Page 53 of Surrendering His Heart (Buena Hills #4)

Three Years Later

“It’s time to put the book down, kiddo,” Christian said, entering Isla’s room and flipping the switch by the door to turn off the ceiling light. The lamp on her nightstand bathed the area around her sleeping space in a soft glow. He knelt next to her mattress.

“Just a few more minutes, Dad?” She gave him a pouty look he hadn’t seen on her in ages. “Hallie isn’t home yet.”

Placing her bookmark on her page, he closed the graphic novel and set it on her nightstand. “I’m afraid not. It’s already late. But Hallie promised to come in and say goodnight as soon as she gets home.”

Tonight was Buena Hills’ annual Christmas tree lighting festival, and both girls had loved helping out in Hallie’s booth throughout the evening. It took a lot of convincing to get them to come home for bed instead of going back to the bakery to help clean up after the event.

Christian picked up Isla’s pink stuffed jack-o-lantern, holding it out to her. “Okay, we’ve got Jackie.”

Isla put the stuffy in its assigned spot against the wall.

“And here’s Lanny.” He reached across her legs to grab the purple jack-o-lantern, popping his daughter gently in the face with it. She giggled, so he did it again.

“Da-ad.” She grabbed the plush, swinging it behind her head to use as a second pillow. “Lantern doesn’t like being called that. She’s grown-up now.”

Christian splayed his hands in front of him as he spoke to the pumpkin. “I’m terribly sorry, Lantern. I failed to see the sophisticated gourd you’ve become. Please accept my heartfelt apology.”

“She says you’re forgiven.” Isla arched a single brow. “This time. ”

“Thank goodness for that.” He booped her nose before straightening the rest of the stuffed animals on her bed.

“Where’s Foxie?” Isla lifted her pink-and-purple bedspread and leaned over the side of the mattress to look underneath. “I think she fell off last night. Will you get her?”

“Sure.” Christian went onto his hands and knees to search under the bed. He pulled Foxie out, tucking it into his daughter’s waiting arms. “Here you go.”

“Thanks, Dad.” She slid further under her blankets, snuggling the stuffed animal tightly. She’d slept with it every night since Hallie had given it to her ages ago.

The animal had seen her through some big changes this year—Christian’s marriage, a new school, and moving, to name a few.

After Mom had married Paul, she’d agonized over selling the house that held so many memories of Dad.

In a solution that still thrilled Hallie, she’d passed the house to Christian to continue the family legacy in the place.

“The lights look good,” Hallie said from the doorway, her purse still slung over her shoulder as though she’d just returned home.

Christian watched her enter the room, his mouth lifting. “Tyler and Brad came over before the festival to help hang them up.”

“Carrying on your father’s reputation, I see.” She planted a quick peck on his lips. “Surprising your wife with the Christmas lights on the house.” A strand of her blonde hair had escaped her chunky braid, and she looked tired after her early wake up call to bake for the festival.

Standing, he tucked the hair behind her ear. “That wasn’t my intention, but now that you mention it, I might make this a yearly thing.”

She gave him a playful smile before kneeling beside Isla’s bed. “You ready to sleep, sweetheart?”

Isla nodded, holding Foxie out to her. “She needs a hug.”

Hallie gave the animal a squeeze. “Goodnight, Foxie. Watch over Isla tonight and keep the bad dreams away. Can you do that for me?” She screwed her voice into a squeaky one to mimic the animal talking. “You can count on me, Hal.”

Christian smiled at Isla’s giggles. He never tired of watching their sweet relationship blossom. It was like they’d formed an exclusive girls’ club with Penelope. One that he was lucky enough to be admitted as an honorary member.

Hallie’s peaceful influence had been vital to Isla’s progress, especially with Sabrina’s continued struggle to be a constant presence in the girls’ lives. His ex was trying; he’d give her that. But she had issues of her own she still needed to address.

Hallie handed Foxie back to Isla. “Now you can expect nothing but sweet dreams all night long.” She kissed the top of her blonde curls.

Isla tucked Foxie underneath the blankets again. “I love you, Mom.”

Christian’s breath hitched, and his eyes darted to Hallie, gauging her reaction to their daughter’s simple endearment.

She’d never pushed for either of the girls to call her mom, though Penelope had given her the title from the beginning.

But despite Isla’s growing attachment to her stepmom, tonight was the first time she’d used the title.

Hallie kept her face even, though her mouth lifted in a soft smile. “I love you too, sweetheart.” She gave her one last hug before smoothing the blankets over the child. After stroking her hair for a moment, she stood, stepping away so Christian could move in to say goodnight.

“Sleep well, kiddo.” He planted a quick kiss on her cheek, then switched off the bedside lamp, leaving only the weak glow of her haunted house nightlight.

“‘Night, Daddy.”

As Isla drifted off, Christian backed away from the bed. He hadn’t needed to stay in her room for months, another way Isla’s challenges had improved. And watching her thrive provided even more healing for him.

Hallie was already in their bedroom when he entered, lounging in the blue plush armchair by the window overlooking the front yard. She stared out at the darkness, her fingers softly stroking Princess Pumpkin, whose head rested in her lap. A quiet sniffle reached his ears.

“Hal?” He came around the chair, nudging Pumpkin out of the way. Kneeling before his wife, he lifted her chin gently. The evidence of tears pricked at his heart. “What’s wrong?”

She waved away his concern, assuring him that these were not tears of sadness. “She called me Mom.” Her voice cracked on the last word.

Christian brushed the moisture from her lashes before pulling her from the chair. “A most deserving title.” Circling his arms around her, he held her close to him. “You’ve woven your magic over all of us, and we’re all so much better for it.”

She nuzzled her cheek against his chest. “I don’t know why I’m so emotional about it though. It must be the extra hormones.”

“Hormones?”

She nodded, keeping herself entangled in his arms. “From the baby.”

Baby? His heart stuttered, and he backed up a step to look in her face. “You’re pregnant?”

Hallie snagged her bottom lip with her teeth. “Mmhmm.”

“We’re having a baby?” He shook his head, not fully comprehending the possibility.

She nodded, new tears lighting her already expressive eyes. “I found out this morning. It’s been so hard keeping it from you all day, but with the festival, I didn’t have a chance to tell you.”

Lowering himself to sit on the side of the bed, he took her hands in both of his. “Wow. Another baby.”

“Are you happy?” The uncertainty in her voice surprised him.

He pulled her down to sit on his lap. “Oh, Hal. Of course I am. I’m just surprised. I didn’t think it would happen this fast.” They’d only agreed to start trying a few weeks ago.

“I know.” She dropped her head to rest on top of his. “It surprised me too. But I’m excited. And a little terrified. Three kids. Can you believe it?”

He chuckled. “I can’t wait. You’re already an amazing mom. This little one is the luckiest baby in the world.”

Placing her hands on his cheeks, she lifted his face up to hers. “I love you, Christian,” she said, sealing the words with her lips on his.

“I love you too,” he whispered against her mouth before deepening the kiss.

She was his life, his entire world. And now their love had culminated into adding another beautiful addition to their family.

Their family.

Man, he’d never get tired of saying that.

“This place is going to get a lot crazier next summer,” she said after they’d broken apart.

She rose from his lap, a lightness crossing her features as she flashed him a radiant smile.

Her stomach didn’t show signs of their impending arrival yet, but she already glowed.

How had he not noticed it earlier? “Are you up for that?”

Christian quirked a brow as he pulled her back down to him. “Honey, with you, I’m up for anything.”

Thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed Surrendering His Heart, I’d love for you to leave an honest review.