Love Again

  Mick and Wade held up their hands for me to slap. “Yes!” Wade added.

  “What about y’all, Wanda?”

  “Christmas Eve is when we do the big family dinner. The kids get involved and each one has a job to do. After dinner, we clean up and watch movies. Mick and I pick one and the kids get to pick two.”

  Waylynn snuggled in next to me. “I love that tradition. What movie do you normally pick?”

  “It changes each year. This year, it’s Miracle on 34th Street.”

  “I love that movie!” Amelia squealed.

  “I’ve never seen it,” I said.

  All eyes were on me.

  “Jonathon Turner, you’ve never seen Miracle on 34th Street?” Waylynn asked in horror.

  “No,” I replied with a chuckle.

  “Tomorrow night we’re watching it at my folks’ place. Mom and Dad will love that idea.”

  Kissing her on the forehead, I replied, “Sounds like the perfect Christmas Eve.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Waylynn

  Christmas Eve was blissful at my parents’ house, and the evening ended with everyone watching Miracle on 34th Street. Christmas morning was even better. Waking up to the man I loved gently kissing me all over my body was like a present in itself.

  When he slowly made love to me I declared it the best Christmas morning of my life.

  “You about ready, Waylynn?” Jonathon called from the living room. I took one last look at myself in the mirror and grinned. The lace bodice I wore was white with delicate-looking snowflakes hanging from the body. The red, flared, satin skirt hugged my waist and fell to the floor. The small amount of stomach that peeked through would have Jonathon going crazy all day and the thought made me giddy with happiness.

  “I’m almost ready! Just need earrings!”

  Slipping on my white flats, I grabbed a pair of snowflake earrings and put them on as I walked down the hall. Jonathon was standing on the back porch, looking out over the hill country and talking on the phone.

  I walked up to the partially open sliding glass door.

  “I’m not sure why you’re calling me, especially on Christmas morning.”

  Stopping short of the door, I paused.

  Jonathon let out a frustrated sigh. “Listen, Bethany, I’ve already told you I’m not interested. I’m dating Waylynn, and I’m very much in love with her so no matter what you have to say, I’m not interested.”

  Ugh. I cannot believe that bitch is calling my boyfriend, and on Christmas day, too!

  Tapping on the glass door, I waited for Jonathon to turn around. The moment he saw me, a wide grin appeared.

  “I’ve got to go.”

  He pulled his phone from his ear and hit End. Slipping it into his pocket, his eyes traveled across my body. Oh, yeah, Bethany was not a threat at all.

  “Holy Christmas hotness.”

  “You like? Mom likes it when we dress up, and I saw this in the new little boutique on Main. You know, the one that Mallory Monroe owns.”

  Jonathon lifted a brow and shook his head as he made his way over to me. Bending over, he kissed me on the forehead. “Don’t tell me you went into that poor girl’s store to spy on her.”

  I gasped like I was shocked. “What ever do you mean?”

  Laughing, he pulled my body against his. “I mean, Tripp asked her to dinner and all of a sudden you’re shopping in her store. Seems fishy.”

  “Do you not see the adorable dress I have on, Jonathon Turner?”

  His eyes drifted over my body again. “I see it, and it does look amazing on you.”

  “Well, Mallory helped me pick it out. I may have her a question or two. She knows who I am and that I’m Tripp’s older sister.”

  “And does she also know you had motives for shopping at her store other than just buying a dress?”

  “I bought three dresses.”

  “Three?”

  “What? I like her! A lot. And she’s a single mom and all of that. I felt like it was my duty to buy a few dresses. She also caught on pretty quick that I was on a recon mission to find out about her. She ended up inviting me to get an ice cream cone with her and her adorable daughter, Anna.”

  “So, do you approve?”

  I nodded as Jonathan guided me away from the sliding glass door and locked it.

  “I like her, but she’s not Harley. The opposite, actually.” I pointed to the breakfast casserole I had put on the island. “Will you grab that?”

