CHAPTER 6
Ethan
The next morning, I step out of my truck, a bag full of toys for Mia in one hand and a giant unicorn stuffed animal in the other. Making her blue eyes go wide has become an addiction I don’t even try to break. Every time she smiles, it feels like the world rights itself a little more.
The moment I walk into the house, the smell of my mama’s cinnamon buns wraps around me, warm sugar, butter, and home. Then I hear it: music, floating down from upstairs, faint and sweet like a secret I’m not supposed to hear.
Curious, I climb the steps two at a time. As I near Summer’s family rooms, the sound grows louder, bright and bouncy. The door is open, and I stop in the doorway, grinning before I can help myself.
Summer and Mia are dancing in their pajamas.
Mia’s bouncing on the bed, hair flying everywhere, wearing the princess-print pajamas I bought her yesterday.
Summer’s in front of her bed, messy bun slipping loose, her soft pajamas hugging her curves in a way that makes my pulse trip.
A comb in her hand doubles as a microphone as she sings along to Taylor Swift, her voice light and breathless with laughter.
They’re sunshine after the storm, so full of life that for a moment, it’s easy to forget that only two days ago, fire took everything they owned.
“Efan!” Mia spots me first. Her eyes go huge when she sees the unicorn. “You bought me a unicorn?”
She bolts toward me, and I barely set the bag down before she leaps into my arms. I catch her easily, her tiny arms tightening around my neck, warm and trusting.
“Mornin’, princess.” I kiss her cheek. “You like it?”
“I love it! Thank you, Efan!” she squeals, running her small hand through the unicorn’s rainbow mane. My chest tightens, melting like butter on a griddle.
“You didn’t have to,” Summer says softly.
She’s blushing, cheeks a warm rosy pink, clearly embarrassed I caught her mid-dance. Her shy smile feels like sunlight hitting the back of my neck, warm, gentle, and way too tempting.
I shrug. “Sorry to barge in like this. I heard the music and the giggles… couldn’t help myself.” My gaze sweeps over her before I can stop it, and a slow grin tugs at my mouth. “Morning, gorgeous.”
She looks away, wringing her hands a little, her voice barely above a whisper. “Good morning.”
“What’s in there?” Mia asks, pointing to the bag.
“Why don’t you open it and find out?” I nod toward it.
Mia dives in, gasping as she pulls out the first toy. “Mommy! Look!” She hugs the new doll tight.
“Ethan, this is too much,” Summer says, shaking her head.
“She lost all her toys in the fire,” I remind her with another shrug, trying to keep my tone light even though my chest feels tight at the memory.
“Mommy, there’s a puzzle and coloring books too!” Mia’s excitement builds with each treasure she pulls out, piling them around her like it’s Christmas morning.
“You’re spoiling her,” Summer murmurs, but there’s no real bite to it, just a quiet worry she carries like a second skin.
“Nah,” I say, smiling. “Just making sure she’s got what she needs.”
Summer doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t argue either. “Mia, what do we say when people give us gifts?” she asks, brow raised, full lips curved into a half smile. And God help me, the sight makes my breath catch. I want to lean in, close enough to taste that smile.
Mia tugs on my hand, snapping me out of the gutter my mind wandered into.
“Thank you, Efan.” She’s holding the coloring books to her little chest like they’re treasure.
“You’re welcome, princess.” I wink at her.
“We should get ready.” Summer lifts her daughter, who’s still grinning at the heap of new toys.
“I’ll see you downstairs for breakfast,” I tell them, forcing myself to head toward the kitchen even though part of me wants to stay right there, with them, in that sun-lit moment, just a little longer.
◆◆◆
The kitchen smells like heaven. My parents, Jude, Cas, and Penny are already eating. Mama’s smile is too knowing, and my brothers look smug.
“Mornin’,” I greet, grabbing a mug and pouring coffee.
“Good morning, Ethan,” Penny says, hugging me before she returns to her cup.
“Chris was asking if Summer needed help at the shop, with her hand and all,” Cas says, his smirk widening. “Said he could go lend a hand. He mentioned he likes her blue eyes…”
“Tell Chris I’ll help her,” I cut in, my voice low. “No need for him.”
Cas chuckles. Jude hides his grin behind his cup.
“Tell him Summer won’t need anything from him,” I add. “I’ve got it covered.”
Penny gives me a knowing look. I groan, sinking into my chair. I love my big family, but sometimes I wish I were an only child.
“Hard, deep, and fast,” Cas mutters with a grin.
I throw a cinnamon bun at his head.
◆◆◆
Fifteen minutes later tiny footsteps patter down the hall, and then Mia runs into the kitchen, clean, dressed, her hair brushed into neat pigtails. She rushes straight to Mama and hugs her legs.
“Oh, sugar, you’re so sweet,” Mama says, scooping her up. “Good mornin’, sunshine.”
Mia sniffs the air, eyes lighting up. “Are those cinnamon buns?”
“They sure are,” Mama says, handing her one and setting her on a stool. “Here you go.”
Summer walks in a moment later, hair still damp from the shower, wearing a soft sweater and jeans. “Good morning,” she says, smiling politely, but not at me.
“How are you, sweetheart?” Penny asks, standing to hug her.
“I’m okay,” Summer says, returning the hug. “Just… adjusting.”
Grace comes down next, backpack slung over her shoulder.
“Grace, aren’t you having breakfast?” Dad asks.
“Nope. Caleb’s picking me up, we’re going for pancakes before school.”
I arch a brow. “I think you’re spending way too much time with that boy.”
Grace smirks. “I think it’s none of your business.”
Summer and Penny snicker, and I throw them a look that only makes them laugh harder.
“Tell him to come in and say hi,” Cas says with his sheriff grin.
“No way in hell,” Grace mutters, heading out the door.
We all crowd around the window as Caleb’s car rolls up. He hops out, opens the passenger door for her, then pulls her in and kisses her.
“I don’t like him,” Jude mutters.
“I’ll have Corinne run another background check,” Cas adds.
We’re still scowling when Asher’s truck pulls up. He climbs out, smiling, until he spots Grace and Caleb kissing. His jaw tightens.
Asher’s been my best friend since eighth grade, back when I punched a kid for teasing him about his glasses.
He’s still the guy I trust with my life, in a fire or on the ranch.
He’s also been protective of Grace ever since he practically became part of our family, he was always at our house, hiding from his fighting parents.
Sometimes I think he forgets Grace isn’t his sister too.
“So today’s a special day!” Dad announces, pulling us all back from the window.
Asher walks in, broody as ever, greets everyone, and grabs a bun.
“A special day?” Mia asks, eyes wide.
“Why, of course,” Dad says. “It’s December first, and at the Hawthorne Ranch, that means Christmas starts right now.”
Mia gasps. “Christmas?”
“That’s right,” Dad says, his grin wide. “The ranch turns into a Christmas wonderland. And when you and Grace get back from school, we’re all going out to find the perfect tree for the house.”
He rests a big hand on her shoulder. “I was thinking you could be the one to pick it out this year.”
Mia’s face lights up, pure joy. “Really?”
Dad winks. “If it’s okay with your mama, of course.”
Summer smiles softly. “The shop’s closed on Mondays. I’d love that.”
Dad nods, pleased. “Then it’s settled. We’ll meet back here after school, cut down the tree, decorate, and Lily will make us all dinner.”
Mia’s whole body wiggles with excitement. “I can’t wait! I’m gonna pick the biggest, prettiest tree ever!”
The kitchen fills with laughter, the kind that wraps around your chest and reminds you what home feels like. And when I look at Summer, her smile shy but real, I know this Christmas is going to change everything.