Page 91 of Sexted By Santa
I smiled ruefully. “I worry too much.”
“You do.” He kissed my forehead. “But you’re her father. It’s understandable.”
“Seeing her in the hospital was awful. I never want to go through that again.”
“Of course not. A kid in the hospital is a terribly sad thing.”
“You’re thinking about that Santa visit you need to do, aren’t you?”
Christian grimaced. “Now I am. If I can’t handle a nursing home, how am I going to handle a bunch of sick kids? I’ll just make them more miserable.”
“Impossible. Just be cheerful. They all want a little happy. I know it hasn’t been easy for you to fake it, Christian. So maybe…don’t fake it. Just share your natural warmth with them.”
“Natural warmth? Have you met me?”
I laughed. “Yes.That’s how I know you’ve got more heart than you let on.” I poked him in the chest. “You’re the grinchafterhis heart grew in size.”
“Well, if that’s true, it’s only because you inspired it to expand.”
“Okay, we’re officially sappy as hell. I’ve got to go.” I kissed him one last time. “Text me with updates? Her sugars were a little high this morning, so…keep an eye on that.”
I knew I was hopeless, but this letting go of control stuff was hard. Tori had made it through her overnight with Madison, and I doubted her parents were half as prepared as Christian. I had nothing to worry about.
But my stomach knotted with anxiety anyway. A text or call would make my day a whole lot easier.
“I will,” Christian promised. “I’ll take good care of our girl.”
Our girl.God. Was this my future? A handsome man at home, there to support me and Tori, to claim us both as his own? I’d never had that, didn’t know how to rely on someone else. I’d sworn off it after my mother let me down, and a handful of relationships had done nothing but reinforce the belief that I was on my own.
But maybe I was wrong. Maybe I could count on Christian to be there for me, even as he let me be there for him.
What a great Christmas gift that would be.
* * *
Working Christmas Eve at Friendly Hands was both easier and harder. Several of the residents had gone to spend the holidays with their families, which meant I had more time to devote to the residents still there. A few visitors would stop by to see their loved ones for an hour or so, leaving far too soon. And then there were the residents no one came to see. The ones who were a mix of sad, angry, or too ill to notice the difference.
My heart ached for them as I went about my checklist of things to do, assisting the earliest risers with their morning routines, ensuring everyone got to breakfast and ate to fit their dietary needs. I popped in and out of rooms, stripping and remaking beds, checking up on the more self-sufficient residents who hadn’t needed help getting up for the day, and attempting to cheer everyone with conversation even as my mood sank low.
I hated that families abandoned their parents and grandparents to this kind of life. I understood it in some cases. Some of these residents had cut ties with their children. Some had no living relatives to care. Some were mean old assholes with grudges.Harold, I’m looking at you.
It still made me sad though. At least Christian had been keeping his word and texting me each hour. My worry of the morning was gradually fading to acceptance. I couldn’t be with Tori all the time.
Tori is fine. She’s been coaching me on playing a better Santa.
I smiled as I tried to imagine what sage wisdom she might have for him.Laugh louder. Give out more candy canes. No, don’t frown. Always smile!Truth be told, Christian was nervous, and he could probably use her encouragement, regardless of how useful it might be.
Thanks for the text. Send pics if she makes you dress up.
Not happening.
Too bad. We never did do any kinky Santa sex.
Yeah, too bad.
I could hear the dry tone to his voice in my head. I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easy.
It might make a great Christmas gift for your boyfriend…
