I watched him go and shrugged. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I was doing it anyway.
~~Caroline~~
The kids opened their stockings first, stuffed with chocolates and socks, a charm bracelet for Hailey, and an e-reader for Heath. They were all smiles this morning, and I breathed a sigh of relief that I hadn’t seen any sadness yet, though I fully expected their loss to sink in after the thrill of Christmas morning wore off.
I insisted they eat breakfast before unwrapping the big presents. I’d spent hours fretting over what to get them and was very proud of my purchases. Both gifts had been chosen with care and consideration. I’d made lists, narrowed the options, and chosen the one perfect thing for each. They were extravagant expenditures, and I looked forward to the kids’ reactions.
After breakfast, the kids ran to the tree, giddy with anticipation, while Junie sipped spiked eggnog from her perch on the couch.
Hailey bounced on the balls of her feet, while Heath clasped his hands behind his back. He, too, was excited as evidenced by his tapping foot.
“Hailey, you go first,” I said, knowing Hailey would drive me crazy if she had to wait much longer.
Hailey lunged for the oddly shaped package as tall as she was and ripped off the colorful wrapping paper to reveal a lifelike, large rocking horse with a real horsehair mane and tail and a leather saddle. She screeched in delight and ran to me, throwing her arms around me. I hugged her back, blinking the tears from my eyes.
“Mommy, it’s exactly what I wanted. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. He’s perfect. I’m going to call him Midnight.”
Heath watched all the drama with wide eyes.
“You’re next, honey.”
He nodded solemnly and knelt down before his present. He carefully unwrapped it, taking care not to tear the paper. I blinked back the tears in my eyes. Sometimes Heath was his mother’s son. I attacked presents in the same methodical manner. Once the paper was off, he stared at the cardboard box for a very long time without saying a thing. The contents were clearly displayed in images on the outside.
“Do you like it?” I held my breath, fearing I’d made a huge mistake.
“Yes. Thank you.” He was reserved as usual, but he tore into the box with more gusto than his words showed. His gift was a puppy that walked and barked and responded to commands. The thing even did tricks. I helped him with the batteries, then watched the two of them play with their new toys. Their boisterous laughter did my heart good. So far, they were surviving their first Christmas without Mark quite well.
Rusty crawled onto my lap. With a yawn, he curled up and purred himself to sleep. Our little family was going to be okay.
Only now did I allow myself to reflect on Easton’s words from the night before. He’d come looking for me two years ago after he realized I wasn’t easily replaceable. I didn’t know how to take that. Did we have a shot at a relationship, even being a family? I’d experienced so many changes in the past several months, I couldn’t fathom what he was proposing, not yet. I needed time, and so did my children. I cared for Easton. I might even go so far as saying I’d never stopped loving him, but did we have what it took to make this work?
There was a knock at the door. I’d been expecting Easton, certain he’d come bearing gifts for the kids. I hoped he hadn’t gone completely overboard, but I doubted that’d be the case. Easton had money, and he was bent on spending it.
The kids ran to the door and waited for me to look in the peephole. At least I was getting through to them about something. I opened the door and stood back for Easton to enter. He carried a large wrapped box. By the messy wrapping, I was certain he’d wrapped the gift himself. A lump formed in my throat over his efforts.
“Easton! Did you get me something?” Hailey jumped up and down, her little fingers grabbing for the box. Heath hung back but his eyes were bright with curiosity while he eagerly leaned forward to study the package.
“Hang on, honey. Yes, I have something for both of you.” Easton set the package on the floor. “This is for you, Hailey. Heath, yours will be here in a minute.”
Hailey grabbed for the ribbon and yanked it off.
“Hailey, what do you say to Easton?”
“Thank you.” She paused and gazed up at him with her big blue eyes. He smiled down at her, and his eyes were suspiciously moist.
“You’re welcome.”
With that out of the way, she ripped the gold and green wrapping paper off and tossed it aside. The text on the box indicated it contained athletic tape, and she frowned, glancing up at Easton.
