Page 11 of My Christmas Biker
“Oh, it’s my pleasure.” She winked and then steered Ginger toward the kitchen. “Tell me about how you met my boy.”
Boy. Like I was still twelve.
My ma turned and caught my scowl, flashing a toothy smile.
Uh-huh. I knew just what she was doing.
Dagger flopped onto the couch and leaned his head back. “To be honest, I’m glad the flight got canceled. I’d rather be in Denver than California. My family is worse than yours.”
I flipped him off. “Yeah, yeah.”
He ticked his chin my way. “Second thoughts? I could take Ginger instead. Let you stay with your ma.”
Hell no. I scowled, and Dagger chuckled.
“Didn’t think so.”
Fucker. “I should probably rescue Ginger.”
Dagger loosened the laces and kicked off his boots. “Give Nan five minutes to enjoy it first since you’re leaving her alone with me until tomorrow.”
“No shit,” I agreed. “My poor ma.”
He closed his eyes, breathing deeply. The guy could fall asleep anywhere within a minute. I’d been on more runs with him than I could count, and whenever we had a chance to kick our feet up, he was out fast.
My gaze slid over the flames crackling in the fireplace and the mistletoe and ivy strung up with red bows along the top. Twinkling white lights added to the festive feel. My mother didn’t miss any room in the house during the holidays. No matter where you went, the décor matched the Christmas theme. She spent an entire week putting everything up on November 1st and left it until the end of January.
It was wholesome and sweet, and I knew it made my ma happy.
I stood, lifting my gaze from the fire to the front window. The snow had hit a lull but still drifted down in fluffy flakes. It felt peaceful and appropriate for Christmas Eve. I almost wished I could stay here with my ma and Dagger and convince Ginger to join us.
My ma’s voice carried from the kitchen as I turned from the window. “You poor thing! Of course, you need to get home. Your mama and uncle and cousin need you.”
“That’s why I’ve got to insist we move along, Ma,” I announced as I entered the kitchen.
The mouthwatering aroma of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg instantly brought me back to my childhood. I could still remember how delicious those first warm cookies of the season tasted fresh out of the oven. And how I always helped her push the chocolate kisses into the peanut blossoms. We made fudge, iced sugar cookies, and cut out gingerbread men.
Maybe it was the season that made it seem like a secret holiday wish.Santa,I thought with humor,I just want Ginger and a baby on the way for my present this year.
Humored by the wild thought, I reached toward the cooling pans of cookies, snatching one before my ma could catch me. I bit into the snickerdoodle and decided there wasn’t much in life better than my Harley, a pretty woman, or holiday cookies at my Ma’s house.
My ma shot me a conspiratorial wink, not at all surprised that I had stolen a cookie. “Well, Ginger, honey, you’ll need some sustenance for the trip. I insist you take some food, sweets, and hot cocoa for the trip.”
Ginger didn’t refuse. Smart woman. “Thank you.”
As Ginger buttoned up her coat, I hugged my mother. “I’m glad you understand.”
“Of course I do. Find a way to get a baby in her before you part ways. Might be a good idea to give her your number, too.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.” Her chin lifted as she straightened her five foot two frame. “I mean it. She’s perfect. You need to make her your lady.”
“My ol’ lady?”
“No. Your wife. Sweetheart. Mother of your kids.”
“Ma.”