Page 74 of Securing Samantha

“3D,” Whiskey told his son.

“Yeah, can you help me put it together, Whiskey? We can play helos together now. We’ll each have one.” Whiskey moved down to the floor as LJ attempted to open the box and proceeded in pouring the contents all over the floor.

Emma pulled Kassie over to show her the new craft kits.

“This is so cool, Mom. It’s a puzzle but it’s not flat,” He exclaimed as he helped Whiskey separate all the pieces. She smiled, not bothering to respond as Whiskey and LJ bent their heads together while deciding where to start. She snapped a few pictures, capturing the sweet moment.

Chase helped Emma change her doll and look for the already missing shoe hidden under the mound of wrapping paper and boxes.

LJ’s attention waned impatiently while Whiskey scratched his head at the puzzle pieces. He discovered the bag of plastic bricks on the side of the tree.

“Emma, ya want to build something?” LJ asked his friend.

“Yeah!” She moved aside the wrapping paper and handed Chase the shoe with her doll while she and LJ dumped the bricks on the floor.

Whiskey glanced up, realizing he was now abandoned while the kids discussed what to build. Kassie snapped pictures. Samantha handed Whiskey an empty container to place the puzzle pieces in to prevent them from getting lost.

“Don’t worry, they’ll bounce back and forth. Kassie and I practice the two presents from Santa, and we spread the other gifts from us throughout the day to keep them from getting overwhelmed. It makes the day last longer.” She told him. “Your present made his Christmas. After breakfast, you can take him down the hill if ya want.”

“Thank you for allowing me to experience this with you. Listen, about yesterday?—”

“It’s Christmas, let’s keep the focus on the kids and family. Tomorrow’s another day,” she insisted softly.

“You’re leaving. I don’t want us to part with this between us.” He followed her into the kitchen.

“Please, Whiskey. Not now. I can’t do this right now.” She pulled the cream out and poured a cup of coffee.

Whiskey sighed as he watched her. He took the cup from her hands and poured out the coffee. “You don’t even like the stuff.” He fixed her a cup of tea the way she drank it and handed it back to her. She nodded, avoiding his gaze as she returned to the living room and the two excited kids building a tower taller than themselves and laughing when it tumbled to the floor.

Bryanna arrived with a large basket full of goodies. The adults adjourned to the table to snack and chat while the kids stayed occupied with their new gifts. Samantha laughed with the adults and avoided Whiskey’s gaze.

Maddie and Joe soon showed up and Maddie began flipping pancakes while Joe tended to the bacon. Kassie glanced pointedly in Samantha’s direction shrugging her shoulders as the elders took over her home. She knew Maddie and Joe loved these moments and Kassie graciously allowed them the time.

The doorbell rang and Samantha rose to answer the door, expecting Jake and Carol.

When she opened it, the man standing there, turned and grinned widely at her.

“Bryan! I thought you wouldn’t come until tomorrow.” she exclaimed as he pulled her into a hug.

“I finished early. I was worried about you and decided to take an earlier flight last night,” he explained.

“Come in.” She pulled him in and out of the cold.

LJ spotted Bryan. “Merry Christmas, Bryan,” her son greeted him.

“Merry Christmas, buddy. Did Santa visit?” Bryan stooped to her son’s level.

“Oh yes. He brought me a sled, a cool puzzle, and new bricks. Do you want to help me, and Em make a jungle? We got animals and we’re building a zoo.” He explained to his friend.

“Let me introduce myself and then I’ll help you,” Bryan laughed.

Samantha felt all eyes turn toward her. Most importantly she felt Whiskey’s gaze burn into her.

“Everyone this is Bryan. You know Joe and Maddie. Bryanna owns the bakery you love to visit. This is Kassie and Chase.” She swallowed the lump in her throat, “This is Whiskey. LJ’s playing with Kassie and Chase’s daughter, Emma,” she rushed.

Bryan shook hands with everyone. Whiskey stepped forward. Samantha held her breath as they shook hands. Bryan turned and pulled her to him, before placing a kiss on her temple. “Merry Christmas,” he whispered. Samantha pulled from his grasp and offered him a cup of coffee.

He sat down and listened as LJ instructed him on what part of the zoo he was in charge of making.

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