“It’s the only box I could find.”
Her smile returned. Easton bent down and helped her peel the tape off the top of the box and open it. Tissue was discarded as she dug through the box and finally pulled out her prize. She held it up for all to see.
“Mommy, it’s a real saddle.”
I gaped at him in surprise, but he avoided my gaze.
“Ice’s wife, Avery, told me that’s one of the best children’s saddles you can buy,” Easton said.
“Am I getting a pony?” Hailey screeched with excitement, and Heath scowled and held his hands over his ears. I didn’t blame him. Hailey’s decibel level hurt my ears at times too.
Easton didn’t respond but grinned and ran his hand over the smooth leather of the saddle.
I glared at him, ready to rip him a new one—in private. A pony? We hadn’t discussed this. “You did not buy her a real pony?”
“Not exactly. She’ll be taking riding lessons once a week with Avery. If she loves it, then we’ll talk about a pony.”
Hailey threw her arms around him. “I love you, Easton!”
She hadn’t told me she loved me when she’d seen the rocking horse. Easton had upstaged me. He hadn’t bothered to consult me regarding his gift ideas. I was their mother. Damn it.
Jealousy curled inside me, and I fought to hold it back. His gift was too extravagant and inappropriate for someone who was currently posing as a friend of the family. I’d thought he’d understood that he’d done enough for us this year with the tree and decorations and all the money.
“A simple card would’ve sufficed,” I growled at him in a low voice meant only for his ears.
He glanced up at me, rose to his feet, and gifted me with one of his disarming grins, making it difficult to be mad at him. “It’s my first Christmas with them.”
“I know, but they see you as a friend of the family. This gift is too much.”
“We’ll discuss your concerns later, but you know I won’t back down.” He glanced at his phone and tapped out a response to a text.
Heath tugged on his shirt. “Where’s mine, Easton?” His soulful brown eyes just about tore my heart apart.
“On its way, buddy.”
A few seconds later, the doorbell rang, and Easton opened it with a flourish. “Meet Mona!”
A gigantic beast of a dog bounded into the room and headed straight for the kids. I watched in horror, certain she’d mow them down until there was nothing left of them but two flat spots on the carpet. She slid to a stop in front of them and licked Heath’s face while her madly wagging tail cleared off the coffee table.
Steele scrambled after her, grabbing for the leash she’d wrenched out of his hands. He shot us an apologetic look. “Sorry, she got away from me.”
I was in a state of shock, not believing what I was seeing. Getting a face bath, Heath laughed louder than I’d heard him laugh in months, while Hailey wrapped her arms around the dog’s furry neck.
“I guess I’m yesterday’s news,” said Kaden, stepping forward.
“Yeah, buddy, she’s a fickle female. Out with the old, in with the new.”
Kaden rolled his eyes. “Story of my life.”
I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about, but I had bigger problems. This huge, slobbering, hairy dog was the focus of my attention and Rusty’s. My cat leapt onto the back of the couch, hissing and spitting, the hair raised on his b
ack. Seemed he and I shared a mutual opinion of this monstrous dog in our domain.
Easton was on his knees, petting the dog along with the kids. His two buddies plopped down on my couch and helped themselves to Christmas cookies, oblivious to the chaos or embracing it. Junie carried a tray of mugs full of hot chocolate from the kitchen. She winked at me as she strode by. I scowled back. She and I were going to have a talk. I had a feeling she knew all about this gift.
I nudged Easton with my foot. “Can I have a private word with you?” I spoke through gritted teeth, and his guileless grin was full of fake innocence. Like he didn’t have a clue what I was pissed about.
Once we were in the privacy of my room, I counted to ten before turning to face him. I was on the verge of losing my temper, and I wouldn’t ruin Christmas for my kids.
“Go ahead, let me have it.” He leaned against the closed door, arms crossed over his chest, and a huge, unrepentant grin on his face. His smugness infuriated me.
