Page 15 of Hampton Holiday Collective

“Wyatt. We do not throw,” I scold, channeling some serious Dempsey energy and mustering up my best authoritative face.

“Sowwy, Daddy.” He hops to his feet and scrambles over to hug my legs. With both arms wrapped around my knees, he cranes his head back, rests his chin on my thigh, and affects the most earnest expression. “Can I have mo cwackers, pwease?”

My attempt at stern-daddy mode shatters at the look on his face. “That was very nice, Wyatt. Yes, you may. You want something, too, Wes?”

When he doesn’t reply, I spin around to repeat the question, but he’s zonked out on the couch. That’s not typical for Wesley. Maybe the sugar crash from this morning is finally catching up to him.

I turn toward the kitchen, but Wyatt’s latched on to my leg like a baby spider monkey. Chuckling, I step off with one foot, then drag the one he’s suctioned himself to, Dempsey trailing behind.

“You ready for this?” I tease, holding tight to my waistband with one hand and nodding down to Wyatt, who’s giggling as he clings to me, nearly de-pantsing me in the process.

Dempsey blows out a long breath, his eyebrows pinched together. He’s high-key panicked about becoming a dad, and it doesn’t help that he’s about to dive into new parenthood with not just one newborn, but two.

“It’s crazy to think that there’ll be two more to take care of next year,” he admits.

“At least,”I add.

“Seriously? After that one,” he glances down at Wyatt with a lighthearted scoff, “you’re honestly not done?”

I scoop up my youngest son and tickle him under one arm, then hug him close. He may have boundless energy, but he’s a snuggler, so he doesn’t hesitate to wrap those little arms around my neck and squeeze his cheek to mine with more force than necessary.

My whole world is wrapped up in loving on my kids and being the best father I can be. I would have a dozen more if Daphne would agree.

“We’ll see,” I acquiesce. “Daphne might be done. I’m okay with three if that’s our final number. But honestly, there’s nothing I love more than being a dad. Except maybe knocking her up in the first place.”

“Hold this for me.” I swing Wyatt once before placing him in Dempsey’s waiting arms.

My boy quickly latches on to his uncle’s neck and squeezes a little too tight. I can’t help but grin. He loves big.

“I’ll get him settled with a snack so we can finish the Christmas village, but then I need a nap before my shift tonight.”

“Uh, do you think the girls—”

“Yes, they’ll be back soon,” I confirm, anticipating my brother’s question before he can voice it. “Daphne texted about an hour ago and said they were finishing up at the last store. I know better than to leave you in charge of the little devil,” I tease, glancing down at the wiggly three-year-old in my brother’s arms.

A yawn catches me by surprise, once again reminding me how little sleep I got last night.

“If you’re good staying in the living room with Wes, I’ll take Wyatt back to the bedroom with me and he’ll take a nap, too.”

“Deal,” Dempsey rushes out.

I have to fight back a smirk at the way he warily eyes his wild nephew. Without having to ask, I know what he’s thinking.

Expecting twins doubles the likelihood of him ending up with offspring like Wyatt.Like me. It’s not like Maddie has a sweet, docile personality, either. My genes and hers blended together into one child? That wrinkle between Dempsey’s eyebrows will be permanent in almost no time.

Chapter 13

Daphne

“Thiswasthebestday ever. We have to do it next year. Please, can we do it next year?”

I glance over at Maddie in the passenger seat and scan the road in front of me before looking up in the rearview mirror to smile at my daughter.

“I think we officially have a new Black Friday trad—” I confirm.

She squeals with excitement before I’ve finished the declaration, but I shut it down quickly in hopes of managing her expectations.

“We have to be flexible, though, sweetheart. Aunt Maddie will have two new babies to take care of next year.”