Page 42 of Blossom and the Alien Actor

Chapter Ten

Blossom fought back tears as Drew and RaeLynn stared in awe at the tree that Brexton had put together. It was one of those pre-lit ones so once the pieces were in place, he plugged it in and multi-colored lights blinked in the semi-dark room. She’d never seen a more beautiful tree, and it didn’t even have ornaments yet. The tree he had set up for his party was gorgeous, she could admit that, but this tree was special. It was the first Christmas tree she or the children had ever had. She wondered if Brexton realized just how magical he was making the holiday season for them. It wasn’t about presents from Santa. For the first time ever, they were having a true family holiday, one filled with smiles and happy memories.

Drew knelt beside his new daddy and as Brexton handed him ornaments, he hung them on the tree. RaeLynn was content to sit in Blossom’s lap and watch. Each ornament was made of plastic or cloth, things that wouldn’t break, and they were in shapes and colors that snared the attention of both children. It was the perfect family tree, and Blossom hoped that Brexton would take pictures so they could always remember their first Christmas together. She didn’t have a camera or cell phone, so she couldn’t take them herself.

Her stomach cramped as she thought back to the car bomb, and she hoped it would be the first of many Christmases together. But between his rabid fans and her deranged ex, it seemed that danger lurked around every corner. If anything or anyone took Brexton from them, she didn’t know how she would survive. Not because of all the things he was buying for them, but because of how rich he made their lives with his presence. Kindness shone from his eyes, and he had the gentlest touch with all of them. They’d never known a man like him before.

As Brexton placed a silver-foiled star at the top of the tree, he stood back and placed his hands on his hips. Drew mimicked him and Blossom smiled. He’d never tried to imitate any of the men in her life before, and it warmed her heart that Brexton had made such an impression on him. She was thankful that he would have a good role model, and that RaeLynn would be able to see how a man was supposed to treat his wife and children. Even though they weren’t married by human standards, she knew that’s what she was to Brexton. Mate was just another term for it. In the eyes of his people, they were married.

“It’s perfect,” she said, as she stood and carried RaeLynn closer. The little girl reached for the tree, then jerked her hand back.

Brexton noticed the move and took RaeLynn into his massive arms, then held an ornament out for her. Her precious daughter cautiously touched the stuffed bear that had been hanging on the tree, then smiled so wide that Blossom worried the child might hurt herself. She couldn’t remember ever seeing that much joy on her children’s faces, and it hurt that she’d allowed bad men into their lives up until now. She should have done more, fought harder, and not let life weigh her down so badly that she’d lost hope.

“This tree is for both of you,” Brexton said. “You can touch the ornaments if you want.”

He set RaeLynn down and she and Drew touched their first Christmas tree, exploring the ornaments and bright lights with wonder. Brexton pulled his phone from his pocket and took some pictures. When he pointed the phone toward her, she crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue, making him laugh. He reached for her, and she went willingly, snuggling into his side. Brexton held the phone out again and took a selfie of the two of them, then started tapping on his phone.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Posting my first official picture with my beautiful mate,” he said, grinning at her. “After we eat, I’ll get Pryntar in here and ask him to get one of the entire family in front of the tree.”

Her heart warmed and she knew that she was already falling for the sexy alien who had claimed her. It was hard not to. If he had a flaw, she hadn’t discovered it yet. Blossom knew that no one was perfect, but just maybe Brexton was perfect forher.She watched the children as they played around the tree until their pizza arrived. A strange ringing sounded throughout the house and Blossom glanced at Brexton. He walked over to a box on the wall and for the first time, she realized there was a small video screen and intercom in the living room, with a perfect view of the front gate.

“I’ll buzz you through,” Brexton said, pressing down a button. The gate on the screen swung open and the pizza delivery kid drove through.

“Are those in every room?” she asked.

“Not quite every room. There’s one here, one by the front door, another in the room where the Christmas party will be held, there’s one in the kitchen, and another upstairs in our room. When Mrs. Connors is on duty, she usually lets people in, but this house is too big to only have one or two of these set up.”

Drew moved in closer and stared up at Brexton. “Daddy, big house.”

Brexton smiled down at him. “Yes, Drew. It’s a very big house. Plenty of room for you to play, and to have friends over.”

Drew frowned and shook his head. “No friends.” Though it sounded more likefwends.

“Then I’ll introduce you to a few of my friends who have children your age. I bet you’ll make friends quickly.” He glanced at Blossom then back at Drew. “Would you like to attend preschool a few days a week? Learn your shapes and colors, and get to play with boys and girls the same age as you?”

Drew looked at Blossom, indecision on his sweet face. She knew what he was thinking about. The children where they used to live were horrible, and Drew had never been able to play with anyone before. She’d tried the free kids’ care at the church up the street, but when she’d picked up Drew she’d vowed he’d never go back. He’d still been in training pants full time and they hadn’t changed him even once, or asked if he needed to use the bathroom. Another child had poop stains on their pants and the workers didn’t even seem to care.

“It wouldn’t be like last time,” Blossom said softly, kneeling in front of her son. “I’m sure your daddy would make sure it was the best preschool ever, with really nice kids.”

“Of course,” Brexton said. “There’s a private one about fifteen minutes from here. You would have to be signed in and out only by people your mom and I say can pick you up. You’d be safe there, Drew. And the teachers are really nice from what I’ve heard.”

“Okay,” Drew said.

“I’ll call in the morning,” Brexton promised, then picked Drew up for a hug and kiss before he went to retrieve their pizza.

“Daddy stay?” Drew asked, grabbing onto Blossom’s hand.

“Yes, sweetheart. Daddy will stay. He’s just getting our dinner then he’ll be back. He’s not going to leave us, all right?”

Drew nodded, but he didn’t look completely convinced. Just how much damage had she done to her kids by letting one man after another into their lives? She’d thought she was doing the right thing, trying to keep them sheltered and fed, but she had to wonder if she’d done more harm than good. Only two days with Brexton, and already Drew was talking more than usual. Her children seemed happy and relaxed, but now she knew that at least one of them was worried that their new daddy would go away, like the others had. Not that her children had ever called anyone Daddy before Brexton.

Brexton came back inside, carrying three large pizza boxes and two smaller ones. He was smiling broadly, until he looked at her. She tried to blink back the tears that had sprung to her eyes, but she knew she hadn’t succeeded in hiding them from the alien. He came into the living room and set the boxes down on the coffee table before pulling her into his arms.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Did something happen when I left the room?”

“Nothing. I’m fine, just…” She drew in a shaky breath. “Just realized how bad of a mom I’ve been up to this point.”

---