What I didn’t take into account was the possibility of her waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I have no idea if she has yet, but if she’s seen me, she hasn’t made it known.
It’s Christmas morning, and there’s not a single decoration in the house. We’ve never celebrated before, so it didn't even cross my mind. It wasn’t until Addie told me about how she and her bestie Cae started their own Christmas traditions that I realized Addie cares about the holiday now.
Knowing she wasn’t going to have the Christmas she’s grown used to over the years made me feel like shit. Thankfully, Amazon has two-day delivery. I might have gone a little overboard, and none of the things I bought were traditional Christmas decorations, but it sure is very Addie-coded.
Last time I checked, she was still sleeping. That gives me enough time to get everything together.
By the time her sleepy, adorable butt is walking down the stairs, I’ve made sure the kitchen looks like someone threw up Pepto Bismol Christmas all over it.
“Morning.” Addie’s sleepy voice makes me smile as she rubs her eyes. It takes a moment for her to process what she is seeing, but when it hits her, her lips part, and pure surprise crosses her face. “What is this?”
She’s holding onto her bunny FooFoo, and my heart damn near bursts. I remember the day I gave that to her. It was the first week after she and her mother moved in with us. She looked so nervous and scared from all the changes in her life. Wanting tohelp, I asked if she wanted to hang out for the day, and we spent hours doing fun things at the mall. As we were leaving, Addie stopped to look at something in one of the shop windows. It was an adorable pink bunny, and I saw the way it made her face light up.
I wasn’t sure why, but I knew then that I had to get it for her. When she went to use the bathroom before we left, I went into the store and secretly bought it for her.
Just like I do with Christmas gifts every year, I left this one on her pillow with a note. One that said, “You’re never alone. Whenever you need a hug, I’m here.”
Corny for a sixteen-year-old boy to do, maybe, but I couldn’t stand seeing her sad.
Still can’t to this day.
“Merry Christmas.” I grin like a fool, even though I’m very aware of the unnatural amount of pink glitter.
“Damien.” Her hand covers her mouth as she looks around. I bought a five-foot pink tree, pink garland, and a ton of pink ornaments. A lot of which, unfortunately, has glitter.
“I would have gone bigger and better if I had enough time, but most of the stuff wouldn't have arrived until after Christmas. Sorry.”
“Sorry?” She looks at me with her big blue eyes. “You have nothing to be sorry about. This is amazing. Thank you.”
Relief fills me, and the happiness on her face settles the nerves inside me. Since when did I get so nervous when it comes to this girl?
I just want to make her happy, and the idea of disappointing her eats at me.
“Of course. Anything for my Cupcake.”
She bites her lip, smiling. “You hide behind this cocky, big deal hockey player persona, but you really are a sweetheart, you know that?”
I cross my arms and shrug. “No idea what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah?” she giggles, and fuck me, the sound goes right to my dick. “I’m pretty sure I know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t think I don’t know who’s been leaving me gifts on my pillow every Christmas." She holds up the one I placed there this morning. “Thank you for this by the way. I love it.”
It’s a rose gold Pandora charm bracelet filled with pink diamond charms. “I’m glad.” I snatch the box, take the bracelet out, and place it on her wrist. “This one, I had specially made.” I run my finger over the gaming controller. “You know, they don’t have any charms of any color like this. Shame. And I had these specially made as well.” I point to the pink bunny and pink hockey stick. “And, you should be proud of me, because I even left room for two charms for your boy toys to add tomygift for you,” I say it in a teasing way so she doesn’t think I’m being an asshole.
“That was so sweet of you.” She laughs. Her ocean eyes swim with tears.
“No crying, Cupcake. Not because of me, never again.” I reach up and brush the fallen tear from the corner of her eye.
She huffs out a soft laugh, rubbing at her eyes. “Happy tears, I promise. Really, Damien, this is the best gift ever.”
“Even better than FooFoo?” I ask, flicking at the rabbit’s ear.
“No. Nothing could beat FooFoo.” She brings the bunny up to her face and cuddles into its worn fur. “Speaking of FooFoo.” She reaches up, pulls the neckline of my shirt down, and places FooFoo inside my shirt so that only her head and arms hang over.
“And why, might I ask, is FooFoo here?” I ask, raising a brow.
“If you can steal my pillows for my scent, you can carry FooFoo around for a little bit so she can smell like you.”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Fair point. But I hope you know, I still plan on switching out pillows while you’re visiting your boy toys. Need my Omega’s scent drowning me all the time.” I grin, pulling her into my arms. “Although, I’d much rather have something else that has a stronger scent.” I wiggle my eyebrows.
