Shafting the Halls Read Online Free PDF Page B

figured out my plan of attack. After talking with our parents, I began making calls to surprise my wife. My Wildflower has lost her shine and it’s time for me to help her find it again. Or at least get to the bottom of this shit and find out what is going on in her head lately.
    “No, Mom. Thank you, but it’s fine, really,” Daisy argues, just as I knew she would. “I wanted to take Brannon. Hunter is dressing as Santa. It’s going to be so much fun for the kids. I don’t want him to miss out.”
    “Nonsense,” Lisa scoffs, pulling Brannon into her arms. “Your father and I don’t feel like going to some party where we don’t know anyone. Jasmine is staying here with us anyway, so why shouldn’t Brannon? We want to spend time with our grandson.”
    “I’ll be here too,” Dad chimes in, winking from across the room. “We’ve got the little ones out numbered.”
    “That settles it then, don’t you think?” I interrupt, before Daisy can argue any further. “Come on, baby, we’ll be late.”
    After thanking Lisa and ruffling up Brannon’s black hair, I toss a backpack over my shoulder and lead Daisy out the door toward the driveway. “Are you sure about this, Grayson?” she asks, glancing back toward the door.
    “Our parents did manage to raise us, I’m pretty sure they can handle our son for a few hours,” I reply opening the back door to the sedan we use instead of the ‘Burban.
    “Are we not riding with everyone else?” she asks, but slides into the back seat anyway.
    “Don’t ruin it, Daisy.” Mack says from the front seat, with a grin. “I’m happy for the break from everyone else.”
    Settling into the seat next to her, I place the bag at my feet and close the door. “Good to go, Mack.”
    Nodding, Mack puts the car into gear and heads for the gate. Wrapping my arm around Daisy, I pull her against me and kiss her temple. “I thought we could use some alone time.”
    Daisy nods, “There also isn’t a carrier in here for Brannon. You planned that with my mother, didn’t you Grayson?”
    “I did.” Lacing my fingers with hers, I smile knowing that our matching tattoos are touching, connecting us.
    She doesn’t argue or engage me further. Daisy seems content, curled against my side while Mack heads for downtown. Little does Daisy know, we aren’t going to the party at Ironsound Headquarters. If all goes according to plan, we will be connecting on all levels and getting back to how things should be.
     
    ***
     
    Thirty minutes later, Mack pulls up outside the hotel I booked a room at for the rest of the night. Grabbing my bag, I open the door and climb out. “Thanks, Mack,” I say, holding my hand out for Daisy as she steps one foot out onto the pavement.
    “No problem, man,” he replies, handing me an envelope. “Key card is inside for room 3893, everything is ready as you requested. The manager was a real sweetheart and took care of it all personally. I’ll be in the lobby downstairs once I park the car. When you’re ready to head back, or if you need anything, just text me.”
    “Will do.”
    I close the door once Daisy is on the sidewalk. Placing my hand in the small of her back, I follow her inside. Her eyes dart around as she takes in the surroundings of the extravagant Nashville hotel. The marble floors and glass chandeliers all radiate elegance. People in suits and women in cocktail dresses pass by as I steer us to the elevators, bypassing the front desk completely.
    Daisy steps into the elevator and I quickly follow her inside, anxious to lay out my heart and get to the root of hers as well. Pushing the button for the seventh floor, I gather my thoughts and rehearse the speech in my head for the hundredth time since I had Mack sneak out this afternoon and take care of this part for me.
    The elevator dings, announcing our floor just as the door opens. Stepping off, I take Daisy’s hand in mine. The need to touch her is so strong. It’s all consuming. Checking the