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After everyone filled their plates and started eating, I realized something was missing or more specifically, someone was missing. Leaning over, I whispered into Allison’s ear, “I’ll be right back.”
She furrowed her brows, but she didn’t question me. After wading through the kids, I headed out the door and made my way up the hall. I knocked on the door of Keira’s room. “Come in,” she called. When I entered, it hit me how much quieter it was. Not to mention how somber the mood was.
“Merry Christmas,” I said.
With a smile, she replied, “Merry Christmas.”
“You look good today.” From her change of clothes and shiny face, it was evident she’d showered.
“Surprisingly, I feel pretty good, too.”
Glancing around the room, I noticed Roland’s absence. “Where’s your dad?”
“He’s gone down to the cafeteria to get us something to eat. I told him to go home and have lunch with Granny and Grandpa, but he refuses to leave me.”
I gave her a knowing look. “Good fathers don’t leave.”
“No. I don’t guess they do.”
“Can you get in touch with him?”
She furrowed her brows at me. “I suppose so. Why?”
“I want you to tell him to forget the shitty cafeteria food and come to our room for Christmas dinner. The guys and their wives brought a hell of a feast.”
“That sounds nice, but I don’t think we should impose.”
“Who said anything about imposing?”
“But we’re not family like they are,” she protested.
I shook my head. “Sorry, but we are family. You gave birth to my son. From the very start of this journey, we always said we wanted you to be a part of Sam’s life. What better way to start that than by having his birth mom celebrate his first Christmas with him?”
Tears sparkled in her eyes. “You really mean that?”
“I sure as hell do.”
She hiccupped a laugh. “I would love to eat lunch with you guys. Most of all, I’d love to see Sam.”
“Who knows. You might even decide you want to hold him.”
A shy smile played on her lips. “Maybe so.”
“Good.” I stepped over to the bed. Extending my arm, I said, “How about I escort you down there?”
“That’s okay. I really don’t need any help,” she answered as she threw back the covers.
“Then just consider it me being a gentleman.”
With a giggle, she replied, “Okay. I will.”
As I was taking Keira to the room, Roland appeared with a cafeteria tray over-stacked with plates. He glanced between the two of us. “What’s going on?”
“I’m escorting Keira to Christmas lunch in our room.”
“You are?”
I nodded. “Toss your tray, and come join us.”
