Christmas with the Sheriff (The Fiore Family 3)

I chuckle because I’d gotten so much more than I intended, and I’m not complaining. “I’m glad I missed out on that little bit of information earlier.”

I pour two glasses for Mia and myself. “Does anyone else want any?”

“No, Mark’s the only one who likes it.”

“Oh. Well, then, there’s more to share.”

We eat our dessert in silence until Jenny says, “It’s a shame that you have to leave so soon.”

Jacob starts crying. He gets out of his chair and climbs onto Mia’s lap. She cradles him as if it’s second nature to her. “What’s the matter?”

“Do weave us.”

“Okay. Not right now.”

“Go sit back in your seat, or you can’t have any apple pie,” Derek tells him.

“Oh okay.” He jumps off her lap and runs back to his daddy.

“Sorry about him. He can be a bit needy sometimes,” Jenny apologizes.

“He’s adorable.” I love the way Mia smiles at my nephew because it gives me so much hope for a family with her.

“Now don’t go getting any ideas about jumping in her lap,” my father tells me as I stare at my woman.

“Hey, she’ll be sitting on mine if I get my way.” I might have to fight to keep her here, but I’m not afraid to be a little underhanded.

My phone rings next, and I redden because I’d given her shit about hers. “Sorry, I have to take this.” I stand and walk into the other room. “Snowfall Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Stone speaking.”

“Sheriff, there’s a fire on Cook Creek, and we need all people on the scene. The old Miller home is ablaze as well. It’s leading up to Stone Hill.”

“Okay. I’m on my way.” I come back to the table and explain. “Sorry, everyone. I have to leave. A large fire.”

“Do you need my assistance?” Derek asks.

“I don’t know, but all hands are on deck.”

“Be careful,” Jenny tells Derek. He’s a great guy willing to lend a hand any way he can.

“Come on.” I walk up to Mia and kiss her hard. “Please don’t leave town, or I’ll find you.”

“Be careful, please.”

“Absolutely, babe.” I peck her lips and run out the door, sliding on my coat as I head down the steps.

“We’re in for a fun night.” I look at my brother-in-law and nod. “Don’t worry. She’s not going anywhere.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

Chapter Five

Mia

We clean up the kitchen, and I can’t help but look out the window to see if I can spot some lights coming up the road.

“Relax. I know it’s late, but they don’t just work on putting out the fire. They tend to the families who have been displaced. It might be hours before we hear from them.” His mother puts her hands on my shoulders, and I feel the warmth of her well-meaning kindness. Their mother reminds me of mine, and I believe they’d get along quite well if they meet.

“With the weather like this, I think you should spend the night,” Jenny adds, looking out the window just as nervously as I am. Her bottom lip is bothered by her teeth, gnawing on it just enough to give her emotions away.

“The inn isn’t too far away.” I’d love to stay and wait for Mark, but I don’t want them to be put out. She’s already stressed about her husband and brother dealing with a fire.

Jenny spins away from the window and smiles. “But Mark will come back here looking for you,” she says.

“I suppose. We didn’t even get to talk about much or have more eggnog.”

She takes off her apron because technically we’re done with cleaning up and all leftovers have been stuffed into their full fridge. “Well, then, you better stay because he’ll arrest you if you take it with you.” I giggle because I can see him picking me up again and punishing me. A heat floods my cheeks as I picture Mark storming into the inn, setting me over his knees and pulling down my pants to spank my ass.

“We’ll be going home now,” her father says.

“Oh. Do you live near the inn?” I ask, wondering if maybe they could give me a ride.

“No. We live a half a mile from here,” Mrs. Stone says before she kisses both of our cheeks. “I hope we’ll see you tomorrow. In town, there’s a Christmas Day Festival. It starts at noon and goes until ten at night.”

My eyes widen, knowing this is an excuse for me to stay. It’s hard to even consider leaving, but I don’t have much time to decide. In fact, my brother wants to see me before he goes back, even though we saw each other for the past week. “A festival on Christmas? That sounds wonderful. What does it entail?”

“Games, a visit from the town’s Santa, a bunch of photos, hot chocolate, treats, and more. It really becomes a wonderland as the sun sets. My mother is on the set-up committee,” Jenny says.