Christmas with the Sheriff (The Fiore Family 3)

“Good morning, Mia.”

“Good morning, Mark.”

“What’s got that brain of yours running overtime? Do you regret what we did?”

As I stumble on my words, trying to find the right way to say I’m falling for him, there’s a knock at the door.

“There’s coffee and breakfast,” Derek calls out.

“What time is it?” Mark shouts.

“Ten on the dot,” Derek answers before his footsteps head away from the door.

I push him slightly and get up off the floor. “Oh my goodness, it’s already ten. The festival will start soon.” Standing up, I brush my hands through my messy hair, trying to look less wild.

“You want to go to the festival?” Mark asks as he stands up, pulling me into his arms. A smile spreads across his face.

“Yes.”

“You’ll love it.” He kisses my cheek.

“Do you have to work?”

“Yes and no. I’m patrolling the area while officially off duty, but honestly, it’s only just in case someone gets out of hand, which hasn’t happened in years.”

“Will you show me around?”

“Of course, angel. My Christmas beauty needs to be spirited around town. Now—how about we join the family, and then I’ll drive you to the inn to change.”

“Perfect.” I kiss his cheek and then we get ready for coffee and presents. As he’s slipping on some jeans, I shoot a text to the family saying Merry Christmas and letting them know that I’m fine and will be attending a winter festival.

Anabelle’s the first to respond. I want to go. Jealous.

I don’t know how fun it will be, but it’s cool if you guys want to come.

We will be there, Soren adds. I don’t need caps or even to hear his voice to know that it isn’t a maybe. I can picture him scowling at his phone, angry and worried about Mark and me. I’m sure as soon as he meets him, they’ll get along. I tuck away my phone and finish dressing.

After about ten minutes, the family is gathered in the living room around the Christmas tree, and it feels like home. A smile creeps over my face as I take in the scene. Mark’s hands slide around my waist as he presses his body firmly against mine.

“I can’t wait to have a family.” My ovaries are practically shouting, sending endorphins through my body. It’s like he was reading my mind. It’s perfect…too perfect.

Chapter Six

Mark

She stiffens in my arms, and I know I’ve pushed too hard. Derek might be wrong when it comes to Mia. She’s not ready for the future I have in mind, and I don’t have much time to change her mind. The festival will have to be it. I have eight hours to prove that she belongs here by my side.

We take a seat on the sofa, and I pull her onto my lap. She doesn’t fight to get off, but then my mother comes into the room with coffee for us. “Here you two go.” It’s this moment that Mia chooses to take the seat next to me.

“I saved you a seat,” I grunt in her ear.

She turns her head and answers, “I know, but I don’t want coffee down my back.” With a quick peck on my cheek, she returns to the kids who are giggling on the floor by the tree. Jenny has her Nikon camera, snapping photos of the kids, but I think she should be watching.

“Jen, pass me the camera. You should be in the pictures with your babies.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Of course not.” She hands me the camera and I take tons of pictures. I haven’t touched a camera in years, even when it comes to crime scenes. It’s my little quirk, but I suddenly feel unbothered by the past. One picture I need is the beauty next to me as she smiles at the kids. God, my balls are ready to fill her womb from the longing that crosses her expression, and it takes me by surprise. She wants the same thing. Does she not want that with me? Or can she not have babies? Fuck, I’ve steamrolled her with my feelings and didn’t consider anything else.

“Uncle Mark. Uncle Mark. Dis for you.” Jacob comes up to me with a grin, handing me a small present that has been clearly wrapped by the kids or Derek. “Thank you.”

I’m about to set the camera down, but Mia takes it from me and snaps a picture of Jacob by my legs staring up at me, waiting with a joy in his eyes that screams innocence. “Open, Open.” He claps his hands.

“Relax, Jake. He’s old. He takes his time like Mr. Cain,” Lily says, rolling her eyes. Four and full of attitude already.

“Well, this is too small to be a cane.”

“It’s okay. I’ll lend you mine.”

“You don’t have one,” I huff while everyone laughs. Tearing the paper, I see a children’s book labeled “Uncle Mark.”