Page 85 of Mistletoe Kisses

“Oh! The gift!” Karen jumped to her feet and hurried over to the Christmas tree, where there was a sizable assembly of wrapped and bagged gifts. The box she grabbed was the biggest among them.

I opened the card with a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year greeting and read the message written in slanted cursive.

Arlo,

We know nothing can give you back the time you missed with your father, but we hope that this collection of some of his things brings you comfort. Whenever you have questions about him, know we will all happily share anything and everything with you. You coming into our lives is such a gift. We can’t wait to get to know you better. Welcome to the family.

With love,

Judith, Ron, Karen, and Larry

Each signed their own name. My eyes stung as I read the words a second time. I tried to brace myself for whatever was in the box, but there was no way I could prepare for it. Holding my dad’s belongings? I never thought that would be possible.

I took a steadying breath as I tore the wrapping paper and unfolded the box top, then pulled out the red tissue paper filling the space above the items. I rummaged through it and found a college T-shirt, a worn copy ofLord of the Rings, a stack of photos, several envelopes addressed to Judith, and a high school yearbook.

“Those are letters he sent to me after he met your mom. I know he’d want you to have them. There were so many times I wanted to find you over the years, but it wasn’t fair for me to make that decision. I kept hoping you would find me someday. All that matters is we have each other now.” Judith squeezed my knee as she pressed a white handkerchief to her nose.

“Thank you so much.” I could barely get the words out with how tight my throat was as I fought back the tears. I would need Lucas to hold me as I went through everything later. Knowing he would be there for me, that I wasn’t counting down our time together, made my heart swell.

“That’s quite a smile you have, which reminds me, you didn’t fly home on Sunday. How come?” Judith’s smile was teasing.

My face was the temperature of the sun. “Um. I’m planning to stay. There’s nothing going for me back in Minnesota, but here I have a family to get to know, a state to explore—”

“And a charming young man to spend time with.” She patted my leg.

“That too.” I chuckled.

Ron slapped his hand to his chest and let out a relieved sigh. “Oh, thank god. Are you looking for a job? Because you’ve got one at the bookstore if you want it.”

Karen nodded her head eagerly.

“Seriously? Are you sure that will work?” I didn’t want to directly mention their money issues, but I didn’t want to accept a job and be a financial burden to them.

“Absolutely. With the impact you’ve made in such a short time, I know it’ll keep getting better.” Ron smiled.

“If you’re sure, then yes!” I looked between them. “That would be incredible. I have so many more ideas.”

Ron laughed. “Good man. Let’s talk after Christmas.”

Conversations erupted with plans and ideas about what they wanted to show me and the traditions they wanted to share. I was so happy I’d stayed. I couldn’t wait to tell Lucas, Keaton, and Mom all about it.

* * *

LUCAS

“You need to try some of these too.” Mom added more cookies to the full plate in Arlo’s hands. He stared wide-eyed at it.

“Ma, give him some space.”

She shot me a sharp look. “This is the first person you’ve brought home for Christmas. It’s my right as the woman who parented you and changed your shitty diapers to fuss if I want to fuss.”

Arlo smiled sweetly as she added more to his plate.

“Oh! You need eggnog too before we start the movie.” She moved over to the fridge to pull some out.

I gave him an apologetic look as I walked over, kissed him on the cheek, and took the plate from him. “I’ll go put this on the coffee table.” I leaned in and whispered, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“What’s this?” He reached for my hair, then pulled back a piece of silly string.

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