Elle and I sit back, watching as Hannah carefully peels away the wrapping paper from the large box, the paper coming off in long, neat strips. The picture on the box slowly becomes visible, and I can see her eyes light up as she realizes what it is.
“A dollhouse?!” she exclaims, her voice full of delight. Her hands fly up to clasp together, and then she starts jumping up and down, barely able to contain her excitement.
“It’s not just any dollhouse,” I say, kneeling down beside her with a grin. “It’s one we’re going to build together. Seehere?” I point to the box. “It has all the tools we’ll need to build the walls, the cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom. It even comes with sinks, tubs—and look, here are two toilets! We’ll put up pretty wallpaper and make every piece of furniture to go in each room.”
“Thank you, Daddy!” she squeals, throwing herself into my arms. “I can’t wait to start building it! Are we going to build it in the shop?”
“We are!” I reply, my voice warm as I lift her off the floor. “I’ll even get you an apron to match mine.”
I glance at Elle, a playful smile crossing my face as I wink at her. The anticipation of time alone with her feels just as exciting as watching Hannah’s joy unfold.
***
I watch, heart clenched, as Meghan pulls her car into the driveway.
"Is that her?!" Hannah’s voice rises with panic, the uncertainty evident in her eyes.
"Yes, Sweetie," I reply, forcing the words past clenched teeth. "Come on."
We both step out the door, but the moment we reach the stairs, I watch Hannah’s mood shift. Her excitement takes over, and she skips down the steps, eager to greet her mother.
I meet Meghan’s gaze just as she pops the trunk open, her smile tight, almost forced.
I drop Hannah’s backpack and small bag into the trunk. Then I help Hannah into her seat, doing my best to keep my temper in check.
I buckle Hannah in and kiss the top of her head.
"You’re late," I say, my voice steady but sharp as I shut the car door and turn to face Meghan.
"A little," she replies, tossing her hair back with an almost rehearsed smile.
"A little is fifteen minutes," I retort, my tone staying level for Hannah’s sake, though my jaw tightens. "A little is half an hour. It’s almost three, Meghan."
"I’ll have her home in a few," Meghan says, her voice dismissive, as though she’s already moved past any semblance of accountability.
"See you soon, Hannah Banana," I say, my gaze softening as I look at my daughter in the back seat. My voice catches just slightly as I hold her gaze, my heart aching. "Have a good time. and be good for Mom. I love you."
"I love you too, Daddy," Hannah replies, the words tumbling out with a sigh of relief, like she’s been holding her breath.
I wait until Meghan drives away, my chest tight with a mix of frustration and resignation. Just before it disappears completely, I catch a final glimpse of Hannah’s hand waving from the back window, the gesture small but poignant.
Elle left hours ago, once we realized Meghan might not show.
Her voice lingers in my mind.“Come over later. I’ll make you dinner.”
It was comforting, especially as I tried to ease Hannah’s growing anxiety, the fear that her mother might not show up at all.
After I shower and get dressed, I find myself standing in front of the Christmas tree. The last gift, still perfectly wrapped, waits for me. Untouched. I decide I can't let Meghan’s selfishness change what I’ve been planning for weeks. Today—this gift—means everything.
***
My gaze sweeps over Elle's beautiful face as she opens the door. She's wearing a soft, deep green dress, the fabric shimmering slightly in the dim light. The neckline shows just a hint of her collarbone. An image of me kissing her there flashes in my mind, and I can't help but smile. As she smiles back, I take her in, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.
"You're so beautiful," I say, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek, savoring her softness and sweet scent.
"Thank you," she replies, smiling shyly. Her gaze flickers to the gift I'm holding. "Is that for me?"
"This is your Christmas gift," I say.
