Papa and Dad are sitting next to each other on the couch, so close that their thighs are touching.
I love to see that they are both laughing.
They are playing with Zoe and the knitted Santa that I had seen in the penthouse during the heist and had rightly guessed was meant as a gift for her.
Papa made it, even though he didn’t know if he’d be allowed to give it to her.
My parents never stopped thinking about Zoe and me.
Papa laughs, leaning closer to Dad.
Papa used to be so serious. I can still see the strain of anxiety in the set of his shoulders that he is in the lobby and out of his room. It is a huge achievement, however, because this is the furthest that he has ventured this week.
It warms me inside that we are all together.
This has been my dream from the moment that Zoe was born.
I never thought that it would come true.
This truly feels like my Christmas miracle. Except, it didn’t come true by wishing on a star and waiting for someone else to make it happen.
It took an entire team of people facing their fears, risking their lives, and an Omega cracking a safe and pulling off a heist.
Nowthat’sa Christmas movie that I would watch.
Especially if it starred Jex.
Ollie is sitting next to my parents, dancing the reindeer around to amuse Zoe like the amazing uncle that he has always been.
Yet he’s still only a high school aged kid.
It’s more obvious since he’s no longer in the bell hop outfit, and his wild golden curls are falling over his face. Also, as he’s chosen to wear baggy jeans and sneakers that he bought from the thrift store. It will take time for him to understand that he is now part of a billionaire pack and doesn’t need to watch every dime.
He is wearing Papa’s knitted Christmas tree sweater with a twinkling look of irony, which only teenagers can pull off.
Ollie has been complaining all week since Icarus told him that he has been enrolled in a private academy that specializes in helping people who have missed schooling.
I offered to pay for it. That’s what pack does. I would do anything to help Ollie or any of the Sinners.
“Don’t make me tell you how guilty I feel that you were forced into working when you should have been doing schoolwork, playing, and just being a kid.” Icarus’ jaw was tight.
Ollie’s sunny smile dimmed. “I’ve never complained.”
“I know. You’re the best brother.”
“You were forced to work here too. You made sure that we didn’t starve. You didn’t abandon me like…”
Icarus pulled his brother into a one-armed hug.
So, that was what his brother had always feared.
It was heart wrenching.
“I would never leave you,” Icarus insisted. “I have done everything to make sure that we would stay together. But because of your brave help in our…caper…I have now been promoted to CEO. I have more than enough money for us both. You have a stunning bedroom that you can decorate for yourself in the penthouse. And Jelani has asked if he can take over babysitting duties. You don’t need to act like an adult anymore. You can relax and let yourself be a high school kid, whatever that means. You have a whole future ahead of you; as a Beta, there are a range of careers open to you. Plus, this country is changing.We’re helping with that. This pack has enough money to put you through college. I never dreamed that would be possible. Take this opportunity. Who knows what you could achieve? And who knows what the world will look like by the time you graduate?”
Now, Dad bounces Zoe on his knee. He strokes her small head in wonder, before pulling her up to nuzzle her.
He is holding her like he never wants to let her go, as if he is trying to make up for all the months that he has lost.
