we’re overachievers. We’ve got the heir. But now we’re about to have two spares.”
My eyes widen as I sweep her into my embrace, kissing her deeply, wishing I could show her in some other way how much I love and appreciate all she’s done for me.
“Twins,” I say, a mixture between a statement and a question.
“Twins,” she confirms.
“Two at the same time.”
“That’s usually how twins work, Gabriel dear,” my grandmother interjects with a smile.
I shake my head, pulling Nora back to me once more. “This may be the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received. I’m sorry the rest of the girls weren’t able to be here to celebrate and share in the news.”
“They’ll be here for New Years. I won’t be able to really celebrate, but it’s okay. All I care about is having time with my friends. That’s celebration enough. And so is this.”
“What?”
She places her hand over her stomach. “Our growing family.”
I kiss her again, pulling away when I feel a familiar tug on my shirt.
“Mama has cookies in her belly.” Hunter points at Nora’s sweater.
“She sure does, bud. Do you know what that means?”
“Mama likes cookies!”
“That’s one way of putting it,” Esme mutters under her breath, to which everyone chuckles.
“No. It means you’re going to be a big brother.”
He looks between us for a beat, seemingly deep in thought. Then his expression brightens. “Okay. Can we open presents now?”
I blow out a laugh, marveling at how easy-going he is. “Of course.”
As I gaze around the living room at a scene I could have never imagined a few years ago, my heart expands, much like the Grinch’s did when he discovered the true meaning of Christmas.
When Nora forgave me after learning the truth of the role I played in the car accident that took her fiancé and unborn child from her, I thought I knew what true love was. When she agreed to move her world for me and acclimate to a life no one can adequately prepare for, I fell even more in love with her. Then even more when we stood in front of God and all our friends and family, promising to cherish each other the rest of our lives. But those are the big moments.
Love is also found in the small moments. In my opinion, those are infinitely more important. I find pieces of our love sprinkled throughout our history. In the memory of her smile as I pulled her hair free of her ponytail as we drove along Route 66 together as two strangers. In the memory of spending a lazy Sunday at Central Park, lounging in the grass as we talked about everything and nothing at the same time. And now as she looks up at me with more admiration than I think I deserve.
I remember what Esme told me when I first grappled with my feelings for Nora. “‘Maybe it won’t work out. But maybe seeing if it does will be the exact adventure you need to remind you what it’s like to fly.’”
There’s no doubt in my mind that my time with Nora so far has been the adventure of a lifetime.
I have a feeling the adventure is just beginning.
Thank you so much for reading Tangled Games! I hope you enjoyed the final book in the Dating Games Series!
Want a little bit more of Anderson and Nora, and all the girls you’ve grown to love in this series? Sign up for my mailing list to get a bonus epilogue.
https://www.tkleighauthor.com/tg-mailing-list
Even though this series is over, it’s just the beginning of a new series, starting with Creed and Esme’s story - ROYAL CREED. Reserve your copy today!
Rule number one of being a bodyguard: Don’t fall in love with the person you’re protecting.
That rule’s even more important when you’re a member of the Royal Guard. And the person you’re protecting is the Princess Royal…
Who also happens to be your best friend’s sister.
Pre-order here.
I appreciate your help in spreading the word about my books. Please leave a review on your favorite book site.
Playlist
Royals - Lorde
Have I Told You - Matthew Mole
Your Lips Are Mine - Connor Duermit
Leaving Home - Cody Fry
Dreaming - Emily James
Grand Canyon - Matt Kearney
Ghost in the Wind - Birdy
Lonely - Violet Skies
Quite Miss Home - James Arthur
If You Love Her - Forest Blakk
Only Everything - Jake Etheridge
Sailboat Bed - The Devil Music Company
Rush - Lewis Capaldi featuring Jessie Reyez
Take it One Day at a Time - Jennifer Chung
Let It All Go - RHODES, featuring Birdy
Up in Fire - McKenna Breinholdt
The