Huddy lets me borrow some of his Christmas pajamas.
We set up the fort again and pretend to sleep when Allison checks on us. She pulls my blanket up over my shoulder and pushes my hair away from my forehead.
The door clicks shut as she leaves. Hudson shoots up.
“Okay. I have our go bag. We can camp on the stairs, so we have a clear view of the tree and the chimney.” He says and shows me the bag full of snacks.
We tiptoe down the hall. I’ve tried to catch Santa the last three Christmases, but I never do. We sit in our spot on the stairs.
We wait so long that Huddy falls asleep on my shoulder. I’m about to give up when I hear the alarm chirp and the quiet voice says front door. My heart pounds in my chest.
“Huddy. Wake up. Santa!” I whisper and shake him hard.
Santa comes inside with his big bag of presents. His head is tilted down but I can see the fluffy white beard and even the small glasses on the tip of his nose.
“It’s really him!” Huddy whispers
“Should we go ask him now or wait for him to put the presents under the tree?”
“Definitely wait. We don’t want to distract him.”
“Good thinking.” I nod.
Santa tip toes to the tree carefully placing each present. Then he moves to the mantle and fills the stockings, even the one Allison hung for me before bed.
Huddy and I both gasp when Allison comes from the kitchen with milk and cookies for Santa.
“Here you go, Santa.” She smiles up at him. “Thanks, Alli.” He says. Even his voice. He really is Santa. And he knew her name.
She hands him the cup. He leans down to hug her with one arm.
Then she kisses his cheek.
My heart drops and my insides feel yucky. I put my hand on Hudson’s shoulder who keeps staring down at his mom in shock.
“Come on. Let’s go.” His head drops and we trudge up the stairs together. Back to the fort. “I’m sorry, Huddy. I don’t think Dad can compete with Santa.”
“Yeah… Poor Tate.” Huddy sighs. We lay side by side and I pretend I don’t hear his sniffles. That makes me think of what Mr King said.
“Remember what Mr King said about being brothers? Well, I didn’t believe him before, but I do now. You’re my brother Huddy. Even if we don’t get to share our parents.”
“Thanks, Matty.”
Chapter 14 Allison
The last few days have been magical. The team dinner and skating. Not even TJs broody presence could diminish it. I pull the cookies out of the oven, careful to be quiet so the boys don’t wake.
Hudson has been suspicious of Santa’s existence for a couple of years now. Especially since some of the kids at school try to spoil the fun for others.
I let them cool while I send Tate a text.
Alli
Boys are in bed! All clear.
Tate
Turns out the Santa costume you left for me will come in handy after all.
