at her while getting her into her coat. I rush to the door, making sure it’s locked before acting like nothing happened and loading her into her seat.
“Ready?” I ask Stella, sliding behind the wheel.
“Yeah.” Her eyes are sparkling with happiness. “I always wanted a big family Christmas.”
“You’re about to get that and more, angel.”
“I’m ready for all of it.”
If she only knew.
Walking up behind Stella, I wrap my arms around her waist, resting my chin on her shoulder.
“Today has been everything, Maverick.” She turns to glance at me. “I can’t believe my grandparents are here.”
“They’re family.”
“I love you.” Her voice cracks.
“I love you too.” It’s time. I wait for the nerves to take over, but nothing. My heart is not even racing. That’s because I know we’re solid. I know she’s going to love her gifts, and I know that this is the first of many Christmases we’re going to spend just like this. Who knows? Maybe next year, Ada will have a sibling to open presents with.
“I have some presents for you.”
“What? I thought we were going to open gifts at home tomorrow.”
“We are. But I have some with me today too.”
“Maverick! That’s not fair. I didn’t bring yours.”
“I know, angel. That’s how I wanted it to happen.” I pull away from her, taking her hand in mine and leading her toward the massive Christmas tree in the corner of the room. Jordyn and Ramsey went a little crazy with the décor, but even I can admit this place looks incredible. The kids were all wide-eyed at the massive tree.
“Open this one first.” I hand her a small box that I hid under the tree yesterday. I haven’t told anyone in my family about my plans for tonight. My brothers think all the action will come when we leave here tonight.
“Thank you.” She leans up and kisses my cheek.
“Babe, you haven’t even opened it yet. You might hate it.”
“I could never hate anything you give me.” She looks down at the box. “It’s too pretty to open.”
“Just open it, Stel.”
“Okay.” She’s smiling as she carefully removes the bow and then the paper. When she pulls the lid off the small box, her breath hitches. “Maverick, it’s beautiful.”
I take the box from her hands and pull the necklace out of the box. “This key represents the key to my heart. You are the sole owner.” I nod for her to turn around, and she does.
“Diamonds. Maverick, this is too much.”