Merry with a Brewmaster (The Love Beach Holiday Collection)

26. Vienna

26

VIENNA

CHRISTMAS DAY

“ Y ou look surprisingly well rested for having slept on an air mattress in Haven’s room,” I say wryly as I hand Saige a cup of coffee which she accepts before sitting at the table. She could have had an actual bed, but Haven had given her the puppy dog eyes and Saige couldn’t turn down the sleepover. She’s also wearing our matching Santa pajamas which makes me absurdly happy when I see Wells in them.

“Compared to dealing with my new neighbor, it was basically a dream.”

“Band guy is still giving you a hard time?”

“He’s relentless, totally set on seeing how dark he can make these circles under my eyes.”

“Have you talked to him?”

“Of course I’ve talked to him,” she hisses as I hide my smile behind my cup.

“Merry Christmas,” Wells says, walking into the kitchen and interrupting us before kissing me like he didn’t just kiss me five minutes ago.

“Merry Christmas,” I reply as I hand him a cup of coffee. “Now let’s go open presents because your daughter has been waiting patiently.”

“Daddy!” Haven yells as she comes sliding across the floor and crashing into her father at full speed.

“Oof, Merry Christmas, Haven.”

“Merry Christmas! Santa came and I’ve been waiting forever for you!”

Wells glances at the clock. It’s barely after seven.

“Forever, huh?”

She nods.

“All right, go into the living room and we’ll be right behind you,” Wells says as Haven grabs Saige’s hand and leads her down the hall.

“We do not have time for a quickie,” I hiss, half joking and half serious because the man is motivated when it comes to getting me off. It’s like that mishap on the couch was a personal affront and he’s vowed to make me come several times a day, every day.

Not that I’m complaining.

“Don’t tempt me, Siren,” he warns and I huff out a laugh.

“Literally the definition of a siren.”

“Anyway,” he says, pulling a thin box from the pocket of his sweatpants, “I wanted to give you this before the chaos of the morning.”

The blue velvet is soft in my hand as I lift the lid, my hand flying to my mouth as I stare down at the beautiful necklace.

“It’s not a ring, although I warned you that’s next,” he says wryly as my eyes fill with tears, “but the top stone is Haven’s birthstone, and the bottom one is mine.”

Wells seems to be at a loss for words and honestly so am I. The delicate chain holds two beautiful stones, stacked on top of each other. It’s beautiful and thoughtful and I can’t deny that I’m head over heels for this man.

“I love it so much,” I breathe out before crashing my lips against his and pouring my gratitude and love into the kiss.

“Seriously? Kissing again? Is that all you’re gonna do?” Haven’s voice is annoyed and a little bit baffled, making me laugh as I take Wells’s hand and pull him toward the living room.

“You’re probably going to have to get used to it,” I tell her, bumping my hip against hers.

She huffs. “If you’re gonna kiss all the time, can I at least get a sister?” she deadpans with her hands on her hips as my mouth falls open.

“Okay! Let’s open some presents!” Saige shouts, making Haven move in front of a pile of presents as Wells wraps his arm around my waist.

“Not a bad idea,” he whispers in my ear.

“Flower shop first,” I whisper back as his lips curve up into a winning smile.

“Deal.”