Dylan shrugged. “You do the honors. I have two hot lovers to handle.”

“Ew. TMI.” Derrick grabbed him in a hug. “But go for it. She’s hot, and he’s pretty okay for a dude.”

“Yeah, but he’s my Harper.”

“Ass.” Derrick grinned. Their mother reached them, but before she could give Dylan the third degree, Dylan heard the words Hailey and baby.

Like a slingshot, Barbara rolled around Derrick and zeroed in on Gage and Hailey.

He and Derrick shared a silent high-five, and then he found his lovers waiting for him. As they left the party, he stopped each of them under the mistletoe and kissed them with all the love he had in his heart.

“Yeah, back at ya, Doc,” Harper growled.

“I am so happy.” Freddy beamed. “This kiss, the party, that look on my father’s face when you showed the world you love us.” She had a mean streak, his Freddy. “Even this stupid favor for Brian can’t bring me down.”

He frowned. “Favor?”

Harper groaned. “Don’t ask. Just be thankful she doesn’t have a twin to switch places with.”

“Oh, come on, Harper. It’s a simple enough thing.” She gave Dylan a sly look. “I need Faith’s phone number.”

“For what?”

“Never you mind. I’m happy. You’re happy. Harper’s happy. It’s about time Brian had something to smile about.”

Dylan paused. “Brian and Faith?”

“Why not?” Freddy’s eyes narrowed. “You saving her for someone better?”

Behind her, Harper shook his head and put his fingers to his temple, to mimic shooting himself.

“I see you, Harper.”

“No way. Not unless you have eyes in the back of your head.”

“Fine.” Dylan hugged his little spitfire. “Brian can have her number. But I’m her therapist, and I can’t give out her personal information. You can get it from Sydney or Hailey.”

“Okay.” She relaxed, then nibbled her way up his neck. He leaned down and she whispered into his ear, “Now can we go home so I can watch you fuck Harper all night long?”

“And into tomorrow. Sure thing, Freddy.” He straightened, and they both stared at Harper.

He groaned. “Oh hell. My ass is on the line, isn’t it? Only for you, Doc.” He grabbed Freddy and threw her over his shoulder. She squealed with laughter and grabbed his ass. Then Harper kissed Dylan, a promise of the future. Of sexy tomorrows filled with love and laughter. And really hot sex. “Just remember, payback’s a bitch.”

“And her name is Freddy,” their little blonde added.

“She bit my ass,” Harper growled and tickled her into submission.

Dylan swore he heard sleigh bells in the air. For him, Christmas had come early. He’d taken the risk, raised the bar, and set himself higher on a path toward acceptance and love. He’d treasure every minute of it. Especially since he had a feeling Harper meant it when he said payback was a bitch.

Thirty-six hours later, tied to his bed and suffering Harper’s wrath while Freddy kissed him all over, he grinned and confessed, “But it was so worth it.”