Page 69 of Just One Kiss

"Is Santa coming tonight?" Brett asked.

Hannah shook her head. "He won't be here for two more days."

"I hope Santa brings me my present."

"Do you want to tell me what you asked him for?" Hannah asked.

Brett shook his head. "It's a secret."

"Sometimes Santa needs a little help with shopping, so maybe you could whisper it to me," she said.

He thought about that suggestion. And then he motioned for her to lean over.

His whisper was so loud that Jake could hear it across the room.

"I want my mommy to come back," Brett said.

Hannah put her arms around Brett. "So do I."

"Will Santa bring her back?"

"I think he'll do everything he can to make that happen," Hannah said. "But right now, it's time for you to go to bed."

"Can Jake tell me a story?" Brett asked, looking in his direction.

"Sure, I can do that," he said.

Brett clapped his hands with delight.

"Let's get you in your PJs," Hannah said.

He followed them up the stairs, thinking this was how it would feel if he and Hannah were married, if they had a kid, if this was their Christmas as a family. The thought shook him to the core. This wasn't the kind of life he led. He was an adventurer, an explorer, a guy who liked to live on the edge and push himself to the limit. But he had to admit that he'd had more fun tonight than he'd had in a long time. And it wasn't over yet.

Chapter Sixteen

Hannah listenedto Jake's story of ships and pirates from the hallway, impressed with the animated impressions he put into his tale. He really brought the story to life. And Brett was loving every word of it.

As Jake finished, Brett said, "Tell me another one."

"Sorry, kid, you have to go to sleep now."

"What are we going to do tomorrow?"

"I'm sure Hannah has a lot of fun things planned for you."

"I like Hannah, but I want my mommy."

"I know you do."

"Do you have a mommy?"

"I do."

"And a daddy, too?"

"Yes," Jake said, tension immediately entering his voice.

"You're lucky," Brett said. "I think Russ might want to be my daddy."

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