My throat tightened at her sweet words. "Merry Christmas, Ayla."
She smiled and snuggled under her blankets.
Angela turned out the light and closed the door.
I followed her down the stairs.
At the bottom of the steps, she whispered, "We have to wait to set things up until she's asleep. I'm not going to be the one who ruins Santa for her."
"I don't have anywhere to be." In years past, I stayed at my parents' until late, then went home. But if felt different with Angela and Ayla living here. It was warm and inviting.
"What do you want to do?" I followed her into the living room.
"I always watch a holiday movie on Christmas Eve."
"That sounds good to me." I got a fire started in the fireplace. It was weird being here. It wasn't really my house anymore.
She turned on the TV, and I joined her on the couch. "I could probably get the bike inside myself if you have somewhere to be."
"I'll help you get it out." I'd told Ford that I wanted to make a move. When would I get another chance?
She patted my thigh. "I really appreciate your help."
My throat was suddenly dry. "What would you have done if I didn't answer your call?"
She shrugged. "I would have learned how to put a tire on a bike."
"You would have figured it out. I'm glad I was available." I wouldn't be here now if she hadn't made that call.
"We just need to wait about thirty minutes, and then we can get the bike, and you can get out of here."
"I almost forgot. We need to put out the cookies my mom gave us and some milk for Santa." I got up to head into the kitchen where I'd placed the container of cookies.
Angela reached into the cabinet and pulled down a small plate decorated with holly.
I arranged the cookies on the serving dish while she poured milk into a Santa mug. "You have carrots for the reindeer?"
"I do, actually." Angela moved to the fridge and pulled out baby carrots.
I bit the ends off each carrot so it looked like a reindeer had eaten it. Or at least I hoped it looked that way. Then I sipped the milk.
Angela grinned. "You're fully committed to this Santa thing."
I huffed out a laugh. "I'mnot going to be the reason why Ayla doesn't believe in Santa. That credit is going to a boy in her class."
Angela rolled her eyes. "Every time she asks if Santa is real, it's always a boy at school saying stuff."
"It's always the boys. I'm not ashamed to admit that. Ford ruined Santa for us."
She inclined her head toward the container of cookies. "Your mom saved me with these cookies. I waited until the last minute to bake them this year."
"Yeah, she's the best." I took another cookie off the plate and ate a bite.
She sat on a stool at the island between us. "Thanks for including us in your family celebration."
With the dimmed lights, it felt intimate. "No need for thanks. From what I remember, you were reluctant to come."
Her lips twitched. "Your family made me feel included."
