by Anthology
"All that matters is you and me. I don't need anything or anybody else there."
His lips smash against mine, and my hands thread through his wet hair. Once again, he turns us quickly and presses us against the wall, and his tongue dives into my mouth.
"Please put this game to rest," he says when he finally comes up for air.
"One more." I hold one finger up. If he only knew how much this is killing me too.
He groans and his body slides under the water as though he's drowning.
I reach under and try to pull him back up to the surface. Luckily, he helps me.
"This is it," he warns. "Then it's you and me and a whole lot of bumping and grinding."
I laugh. "Deal."
He smiles and he locks me between his body and the edge of the pool.
"Let's see who can hold their breath the longest."
This is the last game I might be able to win, and I need to win so I can ask him the question.
"Sure." He holds me firmly against him and pushes off the wall. We float over on our backs to the shallow end, where he kisses my forehead and releases me. "Good luck."
He smirks, and I know that he believes he has this hands down. But I also know he’ll let me win. At this point, I'll take it though. My body hums with the anticipation of feeling liberated once the secret is out there.
"1, 2, 3, GO!"
We both plunge to the bottom and I close my eyes, because I can't look at him and concentrate. The last breath tickles my throat and escapes out of my nose. I press my hands on the scratchy surface, wishing there was something I could hold on to. I peek out of one eye and see Tanner's lips form a smile as he pushes off the floor.
Unable to hold on any longer, I break through the water right after him. We both know he let me win, but we can discuss that after I tell him.
"Truth or Dare?" The question rushes out of my mouth, probably revealing I had an agenda this whole time, but I could care less right now.
"Truth."
I walk over to him and take his hand in mine, then I guide our hands through the water toward my stomach. Our eyes lock just before I say, "What do you want—"
"COWABUNGA!" Brad yells, and our heads whip around just in time to see his body tucked into a cannonball right before it disappears through the water.
Tanner laughs, but I just stare at the water in dismay.
You have got to be kidding me? Am I on Punk'd or something?
"Dylan!" Tanner spots his brother taking off his shirt at the table. He's nothing like my brother with his attention-seeking antics.
"Bea!" I scream when she walks through the door. The two of us move to the edge of the pool to greet the two of them.
"Hey, lovebirds," Bea remarks. I notice her watching Dylan as she passes by him.
They both walk over to the steps—like normal people—and Brad appears next to me, shaking the water from his ears.
Tanner turns to me and asks, "What was the last truth question?"
I swear he always puts me first.
Shaking my head, I say, "Nothing big."
"You sure?"
No way am I telling him in front of the others. I want the moment to only be between us.
"Yeah."
He nods and swims toward his brother. They shake hands while I lean against the side as disappointment envelops me that I'll have to go another day without telling Tanner that I’m having his baby. I may end up in the loony bin after this vacation from the scrambling to find new ways to surprise him.
Chapter Four
The sheets rustle under my naked body and I grip the comforter, rolling it over me. Tanner's arm swings over my hip and his head nuzzles in behind mine. I love that he's such a cuddler.
My eyes zero in on the alarm clock. Shit. I entwine my hand with Tanner's to nudge him awake. "Babe, it's nine o'clock."
He mumbles and slides closer. I flip over, causing a low grumble to emerge from his throat.
"You missed your morning swim." I place my hand on his cheek. The stubble from his overnight growth pricks my palm.
His eyes are shut tight. I wonder if he heard me.
"I already went. You were out cold, and I didn't want to wake you."
He puckers his lips and I lean forward, granting him the kiss he's hinting at. I glance at the clock again and then bolt upright.
I rush out of the bed to grab some clothes. "Oh my God." The package is supposed to be here before ten. Crap.
Tanner sits up, his eyes focusing on me across the room. "What's up?"
It's cute the way he looks like he's about to spring into action to slay a monster for me. My heart pitter-patters for this man every day.
"Oh." I wave my hand, telling him to disregard my dramatic reaction. "Nothing."
"What is going on with you, Piper?" he asks, looking suspicious.
"What do you mean?" I step into my yoga pants as his eyes stare at me intently.
"You've seemed distracted since we got here." He swings his legs over the bed to stand.
"Have I?" I ask, continuing to play dumb. I don’t want him to know that what’s distracting me right now is knowing that the FedEx truck could be dropping off that package at any moment and someone other than me might be opening it.
"Yeah." A light chuckle leaves his mouth as he pulls up his jeans.
"After Christmas it will be much better. Must be the holiday." I turn around and search for my shirt.
His arms wrap around me and his teeth nibble my skin. "Enjoy yourself, babe. How often do we get to hang out with our family and friends?"
I lay my head on his shoulder and sigh. "You're right."
His hands rest on his child that he knows nothing about. I’m through with trying to make it special.
"Tan—" The doorbell rings and I scramble out of his arms, grabbing my t-shirt and swinging the door open.
