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That evening, we skated until our cheeks were rosy and our legs tired.
Dare I say that our bond strengthened with every lap around that rink.
Returning to the condo, we were both exhausted but happy.
Zuri greeted us with hot chocolate, and we all spent the rest of the evening cuddled up on the couch, watching classic Christmas movies and snacking on popcorn.
As Carmen eventually drifted off to sleep in my arms, I felt a profound sense of contentment.
Zuri asked me to stay the night.
And my cock made sure she didn't regret that decision.
When Christmas morning came, snow blanketed Paradise City.
I woke up early before everyone.
Quietly slipping out of bed to not disturb Zuri and tip toeing past Carmen's bedroom, I made my way to the kitchen.
I needed to create memories and to give Carmen the kind of Christmas morning I never had.
I remembered a recipe from the only good foster mom I had, a unique twist on Christmas pancakes. They had a hint of mint and strawberries to give them a green and red look.
It was a simple recipe, but the act of making it felt like a bridge between my past and my present, a way to take something good from my childhood and pass it on to Carmen.
When everything was ready, I went to wake up my babies. “Merry Christmas!”
One by one they came out, and their sleepy smiles quickly turned into beams of excitement when they spotted those green and red stacks of pancakes.
Breakfast was a hit.
Next, it was time for presents. Carmen rushed to the tree, her small hands eagerly tearing open the wrapping paper.
It hit me then, watching Carmen surrounded by love and gifts, how different her life would be from mine.
She would never know the loneliness of a foster child, the uncertainty of not belonging. She would grow up with the clear understanding that she was loved, cherished, and wanted.
This thought filled me with a sense of peace.
Perhaps, I had broken the cycle.
And that. . .was the best Christmas gift I could ever receive.
I'm truly blessed.
The day passed in a blissful blur of laughter, games, and shared stories. It was a day of making memories, of cementing the bonds of our little family.
Christmas evening arrived, we dressed and got in the limousine that Anthony sent.
An hour or so later, we stepped out of the limousine and were greeted by the sight of a towering mansion.
Zuri looked stunning in the new dress I had gotten her from Yu’s bookstore, a perfect blend of elegance and grace. She wore a green fur coat over it, informing me that Banks had given everyone a coat for Christmas.
I still wasn't sure how I felt about the gang and Zuri's work relationship, but as I had told her. . .I would be watching them.
Beside her, Carmen twirled in her dress and clutched Foxie Cherry. Giggling, she pointed at Anthony's home. “It's a castle, Daddy!”
“It sure is, sweetheart.” I took her hand and guided us towards the entrance.
The sound of laughter and music came our way.
Zuri squeezed my other hand and looked around with an appreciative eye. “This is a breathtaking mansion.”
“You like it?”
“I love it.”
I considered the waterfront deal and the equity Zuri would demand I get. “Then, maybe next Christmas you will wake up in one.”
She smiled. “Maybe.”
“Perhaps, next Christmas will bring Carmen a brother or sister too—”
“Yes! Yes!” Carmen giggled.
Zuri widened her eyes. “Are you both crazy?”
“Daddy, I wrote it down in my letter to Santa. I asked for a sister, and Mommy made me take it out.”
Zuri chuckled. “Well, I thought you shouldn't waste wishes—”
“Oh no, Carmen.” I shook my head. “Next time, write the letter with me. We'll add twins.”
“Yes! Yes!”
Carmen squealed with delight, jumping up and down.
Zuri shook her head again. “You both are insane.”
We approached the door.
The sounds of the party grew louder, a harmonious blend of Christmas carols, cheerful conversations, and the clinking of glasses.
Before I could knock, the door opened and a butler greeted us. “Merry Christmas, sir.”
“Merry Christmas to you too.” Zuri gave him a warm smile.
The butler gestured further down the hall. “Enjoy.”
“We sure will.” I scanned the place.
Not bad, Siren.
The interior of the mansion was a spectacle of Christmas splendor. Twinkling lights adorned every corner, casting a warm, golden glow.
A towering Christmas tree, decked with ornaments and tinsel, stood majestically in the foyer, while the scent of pine and the subtle fragrance of holiday spices filled the air.
In the ball room, fabulously dressed guests mingled around, their voices a pleasant hum in the background.
Some were gathered around a grand piano, where a musician played classic holiday tunes.
Zuri whispered, “Wow. Viper Mob is really on the track to success.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Half of the people in this room are the Who's Who among politics and old money.”
“Do you think Viper Mob will end up being competition for the Diamond Syndicate?”
