CHRISTMAS EVE 

 

DREW 

 

I’m going to kill him. 

I just pulled into the driveway of my best friend, Brody’s childhood home and the asshole isn’t even here yet. If I’m not on duty at the firehouse, I usually spend the entire holiday with my sister and nephew. This year, however, things have changed. Since my soon-to-be-brother-in-law came back on the scene, they’ve become their own little happy family of three. I didn’t totally get the shaft; the four of us will spend Christmas Day together, but tonight they're with Riley’s parents. When Brody’s mom heard that I’d be alone, she insisted on including me in their celebration. There are few things I love more than eating, and from what I understand, there’s never a shortage of food in the Harris household, so I jumped on that shit faster than the motherfucking Flash. 

I text the asshole in question to find out where he is and get an automated “I’m driving so leave me alone” reply. Hopefully that means he’ll be here any minute because I’ve been spotted—if the figure looking out the window is any sign. Since I can no longer sit in the driveway like a creeper, I get out of my truck and make my way up to the covered porch. I don’t even have the chance to knock before the door opens. I have to look down because she’s over a foot shorter than me, but once our eyes meet, Brody’s sister, Charlee, is giving me the sexiest fucking smile I’ve ever seen. Goddamn, she’s even more beautiful than I remember from our brief encounter a few months back. 

“Well, hello there,” she purrs. 

“Hi yourself.” I smile and hand her a bottle of Merlot. “I come bearing gifts.” 

She takes the wine and winks. “Hopefully that’s not all you have to offer.” 

Is it just me, or was that statement loaded with innuendo? 

“Uh...I’m not too early, am I? I was supposed to meet Brody here.” 

She rolls her eyes. “No, you’re perfectly on time. He texted me about ten minutes ago saying they were stuck in traffic.” 

What a little shit. 

Traffic was freakishly light, and considering we live less than two miles from each other, our commute is practically identical. Knowing Brody, his tardiness has more to do with his girlfriend and their affliction for banging on every available surface. 

I clear my throat. “Oh...uh...” 

Charlee laughs. “Relax, Drew. I know that’s bullshit. I checked my traffic app as soon as his message came in and it’s green all the way down I-5. Knowing B, he was too busy fucking Rainey to monitor the time. But we’ll just keep that to ourselves so my mom doesn’t flip her shit, yeah?” 

I smirk. “Sounds like a good plan. No shit flipping tonight.” 

She steps aside to let me in. “So, come inside and get liquored up while we wait for them. Trust me; you’re gonna need it.” 

Her eyes slowly travel from my head to my feet and back up again. If I’m not mistaken, her gaze lingers on my crotch both times, making my dick do a little jig in my pants. 

Her breath hitches as I cross the threshold and stop right in front of her. I smile at the confirmation that she feels this crazy attraction too. “Like what you see?” 

Charlee crosses her arms over her chest. She’s wearing a V-neck sweater, so the motion makes her cleavage go from awesome to I-hope-I-don’t-blow-my-load-in-my-pants in two seconds flat. She doesn’t seem to realize what she’s doing, but that won't stop me from enjoying the view.

“So far, so good, but I’ll have to save my final assessment for a later date.” 

I raise my eyebrows. “Oh yeah? Care to explain why?” 

Charlee looks pointedly at my zipper. “Because I don’t know if you’re built like an oak everywhere yet. It’s entirely possible all of those muscles are compensating for a tiny cock.” 

I can’t help but laugh. This girl is refreshingly blunt and my dick doesn’t hate it—not even a little. 

I give her a salacious grin. “Honey, I’m six-five. Odds are in my favor from that fact alone. But let me assure you, I don’t need to compensate for anything. You just let me know if you’d like to see for yourself.” 

She taps her finger on her lips in mock contemplation. “Hmm...I’ll have to check my schedule and see if I can fit you in.” 

Thank God I went with the untucked button-up today because my boner is in full effect now.  

I lean down to whisper in her ear. “Spoiler alert: no matter how big it is, or how little you are, it will always fit. I’ll make sure of it, sweetheart.” 

I’m pretty sure she just shivered. Fuck, she smells good—like brown sugar, maybe. Right before I give in to the temptation of seeing if her skin tastes as sweet as it smells, we’re interrupted. 

“Andrew!” a woman says in a husky, thickly accented voice. “So glad you came! Benvenuto a casa mia!” 

