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“Peter, sweetie, I’ve got a ton of things to do for our new home. Can we maybe go another day?” I try to reason with him, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“But, Mom,” he protests, his lower lip jutting out in a pout that would melt the heart of any grown-up. “The other kids are going to see him.”
“Other kids are going to see what?” Olivia asks with a yawn as she rubs her eyes.
The disappointment in his words, combined with the way Olivia is staring at me, shoots straight to my heart, and it becomes clear what I’m going to do today.
“Okay, okay,” I relent, pushing aside my own concerns for a moment. “We’ll go see Santa.”
Peter’s face erupts in pure joy, and even Olivia’s eyes widen with excitement. Their happiness is contagious, and I can’t help but smile at their enthusiasm.
Peter wraps his arms around me in a tight hug. I return the gesture, feeling grateful for these precious moments with them.
“Alright, let’s get ready, can’t miss Santa.” I pull myself out of bed, feeling a sudden surge of energy that pushes away the lingering drowsiness. The thought of making my kids happy seems to strengthen me.
While the kids pick through their clothes, I quickly slip into a cute red dress, one that’s just perfect for a day out with the kids. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and I have to admit, I look pretty good.
“Mommy, you look so pretty!” Olivia gushes from the doorway, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
“Thank you, sweetie.” I give her a warm smile, then turn my attention to my hair. I gather it up into a high ponytail, securing it with a matching red ribbon.
“Ready to go?” Peter asks, bouncing in anticipation.
I look at Peter and the mismatched clothes that he’s wearing with a grin. “How about Mommy picks you out some better clothes first?”
* * *
The scentof cinnamon and freshly brewed coffee greets me as I step into the sunlit kitchen with Peter and Olivia by my side. Benedict, clad in a casual button-down shirt and jeans, stands at the stove flipping pancakes. His tousled hair and warm smile make my heart skip a beat.
Damn it, Harper, focus.
“Morning, Harper. You look beautiful,” he says, his voice like smooth caramel as he glances over his shoulder.
“Thanks,” I reply, flustered by the compliment. “Breakfast smells amazing.”
“Sit down, everyone. Pancakes are almost ready,” he instructs, expertly transferring the last golden-brown disk onto a plate.
“Breakfast first,” I remind them as I usher the kids to their seats, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and unease. Is he trying to win me over? And why is that thought so exciting to me?
“Harper,” Benedict starts, placing a stack of pancakes on the table, “are you still going to meet with those contractors today?”
Benedict was more than kind to set up a meeting between me and a few of his friends, as I lay out the plans for my new house…and figure out whether or not it’s going to include a bakery…but I can’t cancel on my kids.
“Actually,” I say, avoiding his gaze as I pour syrup over my pancakes, “the kids and I have something planned for the day. Can we reschedule?”
“Of course,” he replies, his tone betraying no disappointment. “Family first, always.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, relieved that he’s understanding.
“Santa! Santa!” Olivia chants excitedly as she wolfs down her breakfast.
“Santa?” Benedict repeats. “That’s who you’re seeing? I’m jealous!”
“You like Santa?” Peter cocks his head to the side.
“Like Santa? I love him. Would you mind if I came with?”
“The more the merrier,” Olivia says, beaming at him.
