“Tonight, baby.” Cam winked when the girls all ran into the room, hand in hand.
“Tonight. Bekka, go knock on Uncle Mark’s door, please? Say Merry Christmas?”
“Yes, Daddy! Merry Christmas, Daddy! Cam!”
Sarah stood at the tree, then glanced at him. “Do I need to help feed the horses?”
He shook his head. “I did it. You can help this evening.”
“‘kay.” She went to curl up on the sofa, leaning against Rosie as soon as he settled. She yawned, and he grinned, because she would have stayed in bed a few more hours, at least.
“Can I sit with you, kiddo?” Cam asked.
“Always. I got a blanket.” She made room for Cam and snuggled in, and Mitch had to smile, because his gothy baby had a champion in Cam. He adored her, and she seemed to get Cam in return.
The other two were taking a little longer to fall, but he could see it every day Cam stayed.
“Daddy Cam! Can we open presents? Please?”
Cam went wide-eyed, and Mitch cleared his throat. “How do we do this, girls?”
Bekka led Mark out, the man blinking owlishly. “Stockings. Breakfast. Coffee. Then presents. Youknowthis, Rachel.”
“I know.” Rachel giggled. “But I thought I would try.”
“Oh, now, how is that fair?” Cam groused, his voice a playful growl.
“I’ll get your stocking for you,” Rachel offered. “Daddy will make breakfast. You’re broken.”
“Hey!” Cam laughed, though, winking at him.
“Poor Daddy Cam. Turn on Christmas music, Daddy.” Sarah cuddled harder.
Cam kissed the top of Sarah’s head. “I know. I’m such a sad case. But cinnamon rolls will cheer me up, even ones from a can.”
“Hey! Your momma brought me two pans of homemade. I just have to heat them up.” Mitch winked at Bekka, who went, “Woohoo”.
“Yeah. Yum.” Mitch hummed a Christmas carol as he headed to the kitchen, Bekka going with him as Rachel crawled up on the couch with Cam and Sarah and Rosie.
“I’ll start cocoa, Mitch.” Mark kissed his cheek. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, buddy. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
Mitch knew later today the whole Halley clan would either come to them or expect them to come out and see and be seen.
He had his family here and Cam’s family out there, and that was the most amazing Christmas present ever.
Even if he did need them all to stop getting beaten up all to hell.
Chapter Thirty
Cam was so ready for all these little girls to go to sleep. Or at least to settle in and pretend to sleep while they watched a movie.
The Juniors from the Girl Scout troop numbered seven, plus the twins, Bethany and Brittany, and then Teresa was there with Sarah, and Rachel had picked one cousin, Hannah, to come as well.
Eleven girls all together, not including their three.
