Page 6 of The Santa Surprise

At least she’s got a grandma, who seems jazzed about knowing her. We’ve made it this far without Alex, we certainly don’t need him now.

Chapter Five

Alex

I let myself inside my house, walking numbly into the kitchen, and leaning against the counter. A daughter, I have a little girl. There was no question that she’s mine. She is my sister at that age.

The night I met her, Aspen’s seat was next to mine at Pearl Jam. The moment she walked up with her friends I was under her spell. Her sable colored hair hung down her back in loose waves. She was wearing an old, faded concert t-shirt and jeans that fit her like a glove.

We just started talking—it wasn’t about anything specific it was just two people shooting the shit. She was super funny and when she cried while Eddie sang Black, I grabbed her and kissed her.

When the concert was over, we both ditched our friends, well not really ditch, but we went off on our own. I brought her back to my hotel room. I thought we were safe, but nothing is a hundred percent effective, I guess.

In the morning I woke up, and she was gone. I can’t believe she’s here in Aldridge. Holy fuck, I had my daughter on my lap, smiling at me. Fuck, I shouldn’t—

“Dude, what the fuck was that,” Tyler says as he and Cameron come barging in. “You have a kid?”

I tell them about meeting Aspen, and I hadn’t seen her until today. “She told me and then I fucking left.” I shake my head. “I freaked out and panicked.”

“Are you sure it’s your kid?” Cameron asks, getting down on the floor to give Tiny some belly rubs.

“Did you not see her. She looks like Mara,” Tyler says to him before looking back at me. “What are you going to do?”

“Easy, find her and ask her to forgive me for leaving like an idiot. I want to meet my daughter.”

Yes, I’m freaked out, but not enough to keep me away from them any longer. Aspen and me may have only known each other for one day, but there was a lot of chemistry between us.

“How was Mom after I left?” I ask them.

Cameron stands up. “Freaking out a little, but so damn happy about having a granddaughter to spoil. Dad has questions, of course.”

I need to call Mom and get Aspen’s number, then call her, and ask her to forgive me for taking off.

I excuse myself and step into the kitchen.

Mom answers on the first ring. “I’m not sure if I want to speak to you today.” Of course, she’s pissed at me.

“Mom, I just need Aspen’s number and if I know you, you got it. Please, I need to speak to her, I feel terrible about how I reacted.”

She reluctantly gives me the phone number. “Alexander Karel James, you better not screw this up. That’s my granddaughter and Aspen was gracious enough to invite me to get to know her.” It’s never good when she busts out the full name.

“I swear I’m going to make it right.” I wince, remembering the look on Aspen’s face when I looked in my rearview mirror before I drove away from her. “I-I have a kid.” I lower my voice. “What do I do, Mom?”

“You know I can’t answer that. Only you can decide what you want from this, but I will say this—if you don’t want to be involved, don’t contact her. Don’t meet that little girl if you plan on walking away.”

I rub a hand over my chest after I hang up. She’s right, I shouldn’t meet her unless I’m a hundred percent sure I want to be her dad. Of course, I don’t know how much Aspen will let me be involved.

That’s why I need to talk to her. Before I lose my nerve, I dial her number.

“Hello?” Fuck, I like the sound of her voice; its soft, almost lyrical.

I take a deep breath, “Ahem . . . hey Aspen, it’s Alex. Please don’t hang up,” I plead. “I-I wanted to apologize for taking off earlier. I was just in shock and I panicked. It’s no excuse, but I’d like to get together and talk. I’d like to meet her, but only when you’re ready to let that happen.”

I’m met with silence and I’m almost worried she hung up, but then she speaks. “I think talking is a good idea. I’m off for the next three days. Let’s meet tomorrow, talk, and then we’ll talk about what’s next.”

I let out my breath slowly. “That’s great. I have to work tomorrow, but I can meet you during my lunch break.”

“How about we meet at the coffee shop that’s by the police station. Umm . . . I guess just text me or call me when you know what time you want to meet.” Again, Aspen is quiet and I’m beginning to think she hung up, but then, she speaks. “I’m glad you called. I know we don’t know each other, but the man I met four years ago didn’t seem like the type who would’ve just walked away, and I’m glad I was right.”

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