Page 18 of The Santa Surprise

Nelson hands me the front wheel of the tricycle I bought for Dakota. I’m putting it together and then will take it over to Aspen’s. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and after talking to her after the ugly sweater picture we decided that I’m going to spend the night at their place.

I want to experience Christmas morning with my daughter. Then, in our pajamas we’re heading to my parents’ house for breakfast and presents. I haven’t warned Aspen that my mom went crazy shopping for both of them, especially Dakota.

Dad said he finally had to put his foot down or else he was going to have to take and hide Mom’s credit cards.

I focus back on the bolt I’m tightening. Once that’s done, I roll it back and forth on the floor and am happy that it seems to be going in a straight line. “She’ll like this, right?”

“How the fuck should I know. Do I look like a three-year-old girl to you?”

“Well, I didn’t want to say anything,” I say with a laugh and he hits me in the head with a roll of wrapping paper. “Ow, fuckface.”

I get up from the floor and look at my handy work. The pink tricycle has silver and purple tassels hanging from the handles, and a little white basket in the front. I grab the big white bow off of the coffee table and tie it around the handlebars.

“Did you get something for Aspen?” Nelson gets up and disappears into the kitchen and then returns a moment later with two beers, handing me one.

I nod, “Yeah, I got her two things.” I grab the bag and pull out the shirt. “Since we met during a Pearl Jam concert, I got her this t-shirt. I also got her this.” I set the shirt down and open the velvet box, sitting next to me to show him the platinum chain with a little pendant with Dakota’s birthstone in it.

“Wow, that’s nice.” He takes a pull from his bottle. “I’m not trying to be a dick, but aren’t you rushing into this a little fast. I mean you don’t really know her.”

“What I know, I really like. All I know is she gave birth to our daughter alone and since we’ve found each other she’s welcomed me into their lives, no questions asked. My family loves her and no matter what she’ll always be in my life.”

Nelson nods, “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry I appreciate that you’ve got my back, brother. You know I’ll always have yours.”

I wrap their gifts terribly, but I use bows to hide the messed-up parts. Nelson doesn’t do any better than me and when he leaves, I finally lay down to sleep—anxious to see my girls.

Chapter Fourteen

Aspen

I get my last patient settled into his room and give my report to the nurse taking care of him. Normally Christmas Eve isn’t this busy, but Mr. Timmons had gotten into an accident and needed screws and plates to fix the fracture. Poor guy will stay overnight just to ensure there is no infection.

I pull my phone out of my scrubs and see a text from Alex.

Alex: Hey, I’ve got Dakota and Tiny and we’re heading to your place.

Normally we’re not supposed to have our phones, but this was Alex’s first time picking up Dakota from daycare. I’m sure she was excited to see him, but if he had issues, I wanted him to be able to reach me.

Aspen: Great, I just have to finish my charting and clean up a bit. The on-call nurse takes over soon and then I can go.

The dots begin to bounce.

Alex: Okay, see you in a bit.

Now that I know they’re waiting for me I want to be done so I can get home. Tonight, we’re having roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.

It takes me thirty minutes to finish my charting and then to clean up the recovery room, restocking the shelves, and locking everything up. In the locker room I change out of my scrubs and back into the clothes I wore here this morning; black leggings, a gray sweater, and my black Sorels with gray fake fur around the top.

I take my hair tie out and brush out my hair. After throwing on my knit cap, I grab my coat and toss it on before heading out. On my way home I stop and get the cookies for Santa and my favorite, hot chocolate with a jar of marshmallow fluff, yummy.

I pull down my street and smile when I spot Alex’s truck in our driveway. I like seeing it there and I’m excited that he’s spending the night with us—for Dakota, of course, at least that’s what I’ll say if anyone asks because I’m just not ready to admit how much I care about him already.

I climb out of my car and am walking up onto the porch when the front door opens. “Mommy, yous home.” Alex stands behind Dakota smiling.

“Hi, baby. Were you a good girl for Daddy?” I squat and hold out my arms to her. She practically knocks me on my butt when she tackles me, but Alex is there to catch us. We go down, but we land on him, the two of us laughing, and then Dakota joins in.

I roll off Alex, standing up, and then holding out a hand to him. He takes it and stands up. We step inside where an impatient Tiny, waits to greet me. I squat and accept his kisses while scratching him behind the ears. “Are you a good boy? Did you come to sleep over too?” I look at Alex. “Let me wash up and I’ll throw the chicken in.”

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