  Jonathon picked up the dish and said, “Maybe Harley isn’t what Tripp wants, or even needs.”

  Sighing, I laced my fingers with his. “Maybe. It will be interesting to see where this goes.”

  “Just keep out of it, Waylynn. You didn’t like your brothers getting into our business. Don’t do the same thing to them.”

  I crossed my heart. “I promise I won’t meddle…much.”

  Jonathon chuckled. “Why do I feel like that is a half-hearted promise.”

  “I have two concerns. One is that Tripp might lead this girl on, and that wouldn’t be cool. Not when she has a three-year-old who he might be a part of our world if things progress. And my second worry is that this girl is only looking for security.”

  “You think that?”

  Pausing a few seconds, I replied, “No. She seems pretty independent, and it’s clear she’s smart and knows what she’s doing. Her shop is the talk of Oak Springs.”

  “There’s a but in there.”

  I nodded as we walked toward Jonathon’s truck. “I get a weird feeling about her. Like she’s hiding something. I mean, seriously, what would make a woman like that come to Oak Springs, Texas, and open a business?”

  “The town is growing a lot and the more we grow, the more tourists will come.”

  Jonathon opened the passenger door and held my hand as I got into the truck. He carefully made sure that my dress was tucked in before handing me the dish.

  “Are you sure you’re not overthinking this, Waylynn?”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I frowned. “There is a good possibility I am.”

  He tossed his head back and laughed. “This is why I love you.”

  Another quick kiss and he shut the door. My heart hammered while I watched him walk around the truck. It wasn’t like I had never had a man tell me he loved me, but when Jonathon said the words, it was more than butterflies in my stomach. My whole body felt it, deep into my soul.

  Once he got into the truck and we took off down the gravel road that led to my parents’ house, he started talking again.

  “I understand, though, what you mean by Hope. She contacted me about remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms in her house.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep. At first I thought I was wasting my time. I couldn’t possibly see how a single mom who just opened a business could afford to remodel her kitchen and three bathrooms, but she gave me a letter from the bank stating she had the funds to cover the expenses.”

  “You mean that she was approved for a loan?”

  Jonathon looked at me. “No. She actually had the cash in the bank. I mean, I get that the same thing happened with you, but hell, I knew you were married to a millionaire. This girl doesn’t look like someone who just left New York City with a lot of cash in pocket. The house isn’t huge. Just one of the old historical ones a few blocks from where Corina’s place is. It needs updating, so I’m sure she got it for a great price. But, still…I have to admit, it had me curious.”

  “Huh. Well, we could always have Bethany do a story on her.”

  Jonathon grunted. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that. I have no idea why she called me. I haven’t been in contact with her at all.”

  I took his hand in mine. “It was a bitch move, but I’m not questioning you about it.”

  “She was a bit obsessed with me for awhile. I feel like I need to tell you that, since she called today. I promise she won’t be an issue for us.”

  Kissing the back of his hand, I replied, “J
ack won’t be an issue either, but I can’t control his moves, like you can’t control Bethany’s.”

  “Let’s not talk about the exes on Christmas. Ugh.”

  Laughing, I agreed. “So, later we’ll go to your folks’ place?”

  “If you want. I told my mom I wasn’t a hundred percent certain we would stop by.”

  “I’d love to stop by. I’m dying to see how many trees she has up!”

  Jonathon chuckled. “Well, I can tell you you’re overdressed for my folks’ place.”

  “I figured. We always do a family picture, hence the reason Mom likes everyone dressed up. Normally I bring a change of clothes for afterwards, but I felt sexy in this dress.”

  “You look like one of Santa’s sexy elves.”

  “Well, maybe Santa’s elf has a few gifts for you on this Christmas morning.”

  Jonathon stopped the truck and put it in park. “Really now? Do tell, because I cannot possibly pull up to your folks’ place with a hard dick.”

  Licking my lips, I unbuckled. “I bet I know how to fix that.”

  His eyes lit up. “Do show me.”

