Page 45 of Merry with a Single Dad

“Come on,” Hudson begged.

“Okay, okay,” Chris said, snagging Hudson to him.

Hudson wriggled and giggled. “Dad!”

“Merry Christmas, Hudson,” he said, smacking his cheek with a big kiss.

“Merry Christmas, Dad,” he said before wiggling away. He stood at the end of the bed, practically jumping with joy.

When I got to the end of the bed, Hudson hugged me. “Merry Christmas, Emmy,” he said.

“Merry Christmas, sweetie,” I said, holding him tight for a moment. Christmas morning was always special with my grandma. It was always bittersweet after losing her, but I always felt her presence with me. This year, everything was different. I knew she’d always be with me, and now, with Chris and Hudson, I was making new memories and traditions.

I sucked down my emotions. I knew things would change with having Hudson in my life. But I wasn’t prepared for the happiness and thrill of celebrating Christmas with him. Although he wasn’t mine by blood, Hudson filled my heart with a kind of love that changed me forever.

Chris and I followed Hudson as he ran to the living room.

The sight before me stole my breath.

I saw the living room last night when we set everything up, but a new wave of happiness and completeness rushed throughme when I saw Chris’s parents, Savannah, Hudson, our dogs, Gigi, and her puppies all gathered around the Christmas tree.

“Where’s Celine and Elodie?” I asked.

“They went back home for a little while,” Savannah said. “I invited them to join us for dinner. They’ll be back later.”

“Okay,” I said. “I guess—” My eyes filled with tears at all the emotions flowing through me.

“Honey,” Courtney said. “What’s wrong?”

I swiped the tears away as she hugged me. “I’m just so happy.”

“Oh, sweetie,” she hummed in her motherly tone. “We’re so happy too. Merry Christmas. You are the gift I’ve been waiting for. Thank you for making my son so incredibly happy.” She gave me a quick squeeze and cupped my face in her warm hands.

“Oh!” I whimpered as new tears sprung from my eyes.

She hugged me again, rocking me as I clung to her.

“Looks like Santa’s been here,” Sam cut in, his eyes twinkling with a bit of mischief.

Thankful he broke the ice and got the attention off me, we all watched as Hudson followed Santa’s footsteps.

There was no talk or questioning Santa’s existence. Whether he believed or not, Chris had one more year to enjoy making magic for his son.

“Alright,” Chris called, “are we ready to open presents?” His voice was filled with that signature dad enthusiasm for watching his kid open his gifts.

Hudson didn’t need to be told twice. He dashed over to the tree, his fingers already tugging a giant box toward him. “It’s for me!”

His excitement was contagious as he helped pass the presents around.

Happy sounds of crinkling paper, merry laughter, and the occasional gasp of surprise filled the room as we opened giftafter gift. Before long, the final gift was delivered to Hudson. He couldn’t believe Santa remembered the new gaming console he put at the top of his list.

Chris whispered something to Hudson. His eyes lit up, and he smiled so big at me before diving under the tree.

When he squirmed his way back out, he held a box in his hand. “It’s for Emmy,” he said, sharing a look with his dad. “I helped wrap it for you.”

“You did a very good job,” I said, taking the box from him. It was wrapped in silver paper and red ribbon.

I pulled the ribbon away, carefully tore into the paper, and set the small square box on my lap.

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