Page 60 of Dirty Little Christmas

He announced today that he isn't going to be running for governor. He's taking a step away from politics to focus on his family. No one expected the move, least of all his daughters. But I think they're both hopeful that it means he's committed to repairing the hurt he's caused.

I invited him to dinner tonight, but he declined. He didn't want to intrude. He knows how much work he still has to do to win back December's trust. It's a good sign. And if he fucks it up, well, I can always smash my fist into his face later. But I don't think it'll come to that. He almost lost December. Worse, he made her feel small and worthless. I saw the look on his face when he left my office. That realization rattled him. He won't fuck up with her again.

"I'm marrying Georgia."

"Figured as much." I grin, nodding at December. "I'm marrying that one too."

"Good. Maybe she'll keep you out of my fucking office," Blaze mutters, smirking at me.

"Not likely. Annoying you is in my job description."

"Like hell it is."

"No, it is. I had Ruby write it in."

His smirk slips, a scowl overtaking his face. "You better be kidding."

"Nope."

"Ma should have swallowed you," he mutters, shaking his head in disgust.

"Well, Merry Christmas to you too."

He flips me the bird.

I chuckle and leave him to stew, strolling into the living room. "What are you three gossiping about?"

"Nothing," December squeaks, blushing bright red.

I narrow my eyes on her.

She hops up from the couch, bumping into the coffee table. Georgia's wine glass tumbles off the edge, spilling all over the rug.

"Oops," December whispers.

"It's just wine, angel," I murmur, dragging her into my arms. I press my lips to her ear. "But you will be screaming my name later for lying to me."

She moans quietly, pressing her face to my throat.

Blaze is right. I am happy. I got exactly what I wanted for Christmas. I got a future with her. For the rest of her life, I'll fight to make her happy. I'll slay her dragons. I'll give her as many spankings as she wants. And I'll love her every goddamn day. Exactly like I was put on this earth to do.

I've never been happier.

Epilogue

December

Five Years Later

"I bought you a present," Alaric says, rubbing my belly.

"Alaric," I groan. "Stop buying me stuff. It isn't Christmas yet."

"Christmas is tomorrow, December." He smirks, that same sinful smile that's set my blood on fire for the last five years. "And you're going to want this one," he growls, slipping his hand between my legs. "It's leather, and it rhymes with drop."

I moan, squeezing my thighs together around his hand. He bought a new riding crop. Of course he did. The wicked man.

"Use it," I whisper.