Let It Be (Butler, Vermont #6) - Marie Force Page 0,74
looking forward to all the years.”
“Mmm, me, too.”
“How much sex do you think is happening in this barn tonight?” Charley asked Tyler.
“A lot.”
“The elixir you injected me with before I left on the trip has worn off, and I have to spend all day tomorrow with my siblings. I think I need another infusion to ensure family unity on Christmas.”
Tyler’s low rumble of laughter made her smile. Three days and two nights without him had made her realize she was even more dependent upon his presence in her life than she’d previously believed. And that was saying something.
He turned so he hovered above her, looking down at her with the fierce, sexy look that let her know every day that she was the center of his universe. “I’m always happy to tame you, as long as you know I love you just the way you are.”
“That’s why I’m here. Because you get me.”
“I get you, and getting you is the best thing to ever happen to me.”
She reached for him, bringing him into her embrace. “Merry Christmas, Ty.”
“Merry Christmas, Charl.”
“Is she asleep?” Gavin asked when Ella finished feeding baby Sarah.
“I think so.”
“Should we put her in the bassinette?”
“Probably.”
“You don’t want to?”
Ella gazed down at the tiny face that had taken over her life in the span of twenty-four hours. “I want to hold her all the time.”
“Didn’t the books say we’re not supposed to do that?”
“Yep.”
“So…”
“I want to hold her all the time.”
Gavin laughed and put his arm around her so he could hold her while she held the baby she’d wanted for so long. “Are you still hurting?”
“So bad, but it was worth it. She’s perfect, isn’t she?”
“Almost as perfect as her mommy.” He kissed the top of Ella’s head. “Now let’s put her down so you can get some rest. She’ll be awake again in a couple of hours.”
“I can’t wait.”
Smiling, he got up, took the baby and settled her in the bassinette. “Are you sure she doesn’t need a blanket?”
“No, the sleeper is her blanket. We don’t want anything else in there with her.”
He bent to kiss the baby’s forehead. “Sleep tight, little one.” Leaving her to sleep, he slid into bed with Ella and brought her head to rest on his chest. “Are you comfortable?”
“Uh-huh, but I just realized I never got to finish your Christmas present.”
“Yes, you did. She’s sleeping in her bassinette.”
“I made something else for you, but it’s not done.”
“No worries, sweetheart. I’ll still love it whenever you get a chance to finish it.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because I love everything you’ve ever given me. You saved my life with your big love, my sweet Ella, and gave me the most beautiful little girl. You don’t ever have to give me anything else again.”
“I feel guilty.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m this happy when so many other people aren’t.”
“Enjoy this moment you’ve waited so long to have. This, right here and now, is all there is.”
Since he knew of what he spoke, she decided to take his wise advice.
Chapter Twenty-One
“In the end, the love you take is
equal to the love you make.”
—Paul McCartney
Linc was about to call it a night when Max came downstairs, poured himself a glass of the whiskey he and Elmer had opened and sat with them in front of the fire.
“Everything all right, son?”
“Sure, everything is great. I think all my siblings are currently having sex while I’m sitting here with you two.” Max took a big sip of the whiskey. “But yeah, I’m good.”
Elmer rubbed a hand over his mouth as if trying not to laugh.
“You’ll find your person, Max,” Linc said. “I have no doubt about that, and when you do, it’ll be a love affair for the ages.”
“Any time now.”
“You’re not ready yet,” Elmer said.
“How’s that?”
“You’re only twenty-three.”
“Mom wasn’t even twenty-three when she married Dad.”
“Touché,” Elmer said. “You’ve got all the time in the world. Look at Hunter. He was thirty-five or -six when he settled down with Megan.”
“I’m not waiting that long,” Max said. “That’s an eternity. I’m already sick of being alone.”
“You’re never alone in this family,” Linc reminded him.
“And I’m incredibly grateful for that, but you know what I mean. I want what they have.” He gestured randomly behind him, referring to his siblings, who were all in bed with their partners.
“You’ll have it,” Elmer said. “I have no doubt about that whatsoever. You, my dear boy, are meant for a great love.”
“When?”
“When the time is right.”
“How will I know when the time is right?”
“When you meet