Page 147 of Daddies on Ice

“Someone’s excited about his first Christmas,” Jake says, scooping Jac up and spinning him gently in the air. Our son squeals with delight, his chubby hands reaching for Jake’s face.

“Careful with him,” Ash warns, but he’s smiling as he says it. The team captain has turned out to be the most protective of all three men when it comes to Jac, constantly checking on him and making sure he’s safe.

Carl emerges from the kitchen carrying a tray of hot chocolate. “Krystal’s finally asleep,” he reports. “She was so excited about Santa coming that I thought she’d never settle down.”

My heart warms thinking about Carl’s granddaughter, who’s become like a big sister to Jac.

She and Becky are thick as thieves, and having them both here makes our house feel even more like a real family home.

“Where is Becky?” I ask, suddenly realizing I haven’t seen her in a while.

“She’s in her room, playing with her new dollhouse,” Ash replies. “She said she wanted to set it up perfectly before showing Jac.”

I smile, thinking about how naturally Becky has adapted to our expanded family.

She adores all three of her “daddies” and has never questioned why she has more parents than other kids. To her, it’s just normal, and maybe that’s the most beautiful part of all.

Jake settles onto the couch with Jac, who’s starting to get drowsy after all the excitement of the day. “I think someone’s ready for bed too.”

“I’ll put him down,” Ash offers, reaching for the baby. Jac goes willingly into his arms, his little head already drooping against Ash’s shoulder.

Carl and I watch as Ash carries our son upstairs to the nursery. The sight of the strong, protective hockey player being so gentle with our baby never fails to make my heart skip a beat.

When Ash returns from putting Jac down, he finds the three of us curled together on the couch.

His brown eyes darken with desire as he takes in the sight, and I feel heat pool low in my belly.

It’s been weeks since we’ve had time for just the four of us, between the baby’s schedule and the hockey season.

“He’s out like a light,” Ash reports, his voice slightly rougher than usual. “Won’t wake up for hours.”

The air in the room shifts, becoming charged with the familiar electricity that always sparks between us. Carl’s thumb traces circles on the back of my hand, while Jake’s fingers play with the hem of my sweater.

“The girls are both asleep too,” Carl adds, his blue eyes meeting mine with unmistakable intent.

My breath catches as I look between the three of them. Even after all this time, they still have the power to make me feel like the most desired woman in the world.

The way they look at me—like I’m something precious and beautiful and theirs—never fails to set my pulse racing.

“Upstairs?” Jake suggests, his voice husky with want.

I nod, suddenly breathless with anticipation.

We make our way quietly up to the master bedroom, the largest room in the house with a king-size bed that accommodates all four of us comfortably for these such occasions.

We all have our own rooms, too.

Once the door is closed behind us, the careful restraint we’ve all been maintaining dissolves.

Carl’s hands frame my face as he kisses me deeply, his tongue sliding against mine with practiced skill.

I moan into his mouth, my hands fisting in his shirt.

Jake presses against my back, his lips finding the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder.

His teeth graze my skin, making me shiver with need. “I’ve missed this,” he whispers against my ear. “Missed having you all to ourselves.”

Ash moves to the bed, sitting on the edge as he watches us with hungry eyes. “Come here, beautiful,” he says, his voice commanding in that way that always makes my knees weak.