"Whoa, babe. I'll get it." Tanner dashes by me and I chase after him, but he stops in front of me. His hands grip my arms.
He looks down at my bra-covered breasts. "I'd prefer my baby brother not seeing what's mine."
"Yeah ... right." I throw my t-shirt over my head and continue down the hallway.
"Why are you being so weird about the doorbell? Are you hiding something?" One side of his mouth quirks up and then he looks toward the door.
"Don't, Tanner. It's a surprise."
"Surprise? You said you had my gift already."
I slide past him and almost lose my footing on the steps, but I catch myself with the railing.
"Tan," I warn, but he only laughs.
He jumps off the last step and runs to the door. I slip as I try to catch up to him.
"What on earth?" my mom says from the great room. I glance over to find everyone staring at us.
By the time I look over, Tanner has the box in the air. "Is this what you wanted?"
"Give it to me," I seethe and jump up in the air. My fingertips brush the bottom of the package, but I can't get a hold of it.
"I like this." He looks down at my breasts, which are bouncing with every jump. I decide to change tactics.
"Baby…" I wrap my arms around his stomach and blink my doe eyes up at him.
"Not a chance." He runs away and Brad clutches my wrists, holding me in the archway while Tanner grabs a knife to open the box.
"Did you guys ever grow up?" I ask. My head dodges right and left to see past Brad as tears burn my eyelids. Do not cry! I tell myself.
"Not really," Brad replies. A tear slips down my cheek as I watch the knife start to pierce the box.
"Tan!" I cry out, and his eyes finally focus on me. The smile fades from his lips.
Then the man I love slowly walks over to me and hands me the box.
"Sorry, babe. I was just messing with you."
I clutch the box in my hands, protecting it from the vultures. "Thank you."
Tanner steps closer and cradles my cheek with his palm. His thumb brushes the lone tear that slipped out.
; "Still love me?"
I nod. More than I can ever say.
"Always."
"And forever," he finishes.
I lift my hand and link it with his. "Let's go." I drag him up the stairs, pausing at the top. "We'll be right back."
Excitement buzzes through my body that this is it. Tanner will open the box and he'll finally know. He'll understand why I've been so crazy these past few days. Why I'm crying over him and Brad messing with me. He’ll know everything, and we'll be able to start planning our baby's arrival.
"Go about your business. Piper just can't get enough," Tanner says, and I roll my eyes. Lucky for him, our parents know his sense of humor.
The laughter from downstairs dies down as we reach our room. I wait for Tanner to shut the door behind us, then I watch as he sits on the bed and looks at me with his brows furrowed.
"I’m sorry, Pip—"
"No. It's not you." I hand him the box. "This should give you all the answers you need."
The box sits in his lap and a knot lodges in my throat. This really is it. Tanner’s world is about to change, the same way mine did when I saw the results of that test.
He looks up at me. "I can wait for Christmas morning." He holds it out to give it back to me.
"I want you to have this gift now." I kneel on the ground by his feet. I need to see his face the minute he puts it together.
His fingers manipulate the tape and then he rips it off. My heart hammers against the wall of my chest, and I begin to feel nauseous.
He places the fillers aside on the mattress and tilts his head, staring into the box.
"Babe. What are you saying?"
"You don't get it?"
I thought this was a no-brainer. I thought for sure he'd have me in his arms by now.
I stand at the same time he pulls one of the shirts out. Still folded in the cellophane is a blue shirt that says, "You gave me herpes."
The blood drains from my face.
"NO!" I grab the box from his hands and then rummage through shirt after shirt.
"This isn't my order!" I throw the t-shirts across the room. I cover my face with my hands as the last of my control slips away.
"Hey ..." Tanner stands and pulls me into his arms, gently rubbing my back. "I didn't really think you gave me herpes." He chuckles, still oblivious as to why I'm upset.
I gasp for a breath as sobs leave my throat. "I just wanted it to be perfect."
"Everything is perfect." He draws back. "Look at me." I look into his eyes and lose myself in the love pouring out of him.
I hiccup from trying to catch my breath.
He laughs. "As long as we're together, everything will be perfect." He bends down and brushes his lips along mine.
"You're perfect," I mumble, and he pulls me to his chest again.
The secret lies on the tip of my tongue. I know I should just spill it now, but I don't want to remember this moment for the rest of life, eclipsed by a picture of me crying in his arms. Tanner is always picking me up from despair. I'm going to be a wife and a mother soon; it's about time I woman up.
"No. You are." I feel the warmth from his lips touch the top of my head.
The two of us stand in the middle of our room, holding one another for a few minutes, and again I'm amazed at how I can love this man more every second I'm with him.
Hours later, the Christmas tree illuminates the great room, the different colors reflecting on the walls. My dad and Patrick talk about sports as they tend to the fire. Bea and Dylan argue with Brad about the rules of Gin Rummy. Our moms are busy in the kitchen, cooking Christmas Eve dinner. I lean against the wall, content with the scene in front of me, a smile plastered on my face.
