All I Want.

Heidi McLaughlin, Jennifer Foor, J.M. Darhower.

Table of Contents.

Winter Kiss: Ryley and Ash (A Gloves Off novella) by L.P. Dover.

A Merry Mitchell Affair by Jennifer Foor.

Hit or Mistletoe by HJ Harley.

Stranded By BJ Harvey.

12 Days of Forever By Heidi McLaughlin.

Adam: A Torn Series Novella by K.A. Robinson.

Lost in Translation By SL Scott.

Fighter by Tijan.

Snowflakes and Fire Escapes By JM Darhower.

All I Want.

Anthology.

Note from the Author.

Hello, lovely readers. I just wanted to give you an insight on Winter Kiss and where the story originates. In my Gloves Off series, I have a group of MMA fighters that I absolutely love. You see the hardcore, alpha side to them, but there's a whole part you don't see. I have one fighter in particular that has stuck with me and my readers. I guess you can say he's the favorite of all my fighters. That's why I decided to extend his story and give you more. His name is Ryley Jameson and Winter Kiss takes place after his novel, Ryley's Revenge. Ryley's story has broken my heart and also mended it back together. It wasn't an easy road for him and Ashleigh, but they made it through and now you get a further glimpse into their future.

GLOVES OFF SERIES.

A Fighter's DesirePart One.

A Fighter's DesirePart Two.

Tyler's Undoing.

Ryley's Revenge.

Winter Kiss: Ryley and Ash.

Paxton's Promise (12-29-14).

Camden's Redemption (Feb. 2015).

Untitled (Summer 2015).

Chapter One.

Ashleigh.

I could hear the sound of Ryley's truck crunching through the snow from all the way back in the nursery. Judging by the pains I'd been having recently, I didn't see myself lasting the full forty weeks of pregnancy, especially since I was carrying twins. My doctor told me most women with multiples went into labor around thirty-six weeks. I was already there, which was why I was busting my ass to get the nursery complete.

We had plenty of bedrooms in the cabin, but we'd decided to keep the twins together for the time being. All I had left to do was get their cribs ready and wash and put away their little clothes. Emma and Ethan couldn't come soon enough. My ribs were definitely going to love not being kicked anymore. But I couldn't wait to hold them in my arms, to see firsthand what Ryley and I had created.

Speaking of Ryley, he was back in record time which didn't surprise me. Ever since he found out I was pregnant, he was hesitant to leave me alone by myself. His mother, Terry Jameson, and her newfound love, Danny Echols, who also happened to be Ryley's coach, lived just a couple miles away. I knew she had fallen in love with him and was hesitant to tell Ryley for fear he would get angry with her. It just so happened that Ryley couldn't be happier about the situation. He didn't want his mother alone, and if being with Danny filled that void in her heart, then he was more than willing to be open to it.

"Angel, where are you?" Ryley called. The front door slammed shut and the sound of his wet boots squeaked across the hardwood floor.

"In the nursery," I hollered back.

"You've got to see what I bought the twins. I think they'll like it."

I was starting to believe they had more presents under the tree than I did as a kid, and they weren't even born yet. A small smile splayed across my lips. I could only imagine what he'd bought for them now. Every time he went into the city, he'd always come back with something for the twins. I wanted to go with him sometimes, but I felt like there was so much to do. Ryley's mother told me I was nesting. I guess she was right.

Carefully, I walked down the stairs to the living room where it sparkled with everything Christmas. We had a seven foot tall tree, decorated with twinkling white lights and glittery ornaments. All of the presents under it were for the twins, our families, and our friends. We agreed we wouldn't spend anything on each other this year since we already had what we wanted, but I kind of went against our agreement. Hopefully, he wouldn't get too pissed, but it was something we both could enjoy.

Once at the bottom of the stairs, I looked at the two little motorcycles sitting on our living room floor, one black and the other pink. Ryley had the biggest smile on his face as he moved them over to the tree. "Really?" I joked. "They're not even here yet, and when they do come they're at least a year away from even being able to walk."

Chuckling, he shrugged and glanced over at me with his hypnotic blue eyes. His boots were still covered in snow and he had on a thick, blue winter coat and jeans. "What can I say? I saw them in the store and I had to get them. Who knows, my boy might be riding his before he's a year old."

