by Cora Brent
“See ya tomorrow, Rider!” Ethan yelled, waving back.
I shook my head, smiling. Those two spent practically every waking minute together and they still missed each other whenever they were apart.
Roslyn looked like she was ready to roll into bed so I offered to deal with cookies for Santa and getting the kid tucked in.
“Happy Birthday, sweet boy,” she said, kissing Ethan on the forehead. Everyone always commented on how much Ethan looked like me and that was true but times like this, when they were side by side, I could see how much of his mother he carried in him.
He smiled. “Love you, Mama.”
Next I gave my wife a kiss and sent her off to get some much-needed rest. There would be another baby in the house before we knew it.
Ethan was very particular about how he wanted Santa’s chocolate chip cookies arranged on the plate. Finally he was satisfied that everything was as it ought to be, with a whole carrot on top for Rudolph.
I checked my watch. “Time for bed, kid.”
“Will you read me a story?”
“Sure. What kind of story?”
He put a finger to his lips, thinking seriously. Then he brightened. “Read to me from your book, Dad.”
I grinned. “You got it. Brush your teeth and get in your jammies. I’ll be along in five minutes.”
Roslyn must have fallen asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She hadn’t even switched off the bedside lamp. I paused beside our bed and watched her dreaming peacefully as her hand rested on her belly. I was thinking of another night exactly six years ago, and of the unique magic of the season and our son and the snow. Soon there would be another child in our lives, another tiny creation destined to own our hearts the way her brother did.
“Sweet dreams, sweetheart,” I whispered and softly kissed my wife’s cheek.
The book Ethan had requested was on top of my dresser. I grabbed it before leaving the room. When he’d requested a story I figured he’d pick a holiday classic like ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ but this choice was more fitting. It was a family classic. I flipped to the first page where I’d written a note right before giving the book to Roslyn on Christmas morning six years ago.
Dear Roslyn,
I’m giving this to you in safekeeping for our son. Ethan Stonewall Gentry was born last night on an exceptional Christmas Eve of snow and other miracles. I hope that someday he will read this book of memories and understand the story of us, the story of our family. It’s everything I’ve learned along the way. All the good and bad, all the love and honor. A hard won and tenderly recorded truth.
All my love forever,
Conway
“Dad!” shouted Ethan from his bedroom. “I’m ready!”
I tucked the book under my arm and closed the door behind me. “I’m coming, son. I’m coming.”
THE END
COMING IN Summer 2017…
The Story of the Gentry Family Continues
(Add to your Goodreads TBR)
Gentry Generations #1
Gentry Generations #2
BUT FIRST…
Coming in Early 2017…
HICKEY
Second Chance Stand Alone Romance
A long time ago, in a small town I’ve tried to forget…
I married the charismatic all-American king of high school.
He was sexy and charming.
I was shy and lust-struck.
We were both eighteen.
Of course we did not live happily ever after.
We did the opposite.
You thought that was the end?
So did I.
Seven years later Branson Hickey is back in my life, whether I want him here or not.
Many things have changed and a few things haven’t.
I still want him. I still can’t stand him. I still think about him all the time, even after everything we did to each other.
I’ve long wondered if I’d ever fall in love again.
Now I wonder if I ever really stopped loving him.
Add to your Goodreads TBR:
HICKEY (A Second Chance Romance)
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Gentry Boys Series
DRAW
RISK
GAME
FALL
HOLD
CROSS (A Novella)
WALK
EDGE
Savage Series
Born Savage
Book #2 (2017)
Book #3 (2017)
Defiant MC Series
Know Me
Promise Me
Remember Me
Stand Alones
Unruly
Reckless Point
