Page 37 of Naughty

“I guess that means you’re not going to drink that?”

“I’m sorry, but no.”

Caitlin’s eyes shine with excitement as she looks between Asmon and my cup.

“You’ve already had two!”

“Yes, but we don’t want Fredrick to be sad.”

“No, minx,” Asmon says drily. “We wouldn’t want that.”

He studies her face for a moment, a smile playing at the edge of his lips.

“Fine. But this is the last one.”

She reaches over for my cup, and I give it to her with enthusiasm. One day I’ll drink without fear. For now, I’ll enjoy Caitlin’s sighs and slurps of joy. When she smiles up at me, her lips covered in white cream, I can’t help but laugh.

A subtle warmth gathers in my chest as I look at them. The only piece missing is Kris. Shooting off one more wish, I pray that he and Asmon can mend this rift and finally be a family.

Even though I’m a very new addition, the love that radiates from Asmon and Caitlin is addictive. I hope one day all four of us can share in this love, maybe even raise our children together.

Closing my eyes, I breathe my last Christmas wish up to the heavens. Perhaps since it’s not completely selfish, the Fathers can squeeze out one more. If not for this Christmas, but by the next one.