Page 12 of The Santa Surprise

“H-He actually died when I was nineteen.” I sniff and turn my head.

Alex pulls me into his arms, hugging me tight. I want to hold myself stiff, it’s better if I don’t hug him back, but I do anyway. “I’m so sorry,” he says quietly.

“Me too,” I whisper. “He was the best and stepped in when Mom split.” I let out a shaky breath, and then step out of Alex’s arms, giving him a smile. “Can I meet your family?”

He looks me over and then holds out his hand. “Let’s do it.”

Chapter Nine

Alex

Tonight couldn’t have gone better. Earlier, I led Aspen around introducing her to my brothers, Tyler kept flirting with her, and I finally slapped him on the back of the head, telling him to knock it off.

Dakota was a ham and soaked up all the attention she got from her uncles and aunt. Uncle Jonah said they didn’t want to overwhelm Aspen and Dakota, and they want to have them over to meet, soon.

Once everyone met, Dad went to get Tiny from the back yard. The moment he came trotting into the living room he saw Dakota, coming right to her. I held my breath while I waited for her to react to my huge dog. What if she feared him, and she wouldn’t come to my house if he was there?

I didn’t have to wait long though, because she threw her tiny arms around his neck, hugging him. “Tiny, you my best fwiend.”

Mom and Dad both wore matching smiles while they watched their interaction. The rest of the night, wherever Dakota was, Tiny was nearby, keeping an eye on his girl.

Dinner was loud and chaotic, but Aspen jumped right in to help. She chatted easily with everyone, especially Nelson, when he showed up. Of course, I did not like it when he played with the ends of her hair while we were eating dessert.

Nelson is a natural flirt, and I know he wouldn’t go there.

Now, Tyler and Cameron went out for the night. Mara, Mom, and Aspen are talking quietly in the dining room while drinking coffee. Nelson and I are sitting on the couch and Dakota is asleep on my dad’s lap.

Tiny is, of course, lying right next to Dad’s recliner.

“I like Aspen.” Nelson says quietly. “Your daughter is freaking adorable.”

I nod because he’s telling me something I already know. She was on fire tonight, telling little stories about school, telling them about Aspen, and then making up stories about Tiny.

Dad said that I was the same with the original Tiny when I was four. I love that things have kind of come full circle.

We don’t stay too much longer. It takes Aspen a minute to wrestle a sleeping Dakota into her coat. I pick her up in my arms and we give hugs and kisses on our way out.

Tiny hops into the back, lying on the seat with his head on Dakota’s lap. Aspen is quiet on the way back to her house. “I know my family can be a little overwhelming. That’s why my uncle Jonah and aunt Jessica didn’t come tonight. They didn’t want to bombard you—we’ve been summoned there for dinner one night soon . . . if you’re up for it.”

Aspen turns her head and smiles at me. “That sounds great. We’re putting our tree up tomorrow night, do you want to come over? We could order pizza and you can bring Tiny.”

“I would love to, thanks.” Once we get to her house I get out and help her get Dakota in the house while Tiny waits in the truck. When I know they’re okay, I head to the door. “See you tomorrow.”

She follows me to the front door. “Thank you for a wonderful time tonight. Your family is great.”

“I’m glad you had fun.” Before I can stop myself, I lean in and kiss Aspen’s cheek, the scent of vanilla wraps around me. I ignore the way my dick twitches in my pants. “Bye.”

She doesn’t answer she just nods, while biting her lip.

I stay on the porch again until I hear the deadbolt flip and only then do I climb in and head back to my place.

***

“Officer James, can I see you in my office please,” Chief Lange says before walking toward his office. Nelson looks at me with a raised brow. I lift a shoulder as I follow behind Chief. “Close the door behind you.” He says as I step inside.

Once seated he watches me, silently. Am I in trouble for something? I try to wrack my brain, thinking about something I might’ve done.

“I hear you’re interested in the detective’s position.” He folds his hands on his desk.

---