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Hmmm.
It was a little brown girl with vibrant red hair and cherry barrettes.
Carmen looked my way and her mouth opened in shock.
“Hey, baby girl.”
“You're here.” And with that, she dropped the doll and rushed my way. “You didn't go back to the moon.”
I scooped Carmen up into my arms. “No, baby, I didn't go back to the moon.”
I kissed her forehead. “No more space missions.”
Carmen wrapped her arms tightly around my neck, burying her face in my shoulder. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
A wave of love washed over me.
Then to my surprise, she frowned. “Where’s Mommy?”
“Sleeping.”
She widened her eyes. “Did you kiss her boo boos?”
“What?”
“Mommy was screaming.” Carmen appeared terrified. “I woke up because she hurt herself—”
“Oh.” I blinked. “Well. . .”
Carmen watched me.
“Mommy is better.”
Carmen smiled. “You kissed her boo boos?”
I cleared my throat. “Yes. . .uh. . .I did.”
“Good.” Carmen hugged me again and rested her head on my shoulder.
I knew I should put her back to bed, but the sight of her playing so contentedly, combined with the years of absence, held me back.
Therefore, I carried her over to the tree. “So, tell me about your doll.”
“Santa, came early!”
“Wow. You are the luckiest girl on the planet.” I set her down.
Carmen beamed with pride and picked up her doll. “She's so beautiful.”
“She is.”
“And cuddly!”
“Very.” I smiled, ruffling her hair. “Best Christmas ever?”
“Best, Daddy!” She nodded enthusiastically, holding Foxie Cherry up for me to see. “She's my favorite. She's brave and strong, just like Mommy.”
My heart swelled at those words. “I can see that.”
Then, Carmen frowned looking at my empty hands. “Daddy, get Bunny B, so you don’t get sad.”
“Oh. That's not necessary—”
Carmen grabbed Bunny B and gave him to me.
“Well. . .I do feel better now.”
Carmen pointed at my chest. “You’re not wearing a shirt.”
“It's dirty.”
Carmen giggled. “Let's play!”
“Oh wait.” I shook my head. “It's actually late we should—”
“Let's make cherry pies.”
“Well. . .that does sound tasty.”
“Yummy.” Carmen moved Foxie Cherry's arms around, pretending like the doll was cooking. “You want lots of cherries in your pie, Daddy?”
“Yes. Lots of them, and then when we are done we must go back to sleep.”
Carmen pouted. “No sleeping, Daddy.”
My heart ached. “Don't do that. You know the rules.”
“No rules.”
“Pies and then going back to bed—”
“With Foxie Cherry!”
She's a good negotiator like her mom.
I nodded. “Yes. With Foxie Cherry.”
And there, I found myself, caught up in the simplicity of the moment, playing dolls with my daughter by the softly lit Christmas tree.
We made pancakes, then. . .we stayed up longer, and embarked on grand adventures, ones that will live with me for the rest of my life.
Epilogue
The Best Present
On Christmas Eve, we all didn't wake back up until lunch time. I had to admit that the warmth and comfort of Zuri's condo wrapped around me like a blanket, and I found myself with no desire to leave.
Thank God, Zuri felt the same and asked me to stay.
Anthony—apparently my best friend—called to check on me. While on the phone, he let me know that my chauffer would be off for Christmas to spend time with his family. Therefore, he would be sending us a limousine so I could come over for Christmas dinner.
I accepted the invitation, explaining that it will be a plus two.
For the rest of Christmas Eve, Carmen—with her boundless energy—was the heart of our day.
While Zuri finished up some paperwork on a Rowe Street Mob merger, Carmen and I had a grand tea party, sitting on the floor with her array of stuffed animals arranged in a semi-circle. Always the gracious host, Carmen served imaginary tea and biscuits.
I played along, sipping from the tiny cups and complimenting the delicious treats.
Every now and then, Zuri peeked in the bedroom and watched us with a soft smile on her face.
Later, we embarked on more Foxie Cherry adventures. Carmen created an entire world for her doll, and I was pulled into the narrative as a fellow explorer.
We ventured through imaginary jungles and mystical lands, right there in the living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
Our laughter filled the condo.
By the evening, Zuri finally finished her work, but looked out of it and overworked.
Therefore, I ordered my fiancé all her favorite things—lobster, champagne, and exotic chocolates. Then, I drew her a warm bubbly bath and demanded her to take a damn break.
Without any hesitation, she grabbed a new romance novel from her office desk and was in that bathtub within seconds.
And so she could truly have peace, Carmen and I bundled up in our warmest clothes and headed to the nearby ice rink.
It might have been my favorite part of the day.
Holding her tiny hand, we carefully made our way onto the ice.
Carmen was a bit wobbly at first, but her confidence grew, and soon we were gliding across the ice, her giggles echoing in the cold air.
