She just laughed. "I haven't had a stocking since I lived at home. But it was always my favorite part of Christmas. My mom would wrap even the smallest presents so that it took longer for me to open everything."
"It seems like there should be more stockings hanging there." If she were mine, I'd stuff her stocking every year. I'd never forget that childhood memory or how much it meant to her.
CHAPTER 16
ANGELA
Christmas Eve was magical. Hudson came to my rescue, helping me with Ayla's bike, then insisting I join him for church and later at his family gathering.
Everyone was so welcoming. For the first time in a long time, I felt part of something bigger than just my two-person family.
My family was small. Everyone else traveled to visit extended family on the holidays, but it was always just us.
I longed for something bigger, for a family that was large and boisterous, and spending time with the Sterlings only enhanced that desire.
But it was that moment in the kitchen, when Hudson was eating bites of cookies and drinking milk to make it looked like Santa had been here, that melted my heart.
He cared about my daughter. He wanted to give her a good experience. For once, I wasn't shouldering the burden of the perfect holiday by myself.
He was in it with me, and the best part was that he seemed to be enjoying it. I could have pretended that it was just a friend offering help until he came around the counter, his gaze heated.
My heart had skipped a beat when he raised his hand, hovering in the air between us as if he was asking permissionto touch me. It was the sweetest gesture, but I couldn't wait any longer.
I curled my hand around his neck and pressed my mouth to his. I had no idea what it meant, but I wanted to feel his lips on mine. And he'd tasted like cookies and hope.
I was content being a single mother and building my business. But Hudson made me want more for myself, someone to share my days with.
I'd lain awake far longer than I should have after he'd left last night. He'd helped me arrange the presents, waiting patiently while I filled Ayla's stocking.
And there was something in his gaze when he saw her stocking hanging on the mantle. It had given me a full-body tingle.
But I wouldn't let myself dream about more. I was going to be practical and see what he wanted first.
Last night, he'd said he wanted me. But maybe that was the magic of Christmas Eve. He wanted to be with someone, and I was convenient. No one wanted to be alone during the holidays.
I wasn't sure how he'd ever felt alone with five siblings. He probably always had someone to spend time with. But there was something different about finding your person, the one you were supposed to spend your life with.
And maybe he longed for a connection like that.
It had taken forever to fall asleep, and dawn came much too quickly. I heard Ayla's footsteps coming down the hall and pretended to be asleep.
Ayla paused by the side of my bed. "Santa came."
I opened one eye. "Did you look?"
Her expression was sheepish. "I couldn't wait. Can we open presents now?"
The time was early, but it was getting light out, so I nodded. "Give me a second in the bathroom."
Ayla ran down the hallway while I got out of bed and padded to the bathroom. I peed, then brushed my teeth and hair.
I remembered to grab my phone, wanting to capture her reaction to a favorite present. But this morning, she'd see her bike first, and I couldn't wait to see her reaction.
She ran down the stairs, pulling me with her. And when she jumped onto the landing, she squealed. "My bike!"
She touched the handlebar and then remembered I'd want a picture. She turned and posed with a huge smile so I could get the shot. Then she threw her leg over the bike, tapping the bell. I snapped a few more pictures. Then I sent an image to Hudson with a caption.
Angela: Thank you for making her Christmas.