Tanner grabs my hand and tugs me toward the front door.
"Oh no, you two. You're sticking around tonight," Bea calls out before we can sneak off.
"We aren't going far," Tanner calls back, leading me outside.
One of the buses from the resort pulls up outside the house just as we exit. My arms wrap around my body, and I rub my arms for warmth.
"What's going on?" I ask.
Tanner jogs over to the bus. The driver exits the vehicle and meets him at the door. My heart leaps out of my chest when he pulls a box from the van that looks just like the one from earlier. Tanner digs into his pocket and hands the guy a tip.
He almost slips on the ice as he walks back toward me, but catches himself before he falls.
"Here, babe."
He places the box in my hands. I look at the label and see that it's from the t-shirt company I ordered from.
"But—"
"I called this morning. The mix-up happened at the post office. Your box was still sitting there."
I'm in disbelief. This is it. This absolutely is it. The anxiety washes away.
"You are one hell of a prince." I push up on my tiptoes and give him a tender kiss.
"I know." He looks at me sheepishly. "But I'm also freezing, so let's go in and you can give me my present."
We enter the house and everyone's eyes are instantly on us.
"We'll be right back," Tanner informs them, and we start to head upstairs.
"Tan," his dad calls out.
We both turn our heads in his direction, and he points above us. "Mistletoe."
We look up, and sure enough we're right under the mistletoe.
Tanner has a devilish smile as he stares down at me. "Can't miss an opportunity to kiss my girl." He bends down, but before his lips reach mine, I glance over at our family to see that they’ve gone on with their business.
Something magical comes over me. Suddenly, the cute and perfect story doesn't matter. Unable to keep it in any longer, I place my finger to his lips. "Wait."
"You're denying me?"
"Tanner." I take his hand and slowly move it until it rests on my stomach. The smile slips from his lips. "We're going to be parents."
The release of the secret lifts the weight from my shoulders immediately. Tanner’s wide smile only confirms that it didn't matter the way I told him.
This is what matters. Us being together on this journey through life.
"Oh, Piper." His hand moves up and down on my flat stomach.
I didn't know if he would want to shout it from the rooftops or need to process the news, whether he’d be elated or upset about the timing. So far he's calm and practically speechless.
"Can I kiss you now?"
I nod. He bends down and gives me a quick kiss. Then he surprises me when he falls to his knees, both of his hands resting on my hips as he kisses my stomach.
"What's going on?" My mom's question reminds us that we're not alone. Tanner stands, his hand remaining on my stomach.
He peers down at me, and I look back up at him and nod with a smile splashed across my face.
"We're having a baby!"
If you enjoyed Piper and Tanner’s story, and are itching for more of them, check out Love Surfaced.
About Michelle Lynn
Michelle Lynn is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. When she isn't reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends.
Visit her at:
www.michellelynnbooks.com
FB: www.facebook.com/michelle.lynnauthor
Twitter: @michellelynnbks
Other Books by Michelle Lynn
The Invisibles Series
Don’t Let Go
Let Me In
Let Me Love
Can’t Let Go
Let Me Go
Standalones
Love Me Back
Collaboration (co-written with Nevaeh Lee)
Familiar Ground
Love Surfaced
Seeing You
Find them all here:
http:/
/www.michellelynnbooks.com/books/
A Ten Below Zero Christmas
By Whitney Barbetti
A Letter From Whitney Barbetti
Dear reader,
My contribution to this anthology, A Ten Below Zero Christmas, is an extended epilogue of my published novel, Ten Below Zero. As such, if you have not read Ten Below Zero, you will not understand the significance of this story, and reading this story having not read Ten Below Zero will spoil the main plot points for Ten Below Zero.
Ten Below Zero is standalone romance about a woman who is barely living until she meets a man who is dying. Parker and Everett are not likable characters as the story begins, both having been scarred by previous life experiences. If hate-to-love romances are your thing, I think you might enjoy Ten Below Zero. You can purchase it on Amazon at the following links. Please contact me via email ([email protected]) if you do not use Kindle as your e-reader.
Ten Below Zero
Thank you for your support!
Whitney Barbetti
A Ten Below Zero Christmas
Parker and Everett spend their first Christmas together since their second trip to the Picketwire Canyonlands, six months before. Plagued with questions, Parker struggles to remain patient after she and Everett move in together. When Everett suggests spending Christmas away from the chaos that is their half-unpacked home, Parker has reservations.
Will getting out of town encourage her to open up to Everett and ask him the one question that’s been echoing in her mind for more than a year?
I unboxed the last box labeled "Living Room" and wiped a hand across my forehead, taking a breath in and out my nose.
"Murder is illegal in all fifty states," I whispered to myself, sucking in a breath and willing myself to be patient.
Looking over my shoulder, I saw the cause of my immense frustration, as he slammed cupboards and closed drawers with a little more force than necessary.