Mrs. Harris, Brody’s and Charlee’s mother, pulls me into a freakishly strong hug considering her petite frame. I practically bend in half so I can strategically angle my lower body away from her. It’s a good thing, too, because as Charlee walks away, her fingertips just happen to graze my ass, dropping dangerously close to my nuts. As she heads into the other room, my eyes land on her ass, making the erection situation even worse. 

I straighten up and put my hands in my pockets. “Good to see you again, Mrs. Harris. It’s been a while.” 

She places her hand over her heart. “Mio Dio, look how big and strong you are now! You’re such handsome, virile boy. You and Carlotta will make beautiful babies.” 

“Wh-what?” I stutter. 

“I expect at least three, or better yet, four. You’re both about the same age, no? You should start soon. Very soon. How about right now? We have some time before dinner.” 

My jaw drops. “What?!” 

What the hell is happening right now? 

Mrs. Harris smirks. “Oh relax, boy, I’m just screwing with you. You make it too easy.” She chuckles. “You should see your face right now.” 

Jesus Christ, now I see where Brody gets it. 

“Uh...” 

A boisterous laugh echoes throughout the room. Mr. Harris sidles up next to his wife and kisses her on the cheek. “Sofia, let the poor man have a few drinks before you torment him.” 

“Drew,” he says shaking my hand. “Nice to see you again. What’s it been? Five years?” 

“Nine, actually,” I reply. 

The one and only time I met Mr. and Mrs. Harris was when they came to visit Brody at school. He and I lived in the same frat house and I was home when they showed up. 

“Huh. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?” He nods to the tiny woman at his side. “This one keeps me on my toes.” 

I laugh. “I bet.” 

Mrs. Harris rolls her eyes. “I check on lasagna now. Carlotta’s in the den. Daniel, you go show him where it is.” 

Mr. Harris salutes. “Yes, ma’am.” 

Mrs. Harris whacks him on the chest with the back of her hand. “Chooch.” 

“What did she just call you?” I ask. 

“A jackass.” He chuckles softly as he watches her leave the room. “But she meant it in the most loving way, of course.” 

Now I’m laughing. “Of course.” 

He nods to the arched entryway behind him. “Let’s go get some drinks. Whiskey good?” 

“Whiskey’s great. A double would be even better.” 

He laughs and gives me a knowing look. Christ, if the first five minutes were this eventful, Charlee was right. I am going to need some alcohol to survive the next few hours. 

 

 

​

 

RAINEY

​

“Damn it, Brody, quit! We’re forty-five minutes late because you couldn’t keep your wandering hands to yourself.” 

I’m meeting his parents for the first time today and I wanted to make a good impression. Showing up almost an hour late isn’t the best start. 

He smacks me on the ass, making me yelp. “You didn’t seem to mind when I was balls deep inside of you.” 

I give him the side-eye. “Yeah...well, it’s not my fault your dick is so magical. It turns me into some brainless sex-starved demon, just like that.” I snap my fingers to emphasize my point.

Brody grins. “Aw, baby, Thor loves it when you get all mindless and horny.” 

My lips twitch. Yes, my boyfriend named his dick Thor. You know...because he’s known for having a big hammer? I’ll never tell Brody this because his ego is big enough, but let’s just say the reference suits him well. 

“Regardless, I’m trying to make a good impression here. I want them to like me.” 

Brody pulls me into a side hug. “Honey, they’re going to love you just as much as I do. You have nothing to worry about. If anything, I should be worried you might leave me after meeting my crazy ass family.” 

I grab his chin and pull him into a kiss. “They can’t be any worse than putting up with you.” 

He laughs as he opens the front door. “Be prepared to eat some crow, honey.” He pulls me into a small foyer with a staircase to the right and a hallway on the left. “Hello? Where’s everyone at?” 

“B.J.!” shouts a woman with an Italian accent. 

I bite my lip to hide my smirk, knowing how much Brody hates the nickname his mom has given him. Do I really have to explain why? He takes my coat and hangs it in the side closet as she comes into view. Damn, she’s shorter than me, probably only five feet. I don’t know how the hell someone so small gave birth to the big guy by my side. 

She smiles widely as we make eye contact. “Oh, my! You are even more beautiful than I imagined!” 

“Thank you,” I say as she greets me with a kiss on each cheek. 

