Snowfall and Secrets (Michigan Millionaires)

by Kierra Quinn

She pouted. It looked adorable. Those lips of hers practically begged to be kissed. “No.”

“Get as close as you can and put your hands inside my coat.” “What the hell?” she asked. He chuckled. “Listen, princess, it’s not like I want your hands all over me, but if you don’t, you’re going to lose a few of those fingers, and you need those fingers to teach.”

your wife home?” she asked. He took off his scarf and froze. “Um, I’m not married.” “Oh, sorry, your house looks so nice.” “Men can’t have nice houses?” His smile melted her heart.

He’d never been good with kids, even his own. He loved them, but he’d been a terrible father. Now his boys were gone.

“Oh hey, don’t get mad.” Chris stood. “I want us to be friends.” “I’m not friends with neanderthals.”

Estelle cackled. “The boy blushes. Didn’t know you had it in you. It must be a girl. A pretty one.” Lukas laughed. “You are a mess, woman.”

“She’s Doc’s new teacher,” he said. “And off limits.” “Off limits cause Doc said so or because of your own lame rules.” Estelle chuckled at herself. Lukas sighed. “Both,”

“Even the most damaged of plants blooms in the spring,”

“Lukas, every man has been broken. What makes a man is how he comes back. Don’t live in misery with just that dog.”

He found them both, fast asleep, curled up together on the couch. His heart skipped a beat. She was even more beautiful asleep. How was it possible that she wasn’t married or at least in a committed relationship? If he had her, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight. He shook his head. Thoughts like those had to go. He’d never have her. That would be a huge mistake for the both of them.

She could’ve given him dirt water and that would’ve been fine with him as long as she gave him that pretty smile while she did.

He’d have her for dinner anytime.

Lukas didn’t realize he hit the guy until Chris was on the ground in the snow, holding his eye. “What the hell, man?” Chris yelled. Lukas’s hand hurt, his knuckles red, but he sure felt better. “Stay away from her.” Lukas shoved his gloves on. “I’d better not hear about you messing with her again, or I’ll break your nose next time.”

“Nonsense. Men fall hard.” “Okay, I’ll come to dinner, but only because I like you. I’m not interested in seducing one of your sons.” Marie laughed. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. They’ll be the ones fighting over you. We’ll see you Friday at six.”

Tess rummaged through a small bag and pulled out dog treats. She opened the box and fed one to Dio. His chest tightened. Definitely not letting Hayden get his hands on her.

He put a finger on her chin and made her look him in the eyes. He wanted to see those captivating brown things anyway. When she met his eyes, he knew he was fighting a losing battle. If she wanted him, he was hers. Though Hayden would be better for her than him. She’d be less likely to get hurt. “You don’t see it? You’re gorgeous, smart, well-educated, independent, and brave.”

If Lukas was being honest, he’d rather see her with Hayden. No, that was lie, he’d rather see her with himself.

“Do you approve?” Tess asked testily. “No. It doesn’t matter what you wear. It’s inappropriate,” he mumbled like he was pouting. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “I mean you could wear a tarp, and it would look sexy.” He shrugged.

“Tess might though. Mom was right. You are stunning.” Tess blushed again and gently removed her hand from his. She wasn’t sure he even noticed. But Lukas did. He moved closer to Tess and put his arm around her waist.

“Why’d you tell her about the dogs?” “She asked.” Hayden looked over at Lukas. “You do like her, don’t you?” Leave it to Hayden to not keep his mouth shut. But he wasn’t done yet. “I’m sorry, Tess. I’m going to have to withdraw my earlier offer. I’d never do that to my buddy here.”

She could probably arrange her own ride, but being with him turned her to jelly.

“Hello.” “Tess, it’s Marie. Are you okay?” “I’m fine, why?” “Lukas told me you were sick.” Tess felt her cheeks redden. “Yeah, I threw up on him. I’m so embarrassed. But I think it’s just morning sickness.” “You threw up on him?” “Yeah. Not one of my best moments.” “What’d he do?” “Put me to bed, cleaned the mess, and put my clothes in the wash.” “You’re going to keep him, right? Not many men would do that.”

The truth was there was nothing wrong with her fireplace, but she looked so adorable and helpless in her house.

“We’re friends, and you need a good friend. Besides he likes you, and you like him. It makes sense.”

“You also dress in a way that drives me crazy, and yet I’ve never seen your cleavage. You are many things, Tess, but a slut is not one of them.”

He’d been hers since the moment he laid eyes on her.

“We have mail orders. I sent most of them emails explaining the delay because of a blizzard. If I’m being honest, I could’ve gone in yesterday and gotten them out on time. But a certain minx named Tess kept me confined to my bed.”

She was young, only twenty-five, and to ask her to never have kids would be cruel.

“I’ve been on him to find someone he could start a new family with and look, you come ready made.”

“Morning gorgeous. You know I could die a happy man as long as I get to wake up to your beautiful face every day.”

If only she could wrap her arms around him and comfort him. But since she was the reason he was upset, she couldn’t.

“You don’t know me at all and have nothing to lose by telling me everything. I’m actually a therapist so I might be able to help.” Tess looked at this beautiful girl in front of her and started talking.

“I did like to party. I had a bit of a reputation for sleeping around. I was such a…” “Don’t you dare say slut. We are women. It is perfectly okay for us to enjoy our sexual side. We don’t shame men in such a way.”

“Girlfriends.” He shook his head. “I promise you, Lukas and I did not hold each other.”

I think she felt guilty because you did something she did every day, and the kids died on your watch. It doomed the two of you. You weren’t a great match and without the boys, there was nothing left to save.

What if I do everything right and something bad still happens?” “Then it happens. Life sucks sometimes, but it’s so much easier to deal with when you’ve got someone you love by your side.

He was trying to be charming. He was failing. “I needed some time to think about what I wanted.” She crossed her arms. “And what is that?” “You. Tess, I want you.”

He knelt down on the ground and pulled out a small box. “I should’ve done this properly last time. Tess, will you marry me?” She gasped. “Lukas, I don’t know. Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m sure. In fact, the preacher is waiting in his office to make this official today if you want.” “Today? You want to marry me today?” “I never want to spend another day without you. If you’ll have me.” Tess didn’t hesitate. She loved Lukas and could never be happy with anyone else. “Yes.”