Page 110 of Unwrapping Romance

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

“I love you both.” Ellie grinned.

“And we love you, kiddo.” I brought the blanket up to her chin. “Are you warm enough?”

“Yeah.”

I looked over to my left, and for a fleeting moment, I saw my grandfather standing there with his hands tucked into his long black coat with the missing button, his black fedora, and a smile on his face. Stretching my neck to look behind the carriage, he was gone.

“Are you okay, Jack?” Sierra asked.

“Uh, yeah. I’m fine.” I smiled.

After our ride through Central Park, we climbed into the Escalade and headed home. This was the best surprise of all, and I couldn’t wait to see it. I stared out the window as Eric drove down the street and noted my house lit up the entire neighborhood.

“Wow!” Ellie exclaimed.

“Jack?” Sierra glanced at me. “What did you do?”

“Nothing much,” I said, climbing out.

A smile graced my face as we stood on the sidewalk and stared at the sparkling lights that lit up our home. Strands of white lights were wrapped around the wrought iron railings that lined the front stoop. Small lit presents stood off to the side on each step as we walked up to the porch. A beautiful evergreen wreath made up of red berries, pinecones, white lights, and avelvet bow hung proudly on the front door with matching lighted garland that draped around the doorframe with tall potted, beautifully decorated Christmas trees on each side of the door.

“My God, Jack.” Sierra smiled. “I guess you go all out when you want to do something.”

“You bet I do.” I grinned, opening the front door.

When we stepped into the foyer, Ellie’s eyes widened, as did Sierra’s. Ellie ran up to the living room and screamed when she saw the beautifully decorated ten-foot tree and all the Christmas lights and elegant decorations throughout.

“Wow, Jack. Now, that is a tree.” Sierra grinned. “It’s beautiful. Who did all this?”

“I have a friend whose family member works in Christmas decorating. He called his sister, and she called me. I told her what I wanted, and she made magic happen.” I smiled.

“Look! Look! We have stockings for Santa Claus!” Ellie ran over to the fireplace.

“Aw, you got us stockings?”

“Christmas wouldn’t be complete without them. Let’s go see what they did in the kitchen,” I said, hooking my arm around her.

The kitchen was just as elegantly decorated as the rest of the house, with beautiful centerpieces on the island and on the table to complete the look.

“What do you think?” I asked Sierra.

“I think magic happened here today, and I couldn’t be happier.” She kissed my lips.

“You haven’t seen the best part yet. Did you forget that Ellie’s furniture was delivered today?”

“No. I remembered. Why?”

“You’ll see.” I smiled. “Ellie, come here.”

“Yes, Daddy?”

I picked her up and took her upstairs. “Your new bedroom furniture was delivered today.”

I could see the soft glow from under the door when we reached her room. Opening it, her eyes widened in shock. Not only was her room fully furnished, but a beautiful five-foot Christmas tree decorated with pink lights and ornaments sat in the corner, while the rest of her room was decorated with pink gingerbread Christmas décor.

“AH!” she screamed, running over to the tree.

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