Page 8 of A Dye Hard Holiday

“I’m glad you feel that way because I think you’d make a fine addition to our team. I’d like to offer you the position.”

“Thank you, sir. I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I need to be upfront and tell you that I won’t be able to start until I can wrap up my current undercover case. I’d love to tell you that it will only be a few weeks, but…”

“I understand, Detective Markham. I have no desire to undermine your case or put another officer in harm’s way by pulling you off a case too soon. I know how deep in cover you have to go sometimes. The position is yours.”

“I’m honored.” He reached across my desk and shook my hand.

“Welcome to Blissville, Detective Markham.”

Warmth, laughter, and the delicious aroma of baked apple pie greeted me when I stepped inside our home. An easy smile spread across my face because I loved my life. No matter how tough my work day was, I got to come home to my beautiful family. My smile turned into delighted laughter when Destiny and Dylan squealed happily when I walked into the family room. I squatted down, opened my arms, and held my breath when they both toddled toward me a few steps before falling down on their butts. Dylan started to cry, and I’m pretty sure Destiny rolled her eyes at his theatrics.

I scooped them both up and cradled them against my chest. “Did you miss Papa?”

“Paaaapa!” they both chanted.

“I missed you too.” I kissed them each on top of their heads then accepted Josh’s welcome home kiss. “So, what did you guys do today?”

“The town folk tried to pump me for information about the crime committed at Santa’s Village,” Josh informed me.

“What did you tell them?”

“I told them I needed more time to work the scoop out of you.”

I laughed then asked, “Is that why you baked a pie?”

“No, I figured you could use comfort food after a long day,” Josh responded then stood on his tiptoes and leaned closer so that his lips touched my ear. “I’ll bring out the heavy guns later to get the information out of you.”

“Cuffs? Rope? Your favorite burgundy silk tie?”

“I was thinking more like a scalp massage, perv.”

I followed him into the kitchen, admiring his round ass every step of the way. I had big plans for him after the babies and grandparents went to sleep for the night. Until then, I kept my mind out of the gutter and listened as he talked about his day while I fed the twins. Of course, I got held up on the part where he talked about it being a make out spot for teens during off season.

“Which you don’t know from personal experience though, right?” I asked.

“Ummm.”

“Sunshine?”

He turned around slowly, his fingers coated in egg and flour from battering the country fried steaks. “Baby, you knew I wasn’t a virgin when we met.”

“How often?”

“Really, Gabe?” He rolled his eyes and turned back to his task. “I was like every horny misfit who wanted to find affection and acceptance any way he could. It was just sex and I usually felt pretty shitty afterward.” Josh paused for a second then added, “I can’t regret it though, because it sure makes me appreciate what I have with you.”

“Who were they?” Yeah, two years later, and I was still dragging my knuckles. “Never mind; I don’t want to know.”

“I wasn’t going to tell you anyway.” Josh laughed then changed the subject. “Tell me about the parts of your day that you can share.”

“You won’t believe it,” I said, using a familiar phrase.

“Try me.”

“I hired a new partner for Adrian,” I announced.

“How did that feel?”

“What do you mean?”