Page 11 of The Santa Surprise

My butterflies in my stomach take flight as I look at my phone and see that Alex should be here to get us any time. We’re having dinner with his whole family tonight and I’m scared to death.

What will they think of me? Do they know that our daughter is the result of a one-night stand?

I roll my eyes because again, this isn’t about me, it’s about Dakota getting to know her family. I’m just there to be with her. I need to forget the fact that when Alex tucked my hair behind my ear, I felt tingles run down my spine—the good kind.

I smooth out the non-existent wrinkles of my red V-neck, fitted sweater. I decided on black jeggings, and my black mini UGG boots. Keeping it simple, I left my hair down in soft waves, hanging down my back.

After a quick spritz of my vanilla, brown sugar body spray I head back into the living room where Dakota is sitting on the couch, watching the Disney channel. I put her hair in two curly pigtails.

She wanted to pick out her own outfit so Dakota decided on her red leggings with Christmas trees all over them. Her top is a simple long sleeve green t-shirt, and she’s wearing a black fake fur vest over it.

Dakota did want to wear her red glitter slip-ons, but it’s too slippery outside so she settled on her black boots with fake fur coming out of the top.

There’s a knock on the door and she flies off the couch running for the door. “Baby, let Mommy get it.” Luckily, she skids to a stop just behind me. Alex smiles when he sees us when I open the door. “Hey.” I tell him as I hold the screen door open for him.

“You look beautiful.” He says as he steps inside.

Dakota runs past me. “Daddy.” She jumps right into his arms. “I miss you bery much.”

“Well, I missed you too. Are you ready to go meet the rest of your family?” He smiles at her and kisses her cheek.

“Yes! Momma we has a famiwie.” Her joy is palpable, although I don’t think she knows entirely what’s happening.

I smile at Alex and kiss Dakota’s cheek. I don’t correct that she’s the one with new family—she’s too young to understand.

He helps her with her coat, while I grab mine and my purse. When we head outside, I turn to Alex. “Should I get her booster seat?”

“Nope, I bought one today. When I dropped Tiny off at my parents’ house, Mom came out and helped me install it.” With an ease that surprises me, he buckles our daughter in.

“Um . . . who is Tiny?” I ask before opening the passenger door. Alex helps me up and in.

“He’s my dog, and just to warn you, he’s big.” He shuts my door and I watch him walk around the front of his truck. I ignore the woodsy scent of the inside of the cab or the way it makes my nipples harden.

His parents live in a gorgeous ranch style home that is decorated with twinkle lights. A huge, lit Christmas tree takes up the huge front window. When he pulls into the driveway, he shuts off the truck and hops out.

I do the same and go to the back, getting Dakota out. Alex scoops her up into his arms and my girl gives her daddy a huge smile.

She loves him so much already, it scares me. What if he decides he doesn’t want to be involved with her anymore? It’ll break her heart.

“Asp, you okay?” I realize I’m standing by the passenger door staring into space. Alex’s gaze runs over my face.

“Ahem . . . yeah, sorry. Just a little nervous.”

He doesn’t look like he believes me, but I give him a, what I hope, is a reassuring smile.

Dakota breaks the tension. “Les go.” We both smile at her and then make our way to the door.

Once we step inside, we’re bombarded by his family. My daughter is soaking up all the attention she’s getting. It’s a little overwhelming and I just stand back, smiling as Dakota gets hugs from everyone.

“Hi.” I turn to find Alex’s dad standing beside me. “I’m sure this is all a little overwhelming.” God is every male in this family gorgeous?

“Yeah, it is, but that’s okay because look at her, she’s just soaking up all the attention.” We both look at Dakota and I don’t miss the smile on his lips.

Brock surprises me by wrapping his arm around my shoulders and leads me toward everyone. Alex comes over and pulls me from his dad’s arms, leading me down a hallway. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“It’s just a little overwhelming. It makes me miss my dad.” My eyes begin to burn thinking about him.

“Where is your dad?”

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