Season's Schemings (Cyclones Christmas, #1)

by Katie Bailey

“I’m a jealous man, Madelyn,” he whispers in my ear. “So you’ll be wearing my name tonight, or nobody’s.”

I love playing on home ice. And I’m very much aware that the one and only reason I’m still able to call this arena my home is sitting in the family box, cheering me on.

“You look at her like my daddy looks at my mommy. And they’re super happy together. So, I’m going to go with yes. She is lucky to be married to you.”

“You are too much.” But she’s not. She’s exactly the right amount of… everything.

“We can build a little pillow wall so you don’t come anywhere near me. The Great Wall of Slater. So that no mini Slaters will be made on this trip.”

“Thank you,” I cry into his chest, any embarrassment at my display being drowned by gratitude. His hand tightens on the back of my neck, holding me ever closer.

Somewhere in the far, far distance, Dot applauds. “Now, THEY would get a sign that says ‘Live, Laugh, Love.’”

“If you wanted to get this close to me, you could’ve just gotten rid of that pillow wall in our bed, you know.”

“Say sorry to the families of elk in the woods whose eyes you’ve scarred with your rampant floozying,”

“Good.” Seb’s eyes are dancing. “And now, apologize to the bears.” “Wait. Aren’t the bears hibernating right now? You’re Canadian—shouldn’t you know that?” The look he gives me sears me to the core. “I think we woke them up.”

“I’ll admit. I was very, very skeptical at first. But he looks at you like… like everything you say is the most interesting thing in the world.” “Really?” Jax raises his eyebrows cheekily. “Yeah, I don’t get it either.”

“Well, Captain, it’s that… I think I might have accidentally fallen in love with my wife.”