“What were you thinking?”
“All kids need a dog.”
“That’s not a dog, that’s a buffalo.” I paced the floor trying to work off some of my anger. “He weighs more than me and the kids combined.”
“She… And I doubt she weighs that much.”
“Now you’re saying I’m fat?”
“No, nothing like that.” Momentary panic flashed in his eyes. He’d crossed the line and was floundering to find his way back to safe footing.
“They love Mona.”
“But I do not. Take her back where she came from.”
“Not possible.” His chin jutted out stubbornly. He was digging in, and I was going to have a battle on my hands.
“Anything is possible.”
“I’m not returning her. The kids need a dog.”
“Says who? The guy who’s been a dad for a few months?”
“Yeah, that guy.” His brown eyes flashed with an anger of their own.
“We’re not keeping her. We can’t have a huge dog like that in this condo. Who’s going to take her for walks and groom her and feed her?”
“I won’t lie, that would be you—and I’ll help, of course. So will the guys.”
“When you’re here.”
“She’s just what Heath needs to come out of his shell.”
“You’re an ass. How dare you do this without running it by me first? And about the riding lessons… Horses are dangerous. I don’t want my little girl getting hurt.”
He suppressed a smile, which didn’t go over well right now. “You’re a worrier. You can’t keep them from every little thing that might hurt them. Hockey’s dangerous, too.”
“But he’s a little boy and she’s a girl—”
“That’s a sexist remark,” he chided me, as if trying to prod me out of my serious mood and back into something lighter.
“You upstaged me. I spent a lot of time and money on their gifts, and you come in here and do this. Did you ever think about discussing your intentions with me?”
“So that’s what this is about? You’re jealous?” His knowing smirk raised my ire even more.
“I am not.”
“Yeah, you are.”
“The dog goes.” I glared at him, and all he did was snort.
“Fine, you tell them.”
“I will.” We weren’t keeping her. I pushed him away from the door and marched into the living room, ready to put an end to this dog before the kids got too attached. I stopped and stared. The dog was chasing them around the living room. The twins screamed with joy, and the dog barked joyously as drool flew everywhere.
For such a huge dog, she was amazingly gentle. She was careful not to knock the kids down, though I couldn’t say the same for any furniture or accessories that lay in her path. Once they exhausted themselves, she jumped on the couch and lay down. Rusty glared at her from his perch, but she was oblivious to him. Heath crawled onto the couch beside her, wrapped his arms around her, and laid his head on her shoulder.
“I love her, Mommy. Thank you, Easton. Thank you, Mom, for letting us have a dog.” Heath’s brown eyes shone with such unfettered joy my heart squeezed. I never expected to see him this happy this soon, and I grudgingly had Easton to credit for his turnaround.
He’d gotten through to my son in ways his mother hadn’t been able to. Yeah, I was jealous, but I was also grateful. Heath had bonded with this man who happened to be his biological father. I’d watched it happen from day one, and that bond grew every day. His daughter already adored him.
And where did that leave me in all this?
Chapter 23—Flames in the Fireplace
~~Easton~~
I was a shithead, but I had no regrets. I’d pissed off Caro, but I’d done the right thing, even if I’d gone about it in the wrong way. Mona fit into the family as if she’d always been there. She transferred her affection from Kaden to the kids in a split second. I actually think Kaden was a little hurt by her fickleness.
Caro didn’t have the heart to get rid of the dog, not as quickly as Heath attached himself to her.
“They were used for nanny dogs and water rescue. She’ll be a good protector and companion,” I said, parroting what Avery had told me. My buddy and cousin Riley, who was also Avery’s nephew, happened to have a Newfie. I’d been impressed with the dog’s calm demeanor and gentle nature. The hair and drooling were minor setbacks, the way I saw it.
The kids and I took Mona for a walk, while Caro and Junie baked some pies and Kaden worked on his Christmas dinner. When we got back, Heath and Hailey helped me set the dinner table with the Christmas placemats and napkins I’d bought earlier this week, along with the sleigh centerpiece.
