Page 14 of The Santa Surprise

I try to give him money, but he gives me a look that basically says, don’t even think about it.

While we wait for the pizza to get here, we put up the tree. It isn’t anything special, I got it on sale right after Christmas, when Dakota was almost a year old. I plug the lights in and between the two of us we get them perfect.

The pizzas arrive and Dakota and Tiny come running out. She squeals when she sees the tree. “Pwetty Mommy. Daddy do you wuv it?”

“I do, baby girl.” She runs to him and jumps into his arms while I place the pizzas on the counter.

I grab plates and napkins, setting the table. I turn around to find Tiny sitting behind me. “Hey, boy.” I squat in front of him, scratching behind both his ears. His big tongue gives my cheek a surprise lick, making me laugh.

Once we all sit down to eat, I don’t want to admit that this feels good and it feels right.

I take a huge bite of pizza, moaning as the flavors explode on my tongue. Opening my eyes, I find Alex staring at me. “Sorry, this is really good,” I say as I wipe my mouth with my napkin.

As usual Dakota eats one piece and guzzles down her glass of milk. “Mommy, I all done.”

I hand her a paper towel. “Wipe your face and then you can get up.” She does what I ask and then runs into the living room, followed by Tiny.

It’s just the two of us now and suddenly I’m nervous. I chance a glance at him and find him with a soft grin on his face. “My parents are really excited to take Dakota tomorrow night.”

“I’m glad. She’ll enjoy looking at the pweeties,” I say imitating her sweet little voice. Of course, now I’m embarrassed as he shakes his head, laughing.

We finish eating and I wrap up the leftovers, sticking them in the fridge. In the living room I find Dakota showing Alex the ornaments I’ve gotten for every Christmas she’s had, as well as the ones she makes at daycare.

“These are beautiful, baby,” he tells her.

I watch her get between his legs, grab his face, and give him a big kiss on the lips. “Fank you, Daddy.”

I throw in the movie Elf, and then we get busy decorating. Between Alex and I it takes no time at all.

The three of us end up snuggling on the couch, watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the live action one, after Elf and Dakota passes out halfway through it. Before we had sat down, she wanted to be on Alex’s lap with me right next to them.

Sitting in the dark, with the glow of the tree and the TV lulls me to sleep and even though I fight it, in no time my eyes slam shut.

Chapter Eleven

Alex

I pull up in front of Aspen’s and I wonder if this is a good idea. Dakota is spending the evening with my parents and if Mom has her way my daughter will be spending the night, getting spoiled rotten.

When Aspen said she didn’t have any family I knew having our daughter gone might be hard for her. I climb out, grabbing the bags of Chinese food. I hope to god she likes what I got.

I didn’t bring Tiny since Tyler is staying at my place. I wanted the chance to get to know Aspen without any distractions. I step onto the porch and ring the doorbell. The curtain moves and then there she is. I move back as she opens the front door. “Hey, what are you doing here?” she asks as she pushes the screen door open.

“I know Dakota is with my parents and I thought maybe you might want some company.” I hold up the bag. “I brought China Café.”

Her face lights up. “Gimme.” She holds out her hands. I hand her the bag and follow her into the house. “This is my favorite. Thank you.”

In the kitchen she unpacks the containers, oohing and aahing, as she peeks inside each one. “I wasn’t sure what you liked so I got Mongolian beef, Sesame chicken, and a ton of Crab Rangoon.”

“I love both so whichever you want I’ll take the other.”

We end up sharing, taking a little of each. I follow her into the living room, taking a seat on one end of the couch while she sits on the other. I see that she’s got a movie paused. “What movie is this?”

Aspen tucks her hair behind her ear. “Uhh . . . it’s Die Hard.”

“That’s my favorite movie. I don’t care what anyone says it’s a Christmas movie,” I say and then I feel like a nerd for saying it.

“Oh my god, yes. It’s my favorite—my dad and I used to watch it every year.” She hits play and we begin watching while digging into our food.

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