Page 27 of Ribbons and Roses
But he’s still not done—he plants more deep kisses, licking at my lips and tracing the inside of my mouth with his tongue. I’m breathless returning his kisses yet enjoying every second. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
The messiness of our moments like this are what make them feel so amazing.
We finally break apart with small, satisfied smiles on our faces.
“Did you like your present?” I murmur, my chest heaving.
He nuzzles his face to mine, squeezing my hips. “You just might be doing the impossible: changing my mind on Christmas.”
9
delphine
Salvatore’sup earlier than usual for his day sledding with the kids. I wake to the sweet scent of syrup in the air as I find the bed empty and my husband in the kitchen making breakfast for the family.
“I didn’t even hear you get up.”
He glances over his shoulder at me. “That was the idea. I was hoping I was discreet.”
“You were if you didn’t wake me. Can I help?”
“Coffee needs to be made.”
I pad over to the cabinet to grab the mugs and get the coffee pot brewing. “I passed by the room that was Marcel’s on my way down. It was empty.”
“Seems I wasn’t the only one who woke up early.”
“He’s made his choice. I wish he would’ve chosen differently, but I’m also not going to ruin our holiday for him.” I turn away from the counter once the coffee pot’s tinkling and move closer to Salvatore. My arms slide around his torso and I rest my chin on his shoulder. “I’m still determined to show you Christmas can be magical.”
“Phi, that’s not your job. Don’t put pressure on yourself.”
Salvatore emphasizes his point with a sweet kiss on the mouth. I smile against his lips as he draws away, still holding my face in his hands.
“I’ve told you,” I say. “You do so much for the kids and me. This Christmas is supposed to be for you to enjoy.”
“Sledding with my mini me’s? What’s more enjoyable than that?”
By the time we’re done with breakfast, the others in the cabin house are waking. Sasha’s first to make her appearance alongside a yawning Bryce. I head up to go wake the rest of the kids and pass Dad and Stitches on my way down.
“Delphi honey,” Dad says. “Don’t let Marcel’s absence bring you down. His mistake to make.”
“I know. I just wish one of us was able to talk sense into him.”
“He’ll realize the error of his ways like I did. It’ll take time.”
For the rest of the morning, we sit around the breakfast table and enjoy the eggs and pancakes that Salvatore made. The kids can’t stop talking about how they’ll be going sledding this afternoon with Salvatore and Stitches.
Dominic and Bryce bet who will be able to make it down the hill first while Serena can’t stop talking Salvatore’s ear off about wanting to share his sled.
I listen in between small laughs and sips of my coffee.
Sasha and I help zip the kids into their winter coats and accessories. Serena resembles a starfish as she beams up at me in her thick puffer coat, mittens, and beanie. I kiss her on the tip of her button nose and tell her to behave herself.
Dominic and Bryce have already raced toward the door, fussing with their coats and boots.
Salvatore shoots me a knowing grin. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it. We’ll be back in a few hours.”
He kisses me on the cheek, and then he and Stitches herd the little ones out the door.