Decorating the cookies!
The best part before taking a bite of pure ginger sweetness. The mix of sugar and spice made everything nice. I took a sip of the hot chocolate with small marshmallows on top I’d whipped up, and I was in heaven.
I placed the goodies on a wooden tray and made sure everything was perfect. I was contemplating doing the dishes when I heard giggling in the other room. Curiosity consumed me, and I knew I shouldn’t snoop, but I had to see what those two were up to.
I peeked my head around the corner, but there wasn’t anyone in the dining room. With the tray in hand, I wandered further in when I heard a loud bark. I jumped.
Shit!The tray wobbled, and I almost dropped the contents. I had to be more careful.
I couldn’t stop myself—I had to make sure my daughter was alright. The further I got into the dining room, the louder my heart hammered in my ears. I heard music—a deep, off-tune voice singing out to a cheery, heartfelt melody, and I couldn’t contain a smile.Was that...
I tiptoed to the corner and peeked around the wall. Jack was up on my couch belting out the cutest song while Faith sang along with him.
My daughter beamed up at him with such admiration my heart swelled. Jack made hand gestures as if he were a conductor leading an orchestra, and the beauty of my littlegirl’s powerful voice grew louder. Strong enough that she sang with happiness, pride, and confidence.
My daughter outshined Jack’s awful off-beat tune, but still, he shined like a bright star. The twinkle in his handsome eyes gleamed with joy as he watched Faith sway to the beat of the music, and she followed his every lead.
Jack had done a wonderful job with her makeup, and I couldn’t believe the effort he had put into her hair. She had long braids looping around to the back of her head, and the rest stood up slick with a large amount of gel. His stiff creation ended with a big, bright red bow on top of her head to keep the hairstyle from coming loose. The amount of styling product within her long strands would be hard to get out, but I didn’t care. Faith resembled a Christmastime wonderland thanks to this man.
Jack Timber was having fun, cutting loose, and he didn’t give a damn who watched. His performance alongside my daughter made my heart beat in an erratic pattern—much too fast.
Jack had brought Chip over after I had left for the kitchen. The dog was next to him, howling to Faith’s magical symphony. The damn dog even wore a headband with reindeer antlers on it. Normally, I would’ve been angry at Jack for randomly bringing his pet over, but I couldn’t be upset atthis. The joy, smiles, and help he had given to my daughter.
A small giggle escaped me while I gushed like a lady in love at the sight. I never thought I’d experience this in my entire life. I got to see Jack Timber for who he truly was. A kind and generous man, who adored my daughter as if she were his own. He guided her, cared for her, and wanted thebest for her no matter how much he tried to hide it. Jack was a changed man, and I’d never view him the same way again.
TWENTY-FOUR
Sleigh Ride Melodies
Noelle
“Good evening, princess,” Jack said as soon as I opened the door and let him inside with Chip hurrying in behind him. “Is Faith ready for her makeup?”
The friendly dog leaped up with his front paws on my chest, all covered in snow. I giggled as Chip gave me a wet kiss and Jack scolded him. He instructed him to sit, but the dog wouldn’t obey because he was far too excited to see me.
“Okay! Okay!” I laughed and ruffled the fur on his scruffy head. “Down, boy.”
Chip listened. He sat down panting, with a goofy grin, and his tongue hung out of his mouth. He had reindeer antlers on and was all set in character.
“Is Chip going out for Christmas caroling too?” I asked.
“Yep,” Jack answered in his big green outfit. “Where’s Faith?”
“She’s still getting ready.” I rolled my eyes. “I swear she’s entering the tweenager stage already.”
Jack laughed.
We heard running footsteps. I spun around as Faith poked her head out from the top of the stairwell with rosy cheeks, as bright as could be. Her hair was a mess with tangles after getting dressed in her costume.
“Mr. Timber is here already?” Faith groaned as she disappeared out of sight, and there was more stomping above. “I can’t find my makeup!”
“She’s... Ah...” I scrunched up my face. “A little behind. Do you want a cup of coffee while you wait?”
“Thanks, but I shouldn’t...” Jack pointed to the cosmetics on his face. “Christ. I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t want to ruin my makeup.”
“Right. Good point.” I snapped my fingers with a nervous giggle.
Suddenly, I was nervous. Awkwardness took over me like a girl about to embark on her first date with her crush. Except this wasn’t a romantic evening out, and I shouldn’t find Jack attractive, but the way my heart pounded in my chest proved otherwise.
