Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Fee opens her gift next. “Oh my gosh! This is a bound edition of Valiant—I can’t even.” She flips the pages. “It’s signed? To me? Oh my gosh! Thank you so much, Santa!” She rushes over to hug Roman, then stares lovingly at the book.
“And now it’s your turn, Lexi.” Santa passes me a small box.
“What’s this?”
“Santa always brings gifts for everyone, even the biggest sister.” He winks and sits back in his chair looking like he absolutely belongs here. Next year could be so different. I could be his again, and he could be mine. We wouldn’t have to sit on opposite sides of the room, or fight this painful draw.
I focus on the gift, so I don’t start crying, and tear through the paper, noting the care that went into wrapping the presents.
Inside is a gift certificate for three mani-pedis at the place Hemi always raves about. It’s thoughtful, kind, and honestly a wonderful gift, because I can treat the girls to something fun. “Thank you, Santa. This is perfect.”
I don’t waste the opportunity to show my appreciation through a hug. Roman stands, and it doesn’t matter that he’s wearing a Santa suit, my entire body responds when his arms come around me. Like I’ve just found my home. “Thank you. You have no idea how much better you’ve made today,” I whisper.
“It’s better for me, too,” he replies softly.
I release him, not wanting anyone else to pick up on the energy between us—especially because it feels very much like I’m falling for this man.
Santa and the elves finish their hot chocolate and croissants before Santa tells us he has to return to the North Pole or he’ll be late for dinner with Mrs. Claus.
Callie wrings her hands. “Do you all have to go?”
“I can stick around,” Dred offers.
“I’m off duty now, so I can hang out for a bit, too,” Connor assures her. “But I need to change out of my elf gear so Santa can take it back to the North Pole.”
Callie nods. “You should definitely get Connor a new elf suit. He’s too big for this one.”
“He had quite the growth spurt this year!” Roman claps Connor on the shoulder and tosses in another ho ho ho.
We all try not to laugh.
It’s a flurry of hugs, and Callie rushes down the hall to change out of her pajamas.
I walk the three of them to the door. “Thank you so much for this.”
“Way better than spending Christmas Day drunk,” Connor says.
“Absolutely our pleasure. We’ll be back in a few.” Roman winks.
My heart stutters. I check to make sure the girls aren’t in hearing range. “Where are you getting changed?” Hopefully not in a car.
“I live a couple buildings down,” Connor says.
“Oh, I didn’t realize.”
“I moved at the beginning of the month. We’ll be quick.”
“Okay.”
While they’re off changing out of their costumes, my dad calls. “How are you and the girls doing?” he asks. “Have they had a chance to open their gifts yet?”
“Not yet. Santa stopped by with his elves this morning.” I check to make sure Callie isn’t around. “A couple of the guys from my team and one of my friends set it up. Callie was over the moon.”
“I’m so glad to hear that. I’m sorry I can’t be there with you.”
I get it. They spent last Christmas with us, and it’s Jacqueline’s birthday, but it still hurts. “It’s okay. Are you having a good time in the Bahamas?”
“It’s beautiful here. Send me pictures of you and the girls when they open their presents.”
“Of course.”
There’s a knock at the door, so I let him go with promises of photos from today.
“Look who I found!” Connor claps Roman on the shoulder. The three of them are laden with gift bags and food.
I usher them back into the living room, and Callie’s eyes light up all over again. “First Santa, and now my two favorite hockey players are here? This is the best!” Callie hugs Roman, then turns to Connor, who has changed into jeans, a black button down that covers those tattoos on his arms, and a faux Santa hat with the Grinch on it. “I love the Grinch. I think he’s misunderstood.”
“I relate,” Connor says with a wink and smile.
Roman joins us in the living room and listens raptly while Callie tells him about the visit with Santa. There are more gifts for the girls—thoughtful, cute things that make them smile.
We play board games—Dred destroys all of us—and make the elaborate gingerbread Zamboni Roman brought over. What started as the second-worst Christmas of Callie and Fee’s life, and probably mine, turns into a wonderful celebration and amazing new memories. I want this feeling to last, but I worry it will disappear when they all have to leave later.
When it’s time to think about eating an actual meal, Roman helps me in the kitchen with dinner while the girls and Dred and Connor set the table.