My heart slammed hard in my chest as I listened to his words. Unable to think of an appropriate response, I was flippant. “That must be some strong eggnog you bought,” I joked, but his gaze remained serious.

“Caro. I want us to try again. Start over, as best we can. Put yesterday behind us and look ahead. I want us to be a family.”

“Easton, do you know what you’re saying?”

“Yeah, I do. I mean, when I walked in here, I wasn’t sure what I wanted. I vacillate between just sex, friends with benefits, and something more. I didn’t know what I wanted until I just verbalized my wants to you right now.”

I covered my face in my hands, unable to look him in the eye, and tried to make sense of his words and make sense of my feelings. Finally, I met his gaze.

“I don’t know. I don’t know if we can start over. I’m not sure. We need to see how we do together, how the kids do. They don’t know you’re their father yet, and who knows how that’ll affect them. I’m still getting over the loss of Mark. So many things are going on, and I don’t want to cling to you because I’m on the rebound.”

“I understand. Take all the time you need. I’ll be here.”

Everything about him reeked of sincerity, but I remained skeptical. Perhaps because he’d broken my heart once before after pledging his undying love and devotion for the rest of his life. Yeah, we’d been teenagers, but we weren’t seasoned adults right now either. Did he mean what he said? Was he in this for the long haul through not just the good but the bad? He hadn’t been tested under fire yet. The kids’ meltdown earlier today had only been the tip of the iceberg.

“Would you like some help?” He gestured toward the wrapping paper, ribbon, and gifts spread across the table.

“I’d love some.”

“I wrap a mean present.” He winked at me.

“You’d better.” I winked back.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Dog Days

~~Easton~~

Sleeping alone wasn’t how I’d wanted to spend my Christmas Eve. I’d considered more than once as I tossed and turned to text Caro and invite myself over. Only I didn’t. My pride wouldn’t allow me to behave in such a desperate manner, while my dick would’ve gladly thrown pride out the window, gotten on its knees, and begged for any crumb she might throw our way. My dick had no shame. I wasn’t sure I did either.

At some point, I must’ve fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, it was daylight.

I wasn’t a morning person, but I woke early and staggered into the kitchen for a cup of super-strong coffee. I caught a whiff of Kaden’s cooking, but I was on a mission to get a cup of joe before I delved into breakfast.

Christmas morning.

My first with my kids and Caro. The first of many or the first and last?