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“Of course, Peter,” I reassure him, brushing a stray lock of hair away from his forehead. “We’ll make sure you get to see Santa before Christmas.”
“Promise?” His eyes search mine for any hint of doubt.
“Promise,” I confirm, holding out my pinky finger. He wraps his small pinky around mine, sealing the deal.
“Thank you so much for today,” I say, turning to Benedict with gratitude in my eyes. Him joining us to see Santa not only thrilled the kids but warmed my heart as well.
“Anything for you and the kids,” Benedict replies with a soft smile, his eyes shining with tenderness. The sincerity in his voice sends shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me that I hadn’t realized was smoldering.
“I’m glad you joined us,” I whisper, my breath hitching as I reach up to place a hand on his arm, feeling the solid muscles beneath his shirt. There’s something about the way he looks at me that makes me feel like I’m the center of his universe, and it’s both thrilling and terrifying.
“Can we have hot chocolate now?” Peter interrupts, bouncing on his toes in anticipation.
“Absolutely!” I exclaim, grateful for the distraction from the swirling thoughts in my head. I slip my hand away from Benedict. “Let’s get everyone settled, and I’ll whip up some hot chocolate for all of us.”
“Yay!” Peter cheers.
“Can I have white hot chocolate?” Olivia asks.
“Whatever you want, hun.”
“Before we get to the hot chocolate,” Benedict says, his voice full of mischief, “I have one more surprise for you, kids.”
“Another surprise?” I ask, trying to hide my excitement. “What is it?”
“Well, I called in a favor with Santa,” he replies cryptically.
My eyes widen as Antonio appears in the doorway, dressed as Santa Claus. The sight of him in the red velvet suit and fake white beard is so unexpected that I struggle to suppress a laugh. Antonio rolls his eyes at me, clearly unhappy with his current attire, but there’s a hint of amusement in his expression too.
As I take in the scene before me, I feel a surge of affection for these men who’ve gone above and beyond to make this day special for the kids. My heart swells with gratitude, and I realize just how much I’ve come to care for them.
“Alright, everyone!” I announce, clapping my hands together to draw the kids’ attention. “Santa has arrived, and he’s ready to hear your Christmas wishes!”
The children’s faces light up with excitement, quickly gathering around Antonio as he takes a seat by the fireplace. I sneak a glance at Benedict, silently thanking him for making this moment possible. He smiles back at me.
“Okay, Santa,” Peter says, hopping onto Antonio’s lap with gusto, “I want a remote control car, and…”
As the kids take turns sharing their wishes, I lean against the wall, letting the joy of the moment wash over me. Their laughter and animated chatter are like music to my ears, filling the room with love and light.
“…and a new soccer ball, please!” Olivia finishes, her cheeks flushed from the excitement.
“Of course, sweetie,” Antonio replies, patting her head gently. “Santa will do his best to make sure your Christmas wishes come true.”
“Yay!” the children cheer, clapping their hands and bouncing on their toes.
I turn my gaze to Benedict. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“Antonio deserves your thanks too,” he says with a knowing grin. “He’s not exactly thrilled about playing Santa.”
“Really?” I ask, my eyebrows shooting up in amusement. Glancing back at Antonio, I can’t help but be impressed by his dedication to keeping the magic alive for the children. “I never thought I’d see the day when Antonio would dress up as Santa Claus,” I admit to Benedict, laughing softly.
“Neither did I,” he agrees, chuckling. “But it seems he’s willing to go the extra mile for the kids. And for you,” he adds. He gently takes my hand, enveloping me in his warmth. “It’s not just me who’s falling for you, you know,” he admits, his eyes searching mine for a reaction. “I think Antonio feels the same way.” The intensity behind his words sends a jolt through my body, both shock and elation filling my chest.
Antonio…falling in love…with me? I don’t know about that. Benedict is hard enough to swallow.
“Really?” I breathe out, my fingers involuntarily tightening around Benedict’s hand. My mind races, replaying all the moments I’ve shared with the two men—the lingering touches, the stolen glances, the unspoken emotions simmering beneath the surface.
“Seems like it,” Benedict responds, smiling at me tenderly. “I was a little jealous at first, but I think I can wrap my head around sharing.”
