The Price of Passion
Page 16
Epilogue
Kaden Stasso didn’t bother to hide the fact that he only had eyes for his wife and baby. It had been Sierra’s idea to host a Christmas Eve party at the ranch for a few of their close friends and family. He didn’t care, for he had everything that he needed—and wanted—for Christmas.
Yet as his gaze traveled over to Sierra, cradling their newborn, Micah, gently against her breasts, he was drawn to them. He crossed the room and placed a tender kiss on Sierra’s forehead and one on the side of Micah’s head.
Sierra smiled up at him and his heartbeat began to race. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Andy and Hillary arrive.
“I’ll go greet our new arrivals.”
Sierra nodded and Kaden strode over toward them. Hillary greeted him briefly before making her way over to Sierra and Micah. When Hillary began to coo over Micah, Kaden asked Andy, “When do the two of you plan to start a family of your own?”
“Anytime now,” he responded.
Kaden arched a dark brow.
“We don’t know yet. But you’ll be one of the first to know.”
He congratulated his friends. Then he smiled when Andy inquired about Kaden’s marriage. “You were right. It’s not just about convenience.”
The corners of Andy’s mouth curved upward. “Thought so.”
His conversation with Andy was interrupted when Sierra’s mother called his name. A smile was one her face as he neared. They’d come a long way since their initial meeting.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I just wanted to remind you that we expect you, Sierra, and Micah for dinner at four o’clock tomorrow.”
“We’ll be there, Mrs. Walker,” Kaden promised.
“Mom,” she corrected.
“Mom?”
“I don’t mind you calling me that if you don’t.”
His heart gave a funny extra thump. A real mom? He couldn’t find the words to say. Kissing her on the cheek, he said, “I’d be honored.”
Sierra neared his side to catch the end of the exchange. “Still don’t believe in Santa?” she whispered.
“I’m starting to,” he admitted. Being with Sierra and Micah and experiencing a real family Christmas, all his dreams were starting to come true. There was just one more thing he had to do. A small Christmas gift for Sierra.
Wrapping his arm around Sierra, he led her over to Pastor Miller.
“I have a favor to ask,” Kaden began.
“Name it.”
“I’d like to say my vows again tonight. Adding the promise to love my wife, till death do us part.”
Sierra gasped, tears springing to her eyes. “Kaden, you don’t—”
“Yes, I do, Sierra. I want you to hear the words officially. I want everyone to hear them.”
Before Sierra could respond, Vernon interjected. “I can’t think of anything more appropriate.”
A short time later, Micah was secure in the arms of his grandmother while he, Sierra, and Vernon stood in front of the fireplace again.
With a few promptings from Vernon, Kaden recited his vows again, this time offering them from the heart and with trust.
Then, making his soul soar, Sierra did the same.
A few hours later, they were alone, encased in the magic and tradition of Christmas Eve. Kaden was cradling his son and looking with amazement into his perfect face. Micah stared back, eyes wide with pure love, his tiny hand clutching Kaden’s much larger index finger as he blinked up at his father.
“I’ve been blessed, Sierra,” he murmured. “Thank you.”
She walked over, her bare feet sinking into carpeting in the nursery. Stroking his forearm, she whispered, “I love you more each day.”
* * * *
And she did.
She’d worked at the shop a few hours a day and had taken over doing the ranch’s books almost up until the time she went into labor with Micah. Kaden didn’t try to hold her back and her heart seemed to open up more every day.
And now that she was a wife and a mommy, she’d never been happier.
She wasn’t satisfied to let it stop there. She tried, every day, in every way possible, to be the sort of wife he deserved, loving him with every inch of her sol.
Together, they lay Micah in his crib. By silent agreement, they stood arms wrapped around each other, watching their child sleep, observing him during the sacred moments that led to midnight and their first Christmas as a family. And in her pocket, Kaden’s lucky button rested, a token of his love.
“Merry Christmas, Sierra,” Kaden said softly against her ear.
Her body stirred, the way it always did when she was in his arms. “There’s mistletoe in the doorway leading to our bedroom.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” He smiled and led her out of their son’s room. As they cross the landing, she looked down into the family room where the gold star on top of the tree seemed to sparkle with the offer of the same promise of love that it had when Kaden presented it to her.
There were presents there for all of them, as he’d told he’d always dreamed of—a perfect holiday for them.
Outside their bedroom window, snow landed on top of fluffy white piles, decorating the landscape.
“I know it’s too soon to make love,” he said seductively. “But I have a few ideas we could try, to celebrate.”
“Oh?” she asked chastely.
Murmuring a very wicked, “Ho, ho, ho,” he reached for her. Then proceeded to unwrap her while whispering she was the greatest gift he’d ever received.
The End
Sugar and Spice Press
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Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue