Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
“Liam, we talked about this. You already spent way more than we discussed. She has enough gifts to last her a lifetime,” I say, gesturing to the pile of gifts around the room. Most of them are Penny’s, thanks to Liam’s outlandish generosity.
“Would it make a difference if I said you’ll love this one?” he asks with a coy smile.
I roll my eyes and continue to pick up the discarded paper on the floor.
“Charley, put that down for a second and come sit here,” Liam instructs.
Placing the bag on the floor, I walk over to the fireplace and sit beside Penny. Liam presents her with a letter-sized manila envelope, which Penny doesn’t waste a minute opening.
“Um, I’m nine years old. This is kind of hard for me to read,” she says sweetly before passing the paper to me.
One glance at the paper, and I fall in love with Liam Evans all over again.
“Penny,” I say, my voice cracking, “Liam would like to be your dad. Remember how we filed for me to be your adoptive mother six months ago?”
Penny nods, her pretty curls bouncing.
“Well, Liam wants to be your dad. It means you would be an Evans.”
Liam gets on his knees, locking eyes with Penny. “I love you, Penny. I love you like you’re my kid, and since I’m already your dad in my heart, I thought we should make it official. Would that be something you’d like?”
“Yes!” she screams, crying and laughing. “Does this mean I can call you Dad now?”
“Yeah, you can call me Dad.” Liam grins.
My heart nearly bursts with emotion as I watch them. Seeing their relationship develop has been an unexpected gift that Liam has given me—and Penny.
“I could never replace your dad, Penny, but if you’ll have me, I’d like to be there for all the things he’d want to be around for.”
“This is going to be so awesome.” Penny swipes at happy tears. “I get a father and a baby brother or sister all in one shot. This is the best Christmas ever! I’m not sure how you’ll ever top this one, Daddy!” she screeches, grabbing the paper from my hand and skipping to the kitchen to bombard Linda with the amazing news.
“Surprise,” I say sheepishly.
Liam stands and prowls toward me.
“Hey, now. I was going to tell you tonight. The positive test stick is on your nightstand.”
Liam pulls me toward him. “We’re having a baby?” he asks, his voice cracking.
“Yes,” I whisper, cupping his face.
Liam presses his face to my belly and kisses it tenderly, tears trickling down his face. “Hello there, peanut. I’m your daddy.” He looks up at me. “Charley Evans, I didn’t think it was possible, but I love you more now than I did five minutes ago. You’ve made me a father not once, but twice. I’m so fucking happy.”
He rises to his feet, pulling me with him and cradling my face in his hands. He rests his forehead against mine. “I love you. I love the life you’ve given me.”
I smile. “Merry Christmas, baby.”