Mama.
There was no sweeter sound than that.
Christian’s arm came around her, and she leaned into his side, knowing this moment was the start of something life changing. They were together. She and Christian. The girls, who she’d grown to love so much.
Her family.
Always and forever.
Three Years Later
“It’s time to put the book down, kiddo,” Christian said, entering Isla’s room and flipping the switch by the door to turn off the ceiling light. The lamp on her nightstand bathed the area around her sleeping space in a soft glow. He knelt next to her mattress.
“Just a few more minutes, Dad?” She gave him a pouty look he hadn’t seen on her in ages. “Hallie isn’t home yet.”
Placing her bookmark on her page, he closed the graphic novel and set it on her nightstand. “I’m afraid not. It’s already late. But Hallie promised to come in and say goodnight as soon as she gets home.”
Tonight was Buena Hills’ annual Christmas tree lighting festival, and both girls had loved helping out in Hallie’s booth throughout the evening. It took a lot of convincing to get them to come home for bed instead of going back to the bakery to help clean up after the event.
Christian picked up Isla’s pink stuffed jack-o-lantern, holding it out to her. “Okay, we’ve got Jackie.”
Isla put the stuffy in its assigned spot against the wall.
“And here’s Lanny.” He reached across her legs to grab the purple jack-o-lantern, popping his daughter gently in the face with it. She giggled, so he did it again.
“Da-ad.” She grabbed the plush, swinging it behind her head to use as a second pillow. “Lantern doesn’t like being called that. She’s grown-up now.”
Christian splayed his hands in front of him as he spoke to the pumpkin. “I’m terribly sorry, Lantern. I failed to see the sophisticated gourd you’ve become. Please accept my heartfelt apology.”
“She says you’re forgiven.” Isla arched a single brow. “This time.”
“Thank goodness for that.” He booped her nose before straightening the rest of the stuffed animals on her bed.
“Where’s Foxie?” Isla lifted her pink-and-purple bedspread and leaned over the side of the mattress to look underneath. “I think she fell off last night. Will you get her?”
“Sure.” Christian went onto his hands and knees to search under the bed. He pulled Foxie out, tucking it into his daughter’s waiting arms. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She slid further under her blankets, snuggling the stuffed animal tightly. She’d slept with it every night since Hallie had given it to her ages ago.
The animal had seen her through some big changes this year—Christian’s marriage, a new school, and moving, to name a few. After Mom had married Paul, she’d agonized over selling the house that held so many memories of Dad. In a solution that still thrilled Hallie, she’d passed the house to Christian to continue the family legacy in the place.
“The lights look good,” Hallie said from the doorway, her purse still slung over her shoulder as though she’d just returned home.
Christian watched her enter the room, his mouth lifting. “Tyler and Brad came over before the festival to help hang them up.”
“Carrying on your father’s reputation, I see.” She planted a quick peck on his lips. “Surprising your wife with the Christmas lights on the house.” A strand of her blonde hair had escaped her chunky braid, and she looked tired after her early wake up call to bake for the festival.
Standing, he tucked the hair behind her ear. “That wasn’t my intention, but now that you mention it, I might make this a yearly thing.”
She gave him a playful smile before kneeling beside Isla’s bed. “You ready to sleep, sweetheart?”
Isla nodded, holding Foxie out to her. “She needs a hug.”
Hallie gave the animal a squeeze. “Goodnight, Foxie. Watch over Isla tonight and keep the bad dreams away. Can you do that for me?”She screwed her voice into a squeaky one to mimic the animal talking. “You can count on me, Hal.”
Christian smiled at Isla’s giggles. He never tired of watching their sweet relationship blossom. It was like they’d formed an exclusive girls’ club with Penelope. One that he was lucky enough to be admitted as an honorary member.
Hallie’s peaceful influence had been vital to Isla’s progress, especially with Sabrina’s continued struggle to be a constant presence in the girls’ lives. His ex was trying; he’d give her that. But she had issues of her own she still needed to address.
