Page 17 of Enduring Christmas

"Daddy, you're hugging Miss X-n-o-bia."

Meow bounded up on the couch and began to lick Xenobia’s hand.

"Hey boy," he said to the purring kitten. "Good morning, Pumpkin."

"Daddy," Shiloh grinned, “did you and she sleep on the couch last night?"

"Her," he corrected. "I'll answer your question after you hand over the phone."

Shiloh extended her little hand, the nails and cuticles freshly painted in a soft pink. Thank goodness the makeup caboodle contents were non-toxic because she’d painted her eyelids, too. Girls, he laughed to himself.

"I only took one picture," she pouted.

"Where did you send it?"

Busted. Kids wielded technology faster than gunslingers of old.

"I just wanted to show mommy that you really did have a girlfriend."

"You don't have to prove anything to your mom."

"But Mommy told Todd you couldn't get a chick in a hen house because you're a grump. But now you have a girlfriend, so we don't have to get a chicken to keep you company."

"Well pumpkin, your mom is not an expert when it comes to chicks."

"Are you, daddy?"

Looking down at the woman in his arms. "No, I'm not." But he was determined to figure it out, for all their sakes. Whether Xenobia knew it or not she wanted a family. And he suspected that she wanted children. Whatever had happened in her in Shell Cove had made her too scared to hope for more. But one thing Luke had learned in his marriage, was when the right two people found each other they could build a solid foundation that they both could depend on. Luke believed he and Xenobia had a chance at making each other happy.

X stirred in his arms, her lids fluttering open several times before focusing on him. He expected her to jolt upright but instead; she looked up into his eyes and smile. Then she stroked his beard.

He caressed one of her ample hips.

"Tease," he chuckled, before leaning down to whisper in her ear. “Looking forward to seeing you out of this robe, girlfriend.”

Without saying a word, her big brown eyes dropped to his lips. The sexual energy between them sparked; and he felt that tightness in his jeans get even worse.

Her smile got even wider. "Are you trying to play me, big boy?"

Though she smiled, Luke replied with the gravity of how he felt about their growing connection. “No. I just know that I want you.”

Shiloh giggled. "My daddy's not a boy. He's a grown-up."

Xenobia yelped and swung her arms in a wide arc trying to scramble off his lap. With her legs in a twisted heap, she almost tumbled to the floor.

"Oh, my goodness. I didn't know she was awake. I'm so sorry."

Luke wrapped her in his arms. "First calm down."

He waited until her breathing slowed and her movement stilled.

"Second, how's your head?"

She touched the timed-sized knot and winced. "I'd forgotten about until you mentioned it."

"Give me that kiss, it'll take your mind right off of it."

Xenobia just shook her head at his tactics. “My fast and free days are over, Luke.”