Mrs. Harris has been in this country for almost forty years but according to Brody, she refuses to give up her Old World ways. Her accent is just as strong as it was the first day she arrived in the U.S. 

“Hey, Mom,” Brody says while pulling her into a hug. 

Mrs. Harris smacks him on the chest with the back of her hand then turns to me. “My dear, you make sure you don’t put up with any bull from this one. He can be quite stupid with the ladies.” 

“Thanks, Ma,” Brody mutters. 

I laugh. “You don’t need to worry about that, Mrs. Harris.”

She flicks her wrist in an oh stop gesture. “Please, call me Sofia.”

I inhale deeply and have to fight a porny moan when I detect the unmistakable notes of garlic and red sauce. “The food smells wonderful, Sofia. Can I help with anything?” 

“No, my dear, it’s all ready to go. Just warming in the oven waiting for you two to get here.” She positions herself in between me and Brody and wraps her arms around us. “Come. Drinks and antipasto are in the den. Your friend is there keeping Carlotta company.” 

She leads us down to a sunken room filled with a tufted leather couch, a roaring fireplace, and a loaded bar cart. It’s simple but cozy—totally my jam. Drew and Charlee are sitting together—practically nose-to-nose I might add—sipping some amber liquid. When Drew spots us, he immediately scoots to the other side of the couch, leaving Brody’s sister looking awfully confused. That’s...interesting. 

“Whatsup, fucker?” Brody says by way of greeting. 

Sofia smacks him on the back of the head. “Language!”

“Ow!” Brody whines, rubbing his head. “Mom, I’m twenty-seven. I’m allowed to say fuck.”

“Not in my house, you’re not. We have guests—don’t act like an animal. You’re lucky Nonna is napping right now.” Turning to me she adds, “Rainey, may I get you a drink?”

“Sure, I’d love a glass of wine.” 

She hands me a glass of red and claps her hands together to get everyone’s attention. “Dinner will be on the table in ten minutes. Don’t be late.” She narrows her eyes at Brody. “Again.” 

I wait for her to leave the room before I smack his arm. “I told you she would be mad!”

He rubs the sore spot. “Why the fuck are all the women in my life so abusive? Jesus.” 

I roll my eyes. “Stop being a baby, Brody. I’m serious.” 

Charlee laughs. “Relax. She’ll get over it.” 

I grab a piece of mozzarella with salami wrapped around it, moaning when I take a bite of the salty goodness. “God, I’m so hungry. I haven’t had salami in forever.” 

Brody wraps a hand around my hip and pulls me into his side. “Honey, if you want to play hide the salami, I can make it quick.”

I give him a wry look. “As tempting as that is, your salami is the reason your mother is pissed off right now. I’ll pass.” 

Charlee gets up from the couch. “Well, I hope everyone is hungry because we have enough food to feed an army. It’s not a true Sicilian Christmas unless you’re eating nonstop. Mom, Nonna, and I made lasagna, eggplant parm, and puttanesca. For dessert, we have cannoli, buccellatti, and cassata.”

“Do you think your parents would mind if I moved in?” Drew asks. “I have no idea what half that stuff is but I want it in my belly.” 

Charlee turns her attention toward Drew and looks him up and down appreciatively. “Yeah, my mom always goes overboard, but she’ll insist you try everything. I might need your help burning off the calories later.” 

Drew does this weird fake cough thing while Brody’s fists clench. 

“Charlotte, knock it off,” Brody growls. 

She smirks. “Knock what off, B?” When Brody glares at her, she rolls her eyes. “Never mind, I don’t care. I’m going to go wake Nonna up for dinner.” 

Brody waits until his sister is out of earshot then points a stern finger at Drew. “Don’t even think about it, dude. I’m activating Bro Code.” 

Drew holds his hands up. “Got it.”

“What the hell are you two talking about?” I ask. 

“Sisters are off-limits,” Brody explains. “Charlee has a bad habit of hitting on my friends so I was just reminding Drew here that he’s not allowed to do anything about it.”

“You’re an idiot,” I say. 

He smirks and plants a kiss on my lips. “Ah yes, but I’m your idiot.” 

I smile. “You are.” 

He grabs my hand. “C’mon, baby, let’s go eat.” 

