Page 82 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets

She kissed him. Long and hard and until they were both breathless.

When she pulled away, she had to blink to see through the tears.

He swallowed. “Um…so, can I take that as a yes?”

She laughed. “Yes.” The word finally burst from her. “Absolutely.”

“That was very decisive. Like you know exactly what you want.”

“I do. I want you.”

“Doesn’t get much better than that.”

Except when he kissed her again, she decided it actuallycouldget better.

“Good morning,” a little voice said from behind them.

Jade turned and smiled. Mia stood in the entranceway, one foot on top of the other, her dark hair tangled around her sleep-flushed face. “Good morning, Little Bear,” she said. “Where are the twins?”

“They’re trying to decide if we’re really having Christmas because of the snow.”

“Of course we are,” Bryce said. “Tell them and your grandparents to come on. We’ll open gifts, then I’m making my famous pancakes.” He looked at Jade. “If that’s okay with your mom.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it.”

“Yum!” Mia spun and raced off. Less than a minute later, the three children returned with Jade’s parents in tow. Mia rode piggyback on Gage. He lowered her gently to the floor and stood, mouth open, staring at the tree and the gifts surrounding it. Jessica’s expression mirrored his.

“Well?” Jade’s father asked. “What are you waiting for? It’s Christmas! Let’s open presents!”

The kids yelled and darted for the tree. Sasha raised her head, eyeing the chaos. Deciding all was fine, she lowered her protective stance and watched the paper fly. A bow landed on her nose and she huffed a sigh before swiping it off with a paw.

Tears rose in Jade’s eyes as she watched her family. Bryce was like a kid himself, taking delight in each wondrous moment and gleeful shout of joy. Her mom and dad eyed all three children, watching and laughing. They’d told Gage and Jessica last night that the adoption would be final after the first of the year, and they’d found their forever home. And forever family.

Finally, Bryce rose and joined her. “You’re just taking it all in, aren’t you?” he asked.

“I am.”

“It’s some kind of crazy, isn’t it?” He grinned. “I love it.” He leaned over to kiss her. “And I loveyou.” Tears shimmered in his eyes as Mia ran over to throw herself into his arms.

He caught her easily and lifted her to plant a kiss on her cheek. “What is it, kiddo?”

“Merry Christmas, Daddy.”

Jade swallowed a sob as Bryce went still. Then he lowered himself to his knees, the prosthetic not hindering his downward motion. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had, and you want to know why?”

“Yes!”

“Because you—and everyone in this room—are a part of it.” He hugged her, and Mia reached for Jade to make it a group hug. Sasha rose and made her way over to them, pushing her large head into the midst. Jade’s heart swelled to the point of rupturing. Life was never perfect, but it was good, and she was grateful.

“Now, who’s ready for pancakes?” Jade said.

More cheers erupted along with more joy, more love, a couple of excited barks, and more memories to cherish.

It was definitely the best Christmas ever.

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