Courage (Heroes of Big Sky 1)

“What do you mean?”

“Well, this house, as nice as it is, is obviously too small. If you could design and build a home, what would you like it to be like?”

“That’s a good question,” she says softly, staring at the lights on the tree. “I love Nina and Sebastian’s lake house, but it’s way out of my league financially. As for a realistic house, that I could potentially have? I don’t know if you remember, but Willa Hull used to have a farmhouse on a small piece of property just outside of town. She sold it when she and Max got married. Do you remember that?”

“Absolutely. It’s a nice place. I don’t know who bought it. Maybe someone from out of state, I’m not sure.”

“Yeah, I don’t know, either. I think it’s a beautiful home. I like that it has a nice yard in case I ever wanted to get a dog or something. And the farmhouse style appeals to me. All on one level, with at least four bedrooms and three bathrooms. And a killer kitchen. Oh! In the kitchen, I want a pot filler over the stove.”

I grin, enjoying the hell out of her. “Maybe a bigger laundry room?”

“Yes, with a sink. And a hanging rod.”

“I can hang a rod for you here.”

“We’re talking about my dream home,” she reminds me, and I nod.

“That’s right. I think that everything you’ve described is doable, sweetheart.”

She shrugs. “Someday. I was saving my money to be able to build a house eventually, but then everything happened over the summer, and I’m not able to work.”

“Wait.” I sit forward and turn to face her. “Are you telling me that you’ve been spending your savings, the money you saved to build, on rent and other expenses because you won’t let me help?”

She shrugs a shoulder. “It just is what it is. I refuse to touch the kids’ trust. I know that legally it’s there to help raise them, and for their expenses, but I want them to have that money later.”

I shake my head in frustration. I want to shake her. I want to tell her she’s being a stubborn ass.

But I don’t. Not here and now. I’ll make some arrangements to start paying the bulk of the bills. She isn’t the only one responsible for the twins, and I’ll be damned if she’s going to lose her dream because of the three of us.

“Why do you look mad?” she asks.

“Because you’re damn frustrating, Natasha Mills.” But I reach over and drag my finger down her cheek. “Let’s table this conversation for now. I have something for you.”

I reach over on the end table and retrieve a small, wrapped box.

“We’re exchanging gifts tonight?” she asks.

“There are other things under the tree for you, but this one is special.”

“Hold that thought.” She jumps up, runs to the laundry room, and returns with a wrapped package of her own. “Okay, you go first.”

“Hey, I’m the one who had the idea.”

“I know, but I can’t stand it.” She bounces in her seat. “Open it.”

I do as she asks, not bothering to care if I rip the paper to shreds.

“These are nice grilling tools.”

“It’s not just that. I got you a new grill.” She grins and claps her hands. “You were saying that mine sucks, and you love to grill.”

“I do.” I lean over and kiss her softly. “I can’t wait to use it. Thanks, babe.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Okay, your turn.” I pass her the wrapped box and watch as she carefully peels off the tape, painstakingly making sure that she doesn’t ruin the paper. “You’re killing me.”

“It helps build anticipation,” she says with a laugh. But when she opens the black velvet box, her smile falls. “Oh, Sam.”

I lean over to look at the gorgeous necklace. Aric outdid himself on this beauty. The emerald is vividly green, and the gold is shiny.

It’ll look fantastic against Tash’s skin.

“This is incredible,” she whispers.

“I wanted to get you something extra-special,” I begin as I take the box from her hands and slip the necklace out of the velvet tray. “You’ve gone above and beyond this year. I wanted you to have something that shows how much I appreciate you.”

“Well, you did a good job of it,” she says with a laugh. “I love it. Thank you so much.”

Her fingers play with the stone that hangs down between her breasts.

Aric was right, it’s the perfect length.

I can’t hold myself back from touching her. Damn it, I can’t get enough of her. And with the light from the tree casting a warm glow on her gorgeous skin, I need to see more of her.

All of her.

But because I love the way her eyes light up when I do it, I whip my shirt over my head and let it fall to the floor.

As if on cue, those big brown eyes light up as they roam over my torso.