Dinner was everything I’d expected, knowing Kaden’s culinary abilities. A few teammates who didn’t have families in the area joined us. We ate like kings and queens. My mom was a great cook, but this holiday meal had to be one of my all-time favorites for lots of reasons.
After we finished, I proposed a toast. Everyone held up their glasses of wine or water or milk, whatever they were drinking.
“To the best Christmas ever with family and friends. May the magic of the holidays stay with us year-round.” I sounded sappy, but I’d had a few and was getting sentimental.
“Hear, hear!” said the group at the table as we clinked our glasses together.
After dinner, Steele surprised us by producing a guitar and playing Christmas music. He knew all the words and was damn good. We sang along, drank too much eggnog, and ate more. Everyone pitched in, and we cleaned up. By ten p.m., the crowd dispersed with full stomachs and good memories. Junie also disappeared.
Caro wanted to go back to her condo with the kids, and I followed her, uninvited, but she didn’t slam the door in my face. I considered that a good sign.
I sat down next to Caro and put my arm around her shoulders. She tensed for a moment, then leaned into me, her head on my shoulder. Having her here was the most natural thing ever. She fit next to me, and contentment washed over me.
The flame in the gas fireplace danced merrily on the opposite side of the room. The kids curled up on the thick rug with Mona, and all three of them fell asleep.
“This scene would look good on next year’s Christmas card.”
Caro nodded, not looking at me but staring into the flames. I wondered what she was thinking.
“Forgive me?” I whispered, leaning close to her ear.
“It’s hard to stay mad at you.”
“I know because I’m damn cute.”
“You’re a damn pain in the ass.”
“That, too. The kids had a good Christmas. I wasn’t sure how it’d go.”
“Neither was I. They stayed busy today. Tomorrow they might crash, recalling all the past Christmases with Mark. They will feel his loss.”
“It’s all part of life, honey. I’ve been there. Losing a father is tough, but we’ll be here to help them.” I cupped her chin in my palm and turned her to face me. “I want many more memories like
this one.”
“Easton…”
“I know. I’m moving too fast.”
“Like, race-car speed.”
“You know me. When I decide what I want, I go after it. Caro, give us a chance.”
“I want to.” The hint of sadness in her voice rammed a dagger deep in my heart. She didn’t believe in us. She was protecting herself and her heart from possible heartbreak. For this to work, we had to both be all in. We couldn’t afford to hold back.
“I want to tell the kids I’m their father in the next few weeks.”
“It’s too early. Give them more time.”
I sighed, weary of having the same argument with her over and over. “The more time we take, the bigger the chance someone else lets it slip. Just about everyone knows but them.”
“Please, give me more time.”
I was impatient for them to know so we’d be able to forge a deeper bond and they’d realize I was here to stay, but I’d respect Caro’s opinions on this subject. I kissed her softly, lingering for a blissful moment.
“Let me stay the night.”
She gazed up at me, her eyes searching mine. I didn’t know what she was looking for, but I hoped she’d found it. She shook her head. “Not tonight.” Abruptly, she stood and pointed toward the door. “I’m really tired. You probably should go. I have to get the kids to bed.”
“I’ll help you.” Without waiting for her answer, I picked up Heath, the heavier of the twins. He didn’t wake but snuggled against my shoulder, and my heart swelled with love for my boy. Caro picked up Hailey. We carried them to their respective beds. I tucked Heath in, and Mona lay down at the foot of his bed. I found Caro sitting on the edge of Hailey’s bed, gazing at her daughter.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” I put my hands on Caro’s shoulders and squeezed. She looked up at me, and I saw the love in her eyes, not for me but for her children.
“They’re my miracle,” she said.
You’re mine.
I didn’t say the words, but I wanted to. The reality of those words, those deep feelings, slammed into me. If I hadn’t been holding on to her shoulders, I think my knees would’ve buckled from the weight of my revelation.
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