Page 49 of Snowed in with the Grump

Sarah's easy smile is comforting. “Need any help, Ava?”

“Thanks for asking, but it's under control.”

“Can't believe the holiday madness isn't getting to you.”

Laughter floats in from the living room, and warmth blooms in my chest. “It might be, but I wouldn't change it,” I say.

Sarah squeezes my shoulder. “I'm happy to help, so holler if you change your mind!”

I've almost finished when strong arms wrap around me from behind. Carter kisses my temple, his scruff tickling my cheek.

I melt into my husband's broad chest with a contented sigh. As I listen to his steady heartbeat, I'm filled with gratitude.

Our family is chaotic, messy, and bursting at the seams during the holidays. But it's ours, and I wouldn't trade the noisy, magical moments for anything.

The laughter, the joy, the love—this is what life is all about.

“You did all this, Sunshine,” he rumbles. “Gathered everyone in one place.”

“We did this,” I correct him.

Carter shakes his head, pride shining as he looks at me.

Our rambunctious Labrador Retriever, Maple, comes barreling into the kitchen, interrupting our tender moment, her tongue lolling. She makes a beeline for the fresh cookies, but I grab her collar just in time.

“Causing trouble again?” Carter teases Maple, who yips and wags her tail furiously at the sight of her other favorite human.

I laugh, giving her a good scratch around her ears. Maple's big, brown eyes are pleading, but I stand firm.

“None for you, silly pup.”

The pitter-patter of little feet comes next as our daughter, Lily, comes bounding in.

“Daddy!” she squeals.

As Carter sweeps Lily into his embrace, his face lights up with pure joy. He tosses her up playfully, her squeals of delight filling the room as he nuzzles tender kisses into her flushed, happy cheeks.

My heart swells watching Carter dote on Lily. With our daughter, his usual gruffness melts away, replaced by gentle playfulness. The shadows that once clung to him seem far away now.

Maple saunters over, wagging her tail, and showers Lily's face with slobbery kisses, eliciting more giggles from Lily.

Carter grabs a dog bone from the pantry and throws it into the living room. Eager for a new distraction, Maple happily bounds after her prize.

“Daddy, look!” Lily cries, waving a piece of paper excitedly. “A note from Santa!”

“What does it say, princess?” Carter asks.

“It says I'm the best girl in the world!” Lily exclaims, jumping up and down.

Carter takes the note, scanning it with a smile. “Santa's right because you are the very best girl I know.”

She thrusts the note into Carter's face. “Santa wrote that I was very, very good all year!”

He hugs Lily, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. “My sweet girl. This calls for an extra special Christmas cookie.”

“Yay, cookies!” Lily shouts.

She takes Carter's hand and drags him toward the treats. Chuckling, Carter scoops her up and carries her to the counter.

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