"That wouldn't surprise me," I laughed. "What else did you get while you were gone?" He averted his gaze, trying to hide his smile. Crossing my arms, I glared over at him. "You didn't buy me anything did you? I thought we had a deal."

"And we do," he said, placing a wrapped box underneath the tree. "I just might not have listened very well."

"Figures."

I knew he would go against our agreement, but then again so did I. I couldn't exactly be angry at him for buying me something when I went out and did the same. Actually, I didn't personally go out and get his; I got Danny to do it.

Taking me in his arms, he bent down and kissed me. "You can't fool me, angel. I know you got me a present too. You didn't think I wouldn't notice you sneaking off to talk to Danny, now did you?" I tried to hide my smile but when he turned me to face him, I lifted my chin. "I don't know why we made that stupid rule to begin with. We both knew it wouldn't stick."

"True, but there's nothing I want that you haven't already given me. Not to mention, what I got you is something I've wanted for years. So, basically it could easily be a present for myself."

"Ah, so it's some sexy lingerie then? I've been dying to see you in just a strip of lace," he teased.

"No," I squealed nervously. Surely, he didn't find my other surprise, did he? If he did, I was going to kill him. My plans would totally be ruined.

"Well, shit," he chuckled. "I was hoping to see that sexy ass in something scandalous. But for future reference, I'm always going to want to take care of you, even if that means splurging a shit ton of money on you from time to time." He paused and brushed the hair off my forehead.

The smile on his face made my stomach flutter. "How did I get so lucky?" I asked, whispering the words across his lips.

"I don't know," he quipped. "But I think it all started when you barged into my dressing room that first night."

"Excuse me? I seem to recall you tricking me into said room." It was the first time I ever met him face to face. Gabby's brother had given her permission to go to the fights and to the after party. Of course, she dragged me with her. Well, she didn't exactly have to drag me-I was more than willing to go. Anyway, I had left to get something to drink and while I was gone a text came through my phone. I thought it was Gabriella texting from Matt's phone, telling me to join them in his room. When I got there, it wasn't Matt's dressing room, it was Ryley's.

Ryley winked and nipped my bottom lip with his teeth. "Either way, you know you liked me. You can't deny it."

"You were a conceited prick," I exclaimed. He'd been such an arrogant ass that night. As much as he'd flustered me, I knew not to give him an inch. In the end, fighting against his charm was futile. I fell and I fell hard.

"And now look at us," he murmured. We stood there, staring into each other's eyes for I don't even know how long. It was hard to look away from his blue gaze.

"Are you ready for all of this?" I asked.

"More than ready," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on my lips. "Now why don't you relax while I cook us some dinner. My babies need to eat." Stepping back, he tapped my chin and winked before traipsing into the kitchen.

We had so much food left over from his family's Christmas party, we didn't need to cook for a week. I was definitely craving his mother's sweet potato casserole. When he opened the refrigerator and pulled it out, I knew he was getting it for me. The large helping he spooned on the plate made my eyes go wide.

"Are you deliberately trying to make me fat, Mr. Jameson? I know I'm eating for three now, but I don't have to up my calorie intake that much," I teased.

Putting my plate in the microwave, he turned it on and smiled over at me. "I'm just trying to keep you happy, angel. If you get a bigger ass in the process, I'm still going to love you. Besides, it's more for me to hold on to when you're on top."

Rolling my eyes, I giggled and sat down on the couch. Now that my belly was bigger, it was hard for Ryley to be on top when we made love. He was afraid he would hurt the babies. So, needless to say, we had to come up with other ways to not be monotonous.

Looking out the window, all I could see was white as the snow fell from the night sky. Our back porch was covered and all I wanted to do was go out there and play in it; to have a snowball fight and run around. Unfortunately, I couldn't do that being big and pregnant. It was too dangerous, especially if I slipped and fell. Next winter, it was on.

Once Ryley had our food heated up, he handed me my plate and set his on the coffee table so he could start up the fire. The logs flamed high and then settled down, basking the room in a soft glow. It was so quiet being in the middle of nowhere with no one to bother us. I liked not hearing traffic, or the sound of my neighbor's music being up too loud.

The food smelled delicious and before Ryley turned around, I spooned a huge bite of the casserole into my mouth. It took all I had not to moan while swallowing it down. Taking a seat beside me, he placed his hands on my belly and chuckled when the twins bounced to life.

