Page 10 of The Santa Surprise

Once Dakota was ready for bed, she dragged me into her room to read her story after story, which brings us to now. I kiss the top of her head and roll her to the side. Very carefully I climb out of her little bed and then shut off the lamp.

I find Aspen sitting on the couch, reading her e-reader. When I walk back in, she smiles up at me. “Did she fall asleep?”

“Yeah, when I started the second story.” I sit down on the other end of the couch, turning so I’m facing her. “I’d like to start paying child support. I’m not sure how to get that going, but I will. I’d also like to spend as much time with her as you’ll let me.”

Aspen turns so we’re facing each other. “We can definitely discuss child support, but just know, we’re doing fine—no we’re not rolling in it, but I’m able to provide for her.”

I shake my head, “No, I’m not saying you can’t. I just want to help.”

“I know that. I was just telling you that we haven’t suffered financially. As far as spending time with her, I’m fine with that. I’d like to be there at first, just until I think she’s comfortable.”

I stand up. “Of course. I’ll call tomorrow night.” Aspen follows me to the door. I slip my coat on while I stand here. “She’s beautiful.”

“She is. Dakota is the best thing I’ve ever done. Be prepared for her to smother you with love. Our daughter may only be three, but she loves with her whole heart.”

Before I can stop myself, I reach out, tucking a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. She blushes beautifully and it makes me want to kiss her . . . wait what? Fuck, she’d think I was a straight up creep if I did something like that.

I open the door. “Talk to you later.”

“Sounds good. Bye, Alex.”

I wait until the door shuts and hear the deadbolt engage before I walk away. I climb into my truck and make my way home.

***

Nelson grabs his coffee and we grab a table by the window. “So, what’s this big news? I know it has to do with the chick from your Santa gig.” I’m sure one of my brothers opened their big mouths.

I take a sip of my Café Americana. “Remember the Pearl Jam concert at Wrigley? It was four years ago.”

He nods, “Yeah, that was a good fucking show. You hooked up with that hot, young piece.”

“Yeah, man. Well that was her at the school. W-We have a daughter—I have a daughter.” I open my photo app and show him the picture of her and I together on the couch at her house. “She looks just like Mara.”

Nelson grabs the phone. “Holy shit. She could be her clone.” He’s been my best friend since he moved to town when we were in fifth grade. He tried to take my lunch money, and I punched him in the nose—we were inseparable after that. “Had she been looking for you?”

I shake my head. “No, she had no clue what my last name was or where I was from. It was pure chance that we saw each other again.”

“That’s incredible. I’m going to be her favorite uncle, just so you know.” He leans back in his chair. “What happens now?”

“I’m going to spend some time with Dakota, get to know her. I also told Aspen I’d help financially.”

Nelson smiles before taking a sip of his coffee. “Alex James is a fucking dad. Holy shit, I can’t believe it.”

“I know. My mind has been going a million miles per hour since I found out. Tomorrow night Mom wants everyone at their place for family dinner. I’m bringing Aspen and Dakota so they can meet everyone, officially. You’ll be there too, right?” He’s always been included in all our family stuff, but then again, I’ve always been included in his.

“Of course, I’d be an idiot to miss Mom’s delicious cooking.”

The rest of the time we sit here we shoot the shit about work and his terrible taste in women. He’s always been into the badge bunnies that are only into him because he’s a cop. I think he picks them because they are never serious relationships and usually only last a week or so.

“Well, Kelsey found out that I was taking Jeanie out and she showed up at my apartment, ranting and raving about me stepping out on her and finally I had to threaten to arrest her for harassment. “

I’ve enjoyed women, and sex, but I’ve always been picky. I’m not going to pick someone up just to fuck—well, okay that’s what happened with Aspen, but that somehow felt different.

When we step outside, we part ways, him heading toward his police cruiser and me heading toward my truck. Hopefully, everyone is welcoming to Aspen and Dakota tomorrow.

Chapter Eight

Aspen

---