First Kiss Last by Sara Miller (latest books to read .txt) 📕

could have one of each or choose their favorite. As Liam was ready to dump in the chocolate chips, Sky stopped him and ran out of the room. Their confusion did not last long. Sky returned with the bag of red and green M&M’s she had received in her stocking. Everyone approved of the substitution.

When all the cookies were baked and almost cooled, Cade supplied two Christmas tins perfect for transporting them. There were enough cookies for Leah to set aside some for the family to enjoy when they returned home. Soon everyone and the tins were piled in Cade’s truck.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur of activity. The residents of Willow Acres, a small facility Leah had never heard of, were absolutely charmed by the Emerson children. The kids sported Santa hats as Liam handed out sugar cookies and Sky happily gave out her M&M cookies.

Sky and Liam listened attentively to the residents’ stories of Christmases past. They gave out hugs along with the cookies. Leah was moved by the experience. Her heart ached for these forgotten loved ones. She was so blessed to have been a part of this.

On their way out, they left the remainder of the cookies with the staff. The staff thanked them over and over.

“Thank you. You have a beautiful family, you and your wife should be so proud,” they gushed.

Leah looked from Cade to the kids, but no one seemed upset at the misconception.

“It was our pleasure.” Cade did not correct them.

♦

Much later that evening, Leah sat snuggled on the couch with Cade. Liam had finally been put to bed after several failed attempts. During which, Leah saw Sky sneak into the kitchen several times and emerge with a cookie. It was Christmas, so she just winked and smiled.

Now the house was finally silent and they were all alone. Cade had turned off all the lights. The Christmas tree’s colorful lights were the only thing penetrating the darkness.

“I think today was perfect,” Leah sighed contentedly.

“Just about,” Cade agreed and pulled her onto his lap.

“Only just about?” Leah gazed at Cade’s suddenly serious face. She put her palm to his cheek and he leaned into her caress.

“Cade?”

“There should be one more present, remember?”

Leah wracked her brain. She thought back to their list-making. They’d done the standard ones and the extra ones and even the giving-back one. What got missed?

“Oh!” Leah finally remembered. “The family gift! What did you all decide on? Why didn’t you get it? Is it here, should we wake the kids?”

Cade chuckled at her concern and she frowned. He squeezed her to him and kissed her.

“It’s right here but we don’t have it. Not yet. Not fully.”

“What are you talking about, crazy man?” she teased, completely confused.

“I love you, Leah.” He looked so serious.

“And I love you too, Cade,” she replied, completely sincere.

“I love you and I want to marry you. We want you to be part of our family.”

Leah wanted that too. What she had with Cade and his children felt real. It felt right. She’d never been so happy. “Cade I—”

“As soon as you can, love. We want you. It’s what we all agreed on for our family Christmas gift: I want you as my wife and the kids want you to be their mom.”

The word “mom” echoed in Leah’s mind. It reverberated until it touched her soul and the hidden recesses of her mind. Reality and her dream world collided.

She froze.

She was going to be a mother.

Cade stretched and plucked a small gift from the Christmas tree. He opened the classic black velvet box and held it out to her.

“Do you want me to get down on one knee?”

Leah shook her head. She could not take her eyes off the elegant engagement ring. The diamond twinkled as it reflected the Christmas lights.

“Leah, will you marry me?”

She tried to smile, tried to open her mouth to say yes, but the word would not come out. Instead, her head shook “no” of its own accord.

“After,” he insisted, “after everything is settled.”

Leah’s head shook again. She willed her mouth to say yes. She wanted to be Mrs. Cade Emerson almost more than anything in the world. She loved him. She loved his children. She wanted to be their mom.

Being a mother was what she wanted the absolute most.

Leah’s body was betraying her. Why was this happening now?

Cade was waiting for her answer.

Her mouth would not let her say yes. It wouldn’t let her say anything. She had always been able to talk to Cade. Why couldn’t she get her words out?

Panic filled her. Her heart raced wildly, she felt herself grow warm then cool, and her hands began to tremble. Her chest hurt, hurt in a way it had never hurt before, making it difficult to breathe. She opened her mouth, trying to talk, trying to take a breath, anything that might help her. But still, her dream self would not speak.

“Leah . . .”

Cade’s tone was so gentle, she couldn’t handle it. She started to cry.

“Leah?” his brow furrowed.

When she didn’t reply, he shook her slightly.

“Leah!” His confusion changed to frustration.

She knew his anger was soon to follow, but she couldn’t stop what her refusal had set in motion. He had every right to be mad at her. Everything she ever wanted was right in front of her. But she was still shaking her head.

“Leah, what the hell?” Cade disengaged from her and stood.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” she wept. She’d finally gotten words out, but they were not the right ones. They didn’t help.

“You said you love me,” he paced back and forth. “You said it was over and you were leaving him!”

“I do love you. I do! But—”

Cade snapped the ring box closed. It made a startlingly loud noise in the darkness. He looked at the box with contempt before throwing it across the room. When that was not enough of a release of his anger, he punched the wall.

“Dammit, Leah. I bought that ring in