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It was useless to try to tamp down all the love and joy filling my heart. It didn't surprise me in the least when it started slipping down my face, leaving wet, salty trails.
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The smells of coffeeand orange juice and freshly baked bread came through the bathroom door and perfumed the steamy air. And I was suddenly freaking starving. I shut off the water, grabbed a towel, and ruffled it over my head. Then I wrapped that towel around my waist and finger-combed my still wet hair back out of my face.
I’d let Des take her shower first while I stayed with the twins, not wanting them to wake up in an unfamiliar bed without one of us right there. They hadn’t even stirred when we laid them down or throughout Desarae’s shower. I knew they would never sleep through my mom’s monkey bread, and if I didn’t get out there quick, I’d have to wait to grab some from the kitchen. My mom’s monkey bread was a Christmas morning ritual—all gooey with buttery, sticky, cinnamon-sugar syrup. I could eat an entire plate-full of the stuff by myself.
I yanked the door open, and three sets of sleepy eyes greeted me with big smiles.
Neri held up a little Christmas plate loaded with three pieces of bread and two giant strawberries. “Dad! Look what Grandma Derry brought us!”
Dad.
My heart overflowed with love.
Arteisma grinned and held up her plate in one hand while the other held a half-eaten strawberry.
“My gods, Seff, this stuff is dangerously addicting,” Desarae said between bites.
I zeroed in on the serving platter my mom had left and headed straight for it.
After taking a piece of bread in each hand, I savored every single bite, each one bringing up a happy memory from my younger years.
I paused after grabbing my third and fourth pieces and said, “I hope she made a lot more because this little bit is nowhere near enough.”
“She’s coming back with hot chocolate, so you can ask her.” Des smiled and wiped her sticky fingers with a napkin.
“Dad?” Arteisma looked up at me.
Dad.
For another second, I wondered when, or if, I’d stop feeling that special thrill every time either of the twins called me by that name. Hopefully, never.
“What, doodlebug?” I shoved another piece of sweet bread into my mouth.
“Grandpa Taber said we’re having a big Christmas feast and a Christmas tree.”
I looked at Desarae who shrugged and smiled, because, yeah, parents.
“You didn’t get to do your Solstice celebrations, so we thought this would be fun. You get to meet the rest of your new family and make friends with your cousins. But like I told your mom...” I nodded in Desarae’s direction. “We can do both celebrations next year. You won’t need to choose between...” I paused as Gunner’s smoky leather and lemon scent came through the closed bedroom door right before his heavy-handed knock.
I called out. “C’mon in.”
Gunner opened the door, his stern, green eyes flicking from each of us and then landed on the platter of bread I wished I’d hidden behind my back.
He cocked an eyebrow as his deep voice rumbled across the room. “How did you get an entire platter of the best Christmas bread in the world?”
Arteisma didn’t hesitate. “Grandma Derry gave it to us. Do you want some? We’ll share.”
My first thought was,Oh, no, we won’t.Of course, there was no way in hell I’d ever let the words come out of my mouth. Still, it didn’t keep my fingers from itching to grab the platter and run for my life.
“Sweetheart, I wouldn’t dream of it.” Gunner’s face softened as he grinned. “Your Grandma Derry made plenty for everyone.”
I laughed. “And still, there won’t be any leftovers.”
“You’re right about that.” Gunner agreed. “Anyway, I came to fetch all y’all. Seff, I hope you ain’t thinking of coming down wrapped in a towel. It ain’t that time yet.”
“Not what time yet?” Confused, Desarae looked from Gunner to me and back again.