"I think they like the sweet potatoes," I quipped.

"Nah, they just like getting attention from their daddy," he replied, smiling slyly. "It's hard to believe they'll be here in a little over a month."

"If they even stay in there that long," I said with my mouth full.

Ryley picked up his plate and nodded. "True. But at least we've made it this long without any problems."

The doctor told me that being pregnant with multiples was more complicated than with a single child. Most went into premature labor and with that, the babies would usually have to be admitted into the NICU and stay in the hospital for longer periods of time. I didn't want that. I wanted my babies healthy and ready to come home with me when the time was up. The thought of having to leave them in the hospital without me made my heart hurt.

Looking at our tree, I smiled, hoping to get my thoughts onto happier things. Ryley and I had gone to a Christmas tree farm and searched around for the perfect one, which we found. Even though he was a big and bad fighter, it was strange to see him all excited about finding the right tree. It was our first Christmas together and it was special.

We'd been living together for months and each day it felt like I learned something new about him. So many people didn't know the real Ryley . . . but I did. There was no doubt in my mind, he was the one I wanted to be with forever. In a way, I hated that we didn't decide to get married before having the twins, but at that time it was the right thing to do. The vows were important, but I never let a day go by without telling him how much I loved him. I hurt him before, and I've spent every day making up for it.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

I smiled. "Our tree. It sucks it probably won't last long enough for the twins to see it."

"There's always next year, and every year after that. They will have plenty of Christmas trees in their future."

Before I could reply, his phone rang. It was on the coffee table and instead of picking it up, he hit the speaker button. "Hello?"

"Hey, Ryley, it's Shelby. How are you?"

Eyebrows raised, he looked over at me. "I'm fine."

Shelby Reynolds was married to Gabby's brother, and one of the top journalists in the country. She wrote under Paige Monroe for Physique Sports and Fitness, the best health magazine around.

"And Ashleigh? Is she doing okay? I know how difficult it was with one child dancing on my bladder, but I can't imagine what it's like with two."

"She's actually doing better than expected. Most twins are born around this stage but they're holding on strong."

"I'm glad to hear it. Okay, I'm sure you're wondering why I'm calling. I'm sorry to do this on Christmas Eve, but Gabby kind of coerced me into doing it anyway. She said it would be a good Christmas present."

Ryley chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me. What's going on?"

"I want to do a story on you."

Eyes wide, I held onto my gasp and bounced in my seat. This was huge. Ryley stared at his phone in utter amazement. "Did I just hear you right?" he asked.

Shelby cackled. "Of course, silly. It's actually going to be a story with you, Gabby, Mason, and Paxton. With everything that's happened over the last couple of months, I wanted to get it all on tape. My boss is ecstatic with this idea."

Ryley shook his head, his whole face lit up in wonderment. "Hell, I'm ecstatic."

"So you're in?" she asked.

"Fuck yeah. When do we do this?"

"And that's where I wanted to talk to you and Ashleigh. I need the interview in the next couple of weeks. With Ashleigh being pregnant, I know you probably don't want to venture far from home. Would you mind if we all came to you? Gabby's the one who mentioned that idea too. I think she's dying to see you guys again."

Turning to me, Ryley lifted his brows. I nodded with excitement. He grabbed my hand and spoke to the phone. "Sounds good, Shelby. We're just holding tight for the babies so whenever you all can come will be fine with us."

"All right. I'll get in touch with everyone and give you a call back. Thanks, Ryley."

"No, thank you," he replied. As soon as he hung up the phone, he jumped off the couch with a huge smile on his face. "Holy fucking shit, I can't believe this."

Setting my plate down on the table, I slowly got to my feet, grinning from ear to ear. "I know, it's awesome. And such a great opportunity for you."

Taking my face in his hands, he pulled me in tight and pressed his lips against mine, opening them with his tongue. I could feel his energy coursing through my veins. He was already big in the MMA world, but this would get him internationally known.

"You're damn right it is."

"I wish we could go out and celebrate," I replied.

Ryley paused, his smile slowly turning to a devilish smirk. When his hands snaked down my face to cup my breasts, I knew what he had in mind. "We don't need to go out to celebrate, angel." His mouth closed over mine and he growled low.