Page 58 of My Secret Santa Daddies

"Right. Come on, it's just inside," I say, motioning toward the barn door.

When we reach the pole barn, I slide the heavy door open with a groan. “After you,” I say, gesturing for her to go in.

She hesitates for a moment, then steps inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light.

“So what’s the big reveal?”

I grin, the kind of grin I know she used to hate back in college, when I’d surprise her with something unexpected. “Patience,” I say, moving toward the back corner where her car sits. I flick on the overhead lights, illuminating the space. There, covered in a light layer of dust but looking better than it has in years, is Sierra’s car.

Her jaw drops a little. “Is that…?”

“It’s running. Took a lot of work—Cody and I had to swap out some parts, replace a busted alternator, and get the engine to stop stalling, but it’s good as new. Well, almost.”

Sierra steps closer, her gloved hand reaching out to touch the hood. Her fingers run along the surface, and for a moment, I see a flash of something like relief in her eyes. “You… fixed it?”

“Wasn’t just me. Cody did a lot of the work, too. Figured it was the least we could do, considering you’ve been stuck here with us.”

“You didn’t have to do this.”

I shrug, trying to play it off. “We promised you we would. And, I mean, you needed a running car. Can’t have you stranded here forever, no matter how much you love our company.”

She lets out a small laugh, the sound warm in the cold barn. “It’s… I don’t even know what to say. Thank you, Wyatt.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” I say, my voice lower now, more serious. “Just… stay safe, okay?”

Sierra looks at me, her eyes shining with emotion. "I will. I promise." She steps closer and before I can react, she throws her arms around me, hugging me tight. "Thank you, Wyatt. For everything."

I'm caught off guard but quickly return the embrace, relishing the feel of her body pressed against mine, even through the thick layers of our winter clothes. "You're welcome," I murmur into her hair.

We stay like that for a long moment, just holding each other, as snow drifts in through the open barn door. It takes everything within my willpower not to lean down and kiss her deeply or press her against the hood of that car. Before I make a move, Sierra pulls back, swiping at her eyes. "God, sorry, I don't know what's gotten into me lately. I'm not usually this...emotional."

"Hey, it's okay." I reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "You're going through a lot. Cut yourself some slack."

"I should probably head back inside. Jack wants to make a gingerbread house.”

“Yeah, you're right. The kid's probably bouncing off the walls by now."

Sierra turns back to the car, running her fingers along the hood one more time. "I really can't thank you enough for this.

"Anytime. You know we've always got your back."

"I know. Even when I don't deserve it."

"Sierra-"

She holds up a hand, stopping me. "It's okay, Wyatt. I'm working on it. On forgiving myself and letting people back in." Her eyes meet mine, holding my gaze. "On trusting myself not to hurt the people I care about again."

I take a step towards her. "Sierra, I-"

"No." she says gently, putting her hand on my chest. "Just…let me figure this out on my own, okay? I need to be sure that I won't hurt you or anyone else again."

I nod, reluctantly. "Okay. But you know where to find me if you need anything, right?"

"I know." She smiles, the old Sierra shining through for a moment before the mask slips back into place. "See ya inside."

I don’t seeher again until the evening, when the lodge is quiet again and the stillness of evening settles over the space like a heavy blanket.

The fire crackles softly in the hearth, casting a warm, golden light across the room. It’s just me and Sierra now—Cody and Griffin had just gone off to bed.

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