Page 15 of Santa Daddy
Caleb – One Year Later
“Caleb Hunt,what in the world are you up to now?” Lexi adjusts the silk blindfold on her eyes.
“Hang on tight, baby. Take it slowly.” I haul her out of the passenger seat of my car and into my arms. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“I figured.” She adjusts the blindfold again, clearly not liking the lack of control—exactly why I planned it this way.
Everything about our relationship keeps me on my toes. I was wrong if I thought pining for this woman for five years prepared me for her wild and crazy chaos. And I love every second of it.
“Just a few more steps,” I coo, my hand at her elbow as I guide her around the big house.
“Caleb, you’re crazy. It’s Christmas Eve. Who plans a surprise on a holiday?” She’s rambling, and I don’t try to hide my smile as we come into view of the most beautiful spread I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“Ready, baby?” I whisper in her ear, anticipation ready to jump out of my throat.
“So ready.” She shifts against me, an excited grin turning up her beautiful lips.
“Well, I hope you’re not mad”—I slip my fingertips under the silk of the blindfold and lift—“but I took the liberty of doing a thing.”
I spin her toward the house, the one I’ve been working most of my life to make mine, now ours.
“Whoa. This is a little extravagant for a Christmas Eve dinner, isn’t it?” she breathes, taking in the mountain peaks across the valley and the lake nestled at the base with our new home perched on top.
“Welcome home, Lexi.” I take her hands in mine, spinning her to the side so she finally sees all our family members.
“Caleb Hunt, stop it.” She giggles, clearly not believing me. “This isn’t a home. It’s a mansion.”
“It’s closer to your university classes,” I offer, grinning wide.
She arches an eyebrow. “Do I have to clean it?”
I laugh out loud at the all-too-serious look on her face. “Not for a second.” I gather her in my arms. “I plan on keeping you plenty busy with more pleasurable things.”
“Is that so?” She grins back at me, happiness radiating from her eyes.
“Very busy”—I drop to one knee, sliding the ring from my pocket and taking her hand—“being my wife.”
Her eyes open wide.
“Marry me. I want to live the dream with you. I want to take care of you. I want to be wrapped in these thighs for the rest of my days.”
Tears stream down her cheeks, and her hands tremble as she takes in the emerald cut diamond that’s been part of my family’s private collection for generations. It’s a priceless heirloom, and it’s finally at home on her finger where it belongs.
“Oh, Caleb.” She flings herself into my arms. “Yes, yes, yes. I can’t wait to be your wife.” She plasters me in kisses as I haul us off our knees, and the crowd erupts into cheers.
“This would have been a pretty awkward engagement dinner if you’d said no.”
She laughs against my chest. “As long as you swear that I’m permanently on vacation from cleaning that big-ass mansion you call a house behind us, I’m with you on this adventure.”
I grin, my fiancée's hand clasped at my waist as we enter the crowd of family congratulating us.
I catch my brother’s eye across the crowd. He appears emotional, but he’s been nagging me to settle down, buy a house, and start a family for a long damn time. My big brother has always had my back, and this time is no different.
“I’m such a lucky bastard,” I murmur in her ear so no one else can hear. “It’s going to be tough keeping my hands off you until the wedding.”
“Excuse me? Say that one more time.” Lexi’s eyes narrow on mine, etched with concern.
I laugh. “I’m a gentleman, baby girl. What can I say?”