 

 

​

 

CHARLEE

​

Drew is shoveling food into his mouth at an alarming rate which, oddly, I find sexy. He goes through each dish with so much gusto it makes me wonder what else he does with such enthusiasm. I think my mother almost proposed marriage when he asked for a third helping of lasagna. She loves feeding people more than I do, and I love it a lot. 

Everyone at the table is eating, drinking, or laughing—sometimes all three at once—but I’m sitting here stewing, getting more irritated by the minute. We’ve been at the table for over an hour now and Drew has yet to say a word to me that doesn’t involve passing a dish. Maybe that wouldn’t seem so strange if we were on opposite ends of the table but the idiot is right next to me.  

I don’t know what his deal is, but it’s pissing me off. We were getting along perfectly, both of us flirting shamelessly over drinks. I think he was even about to kiss me right before my brother walked into the den. I’ll be the first to admit that my forwardness has intimidated many men in my life; hence, why I’ve never been good at relationships. I refuse to apologize for who I am—or change who I am—and the guys I’ve dated in the past ultimately wanted someone more reserved, I guess. 

That’s not the case with Drew though. He takes it all in stride and gives as good as he gets. He seems to actually appreciate my lack of filter, or at least he did before Brody got here. Like flipping a switch, now he’s practically treating me like I’m invisible and I’m fucking sick of it.   

I grin when I come up with a plan to get his attention. As discreetly as possible, I slouch in my chair and slide my hand under the table. Drew’s thick quad tenses as I trail my fingers in light circles right above his knee. He clears his throat and shakes his leg a bit, probably trying to buck me off, but I don’t let that deter me. He finally gives me the slightest acknowledgement when my hand makes its way to his thigh. He looks at me out of the corner of his eye then pulls the cloth napkin off his lap, dropping it on the floor. 

“Oops, I dropped my napkin!” he says. 

I’m forced to scoot away as his enormous body reaches between our chairs to retrieve the red linen square. His hazel eyes gleam with victory as he sits back up and resumes eating. 

So it’s going to be like that, huh? Game on, buddy. 

Not only does my hand pick up right where it left off, I squeeze the muscle, causing him to jump in his seat, before making my way toward his inner thigh. His legs immediately snap shut, essentially trapping my hand; all the while, we’re both taking bites of our food, as if we aren’t playing a game of dirty tug-of-war. Drew is really strong, but I’m small, which allows me to wiggle out of tight spaces. I pry my two outer fingers loose and begin a slow back-and-forth motion on his leg until I reach the unmistakable bulge beneath the denim. My pinky swipes across the tip of his erection right before all hell breaks loose. 

Drew starts choking which I think is an act at first, but quickly figure out it’s not. I give him a solid whack on the back which successfully purges the piece of bread that was lodged in his throat. Said piece of bread flies across the table and lands on my brother’s face with a wet plop. 

“Get it off! Get it off!” Brody screams.

As Brody’s scrubbing the napkin against his face with some serious elbow grease, his elbow knocks over a glass of vino, staining the pristine white tablecloth. My mother and grandmother curse in Italian, arms flailing wildly, while Rainey jumps up, trying to get out of the splash zone. As she stands, her knee knocks the underside of the table, causing the entire bottle of wine to go rolling onto the cream carpeting below. 

When I catch sight of my dad at the end of the table, still eating as if he’s not sitting in the middle of this giant shit show, I laugh so hard I’m snorting and hyperventilating. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Drew laughing with me. A boyish grin lights up his face when our eyes meet, sending tingles to all my lady bits. 

God, he’s a beautiful man. That may seem like an odd description for someone so inherently masculine, but he really is. I’m usually drawn to men with darker features but Drew is the exception to that, I suppose, with his dark blond hair and twinkly hazel eyes. There’s just something about him I can’t ignore, and I’m not just talking about his appearance. 

“Silenzio!” my mother yells, effectively ending the chaos. “Everyone sit back down and eat.” When nobody makes a move, she narrows her eyes and adds, “Now!” 

Forks immediately start clinking against plates. Sofia Harris may be little, but she’s fucking scary when she uses that tone.

“Um...” Rainey begins, “do you have any club soda? I can try getting the stain out of the carpet.” 

I peek under the table to assess the damage. Yikes, it’s pretty bad. 

“I’ll get it,” I offer. 

“Nonsense!” my mom shouts. “We will not let a little spilled wine ruin our holiday. Eat.” 

