Page 144 of If You Claim Me

I roll over, seeking his warmth, but I’m met with cool sheets and an empty space where his body should be. I crack a lid and glance around. He’s not where I usually find him on off-practice or game mornings—reading the paper in the chair by the fireplace. I roll back the other way and find my glasses.

A mug of coffee sits on a warmer, along with a bowl of yogurt topped with strawberry compote and a note with my name propped next to it. Anxiety sweeps through me.What if something happened to Meems? Connor would wake me if something bad happened. Still, my hands shake as I unfold the note.

Merry Christmas, darling.

I had to take care of a couple of things and didn’t want to wake you since I kept you up so late. I’ll see you soon.

XO

Connor

I read it over twice more, getting stuck on the XO. Waking up alone on Christmas morning isn’t unusual, but I thought this year I would have a pretty new memory to tuck into my heart.

I throw off the covers and use the bathroom. By the time I’m done putting on clothes, my Babe Brigade chat is blowing up.

Rix

Merry Christmas, Babes!

Shilpa

The three of us wish you the happiest holidays! We’ve been up since five, and Ash was hoping Pavin would be able to unwrap his gifts, but so far he’s more interested in his feet than anything else.

A picture of their adorable baby boy follows, lying on the floor with his toes in his mouth.

Hammer

My view this morning.

Hollis’s back in a pair of plaid pajama pants and a Santa hat follows.

Lexi

My view isn’t quite as nice. A Christmas baby would be welcome about now.

Lexi’s swollen belly and the phrase LOADING pops up.

Hemi

Wishing you the most amazing Christmas!

A selfie of Hemi and Dallas with their families in the background comes next. They’re up in Muskoka where both their parents live.

Essie

Happy holidays, my loves!

A photo of Essie and Nate appears. Nate’s attention is on Essie, not the camera.

I cross over to Dewey and carefully lift him out of his cage, giving him a little love before I put his Santa hat on and take my own selfie. I send it, along with aMerry Christmas.

A moment later, a message pops up in my private messages.

Lexi

Everything okay?

Dred