“Holly,” we said together.
When we broughtHolly home two days later, the pack was waiting for us.
“Ready to introduce her to her family?” Roscoe asked, unbuckling Holly's car seat.
Everyone told us she was the most beautiful baby in the world, which we already knew, and the trees were rustling in celebration.
“They approve,” Roscoe said
“Of course they do. Holly belongs here. Just like we do."
SIXTEEN
ROSCOE
Christmas Eve at Right as Rain(deer) was extra special this year because it was Holly’s first.
I was inside chatting on the phone to a client but while my mouth was engaged, my eyes were watching my mate and daughter through the window. Reed had our four-month-old bundled against his chest, and he was chatting to a tree and she was kicking her legs and gurgling.
I had to get out there once I helped my client off a ledge, not literally, but he was worried about a deal possibly going wrong. But the pack were on the tree lot along with another pack who’d been enlisted to help.
“That's Isa, sweetheart,” my mate’s voice drifted across the lot. “She wants to say hello.”
Our daughter cooed. Reed told me every babbleand burble was Holly telling the trees how smart they looked.
“Roscoe?” I ended the call as my mate appeared at the back door. Holly grinned when she caught sight of me. “The other guys are busy. Could you help this family load their tree?”
“Be right there.” I kissed him and Holly's nose, breathing in her baby aroma that my beast assured me carried the reindeer scent. “How's our little Christmas baby doing?”
“The trees are showing off for her,” Reed grinned. “Richard rustled his branches.”
The afternoon and evening passed in much the same way as last year. Holly had napped earlier but woke when the reindeer entered the lot and I helped her feed them carrots. Santa flew over head with Erik pulling the sleigh. He was now a semi regular and hoped to be promoted next year when one of the older reindeer retired.
And when the evening wound down and we were at home, Reed and I collapsed into bed, knowing we’d have to be up early to welcome Erik home.
Holly woke us and when she’d been fed and changed, we made our way to the barn just as Erik returned. The pack had put on a huge Christmas feast, not only for him, but for everyone. We had voted that only the children would get gifts because we were sofortunate to be living on land where the pack could grow and flourish.
Everyone fussed over Holly and brought her gifts. Baby shampoo and moisturizer from Herbal Harmony, cute sweaters and overalls made by Daphne, while Reed and I had paid Anthony to make her a tiny wooden toboggan.
But when everyone had finished eating and the last gift was exchanged, Erik stood up and waved for everyone to be quiet.
Reed was holding our daughter because she didn’t want to be in the high chair, and I took her hand. She stopped blowing raspberries at the kids across the table, and focused on Erik.
“This is our second Christmas here but it’s Holly’s first and as reindeer shifters, a child’s first Christmas is special.” He grinned and looked at the pack seated around the large table.
Our daughter squealed on hearing her name and everyone laughed.
“As you know, every child in the Dark Crown Pack receives a gift from a special someone on their first Christmas Day.”
Reed mouthed at me, “What is it?”
“You’ll see,” I whispered.
From under the table, Erik pulled out a bell. Notjust any old bell. This was a shiny silver one to put on a harness and it had Holly’s name engraved on it.
Our daughter’s eyes grew wide and she reached out for it. The pack cheered.
“This isn’t a toy, little one.” Zelda chimed in. “This is a gift from Santa and he gave it to Erick to give to you.”
