A Christmas Bride

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHRISTMAS MORNING CAME early. Rina found herself being gently shaken a little before six. She opened her eyes and saw Kaitlyn staring down at her.

You were awake, right?” the girl asked anxiously. “Daddy said I wasn’t to wake you.”

Rina laughed. “I was awake enough.”

Good. There are presents and it’s snowing! I know it won’t stick, but there’s snow on Christmas! Come on. Get up!”

Rina sat up and stretched. She was wearing red and white candy-cane pajamas, just like the ones Kaitlyn had on. Somewhere in the house, Cameron had on a pair, too. An early Christmas present from her fiancé.

As she got out of bed, her diamond engagement ring caught the light and sparkled. Another early Christmas present that Cameron had given her last night. And after Kaitlyn had gone to bed, things had gotten even better.

Usually she went home after dinner. They had agreed it would be better for her not to spend the night until after they were married in a couple of weeks. Then Kaitlyn had begged for Rina to sleep over on Christmas Eve and sometime around two in the morning, Rina had reluctantly left Cameron’s bed to spend the rest of the night in the guest room.

Noah trotted into the room, her nails clicking on the hardwood floor. Cameron followed, looking both handsome and silly in his Christmas pajamas.

Merry Christmas,” he told her. “I have coffee brewing.”

And hot chocolate for me,” Kaitlyn said. “And she was already awake. Sort of.”

Give me five minutes,” Rina said, smiling at them both. “Then I’ll be right out.”

She used the bathroom and brushed her teeth, then stepped into slippers and joined Cameron and Kaitlyn in the kitchen. Outside, snow fell. A light dusting covered the deck and backyard. Only Noah’s pawprints disturbed the pristine beauty.

Before handing Rina her coffee, Cameron pulled her close and kissed her. Then he held out his arm so Kaitlyn was included.

Group hug,” the girl said with a contented sigh. “Daddy, I’m really glad there are presents, but this is the best one.”

For me, too,” Rina said.

For all of us,” Cameron agreed.

Kaitlyn looked up at them and smiled. “See. I told you. We had to give Rina something so she knows we love her. And we gave her us.”

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