He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “That’s what I thought, but Danny assured me I am incorrect.”
My heart broke a little for both of them. Adam was trying so hard, and it was obvious Danny was feeling lots of emotions.
“Did you know that if you use store-bought cookies for Santa, he won’t leave your presents?” Adam asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t think that’s a rule.”
“See, that’s what I thought.” He sighed. “But once again I was mistaken. The cookies must be homemade.” He paused. “And he told me this on Christmas Eve, naturally. I’m really wishing now that we hadn’t eaten all those gingerbread ones that I brought home a few days ago.”
“It sounds like you at least tried. That’s all you can do, right?” I asked.
“Clearly, you don’t know my child. Burnt cookies are worse than store bought.”
Poor Adam. I pursed my lips. Why was Adam calling me in this crisis? Was he hoping I would come over and help? My heart sped up at the thought.
I tried to be brave and put myself out there a bit. “If only you knew someone who loved to make cookies.” I held my breath.
Adam chuckled. “About that, I was thinking how perfect it would be if maybe I had this wonderful friend that might take pity on me and Danny and save our Christmas Eve.” I heard Adam sigh. “But I also realized it would be selfish of me to ask since she probably has plans or things she would rather do.”
“Hm.” I bit back a smile. “I’m pretty sure she would love to come over and help. After all, she’s all alone. Maybe you would be doing her a favor.” I knew it was true with every part of me. I really wanted to spend Christmas Eve with this beautiful family. Making cookies, watching movies, the whole thing.
I only hoped my heart remembered it wasn’t a permanent part of that family.
He paused. “Are you sure you don’t have plans?”
My heart fluttered at the thought of spending time with Adam. “Hm, I think my plans just got decided.”
“Danny doesn’t know, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
“Yeah, I’ll come.” I nodded even though he couldn’t see it. “But only if you want me there too. I don’t want to intrude at all.”
“I want you to.” His voice was low and soft.
My stomach did somersaults. “It’s settled then. What’s your address?”
Adam rattled off his address.
“I don’t deserve you as a friend, Faith. I feel you are saving me over and over. It bothers me that I haven’t returned the favor.” He sounded so tired, like his world was crumbling around a pan of burnt cookies.
“Maybe you save me more than you think.” It was true; he saved me from my loneliness. From my false beliefs about what parents are. “I’ll head that way in a few minutes.” I looked toward my kitchen. “Do you need me to bring anything?”
“Nope. Unless you have my pride somewhere, I seem to have misplaced it.”
I chuckled. “Oh no!” I raised my eyebrows. “Wait, I thought you didn’t like the word ‘friends’ between us.”
“Oh, I want to be friends,” I could hear the grin return to his voice. “Just notonlyfriends.”
I gave a breathy laugh. “Oh, okay, got it.” I hadn’t felt like this with anyone. I was excited and terrified, like I was flying but knew I might fall.
“Thanks, Faith.” Adam’s voice was soft, and I was excited to be with him.
“Cya soon.”
“Bye.”
I drove my car on the icy roads outside of Hillsdale. The road narrowed on the sides as the snow banks grew higher. I pulled into the driveway and noticed Adam’s truck in front of a small blue ranch-style house, complete with what had to be ten snowmen lined up like little soldiers along the driveway. I grinned.
The front door flew open, and Danny rushed out. He was in pj’s covered with flour, and his hair stuck up in all directions. I opened my door and was met with my second grader’s arms wrapping around me.