My eighty-seven-year-old nonna starts cackling and points to Drew. “I’d rather watch him eat me.” 

As soon as the words leave her mouth, five things happen in quick succession.

Drew’s mouth falls open in shock.

My mother gasps and makes the sign of the cross. “Mio Dio, Mamma! You can’t say things like that!” 

Brody repeatedly bangs his head on the table muttering, “Kill me now, God. Please, just kill me now.” 

My dad shakes his head, shrugs, then continues shoveling food into his mouth.

Rainey and I just sit there and laugh.

After a few beats, Drew shakes himself out of a stupor and whispers to me, “Did I just get propositioned by an elderly woman?”

“Yep, you sure did.” I wink. “The older she gets, the fewer fucks she gives about things like being proper. I kinda wanna be her when I grow up.” 

He returns my wink. “I think you’re off to a great start, honey.” 

 

 

​

​

BRODY 

​

After the dinner from hell, we all congregated to the living room for dessert and presents. Jesus, holidays with my family are always crazy because my family is, well, crazy, but this year takes the motherfucking cake. It’s bad enough I have to watch my sister hit on my best friend all night, but now my grandma is hitting on him too? My left eye won’t stop twitching and I’m pretty sure I’ll never have a boner again. 

“B.J., here, this one’s for you,” my mom says as she hands me a present. 

I unwrap the gift and pop the lid on the box. I frown as I lift the tissue paper and find a 9-pack of white cotton briefs. 

“Tighty whities? What the hell, Ma? I haven’t worn these since I was eight.” 

She has to raise her voice to be heard over the laughing assholes in the room. “They’re better for the sperm count. Now you have woman, you have to make sure your swimmers are healthy.” 

“First, I think you have it backwards. Boxers are better for sperm count. Second, my swimmers are just fine, thank you very much.”

“This is the best Christmas ever!” Rainey snickers. 

I put her in a playful headlock. “Yeah, keep laughing, sweetheart. You just wait until my super swimmers knock you up.” 

“Yes, do that,” my mom says. “But you get married first. Then you give me grandbabies.” 

“Slow your roll, Ma,” I say. “We just decided to move in together. We have plenty of time for marriage and babies.”

She throws her hands up in exasperation. “You and Carlotta take too long! You need to get serious and give me lots of grandbabies!” 

“Uh, Mamma,” Charlee says, “I’m not even dating anyone, let alone ready for someone to impregnate me.” 

“Why not?” my mom asks. She throws her arm out, gesturing to Drew. “You have a big, strapping man right there. I see how you look at each other. You’d make beautiful bambini.” 

“Over my dead body,” I mutter. 

Charlee must’ve heard that because she flashes me a glare as she grabs another present from under the tree. “Drew, this one’s for you, from me.” 

Drew shakes off my mom’s comment and takes the gift from Charlee. “You got me a present? You didn’t have to do that.” 

She shrugs. “Don’t get too excited. It’s just some cookies I baked.”

His face splits into a huge smile. “You made food for me?” 

Goddammit, I don’t like the look he’s giving her. 

“I did,” Charlee beams. 

“See what I mean?” my mom says, flicking her wrist between them. “She likes to cook, and he likes to eat. They’re perfect for each other!” 

Charlee rolls her eyes. “Mom, back off on the matchmaking. You’re freaking Drew out and besides, I’m perfectly capable of finding my own dates.” 

My mom grabs my dad’s hand. “I just want my children to be happy. If you want happiness, you have to make it happen.”  

With that, she pulls my dad into a kiss that’s not even in the same zip code as appropriate. 

“Ugh, stop embarrassing me, you two!” I shout. 

Drew, red-faced, jumps up from the couch. Oh Christ, I’m pretty sure my grandma just pinched his ass. 

“This evening explains so much,” he mutters. 

I pull Rainey into a hug. “How’s that crow tasting?”

She laughs. “Okay, you win this one.” 

I give her a quick peck on the lips. “Welcome to the family, honey.” 

​

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS DAY

 

DEVYN 

​

“Mmm, good morning,” I moan as Riley’s hands wander over my body. 

He presses his erection into my backside. “Merry Christmas, baby. I have a present for you I think you should open right now.” 

I laugh. “Is that so?”

“Oh yeah,” he insists. “It’s been really hard keeping it all to myself.” 

