Page 118 of Holly and Nick Hate Christmas
Olivia reached over Mason’s head and patted my shoulder.
I met his gaze. “But now I see it’s not about me at all—it’s not even about presents and sausage balls.”
“Or kringle, apparently.” Ryan shifted on the sofa. Lydia narrowed her eyes at him.
I ignored them. “It’s aboutgivingto others, not about what weget.And being happy for what other people receive.”
“Like when Janie opened her doll, and I was happy for her.” Mason nodded. “I get it.”
It was true. So far, Ryan was the only person in my family who had told me happy birthday, and yet…my heart was secure. I didn’t feel threatened or unloved. I didn’t begrudge Christmas.
And if that wasn’t a Christmas miracle, I didn’t know what was.
Olivia wrapped her arm around Mason. “The only reason we give presents at Christmas anyway is to remember that we already received the best gift ever, God coming to earth as the baby Jesus.”
“Like we read last night.” Mason cut his eyes to me. “Before you started snoring.”
“Well, yeah. Forget the snoring part and remember the message.” I grinned, then sobered. “I’m going to try to do the same.”
With or without Nick.
Because whether he decided to ever speak to me again or not, he’d helped make this Christmas the best one I’d had in a long time. And that was a pretty priceless gift.
The front door creaked open. “Knock, knock.” A male voice echoed through the foyer, followed by footsteps.
My heart jumped and I twisted on the couch. Had he—
Paul walked in, wearing a long black coat and carrying a stack of wrapped gifts. “Merry Christmas.”
Not Nick. I swallowed as everyone greeted Paul. I forced a smile and a quick wave.
“Daddy!” Janie abandoned her doll on the floor and ran to him for a hug. Next to me, Olivia stood, eyes wide as Paul strode toward the tree and set the gifts on the floor.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “I thought you weren’t…What are you…”
“Hey, sport.” Paul hugged Mason next, then his gaze landed on Olivia, and his hazel eyes softened. “I believe this one is for you.” He crossed the room and handed her a small box wrapped in red and gold.
She took it gingerly, her hands shaking.
“Oh, that’s jewelry,” Chloe said knowingly from across the room.
Mom shushed her as she stood. “Make yourself comfortable, Paul. I’m afraid we ate all the sausage balls.” She shot Dad a look, who guiltily wiped crumbs off his sweater.
“I appreciate it, but I’m not hungry. Drove all night to get here and ate some junk along the way.” Paul smiled down at Olivia, who had yet to take the ribbon off her gift.
“Oh! This one is yours.” He handed Mason a square package. “And for you, my princess.” He offered Janie a gift bag with pink tissue paper.
Mason immediately tore into the striped wrapping and pulled out a brand-new basketball. His mouth dropped open. “What?” He wrenched it free of the box and began dribbling. His shining eyes met mine and he grinned. “It’s a Christmas miracle, Aunt Holly!”
Olivia pressed one hand to her mouth, eyes wide as she looked up at her husband. “How did you know?”
Paul shifted his weight. “I listen more than you assume.”
She stiffened. “Can we not fight—”
Then he leaned in, his sandy hair falling across his forehead. “And I’m realizing there’s also a lot Ishouldsay, and don’t. Like…” He turned his head and whispered in her ear.
Olivia blushed and pulled back to grin at him. “Back at you.” They kissed.
