AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After saying our goodbyes to Claire and Rufus—and giving Logan’s aunt an extra big hug to thank her for allowing my inner child to play alongside the girls—we cap off the night by setting out Santa’s cookies and carrots for his reindeers. The girls have a quick scavenger hunt, and when they discover matching pajamas as their treasure, their excitement leads to an impromptu dance party where I introduce them to the musical gem of “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas.”
It’s been a day full of Christmas magic, something previously a total turnoff for me, and I can’t say no when the girls beg to sleep in Maggie’s bed together. With the messes mostly contained, and all the presents tucked under the tree for the girls to find in the morning, it’s all I can do to get my body to climb the stairs. I need all the sleep I can manage before Christmas Fun Day Two begins.
Logan follows me down the hallway and hesitates at my bedroom door, but I grab his hand and tug him inside before he can overthink it. Sleeping in the same bed as him has ruined me. I don’t think I’ll ever want to sleep any other way again.
The morning brings a nonstop blur of red, green, and wrapping paper. Rainey goes berserk when she sees the mountain of presents piled downstairs. Maggie sneaks to open one before breakfast, but Logan playfully tackles her onto the couch and squashes her attempt.
When the time comes for the girls to open their gifts, I’m delighted to watch. They toss clothes to the side, of course, but the books, games, and toys are a never-ending stream ofooohsandaaahs.I knew Logan’s first paycheck wouldn’t come until after the new year, and I wanted to make sure Maggie didn’t feel left out for one moment of today’s festivities, so every gift for Maggie and Rainey came from “Santa.” Logan notices and kisses the back of my hand when the girls aren’t looking.
With all the gifts open, Maggie and Logan prepare to take off for the farm for their own family celebration.
“Why can’t we go?” Rainey whines as she watches Logan tie Maggie’s shoes.
“Because we’re having our own special family time,” I explain. “We’re going to watch a movie, and there might be one more present just for you,” I whisper in her ear.
With the mention of another present, Rainey’s no longer focused on Maggie and Logan, and I’m delighted to have the entire day wide open to spend however we want.
When Logan’s SUV pulls out of the driveway, I hand Rainey a small box. I picked this out not too long after bringing her home, but I’ve been nervous to give it to her for some reason.
“A necklace!” Rainey shouts after pulling apart the small box.
“Look again—it’stwonecklaces.” Her eyes widen. “One for you and one for me. Do you see what they say?”
She looks closely at the heart charms hanging at the end of each necklace. “Love You Forever,” she says.
“That’s right, baby cakes. If you ever feel sad, just look at this necklace and remember that I love you—forever. Want me to put it on you?”
Rainey hands me the box and impatiently scrambles in front of me for me to clasp the jewelry around her neck. She runs her hands over the letters on the heart while I put the matching necklace on myself.
“Rae, what’s your favorite Christmas movie?” I ask, lightening the mood. I pray she doesn’t sayElf. I know it’s a popular one, but Will Ferrell movies drive me crazy. I had an ex-boyfriend who could quote them all by heart. He ruined them for me.
“I don’t know the name, but there’s one with a BB gun,” she says. I smile, instantly knowing she meansA Christmas Story.Dunbar watched it with me every Christmas growing up and it feels full-circle to have the privilege of watching it with my niece.
“I know the one. Will you watch it with me?”
She snuggles with me on the couch, and I hit play. Rainey can’t make it through a movie without falling asleep, so before Flick can be triple-dog-dared to stick his tongue to the metal pole, I feel the rise and fall of her chest against the arm I draped over her. I let her sleep and finish the movie with her against me. It’s the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received.
I let Rainey snooze as long as she wants and then we spend the rest of the afternoon playing with her new toys. My cell phone rings just after 6 p.m. and the jail number pops onto the screen. After a perfect day, I’m tempted to ignore the call, but I don’t for Rainey’s sake. If her dad wants to connect with her on Christmas, I’m happy for her to have the opportunity.
“Hi,” I answer.
“Hey, Sis. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” I offer back. “How have you been doing?”
“I’d be doing better if you’d bring my daughter to see me.”
“Dunbar,” I whisper, moving away from the dining room chair Rainey occupies, finishing her leftovers. “Please don’t do this today. Georgia was supposed to tell you I spoke with Rae’s social worker. They don’t want me bringing a six-year-old girl to the county jail.”
“She told me.”
“Okay. Then, I didn’t refuse to bring her to see you—I’m following the caseworker’s recommendation.”
“I still don’t understand why you even have a caseworker. You aren’t supposed to have my daughter.”
“Dunbar.” I clear my throat and warn, “It’s Christmas. If you want to talk to Rainey, please stop.”
“Fine,” he huffs. I can tell by the sound of the word that he’s biting his tongue to stop himself from running his mouth.
