AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Paco, the ever-playful uncle, gently took hold of Jack. Alex felt a swell of emotion in that small silent gesture of support. He looked around. His son would grow up surrounded by a circle of strong, caring men…just as Xander would.
All eyes turned to Stone, whose gaze dropped to his drink, a veil of solemnity cast over his features. He cleared his throat, and mustered the words from the center of his chest.
“Sidney was, well, your father,” Stone finally admitted, his voice decisive.
Xander’s eyes widened, captivated and curious, with the smallest trace of disbelief. “You knew my father?”
Stone nodded, a tender smile gracing his lips as he continued, his voice carrying a sense of connection. “He was my brother, Xander. My twin brother, actually,” he added.
The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting Xander’s response.
Alex watched as a wave of emotions washed over Xander’s face—wonder, longing, and a glimmer of hope. “Where is he?” Xander finally asked in response.
What would Stone say? He’s dead? Traveling? A bum?
“Last I heard, he was...” Stone paused. He started again. “Last I heard, he was on a quest for ancient treasure, dodging the bad guys across the seven seas.”
The men all grinned. When you build a dream dad out of clay, why not go for the gusto? Sheldon Stone.Aka, Indiana Jones.
Xander’s eyes sparkled. “Has he ever found treasure?”
Stone held a poker face. “I can neither confirm nor deny said treasures.” He leaned in, whispering. “But he did pay out the nose for the best boarding school.”
Xander rolled his eyes. “Don’t remind me.” Quickly, he added, “Got any pictures?”
Stone pulled out his phone. “I might have one or two.”
Alex, his heart swelling with emotion, interjected, “How about you two sit next to each other at dinner.”
Frowning, Xander checked in with Mark. Mark and Jess were on the brink of adopting him. It was clear they’d grown close. “What do you think?”
Mark playfully tousled Xander’s hair. “I think learning about who you are is one of the greatest Christmas gifts you could get.”
EPILOGUE TWO
ALEX
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Claus,” Alex murmured low as their glasses chimed together.
From the intimate vantage point of the second-story deck, the enchanting Bishop-Donovan estate has become their second home. The world seemed to hush around them, leaving nothing but a sky full of stars and a quiet night around to wrap around them.
As the gentle chill of the Adirondack Christmas air kissed Madison’s shoulders, she shivered. A move that sent Alex swiftly to her side, draping her with a warm, cozy throw.
The once familiar green grounds of the estate were magically transformed into a winter wonderland, snow-kissed landscape tranquil and glistening. Every surface sparkled under the soft glow of the moon, and his wife—the mother of his children—never looked more beautiful.
Alex breathed her in as she leaned into his embrace. She sipped from her drink, her voice soft with emotion. “It’s perfect,” she whispered. “I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas.”
Tightening his hold, he smiled, a whisper from her lips. “Me neither,” he murmured, his voice tender and low. “Not only do I have the most gorgeous woman in the world in my arms, but our two little tater tots are fast asleep.” He motioned inside. “It’s like a Christmas miracle.”
Just as their lips were about to touch, two voices floated through the air. Xander and Ashlyn were on the deck below.
Alex peered over the railing as Madison followed suit, silent as they witnessed the first blossoming petals of puppy love.
With a dimpled smile, Xander spoke. “Close your eyes.”
Madison’s hand instinctively flew to her heart, her breath catching, as she watched in awe. Alex pressed a kiss to her temple and looked on.
Sweetly, Ashlyn shut her eyes and extended her hands, anticipation lighting her smile.