  Reaching to unbuckle his belt, my hands slipped down his dress pants, unbuttoning and then pulling the zipper open. “Pull those britches down and let me show you.”

  Jonathon quickly did as I asked.

  “Your dress, Waylynn.”

  “Is fine.”

  I cupped his balls as I took him into my mouth. He let out a long hiss of pleasure as I moved up and down his shaft, sucking and licking his dick like it was my favorite lollipop.

  When I moaned, he jumped.

  “Fucking hell. Waylynn, I’m going to come.”

  One more long suck and I felt his cum hitting the back of my throat. After licking him completely clean, I sat up and smiled. His head was leaned back against the headrest with his mouth parted slightly.

  “Feel better?”

  “I feel like I want to return the favor.”

  Giggling, I got myself seated with my skirt back in order. “Oh trust me, I have big plans for Christmas night. Don’t you worry, Mr. Turner.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Jonathon

  Chloe sat on the floor with a pile of presents in front of her. After Amelia and Wade passed out all the gifts, it was time for everyone to open them. In our house, it was usually a free-for-all, but Steed and Paxton wanted Chloe to open her gifts and thank us one by one. When it took five minutes for each gift, Steed nixed the idea and let Chloe have at it with her presents. Much to his and Paxton’s pleasant surprise, Chloe got up and thanked each person for her gifts as she opened them anyway.

  Steed stood and handed Mitchell a box wrapped in pink paper and ribbons. “This is for you, bro.”

  Glancing at his brother as he took the gift box, Mitchell grinned. “Yeah? Pink paper, huh? You know something I don’t?”

  Everyone chuckled. My eyes scanned the room as I took everything in. I was used to being around a large family, and mine wasn’t very different from the Parkers. A warmth settled into my chest as I enjoyed the activity. I’d known this family for so many years, been a part of so many family functions, but this time it felt different. I felt whole and happy. Not the best friend looking in from the outside, but a man loved by the woman sitting next to him.

  “What in the hell, Steed!”

  Snapping my head to Mitchell, I laughed when he held up a bunch of Playboy magazines.

  “Dude! I used to sneak into your room and read those!” Cord said with a full-on laugh. He pointed to me. “Do you remember, Jonathon?”

  I nodded. “You were reading them, Cord?” Laughter erupted all around. “I do remember that. Then one day they disappeared.”

  “That’s because I stole them from Mitchell. I thought he was going to cry!” Steed announced.

  “Screw you, Steed.”

  “Is that a bad word, Daddy? Like hell, shit, fuck?” Chloe asked.

  “Yes, pumpkin. Don’t repeat that word or the other ones you can’t seem to forget.”

  As everyone finished opening their gifts, Chloe walked around the Christmas tree. “I think Santa forgot one of my gifts.”

  “Really? Which one?” Paxton asked. Everyone waited for Chloe to answer. My eye caught Mitchell and Corina snuggled up next to each other on one of the sofas. Mitchell had his hand resting on Corina’s stomach. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

  “It’s okay. Maybe he thought I wasn’t ready yet.”

  “My curiosity is piqued,” I whispered into Waylynn’s ear.

  “Long story, short version, Amelia told Chloe that Santa would bring her a horse. That’s what she’s looking for.”

  “Did she get one?” I asked.

  Looking up at me from where she was sitting on the floor, Waylynn winked.

  Steed stood. “Well, hold on. What’s this way up at the top? Looks like Amelia missed this one.”

  Amelia huffed as she folded her arms but still wore a smile.

  “What do we have here?” Steed pulled a small black box out of the top of the tree. “It has your name on it, Chloe.”

  Her little blue eyes lit up, and I couldn’t wait to see her face when she opened it.

  “It does?” she asked. Her voice full of wonder.

  Steed handed his daughter the box and sat next to Paxton. Gage was in a chair that had a bunch of toys hanging down from it, keeping him entertained.

  Ripping open the package, Chloe took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she pulled the lid off, she pulled a toy horse out of the box.

  “Hmm, I think I better communicate with Santa a little better next year,” Chloe said as she stared at the toy. Everyone laughed.

