“It’s an Elf on the Shelf, a mythical creature, better used for raunchy photos, drinking beer, or fooling around with Barbie.”
This got a huge laugh. “Aiken, this was Abby’s. He did no such thing.”
“It doesn’t mean he can’t now.”
I decided I’d had enough hands-off time and gathered Claire close. I kissed the tip of her still-red nose. “Does he have a name?”
“Anthony.”
“Anthony sounds like a naughty name to me.”
Her eyes brightened. “I can see you making plans in your head for Anthony.”
“Oh, I am.”
She brought her lips to mine and kissed me softly, letting the emotion of the evening go.
“Let’s grab a pizza. We can do the bed and nightstand later?”
With her nose touching mine, she nodded. “I’m going to give the bedspread to Mary for her kids to keep. The nightstand is empty. It’s the one drawer I emptied right after it happened.”
“Come on.” I took her hand and snatched Anthony the Elf before she could think about it…
“Hey,” she faux-protested.
“He’s with me now. We’re making plans. But first, pizza and snuggling.”
