Page 36 of The Greatest Gift

Christmas Day

Stevie is bundled up in a puffy white coat, complete with a matching scarf and hat that make her look like a marshmallow. She’s wiggling her little arms as I strap her into her car seat, her excitement vibrating through every motion.

“Daddy, Na-ool’s coming to Christmas!” she chirps, kicking her legs against the seat.

“I know, sweetie,” I say, laughing softly. “We’re waiting for him.”

I glance up as Nakul comes out of the store, balancing a bag of last-minute items in one hand while holding two hot coffees in the other. He’s wearing his usual easygoing smile, the kind that makes my stomach fill with butterflies.

“You ready?” he asks as he slides into the driver’s seat, handing me one of the coffees.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply, taking a sip and sighing at the warmth. “Thanks for driving.”

“No problem,” he says, starting the car. “Let’s get Christmas started.”

The drive to my parents’ house is filled with Stevie’s non-stop chatter about the gifts she opened last night and the ones she’s sure are waiting for her at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Most of her words are directed to Ellie, her new stuffed elephant but she checks in with us every so often to make sure.

Nakul listens patiently, asking her questions every now and then that make her giggle. Watching the two of them interact fills me with a warmth I can’t quite describe. But as we pull into my parents’ driveway, that warmth is replaced by a cold knot of panic. I freeze, my hand tightening around the coffee cup as I stare at the big house decked out in Christmas lights.

“What’s wrong?” Nakul asks, noticing my shift immediately.

“I forgot to tell my mom,” I blurt out.

“Forgot to tell her what?” Nakul asks, setting the car in park and turning to look at me.

“That I’m bringing you,” I say, my words tumbling out in a rush. “She won’t care—at least, I don’t think she will—but it’ll be a shock. I didn’t think—God, I’m so sorry. I just—”

“Judd,” Nakul says firmly, cutting me off. He reaches over and puts a hand on my arm, his touch calming my nerves. “It’s fine. We’ll explain inside where it’s warm. Your mom loves you, right?”

“Yeah,” I mutter, nodding.

“Then stop worrying,” he says with a grin.

I grab Stevie and her elephant from her car seat and she immediately wraps her arms around my neck, snuggling into me as we head to the door. Inside, the sound of laughter and Christmas music spills out into the frosty air. I step into the warmth of the house, the familiar scent of cinnamon and pine washing over me.

“Judd!” Athena calls out from the kitchen. She peeks her head around the corner, her face lighting up when she sees us. “Mom’s been asking who the extra plate is for.”

I groan, my stomach twisting as I set Stevie down. She immediately bolts for Athena, who scoops her up with a laugh.

“Where’s Mom?” I ask, already bracing myself.

“Right here,” comes the familiar voice from the dining room.

I turn to see her standing in the archway, her apron dusted with flour and her hands on her hips. Her gaze lands on Nakul, then shifts back to me, one eyebrow raised. “And who’s this?” she asks, her tone light but curious. “Why are you bringing a friend or should I say one of our contractors?”

My throat goes dry and I clear it, about to answer, when Stevie beats me to it.

“He’s my new daddy!” she declares with a squeal, clapping her hands.

The room falls silent for a moment before laughter erupts. My sisters are doubled over, Athena still holding Stevie, my brother-in-laws and my father stepping into the kitchen to see what the fuss is about. My father gives me a firm nod, no words needing to be spoken between us. My brother-in-laws are a little less subtle as they drag me into a hug, yelling ‘finally’ before shaking Nakul’s hand and welcoming him to the family.

Mom doesn’t even flinch with the news. Instead, she steps forward, pulling me into a big hug.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she muses. “You could’ve just told me.” She lets me go and turns to Nakul, wrapping him in a hug as well. “Welcome to the family,” she says, her smile genuine.

Nakul looks momentarily stunned, but he recovers quickly, hugging her back. “Thank you,” he says, his voice soft.

I stand there, confused but relieved. “You’re… okay with this?”

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