  Steed’s phone rang and he answered. “Oh, hey, Trevor. What did you find? No way! Okay, we’re heading that way now.”

  “Trevor said he found another present when he went to the barn to check on something.”

  I’d never seen Chloe jump up so fast. “What is it?”

  “I don’t know, pumpkin. He said to go out front, so let’s go.”

  Chloe raced to the door as we all piled out to follow her.

  “She’s going to be so excited,” Melanie said as she and John walked hand-in-hand behind Paxton and Steed. Waylynn scooped up Gage and was holding him as we watched the scene unfold.

  Standing on the porch, Chloe looked back at her father. “Uncle Trevor’s not out here, Daddy.”

  Just then, Trevor came walking around the corner holding a lead rope with a beautiful brown and white tobiano-patterned horse on the end. He was stunning.

  What happened next I don’t think anyone saw coming. Chloe burst into tears and ran up to the horse screaming, “THANK YOU, SANTA CLAUS!” My heart felt like it was going to explode, especially when I turned to see Steed wiping away his tears.

  “Daddy! Mommy! He’s beautiful!”

  Paxton was crying as she watched the gelding lower his head for Chloe to wrap her arms around him. When he lifted her slightly off the ground, I lost my battle.

  “Jonathon Turner, are you crying?” Waylynn asked.

  I wiped my face. “No, it’s dusty out here.”

  Cord stood on the other side of me. “Fuck that. I’m man enough to admit that that shit got to me right here.” He slapped his chest a few times while shaking his head.

  Even Trevor was attempting not to let a tear fall as he dabbed at the corners of his eyes and said, “Cedar must be makin’ an appearance and blooming early.”

  John chuckled. “Man up to it, son. Just man up to it.”

  “I love him so much!” Chloe shouted. “I will forever take care of Rip!”

  “Rip?” everyone asked, while Waylynn busted out laughing.

  Facing everyone, Chloe wore a huge smile. “Rip Turner has moved to my number one position as my future husband because he’s so handsome, and if he looks like his brother…” She pointed to me. “When he grows up, he’s going to be beautiful. Like my new horse. So, I have to name him
Rip!”

  She walked around the horse, running her hand along him. I guessed she was copying either her father or one of the other guys when they looked over the horses.

  “I can’t wait to ride, Rip!”

  “Why does that comment make me sick to my stomach?” Steed groaned as Paxton smacked him.

  I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m going to have to have a long talk with my baby brother,” I mumbled as Wade laughed next to me.

  Wade glanced at Steed. “Look at it this way, Steed. She’s long forgotten about me.”

  “I’d rather her have a crush on you than a boy her own age! She named the horse after him, for Christ’s sake! Hell, I need a drink. Turner, come on. We have some talking to do.”

  “Me? Why me?”

  “It’s your brother my daughter just named her horse after. Arrangements for her to go to an all-girl private school must start now…and I’m thinking you have to foot half the bill.”

  “Steed Parker, you stop that!” Paxton cried out as she giggled.

  “Come on y’all! It’s time for Christmas breakfast!” Melanie called out.

  * * *

  Waylynn and I were finally back at her place, and I couldn’t wait to get into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Melanie must have made us pose for over an hour for family photos.

  “It was a good call on my part to wear the flats. I knew my mother was going to have us walking all over the damn countryside for the perfect photo.”

  I chuckled. “I can’t believe we ended up back at the barn where we started.”

  Slipping her skirt off, she sighed. “I can. When Melanie Parker gets an idea in her head, you might as well call it a day.”

  My eyes traveled over her perfect legs to her white lace boy shorts. “Huh. That sounds familiar.”

  “Ha ha.”

  “I’m just sayin’, the apple don’t fall far from the tree, sweetheart.”

  Waylynn pulled her shirt off to reveal a white lace bra that showed an insane amount of cleavage. “Do we have time to play?” she asked.

  Walking over to me, she lifted my shirt over my head and tossed it to the floor.