Page 18 of New Home for the Holidays

CHAPTER 8

MORGAN

After stopping off at my place for a few things along with a stop at Wintervale’s Country Store, I walk into Walker’s place with a spring in my step. Roscoe slips in through the doggie door off the kitchen and his tail starts going a mile a minute. I put everything down and sit on the floor only to be practically bowled over by the big dog.

He’s cuddly as hell and crawls into my lap, not letting the opportunity to get some love pass him by. I scratch behind his ears and bury my face in his neck.

“You’re such a good boy,” I coo, “yes you are.”

His tongue lolls out of his mouth, and I can’t help but giggle at how silly he looks. I’ve always loved dogs but haven’t gotten one since I didn’t like the idea of leaving them at home while I’m at work. The knowledge that if what Walker seems to be offering me is real then I’ll have Roscoe in my life makes me smile.

How could it not? He’s a big fluffy, loveable bear of a dog.

“I’m going to decorate the house, what do you think about that?”

Roscoe looks at me and tilts his head to the side like he can really understand me. Maybe he can.

I don’t know how long I sit there and love on the dog, but it’s a while. I’m not even aware of what I’m telling him, but I do know I tell him about the crafts I did with my class today. I hope every parent loves the ornament we made for the tree and gives them a prime place on their tree at home.

The kids were so excited to make them today even though they’re just popsicle sticks, paint, glitter, and paper. I think the pictures on the ornaments make them extra special. It’ll be a memory to be cherished for years to come. At least, I hope it is.

I know if my child were to come home with one, I would be thrilled.

The thought of having kids has always felt like something far away, but now it feels a little closer. I feel giddy at the thought because I’ve wanted to be a mom for so long. I wasn’t willing to settle for just anyone to have that kid though. I wanted more than a baby; I wanted a family, and I think Walker is the man who can make all my dreams come true.

Thankfully with the break so close, the kids are ready to be done, and I was able to get some papers graded while the kids worked on their ornaments today. That doesn’t mean I don’t have any work to do, I do, but my lesson plan can wait a night.

I’m far too excited to work when there’s decorating to do.

Roscoe looks at me with a hint of resentment when I finally peel myself away from him and stand up. I look down at mybody and take in the way his hair has covered my black leggings. There’s nothing I can do but giggle. It’s not like I was ever going to be able to avoid his hair.

I’m not mad about it.

“Come on, Roscoe, we’re in our elf era.”

He makes a sound of disagreement as he tilts his head again and looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. Little does he know he’s helping me.

The first thing I pull out of one of the bags is a Santa hat made just for him. Thankfully, he lets me slip it on his head and put the elastic in place to prevent it from falling off. He might let me put it on him, but the way he’s looking at me tells me he’s not thrilled about it.

When I pull a similar hat out of my purse and place it on my head, he huffs out a breath and lays down like he’s accepted his fate. It’s for the best really.

Before I get started I head back out to my car to grab the tree I picked up since I was too loaded down to bring everything inside in one trip. I grimace as I look around.

“I might have gone a little overboard,” I admit. Roscoe looks at me and I swear he rolls his eyes. “You’re right, I’m still going to use everything. First things first,” I mumble, “we need some Christmas music to set the mood.”

It only takes me a moment to bring up a playlist on my phone and set it on the coffee table so I can hear it throughout the living room and kitchen since it’s an open concept home. I sigh a little when I look into the kitchen because it’s been updated more recently than my own. I do love this house, and I have less than two months left on my lease, which I’ve been planning to renew.

I start with the garland and put it on the stand where his television is before putting another one on the mantle above the electric fireplace. It was probably a wood burning fireplace at some point, but an insert was put in. I’d much rather hit a button to start a fire than, you know, start an actual fire. I nestle a few ornaments in the garland before taking a step back to take it in so far.

Next up is the tree because the lights will give a nice glow to the room and really bring in all the holiday vibes. It’s easy to set up and I made sure to get one that’s pre-lit because it’s just easier that way. It’s not some massive tree, but it doesn’t need to be. Anyway, easing him into having a tree again is better than pushing him into the holiday abyss.

After putting all the ornaments on the tree, I place the star on the coffee table for him to put into place. After putting a few red candles on the dining room table, I gather up all the bags and trash.

It’s not a fully decorated house, but since I didn’t ask if it’s okay then I think this is more than enough. When I sit on the couch, Roscoe takes one look at me before lumbering over and jumping up.

“Are you supposed to be up here with me?”

He only looks at me and snuggles into me. It’s not like I was expecting an answer, not really, but I don’t want to be the reason he gets into trouble when Walker gets home.

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