Page 129 of Sin With Me

"What's that? The baby's cravin' ice cream?" he says purposely loud.

I glare at him, shaking my head. "Popcorn and M&Ms, actually."

"Perfect, anythin' for my girls."

This time I do laugh because he's too good at playing the part.

After we checkout, I carry the bags and stand taller as we walk past the women who were talking shit about me.

"Have the day you deserve, ladies." Wilder tips his hat to them, and I bite my lip to hold back laughter.

When he opens the door for me, I look at him with amusement. "Glad to see those anger management classes are payin' off."

We spend a couple hours at Wilder's parents' house and everyone chips in to wrap the gifts, well besides the ones we got for them, which we'll have to do later.

Christmas music echoes throughout the house, Gramma Grace bakes several dozen cookies, and Mallory makes a show of her beautiful wrapping and bow-making skills. She invited her boyfriend, Antonio, and it was cute watching them together.

He held the ribbon in place while she tied it.

After she'd finished wrapping a gift, he'd set it aside next to the others and hand her the next one.

Then, when a fresh batch of cookies were done, he fed her one straight out of the oven and she nearly burned the top of her mouth. Which she laughed about and then he kissed the top of her nose.

At only seventeen, you can tell they really love each other.

Mr. Hollis helped Wilder load up his truck and then I accidentally caught a moment between them that had me in tears.

"I'm proud of you, son. You saw someone in need and didn't even hesitate to change your plans and help them. You've surprised me a lot this year, one being that you went and got married, but I've never seen you happier."

I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but a gift got left behind, and I was coming out to give it to them.

"Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me."

"You've come a long way. I admit, I've spent countless nights worryin' about you, but here you are being the prime example of a good man and husband."

"It's been eye-openin' how much life can change when you finallydecideto make a change. It helps that you believed in me, too."

"Of course. I always knew you could. But as a parent, it's always bittersweet to see your kid on the right path and makin' smart choices."

"So...you’re not mad I got hitched in Vegas?" Wilder prompts.

Mr. Hollis smirks. "Probably your smartest choice yet."

I nearly melt and then book it back into the house before they catch me.

Before we leave, Wilder texts Sam's mom to let her know we're on the way, and so we can sneak up there without Sam catching us. She informs us he fell asleep in her bed, so the coast is clear.

"You did a really good thing by helpin' this family," I tell him, squeezing his hand as he drives us out of town. "She's gonna be so grateful for your kindness."

He lifts our hands to his mouth and kisses my knuckles. "I was inspired by someone who helped me when I needed it."

When we arrive at their apartment, Sam's mom is waiting for us outside.

"Hi, I'm Delilah. It's so nice meetin' you."

"Amelia, and you too."

"We might've gone overboard..." Wilder rounds the truck, then opens the back.