She grabs my face and kisses me. “I’m so proud of you. I don’t think I say that enough.”
“I’m proud of us.” I get all the attention ’cause I’m out there on the stage, but that thing they say is true—behind every great man is a great woman. And Rory keeps the wheels on my bus, so to speak. She’s a fantastic mother. She’s my sounding board when I need advice. She’s my best friend, and the hottest lover. This woman just does it for me, and I’m so grateful Baylee and Paige suggested I ask her to be my nanny. “Before I forget, I heard something the other day that might make you smile.”
“What happened?”
I pull her into my arms. “Your favorite person, Vance Kozlov, got a lien on your old apartment building for not paying his contractors, and now he’s getting sued by the company buying the property.”
Her brows tighten. “Ugh, I hate him.”
“Me too.” I wanted to kick his ass when I found out he took a photo of Rory after she fell and called her a wet rat. Fuckingasshole. “But here’s the best part. Because Vance screwed up that sale, his mom decided not to retire to Florida and made him move into her basement until he repays her for all of her legal fees.”
“He’s a turd, but maybe I should be grateful he kicked out his tenants.”
“How do you figure?”
She tilts her head to look up at me, a twinkle in her pretty hazel eyes. “Because I was so desperate, I accepted a nanny position from a guy I barely knew.”
Chuckling, I kiss her. “Best decision ever.”
“Mama!” Layla shouts, holding up a fistful of banana. “I eat.”
Rory grins at our daughter. “Great job, ladybug.”
By the time we leave the condo, I feel like Santa himself with a giant sack of toys for my nieces and nephews. Baylee just found out she was pregnant a few months ago, so we’re adding to our Walker crew. Maverick is out of his mind with excitement.
When we get to the ranch, I help my girls out of the truck, and Rory points to the cupholder. “Don’t you want to grab your phone?”
“Nah. Today is for family.” I’m learning to unplug more.
She grins and tosses her phone next to mine. “Great idea.”
Her smile lingers, soft and approving, giving my heart a familiar tug. I wrap my arm briefly around her waist before turning toward the truck. I’m about to haul our bag of gifts to the house when I spot trouble. “Hold up.”
Rory looks confused as she picks up Layla. “What’s wrong?”
I sweep them into my arms. “I wanna carry ya over the potholes.” It’s bright and sunny now, but we’ve had rain. No need for her to get muddy.
She chuckles as I stalk to my brother’s house and deposit her and my daughter by the front door. Rory pushes up her glasses and leans over to kiss me. “Thanks, baby. You’re the sweetest.”
“Damn straight.” I wink at her and run back for the toys. When I join them again, I squeeze her hand. “You ready for your first Walker Christmas?”
Her sweet smile makes that warmth in my chest grow. “I can’t wait.”
I pull out the Santa hat from my back pocket, slide it on my head, and fling open the door. Holding up the bag of toys, I shout, “Ho! Ho! Ho!”
All the kids scream and rush me. I pretend to fall over, and Rory shakes her head, laughing at me. She puts Layla down, and my daughter joins in the mayhem.
“All right. Everyone off the floor.” Rhett folds his arms and scowls down at me, but I know he’s just giving me shit. Kids cling to his legs, and he cracks a smile.
“Merry Christmas, bro.” When he helps me off the floor, I yank him into a hug. “Ya got a full house today, huh?”
“Yup.” He glances around the great room, his eyes snagging on Paige. “I’ve come to love Christmas.”
“Never thought I’d say this, but I do too.” ’Cause Christmas when we were young sucked. Our father never gave us any gifts and only doled out chores. But now, with our wives and kids and all of our brothers home, it kicks ass. I pat him on the back. “Rory and I have some news.”
“She’s pregnant.” His eyes widen, but I shake my head.
“Not yet.” I laugh. “Geez, cool it. We’re still in the honeymoon phase of life. Give us a year or two to get our bearings. Besides, that would make my summer tour tough on her.”