He shoved his hands in his pockets. "I imagine my mom tried to read to us, but I bet at least one of us couldn't sit still long enough to listen."
"I can't imagine what it was like growing up with that many siblings. My family was just the three of us, my parents and me. It was quieter than your house."
Hudson smiled. "Yeah, not many people have a family as large as ours. It can be overwhelming."
I shrugged. "I kind of liked it."
Ayla appeared at the top of the stairs. "Can you read to me now?"
"Absolutely." I was grateful that she was going to go to sleep soon. I didn't want to be up late putting her presents out.
I was halfway up the stairs when she asked, "Can Hudson come too?"
That made me wonder if it was a good idea, allowing Hudson to hang out with us so much. What if Ayla got attached to him? He wasn't ours. I wasn't dating him. I had no claim to him. He could move on at any time.
CHAPTER 15
HUDSON
Ihadn't expected Ayla to include me in their bedtime ritual. I was a little nervous because I'd never read a story to a child before. I wasn't sure what to expect. Ayla climbed onto her bed and patted the spot next to her.
Angela grabbed the book and sat on one side.
I stood on the other side of the bed, not sure where to go because a large elephant took up the space. The walls were white, but the bed now had a pink comforter and a ton of stuffed animals.
Ayla shoved the elephant off the side of the bed. "You can sit here."
I sat gingerly on top of her comforter, crossing one leg over the other. It was surprisingly cozy.
Ayla took the book, holding it open, and Angela started reading, "It was the night before?—"
"Can Hudson read it?" Ayla interrupted.
My heart rate picked up.
"Sure," Angela agreed, looking over at me.
I cleared my throat, then read the familiar cadence of words, the rhythm reminding me of what it felt like to be a child excited for Santa to arrive. There had always been a mad rush in themorning to wake up first and then get downstairs. Mom had to instill rules about when we could go downstairs—not until everyone was awake—and then only together.
I ended the story with the familiar "Merry Christmas, and to all a good night" and closed the book.
At some point during the story, Ayla's head had dropped to my shoulder. It was a sweet gesture.
I looked at Angela over Ayla's head. "You'd better go to sleep so Santa can come."
Ayla rolled her head off my shoulder and lowered herself onto the pillow.
I stood at the side of the bed.
"I hope I get my bike."
Angela tucked her in, giving her a hug and a kiss. "I'm sure you'll love all your presents."
I edged toward the door, not wanting to interrupt their bedtime routine when Ayla held out her arms to me. "Can I have a hug?"
I looked at Angela for approval. At her nod, I moved closer, leaning down to wrap my arms around Ayla.
"Merry Christmas, Hudson."
