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“Ahh, a bike,” Santa says. “And what color would you like this bike to be?”
“Pink. It’s my favorite color.”
After taking a few pictures of her with Santa, we head over to the sidewalk to get our spots to watch the parade. In Christmas Valley, the parade is as big as the ones you see on TV. Float after float ride by—including our fire station’s float that my brother and some of the other guys are on with their families. Usually, I’d be on it as well, but I wanted to be with Kelsie and Jordan when they experienced the parade for the first time.
With all the colorful lights and decorations, Jordan comes around, smiling and laughing, letting the whole letter situation go for a moment. We eat junk food and drink hot chocolate and have a blast. Jordan jumps up and down in excitement when we learn their house won third place in the ‘Battle Of The Lights’ competition.
We spend the next couple hours playing games and visiting the different booths that are set up. Once the girls are so tired that Tilly is passed out in her wagon, and Jordan is asleep in my arms, her head on my shoulder, we call it a night.
She doesn’t wake up when we put her in my truck or when I take her out to lay her in her bed. Or when Kelsie and I both wish her a good night and turn off her light.
“Spend the night?” Kelsie asks once we’re alone, cuddled on the couch.
“Didn’t know not spending the night was even an option.” I kiss her temple and she lays her head on my shoulder. “We should have my mom or Sara watch Jordan soon so we can go Christmas shopping,” I mention, turning the TV on so we can find something to watch. “Can’t risk them selling out of pink bikes.”
I wait for her to argue that she doesn’t have the money, but when she simply nods in agreement, I sigh in relief, feeling like we’re finally getting somewhere.
“I spoke to Dorothy tonight,” she comments. “Mentioned putting in my notice.”
“And?”
“She said there’s no need. She’s got it covered, and if I ever change my mind, I always have a job at the café.” She glances up at me with wide eyes. “I can’t believe I’m jobless.”
“You’re not jobless, sweetheart. You just get to focus on the job you love—being a mom.”
She smiles so wide, her entire face brightens up, and I know that despite being nervous about the changes, she’s excited to focus on Jordan. Every woman should have a choice. If she wants to work, great. If she wants to stay home, awesome. But the day Trent died, Kelsie had her choices ripped from her, and I’m glad she finally has them back.
“Wow, my room is pink!” Jordan runs into the middle of the room that I had painted once Kelsie agreed to move in with me. “And my furniture is here, too, and my toys!”
Since moving is more manageable without a five-year-old running around, we asked Sara to watch Jordan for the day while we loaded their things into a moving truck I borrowed from a friend and hauled it across town to my place. There wasn’t a lot to move, and with my brothers’ help, we got it done in a few hours.
Kelsie and I spent the afternoon setting up Jordan’s room and organizing our room to add in her stuff. I was shocked by how little she has, but it made sense once I thought about it. She’s been living paycheck to paycheck and always puts Jordan first.
Well, that’s going to change. I can’t take her out on a shopping spree—she’d have a fit—so I’ll have to get creative.
“Pierce, can Cinderella sleep with me now that I live here?” Jordan hits me with her adorable pleading eyes, and I hate that I have to say no.
“Once she’s around six months old, she’ll be able to start sleeping out of her crate, but I did put her crate in here so she can sleep in your room.” I nod toward the crate in the corner, and Jordan grins happily.
Once Jordan has checked to ensure everything is where she wants it to be, we jump on my side-by-side and ride over to my parents’ house for Sunday dinner. Along the way, we stop to see the horses, the pond, and the treehouse. To say Jordan is excited about living out here is an understatement.
“Kelsie,” Mom coos, wrapping her in her arms. “Are you all moved in?”
“Yep,” Kelsie says, hugging her back. “There wasn’t much to move, since we left most of the furniture there, but we’re all situated.”
“Good.” Mom sits on the couch with Kelsie.
“Hey.” Sara joins them. “All moved in?”
“Yep,” Kelsie repeats, looking a bit overwhelmed since everyone is here tonight. I imagine since it’s just been her and Jordan for so long, it’ll take some time for her to get used to all the attention.
