The Billionaire’s Naughty List (Cam Show Crush)

Bonus Epilogue

Laughter echoes above the Christmas carols pouring from the speakers in the family room. Giggles and little boy snickers are the sweetest sounds ever. My family, this family I’ve built and collected and hung on to over the years, is pure joy.

Lily outdid herself, as usual. She always goes big at Christmas time and our tenth anniversary together is no exception.

The tree is a bit bigger, a bit brighter. The cabin is decked out with a gingerbread village, more cookies than I can count, and at least a ton of local greenery. And it’s fresh, scenting the air.

“Happy?” she asks, bumping her shoulder against mine.

I tug her closer to my side. Across the room, Colt has his arm around Emily. And in between us, amidst a flood of tissue paper and bows, my sons and their sister are destroying the mountain of presents.

“So much for that ‘let’s go light on the presents,’” I murmur into Lily’s hair and she giggles.

“Don’t look at me,” she whispers back. “That’s mostly dad and Emily’s fault.”

And they’re glowing. Never having kids together didn’t stop them from jumping in as full-time grandparents. Hell, Emily even gets him to leave the ranch regularly to come out to Seattle for visits. He bought an RV and takes everyone camping. Last summer, we took a two-week road trip that included a handful of national parks.

“Like you didn’t contribute your fair share, Missus Claus.”

She shoots me an impish grin before pressing her lips to my cheek. “Ditto, Mister Claus.”

Fuck, I love being the Mister to her Missus.

And yeah, our younger son loves fidget toys and anything he can take apart. Our oldest is an outdoorsman through and through. And our little girl is still in her stuffed animals and tea set stage. At least once per week I walk in her room to find her ‘healing’ a sick stuffy.

She’s the dogs’ favorite, but I’d never admit that out loud. And that’s not just because she’s the youngest and still prone to dropping food on the floor. She’s got her mother’s warm spirit and utter adoration for all things furry and four legged.

“What are you two whispering about over there?” Colt asks, brow raised.

“I was just about to give Lily her Christmas Present,” I say.

“Oh?” She perks up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

I pick my way through presents, children and dog paws to the tree. The glittering red package is the size of a shoe box and has a fancy satin bow. Lily takes it with a big smile. Glitter goes everywhere as she tears into the paper.

Her smile flickers with puzzlement when she sees the tube of bubble wrap inside the box. “What is this?”

“Momma, what did you get?” our oldest parrots.

“Open it.” I take my seat again, sliding a hand across her lower back. Just like the first time, she leans into my touch and I fucking love it.

She peels back the tape as our daughter steals the wrapping paper. Maybe the glittered paper wasn’t the best idea. Oh well, that’s what vacuums are for.

“A countdown clock?” Lily says, brows pinched in confusion.

“Read the top.”

“Days until Elliot is home full—” She stops reading and spins to me. “Really?”

“What is it?” Colt asks.

Her eyes go the color of liquid caramel because of the unshed tears. We’ve been talking about it for a while now. Me stepping down as CEO so I can have more time with her and the kids. And who knows, maybe I’ll find a new passion project that will keep me busy. Something more in line with my current interests.

Like my wife. Our kids. Animals in need.

She flips it around so he can see. The boys immediately sense a new gadget and practically climb into her lap to investigate. I pluck our youngest and settle him in my arms.

“It’s a countdown clock. For my last day as CEO.”

“About damn time!” Colt says.

“Amazing. Congratulations,” Emily adds.

Lily’s brothers join in.

Lily explains things to the kids. “Daddy’s going to be home more. See—” She holds the clock to four-year-old Ella. “In forty-five days. This is going to help us count down every day.”

I’m going to need a countdown app on my phone because I’m counting the days as well.

Ella’s too young to really grasp counting down or even that Daddy will be home more, but the boys get it and they’re overflowing with suggestions of how we can spend all this new found together time. I can’t wait.

After all the presents are unwrapped and bellies are full, the boys convince Grandpa Colt and GG Emily to go outside and build a snowman.

“You guys have fun. I’m going to clean up.”

“But mom—”

“Come on, kiddo. We need to find sticks for arms and rocks for his buttons,” Emily says, shepherding the boys toward the door. Ella already has her uncles wrapped around her little finger, so they’re outside on the sled.

“Here,” Lily says, reaching into the refrigerator. She hands Emily three carrots.

They’re off like a shot. Their enthusiasm is both a blessing and a curse. All I can do is laugh and enjoy a moment of quiet. I love them endlessly, but their voices bounce off all these wooden walls and tall ceilings.

“Are you going with them?” my darling wife asks.

“I thought I’d stay in and help you clean up.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” She waves a hand to the countdown timer now sitting on the buffet table. “Step down?”

Soft instrumental Christmas music jingle-jangles in the background.

I take her hands, rain kisses across her knuckles. How has it been ten years? It feels like yesterday when I stormed out here, on fire with the need to see her. To get answers. To see if I’d ruined all hope of ever having my heart’s desire.

And now, three beautiful babies later, we’re going to finally get more time together. I can’t wait.

“I don’t look at it as stepping down. It’s a lateral move. I’m just stepping aside into a new role. Full-time dad and husband.”

Her smiles is so sweet it makes my stomach do a somersault.

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m positive.” I drape her hands over my shoulders, then reach for her hips, pulling her close.

She taps me on the nose. “Hold that thought.”

Then she scoots out of my arms.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I have one more present for you.” She takes my hand.

“Oh?” I follow her down the hall, eager for some alone time.

She circles the big bed and opens the bottom drawer of her nightstand. I sit on the edge of the mattress and take the red and white striped box from her. The paper comes off with a quick rip. I pop the lid, peel back the tissue paper, and immediately recognize the candy striped fabric of the stockings she was wearing the day she fell in the lake.

My ever present desire for her perks up. “Am I going to get a show?”

She huffs a laugh. “It’s not what you think.”

I frown down at the parcel and reach for the thigh highs. Except what I thought was a pair of stockings is actually… a onesie.

A baby onesie.

“Think you can handle one more?” she asks.

I toss the package aside and reach for my real gift, her. There’s not an ounce of hesitation in me. I’ll adore each and every baby she’s able to give us. “Absolutely. I love you, Missus Claus.”

Thank you for reading!