Page 30 of A Curvy Wonderland

His mom took the microphone from him then, saying, “Let’s also have a round of applause for my son.”

Eldan’s cheeks tinged with color while everyone clapped.

I brought my own hands together, each beat of my palms making my chest hurt more. He was an amazing guy underneath his grumpy exterior.

Mrs. Green continued, “I am so proud of you, son, and the man you are becoming.” No one clapped louder than his dad.

But then the applause died down, and we were left to mingle with the crowd. Mrs. Banerjee came over to me first, thanking me with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek that warmed the icy, painful parts inside of me.

Then we got to see Clifford, rolling up in his wheelchair that he had wrapped in garland. I gave him a big hug. Then several children came over and thanked me for the presents, and my heart felt so full it could burst.

And then somehow, in the crush of people, Eldan and I were left standing next to each other. I looked at him, unsure what to say, because my plan had been to avoid this awkward moment by keeping my distance. That clearly hadn’t gone as planned.

He opened his mouth, about to speak when Tatum and Lucy came running up. Tatum said, “Our invitation said Santa had a present for us.”

Elden smiled, more with his eyes than his lips, and he said “Let me go get Santa. I'll be right back.”

18

HOLLY

Eldan’s exit confused me, because I knew that he'd been Santa all this time. Was he actually just getting their presents?

The question swirled through my mind while I went to the hot cocoa bar and got myself a dark hot chocolate, piling it high with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles on top.

I’d taken it to a table, sitting by myself for a moment of reprieve when the door to the café opened again.

I looked in that direction, seeing Eldan come inside, followed by someone wearing a Santa suit.

But the man in the suit wasn't Santa…

It was their dad.

My mouth fell open, and I covered it with my hands as I looked around for the girls. They were standing near the speakers, dancing to “Jingle Bell Rock.” I wanted to tell the girls their dad was here, but I was completely speechless.

Clarence was home.

And somehow, Eldan had made it happen.

The next part seemed to happen as if in slow motion.

Someone tapped Delilah on the shoulder, and her knees went weak. “Is that you?” she mouthed. He nodded back at her, smiling.

The song ended, and the girls noticed their mom staring, and followed her gaze.

Tatum whispered, “Daddy?”

Then louder, “Daddy!”

She sprinted toward him, her dress skirt flying around her. Lucy, realizing what was happening, followed her sister.

Their dad smiled big, getting on his knee and catching Tatum and then Lucy in his arms. He closed his eyes, a tear leaking down his cheek as he wrapped them up. Then Delilah was there too, tears forming rivers from her eyes.

Lucy and Tatum were still in his arms, refusing to let go and so he took in his wife and hugged her too. The four of them held each other in such a sweet reunion it made tears spring to my own eyes.

But then I had to glance at Eldan. He was watching them too, a true smile on his lips.

I reached Alden and touched his arm. “Can we talk outside?”

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