Max’s eyebrows rose and he grinned. “You think?”
“I can’t wait to see his face. And you know that will ease the loss of Chaos when that time comes.”
His grin dropped. “I’m not sure it will. He’s been in Greg’s life for almost thirteen years.”
“I know. But I hope it helps. Hell, I hope it helps me.” Damn dog lived up to his name, but she had fallen in love with the crazy Border Collie. She couldn’t imagine life without him. Unfortunately, that time was coming, so they were trying to prevent a massive family meltdown by easing that pain somewhat.
Max cleared his throat. He would have a tough time, too. “Chaos has been around for Hannah and Oliver’s whole life.”
“Ugh. We’re all going to be a mess,” she admitted.
“He’s got time. He’s slowed down a lot, but let’s not rush it.”
“I’m not. Believe me.” She sighed. “Chaos is the face of Boneyard Bakery. He inspired me to start my business.”
“He’ll be remembered forever if you keep his face on the packaging.”
“Why are we talking about this?”
“Because you asked about Greg’s gift.”
Her lips flattened out. “I’ve given you yours and we’ve talked about his, so let’s talk about mine next.”
“Oh, you think I got you something?”
“Oh yeah, because I left Santa a list.”
“The list only had one thing on it.”
“Did you notice it wasn’t your dick?” she asked.
He laughed. “I did notice you omitted that priceless gem. But, seriously, woman... a new Infiniti SUV?”
“Well, yeah. Haven’t you seen those commercials? All loyal, loving husbands buy their sexy, super intelligent wives a new vehicle, park it in the driveway and put a big-ass red bow on the top.”
“Sexy and super intelligent? Think about that when you walk out of the house tomorrow morning and see nothing but your old Subaru parked in the driveway. My new wife—the one I’m trading you in for—will be sexy and super intelligent. She’ll get the new Infiniti.”
She shoved his shoulder. “Hey, those pictures I gave you were sexy.”
“Yes, and I bet they took a lot of work,” he teased.
That was true. That photo shoot took hours. And that was after Teddy spent forever working on her hair and makeup. Looking naturally sexy was hard work. “I bet you’d buy me one if I got a vagina rejuvenation.”
Max snorted. “I like your vagina the way it is.”
“Hmm. Those kids did a number on it.”
“Yes, they did.”
“See!”
“Maybe I got you the rejuvenation instead of the Infiniti.”
“Ooh. Will it make me a virgin all over again?”
“Last thing I want is a virgin, baby. I love how experienced you are with your mouth... And other things. I don’t have time to teach you all of that again.”
She laughed. “You never taught me any of that in the first place.”
“I gave pointers.”
“You did not!” she huffed but smiled. “You’re so full of it.”
“Full of love for you.” He pressed one hand over his heart and winked.
She rolled her eyes. “Oh boy.”
“Okay, so I knew you wouldn’t be satisfied with just this impressive night stick as your Christmas gift,” he said, waving a hand over his now semi-erect cock. “So, I figured I’d sweeten the deal.”
“Ooo.” Amanda got on her knees, facing him and clapped. “So, what did you get me, my sweet and loving husband, father of the fruit of my loins, my protector and expert lover who ruined me for any other man?”
“I’m glad I did that last one. I saved the male race from you. I took one for the team.”
She grinned. “I actually won’t argue that.”
“What?” His mouth hung open and he put a hand against her forehead. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Depends on my gift. Let’s go, cough it up.”
“It’s not sexy photos of myself,” Max warned her.
“Oh good.”
“Though, I might have to steal that idea for a future anniversary gift.”
“Hurry up, or you won’t make it to our next anniversary.”
“So bossy,” he murmured.
“I learned from the best,” she exclaimed.
He reached under his pillow, pulled out a plain manila folder he’d hidden there while she showered and handed it to her.
Her excited eyes turned confused. “You brought work home?”
“Yes, that’s what you’re getting, budget spreadsheets. Open the damn thing.”
She flipped it open and gasped. Her hazel eyes flipped to his. “A family vacation?” She fingered the paperwork in the folder. “Please don’t tell me it’s to Aruba and we’re leaving the day after Christmas.”
“Not to Aruba,” he assured her. “No, I figured it was time that we take another honeymoon. Just the two of us. One other than staying at the Finger Lakes this time and getting totally sloshed on wine.”
“Oh, thank fuck,” Amanda said. “You know Teddy is my bestie, but it will be nice to take a trip without drama. Wait... you said just the two of us?” Her face lit up.
Max gave her a smile and wiggled his eyebrows. “No kids.”
“Oh, I just orgasmed.”
“Great! Now I can get mine and I don’t have to worry about you.”
Amanda whacked him in the stomach. “Yeah, right. You don’t get off that easy.”
She glanced at the itinerary. Her mouth dropped open and her head almost spun off her neck. “Fiji?” she shrieked, making him wince.
Once he could hear again, he smiled. “For two weeks.”
“What?” she shrieked again. “Two whole weeks?” Her eyelids fluttered and she shuddered. “I just came again.”
“Just wait until we’re in Fiji. You’ll get sick of all the orgasms I’m going to give you.”
“I doubt that.” She released a happy squeal, tossed the folder aside and fell onto his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his jaw. “Fun, sun, beautiful water and loads of sex. Best present ever!”
“Right? We get caught up in our lives, our careers, the kids, even Greg, and I miss out on spending time with just you.” Her dog treat business wasn’t as stressful as his job, but she worked hard to keep it in the black. Plus, she dealt with the kids and her brother, who would always require a lot of
