“I’m about to have how many grandkids? And a goddamned dog,” I laughed, chuckling at my kids as we gathered in the living room after dinner.

Bri was occupied with the brand-new laptop Imara and I had gifted her, and Jaden was occupied with the goddamned dog. Addison, our – maybe, one day – newest addition to the family was watching, too shy to join in quite yet.

Justin and Toni were watching her.

They couldn’t stop watching her.

They’d only met her yesterday, when the agency dropped her off. Justin was supposed to tell his wife those people had called while she was gone, but he claimed it was going to be her Christmas gift, finding out they were chosen. But then, something happened, an “emergency foster placement”, or whatever the hell they’d called it, and Justin and Toni had leaped at the chance to make sure that little girl didn’t spend Christmas in a group home.

She seemed to like them.

They already loved her.

Joseph and Devyn looked damn near on the verge of passing out, but I hoped they knew they weren’t staying overnight here. Nobody was, cause I had other business to tend to once they left. Especially not with a newborn.

Josie was the prettiest little thing I’d ever seen, right next to Brielle when she was born – I could see Priscilla all over them. But I’d done my duty with screaming, shitty meatloaves, thirty-plus years ago, and I wasn’t ready to turn that clock back unless they needed me to.

I loved all my grandkids though.

Jay and Reese… those kids had given Imara and me the blues. Trying to get some life back into them after they lost their little girl, then Jason’s dumb ass thinking he was goddamn Forest Gump… but they were alright.

All the kids were, and it gave me a lot of joy to see their joy over their pregnancy news.

I didn’t understand why that fool still got the dog, since he told her about it ahead of time. None of those damn fools had held on to their wives gifts until Christmas - overeager, if you asked me.

But… wasn’t my business.

I had enough of my own.

Beside me, Imara held a glass of wine, her eyes shining with pride as she observed our family. She may not have raised my boys – and it may have been a little rough with them at first – but there was no doubt now.

We were all family, including my sister and brother-in-law, and those wild ass girls of theirs.

Through and through.

She must have noticed me watching her, because she turned, her proud smile turning to a sexy smirk as she leaned back to whisper in my ear.

“Your Christmas gift is upstairs… you want a hint?”

I narrowed my eyes, nodded. “Hell yeah.”

“Crotchless black lace.”

My eyes went wide.

“Alright,” I bellowed. “This was fun. Merry Christmas. Ho-Ho-Ho. All of you – goodbye. Get your damn kids, and go.”