“For what?” she said.
“For making my son happy. For helping him finally grow up.”
She shook her head and hugged Carl. “He’s done the same for me.”
Christmas evening, one year later…
Stephanie sat bundled in a blanket and snuggling with Phil on the couch. She stared at the Christmas tree in the dimmed living room. It really was the most beautiful tree she’d ever seen. The decorations reflected the colorful blinking lights across the family-room ceiling, and the effect was nothing short of magical.
Their family and friends had come and gone and they were finally alone. She looked up at her husband, who bore a mischievous grin.
“I’ve got an idea how to make an already perfect day even better,” he said. He dipped his head and kissed her neck, sending feathery tickles over her chest. She reached for him and kissed his jaw, enjoying the evening stubble and waning spice of his aftershave.
“That sounds wonderful,” she whispered.
He stood, held her hands, and pulled her to her feet.
Baby gurgles and coos came through the nursery intercom. From their brand-new Santa-delivered dog beds, Daisy’s and Sherwood’s ears perked up.
Stephanie smiled at Phil. “Shall we wait to see how long before she realizes she’s hungry?”
They looked at each other briefly and said in unison, “Nah.”
Phil led her down the hall and together they peeked in on the center of their universe—their four-month-old daughter, Emma.
The contented baby lay on her back in her crib, reaching for the tiny stuffed animals dangling from the mobile over her bed. Her foot made contact with a teddy bear and she squealed with delight.
Stephanie and Phil laughed quietly. They loved watching her, and wanted to steal a few more moments enjoying the show before she noticed them. But it was too late. The baby glanced at the doorway and squealed even louder when she saw them. She flapped her arms and legs as if she might fly to them.
Stephanie rushed to her and lifted her into her arms, smothering her with kisses. Emma cooed and gurgled, and laughed. She’d reached a euphoric stage in her life, and everything seemed to make her happy.
Phil wrapped his arms around both Stephanie and Emma and hugged them tight. “How’re my girls doing this Christmas night?”
Stephanie pressed her cheek to Emma’s and glanced up at Phil as if she was posing for a picture. “Just fine, Daddy. We couldn’t be happier.”
ISBN: 978-1-472-04504-1
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
Daddy by Christmas © 2010 Patricia Thayer
Greek Doctor: One Magical Christmas © 2009 Meredith Webber
The Christmas Baby Bump © 2010 Lynne Marshall
Published in Great Britain 2014
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
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