Page 41 of My Secret Santa Daddies

I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed her laugh.

“Sure,” she says, glancing up at Griffin, who’s still watching with that same intense focus. “We’ll make the biggest snowman in all of Silver Ridge. Deal?”

Jack nods, throwing his arms around her in an impulsive hug, and Sierra stiffens for just a second before she relaxes, letting herself return the embrace. It’s a small thing, but the sight of it tugs at something deep inside me, and makes me think that maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for this mess to feel like home again. Even if it’s just for a little while.

Griffin shifts beside me, clearing his throat, but he doesn’t interrupt, just keeps his arms folded as he watches them. Jackpulls back from Sierra with a bright grin, oblivious to the tension simmering between the adults. “I’m so happy you’re here!”

The words hang there, and Sierra’s smile falters, just a little, her eyes dart back toward the window where the snow keeps falling in thick, endless drifts. I catch the way her jaw tightens, and the flicker of something that looks like pain flashing across her face before she schools her expression back into neutrality.

“Yeah.”

Jack beams up at her, oblivious to the way her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes anymore. He’s already turning back to Griffin, tugging on his sleeve. “Can we make pancakes now, Dad? Please? I want to show Sierra how to make the best ones!”

Griffin glances at me, then at Sierra, his expression still guarded. But he nods, forcing a small smile onto his face. “Yeah, buddy. Let’s make pancakes.”

Sierra straightens, her gaze shifting between Griffin and me, and for a moment, I think she might go back to her room, to put distance between us again. But Jack’s excitement is infectious, and maybe the prospect of something normal, something that isn’t wrapped in old hurt and awkward silences, is enough to keep her here for a little while longer.

Griffin starts pulling out the pancake mix, watching Jack with a small, genuine smile on his face. “Alright, champ, you get to be my sous-chef. You ready?”

Jack nods enthusiastically, bouncing on his toes. “Can I crack the eggs, Dad?”

“You bet,” Griffin says, handing him a bowl. He shoots a quick glance at Sierra, his voice softer. “Just… try not to get shells in there this time, okay?”

Jack giggles. “I won’t, I promise!”

Griffin waits for Jack to crack one egg then cracks a second one into the bowl in one quick motion, his focus entirely on thetask at hand. “Alright, Jack, keep stirring that, but slow it down a bit. We don’t want pancake batter on the ceiling.”

Jack giggles, his little hand gripping the whisk like he’s on a mission. “I got this, Dad!”

Sierra stands beside him, her arms crossed, a playful look of skepticism on her face. “Not bad for a novice, Griffin. But let’s see if you can actually get them fluffy.”

“I’ve been making pancakes for five years straight, Sierra. I think I can handle it.”

“Pancakes don’t count as a specialty,” she retorts, stepping closer to the counter. “Especially not to a baker.”

“Oh, we’re going there?” I ask, taking a seat near the kitchen island. “You’re really gonna throw down with the Pancake King, Sierra?”

“I’m not just throwing down, Cody. I’m offering a masterclass.” She takes a whisk from the counter and starts to help Jack. “Watch this, buddy. You want to fold gently, like this, so the batter stays light.”

Jack’s eyes widen, and he tries to mimic her motions, his tongue sticking out in concentration. “Like that?”

“Exactly like that. You’ve got potential, kiddo. Though next time we won’t use pancake mix.”

“What’s wrong with pancake mix?” Griffin asks looking offended.

“It’s overly processed and not nearly as good as homemade.”

Griffin turns to me looking helpless. I shrug.

“She’s the expert.”

“Expert pain in my ass,” Griffin mutters.

“Pain in my ass,” Jack repeats softly to himself. Griffin pinches the bridge of his nose in embarrassment, and Sierra and I start laughing loudly.

“You can’t say that, buddy,” I try to get out through laughter.

“Ass!” Jack shouts with more confidence.

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