I turn towards him and playfully smack his shoulder. “Wow, that was really cheesy.” 

He gives me a lopsided grin. “Sorry, there’s not a lot of blood left in my brain right now, which is totally your fault by the way.” 

“And why would that be?”

His hands slide beneath my sleep shorts to squeeze my naked butt cheeks. “Because waking up with my dick nestled into this ass makes me think about all the filthy things I want to do to you.”

“I like where this is going.” I gasp as his fingers slide around to my front and begin rubbing my little bundle of nerves. “Oh, Rye.” 

He nibbles the spot on my neck that drives me crazy. “Mmm, I’m just getting started, baby.” 

Right as he tugs my shorts down, the door to our bedroom bursts open. 

“Mommy! Daddy! It’s Christmas!” shouts our son, Nathan. 

Riley’s forehead falls to my clavicle. “Fuuuuuuck. Why didn’t I lock that?”

I swat the back of his head and whisper, “Language.” 

Nate crawls onto the bed and starts jumping up and down. “Come oooooon, it’s time to open pwesents!” 

I sit up and rub the sleep out of my eyes. “Okay, baby. Daddy and I will be right out. Go brush your teeth and wait by the tree.” 

“Then we can open pwesents?” he asks excitedly. 

“Yes, sweetie. Then we can open presents.” 

“Yay!” He’s jumping even more enthusiastically now. Right before I grab him mid-leap, he stumbles over my legs and falls forward. 

“Aaaaahh!” Riley shouts, hunching into a fetal position. 

I grab our son and place him on the floor. “Honey, you need to be careful. You hurt Daddy’s privates. Again.” 

Nate hangs his head. “I sorry, Daddy.” 

Riley’s face softens. “It’s okay, buddy. Just be careful next time, okay?” 

“Okay, Daddy.” 

I ruffle Nathan’s hair. “Go brush your teeth and we’ll be right out.”

“’Kay, Momma!” 

Riley is still grabbing his crotch, his face twisted in agony. “I swear to God his knee is like a heat missile to my nuts. I need to start wearing a cup.”

I laugh. “Aw, it’s okay, baby. I’ll make it up to you later.”

His eyebrows lift. “Oh yeah? Tell me all the details.” 

“Later, stud.” I pull on some yoga pants and a hoodie. “Hurry and get some clothes on. I’m pretty sure I hear Nate sorting through the gifts already.”

I head downstairs and start the coffeemaker, with a slight detour to pull my kid out from under the tree. As I’m taking my first sip of liquid gold, my phone buzzes on the counter with an incoming text from my brother. 

Drew: I’ll be there in a minute. I parked down the street. I have a surprise for my favorite nephew.

Me: He’s your only nephew. What surprise?

Drew: Answer the door and you’ll find out.

Riley joins us in the living room as I head to the front door, wondering what my brother is up to. I don’t need to ponder it for long when I see the bright red coat and long white beard through the side window. He’s dressed up in a full Santa suit—the muscle-bound goliath version anyway. 

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Drew’s voice booms as soon as I open the door. “Merry Christmas!” 

I smirk as I step aside to let him in. “Why, hello there, Santa! Please come in.” 

“Santa!” Nathan shrieks as he comes barreling towards Drew. 

“Well, hello there, little boy! Have you been a g—” Drew’s cut off when Nathan’s hard head runs straight into his crotch. He grunts and doubles over in pain screaming, “My chestnuts! He nailed me right in the fucking chestnuts!” 

Nathan gasps. “Ooh, Santa, you said a naughty word! Put a dollar in the jar!” 

I try stifling my laughter but I’m not doing a great job. “Yeah, Santa. You know the rules. You swear, you put money in the jar.” 

“I think you should get a free pass when someone headbutts your nads,” Drew groans. 

Riley winces. “Geez, Nathan, are you trying to sterilize everyone for Christmas?”

Nathan’s attention shifts when he sees the sack of presents that fell to the ground. “Ooh, are these for me, Santa?” 

Drew takes a deep breath and crouches down to eye level. “They sure are, little boy! There’s some for you and your parents.” 

Nate tugs on my pant leg. “Mommy! Santa brought us all pwesents!” 

Riley picks up the bag and takes Nathan’s hand. “C’mon, buddy. Let’s give the jolly red giant some breathing room and put these under the tree.” 

When they’re far enough away, I whisper, “You okay there?”

