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No. He called me Papa like I was his father.
There was no better present I could have received this holiday season.
“Mama!” Noah shouted as I held the door open and he ran inside.
“Noah!” Bess jumped up and ran to our son, scooping him up and holding him tight as she burst into tears. “Oh, baby. I missed you so much.”
“I missed you more.”
My heart swelled when Bess looked up and into my eyes, her gratitude apparent. “Thank you.”
My palm went over my heart and she reached out, wanting me to come closer. I didn’t hesitate to surround them both with my arms, hugging them into my chest as I placed a kiss on top of Noah’s head, and then I turned to claim Bess’s mouth.
“You’re kissing my Mama again!” Noah shouted with a giggle. “Just like the Christmas song.”
Laughter erupted around us and I broke the kiss, chuckling as I caught the sparkle in the pretty eyes of my Bess.
Someone turned on the jukebox we had stashed in the corner of the common room and Christmas music began to play. Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You began to play. It was perfect.
Cheesy as it was, I began to dance with Bess and Noah. He wiggled his little bottom to the beat and pressed Bess close, whispering in her ear, “You’re all I want or need. Just you and Noah.”
She lifted a hand and tugged on my beard. “That better be true. I heard all about your naughty behavior.”
“Me?” I shook my head, desire and lust flaring up as I thought about all the naughty ways that I’d enjoy her in bed later. “No way.”
“Don’t you look at me like that, all dark and sexy and full of heat. I know what you’re thinking.”
“Yeah, sugar. I’m gonna eat you up.”
Bess giggled as Noah slipped his arm around my waist.
“Papa loves me, and I love him.”
His announcement brought tears to her eyes. “That so?”
“Yep. He told me at the Clown Motel.”
Bess gave me a curious look. “Is that where he was?”
“Yeah. When I found him, I thought it was time I told him the truth.”
“What’s that?”
“I love you both.”
“Jayce,” she choked, blinking back tears. “God, I love you. You’re something else.”
“I think we should get home. It’s getting late and Santa has lots of deliveries tomorrow.”
“It’s almost Christmas!” Noah squealed, taking my hand, and pulling both me and Bess toward the door. “We have to set out the milk and cookies.”
Chuckling, I agreed. Plus, I wanted some for myself.
This Christmas was one to remember.
I wasn’t going to waste a single moment.
The house was dark when we pulled into the driveway. As soon as I opened the door, I knew we weren’t alone. That asshole who hurt my Bess was here. No one had to tell me because I could sense his darkness and the stale stench of his body odor and cigarettes.
