One year later...
“I CAN’T BELIEVE you were able to lease the same cabin.”
Jackson carried Serena over the threshold. “I wanted everything to be special for my Christmas bride.”
She turned to look into her husband’s eyes. “You didn’t have to bring me to Austria for it to be special. You do that all by yourself.”
Serena leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. She’d never tire of kissing him. Ever.
Jackson was everything she’d never thought she’d have. He was her best friend. He lent her an ear when she needed to vent. He offered a word of reason when she was worked up. And he was the person who filled her life with much laughter and tons of love. And she could only hope she did the same for him.
Their lives had been evolving over the past year. She’d filmed her last contracted movie and was now concentrating on her writing, which meant she could relocate to New York. Jackson had been promoted to the anchor chair of the evening news for the biggest network in the country. He had more control over the content than ever before and he was very happy. They both were deliriously happy.
“Arff! Arff!”
Reluctantly, she pulled back. Jackson gently set her feet on the floor.
Serena knelt down and ran a hand over Gizmo. “You are special, too.”
“Arff!”
Serena couldn’t help but laugh. “I still think Gizmo understands exactly what we say.”
“I think you’re right.”
She straightened and walked into the great room. “I can’t believe that yesterday we were with your mother next to the Pacific Ocean where we exchanged vows. And today we are in the Alps. I’m so glad you patched things up with her.”
“I’m glad I’m smart enough to listen to my very intelligent wife with her wise advice.”
“Aw...” She approached him and wrapped her arms around his trim waist. “You know exactly what to say.” She pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
“Look.” Jackson gestured toward the window. “The snow I ordered is just starting—”
“It is?” She rushed over to the window. “It is.” She turned back to Jackson. “Something tells me if you have any pull with Mother Nature this will turn into a snowstorm.”
“You bet. It worked well the first time around.”
“You consider a car accident working well?”
He shrugged. “It brought you into my life, didn’t it?”
A smile tugged at Serena’s lips. “It did, but I’d prefer if you didn’t get hurt this time around.”
“I’ll see what I can do about that. Maybe if we hide away in this cabin, you can keep an eye on me.” His eyes had a playful twinkle in them.
“I think you have a good idea.” She stepped farther into the room. “Oh, look, a Christmas tree.” She turned back to Jackson. “Did you do this?”
He nodded. “I know how much you enjoy the holiday.”
“But it isn’t decorated.”
“I thought you’d enjoy doing it.” Then he pulled something from his pocket. “And I have the first ornament.”
He handed it to her. She glanced down at the cake topper from their wedding. It was a winter bride and her dashing groom; the bride was dressed in white with a hood and cape, and holding red roses. The cake topper now had a small brass hook with a red ribbon strung through it.
Serena’s gaze rose to meet her husband’s. “Did you think of everything?”
“I tried.”
She slipped off her coat and rushed over to the tree where the ladder was waiting. She climbed up to find the perfect spot for the ornament. It took her a moment to decide. “There. Isn’t it perfect?”
“Yes.” And then he started to gently shake the ladder.
“Jackson. Stop.” She held on so she didn’t fall. “What are you doing?”
“The last time you were up on that ladder, you fell into my arms. I just want a repeat.”
She frowned at him. “Stop playing around.”
“I won’t drop you. I promise.”
“That’s good, because I have a Christmas present for you. I hope you like it.”
He arched a brow. “I thought we agreed not to get each other anything since we were going to be on our honeymoon.”
“I didn’t go shopping for it. I promise.”
“So you made me a gift?” There was a look of intrigue reflected in his eyes.
“In a manner of speaking.” Happiness and excitement bubbled up in her chest. “Merry Christmas, Daddy.”
His eyes opened wide. “Daddy?”
The breath caught in her throat. This hadn’t been planned, but she knew he wanted children. She just didn’t know if he wanted them now.
Please be excited. Please. Oh, please.
Why wasn’t he saying anything? Was he in shock?
“Jackson?” She snapped her fingers. “Jackson, speak.”
“I... I’m going to be a dad?”
A hesitant smile lifted her lips as she nodded. “Does that make you happy?”
At last, his lips lifted at the corners. “Oh, yes. That makes me very happy. Come here, Mrs. Bennett.”
She started to climb down the last couple of rungs on the ladder, but her feet never touched the floor as her husband swept her into his arms. His lips pressed to hers. He left no doubt in her mind just how happy he was about this news.
And then he pulled back ever so slightly. “What do you say we trim the tree later?”
“Why, Mr. Bennett, what do you have on your very naughty mind?” She laughed.
“As I recall, you like my naughty mind.”
“Mmm-hmm...” She smiled up at him.
And with that he carried her to the master suite to begin their happily-ever-after.
* * * * *
If you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Jennifer Faye:
THE MILLIONAIRE’S ROYAL RESCUE
THE GREEK’S NINE-MONTH SURPRISE
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from NEWBORN UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE by Sophie Pembroke.
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