Drew adjusts himself and grimaces. “What is it with that kid and the nuts? Karma’s going to be a real bitch to him when he gets older.” 

I laugh. “Well, for his sake, let’s hope Karma has forgiven him by then. Hey, as cute as this Santa thing is, when’s Uncle Drew making an appearance? Nate’s really excited to give you the present that he made.” 

He smiles. “I have regular clothes under this. I’ll ditch the suit in my truck and be back in just a few.” 

“Nathan,” I call over my shoulder, “Santa has to go visit other boys and girls before he heads back to the North Pole. Say goodbye.” 

Nate waves his hand. “Bye Santa!” 

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Drew replies. “Goodbye, Nathan. Be a good boy!” 

“I’ll leave the door unlocked. Just come in.” 

He nods. “Be right back.” 

I close the door and join the boys by the tree. 

Riley places a light kiss on my lips. “It’s our first Christmas together as a family.” 

I smile. “That it is.” 

Nate climbs in my lap. “Can I open pwesents now, Momma?” 

I grab a box and place it in his lap. “Yes, sweetie.” 

Nate goes to town ripping the paper off and squeals when he sees his new toy. “Iron Man! Daddy, can you get him out?”  

Riley gets to work opening the box and freeing Nate’s new action figure when Drew walks through the door. 

“Merry Christmas!” he says. 

Nathan jumps up and starts running towards him. “Unca’ Drew! I got Iron Man!” 

Drew flinches when Nate gets within reach of his balls and swings him into his arms to avoid another mishap. “Iron Man? That’s so cool, buddy!” 

“C’mon, Unca’ Drew, let’s open more pwesents! I made you the bestest pwesent ever with lots and lots of pink glitter!” 

Drew smirks and takes a seat on the floor next to me, propping Nate on his lap. “Yes! Glitter presents are the best! Let’s show this wrapping paper who’s boss, little man.” 

I smile as I watch the three most important men in my life sit by the tree opening gifts. Riley and I share a glance and I have to fight back tears from the overwhelming happiness I feel right now. These boys are my everything. I couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate the holidays than with them by my side. 

 

​

CHRISTMAS DAY

 

RILEY 

​

Last Christmas, I was sitting in my apartment on the other end of the country, alone and miserable. I remember staring at my miniature tree until the lights blurred, trying to pinpoint where I went wrong. That’s when it hit me: I had to do whatever it took to get Devyn Summers back into my life. 

Although you’d never know it on the surface, a part of me died the day I walked away from her. I thought leaving was in her best interest so I went through the motions for years, trying to forget, until I just couldn’t fight it anymore. 

Now, not only is Devyn my fiancée, but we have a perfect, precocious little boy I never knew existed until recently. By next Christmas, Devyn will be my wife and hopefully, Nate will have a new brother or sister on the way. If he doesn’t do permanent damage to my nuts before then, anyway. 

I look around my open-concept house and smile. The entire first floor is trashed. Dishes are piled high in the kitchen sink and it seems like a toy factory blew up in here, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have an incredible woman by my side. We have a bright, healthy son. At the risk of sounding like a pussy, my heart is so full of love for those two, some days it feels like it might burst. 

“Out like a light,” Devyn says as she reaches the bottom stair. 

I gesture to the pile of wrapping paper. “You think we should clean this up tonight?” 

She shakes her head. “Nah, I can think of better things we should do while Nate’s asleep.” 

I wiggle my eyebrows. “You wanna play chess?” 

She rolls her eyes with a smile. “Is that what we’re calling it now?” 

I laugh. With a four-year-old around the house who seems to have superhuman hearing, we have to talk in code a lot. 

“What’d you have in mind?” 

She toys with the belt on her robe. “I still have one more present for you to open.” 

I use the belt to pull her closer. “Really?” 

“Mmm hmm,” she says. 

I kiss her neck. “Does this present happen to be in our bedroom?” 

Devyn steps back for a moment and unties the belt on her robe. As the fabric falls away, I’m rendered speechless. A sheer red thing covers her torso but I can still see every beautiful inch of her naked body. 

Goddamn, I’ll never get enough of this woman. 

I grab the back of her neck and bring her into a kiss. “How did I get so fucking lucky?” 

A sexy grin spreads across her face. “Come upstairs with me and you’ll get even luckier.”