“You’re welcome, Daddy. It’s kind of embarrassing.”
I nod. “I know. I should’ve taken it off earlier.”
“Is Bree going to be your girlfriend?”
I wad the covering up into my arms, set it down, and pull Alyssa into my arms. Together, we collapse onto the couch. It’s soft and molds to my body. “I was going to wait until tomorrow to talk to you about Bree. But, since you’re asking now, I want to make sure I answer your questions. I don’t want to hide anything from you. You will always be my number one girl, no matter what. Got it?”
Alyssa keeps eye contact with me and nods.
“I like Bree, and back when we were in high school, I liked her a lot, but she had a boyfriend. Then I met your mom, and we fell in love.”
“And then you had me.”
“Well, yes, but we dated and moved in together and then got married.”
“And then you had me.”
“Yep, and you were the best thing to ever happen to me. And your mom. She loved you so much.” I tilt forward and kiss her nose. “I hadn’t thought about Bree in a long time until we saw her yesterday with Santa, and then I remember how much I liked her when I was younger.”
“I like her too. She smiles a lot, and she’s a better cook than you. No offense.”
“None taken. I’m just happy that you like her because I like her a lot, and I think it might be nice if Bree is around more, if you’re okay with her being here.”
“Well . . .” Alyssa’s legs bounce up and down. “I’m okay with it if she is. You should really ask her, Daddy, because maybe she doesn’t like you.”
I can’t help but laugh. My daughter is right. Here I am, thinking about my feelings and not considering or even knowing what Bree is thinking or feeling. “You’re right. Maybe she doesn’t. I think I’ll ask Santa. He should know, right?”
Alyssa’s eyes go wide. “Yes! Santa knows everything!”
Let’s hope, kid.
After picking Alyssa up for school, we head to Steve’s tree farm. It’s the only place in town that allows us to cut our own trees—if we want—and also has pre-cut trees for purchase. For as long as I can remember, this is where my family has picked their tree.
Alyssa climbs out of the car and makes her way toward the farm. Steve is outside trimming trees, as I’ve always remembered. “Heard you were back in town.” He comes over and shakes my hand. “I sure have missed you around here.”
“Yep, back for good,” I tell him even though I hadn’t decided until that moment. Guess I’m more ready to move on than I thought. “Steve, this is my daughter, Alyssa.”
“Hi, nice to meet you,” she says, extending her hand. “Nana says you have the best trees.”
“Your nana is correct. Come on, let me show you.”
Alyssa and I find the perfect tree within minutes, and after Steve helps tie it down to my car, we’re on our way home.
“That was fun,” she says from the backseat. “We should do it more often.”
I laugh and remind her that Christmas only comes once a year. She replied with, “I’m going to have to talk to Nana about that.” As if Nana has all the answers and can fix everything. I suppose to a little girl she can.
I’m pleasantly surprised to find Bree’s car in my driveway when we pull in. Alyssa is as eager to see her as I am and doesn’t hide the fact. She squeals as she unbuckles and forgets to close the car door after she bolts from it. I take my time, trying to play it cool when all I want to do is get the next hour-plus of activities out of the way so I can be alone with Bree and see if what I’m feeling is just a reaction to having her near me or if what I’m feeling is real. The way my body reacts to her presence tells me everything is legit.
As much as it pains me not to go to Bree and interrupt her moment with Alyssa, I work to untie the tree and get it into the house. I leave the girls outside while they talk about what decorations have to go up and hear Alyssa comment on how Santa needs to be able to find her house, so we need lights. I make a mental note to add a string of lights to the front this weekend.
When Bree finally makes her way inside, her arms are full. I take what I can and follow her into my kitchen. I pause in the doorway, listening to her tell me about my photos and the people that came into the gallery today, and watch her. She fits perfectly, almost as if this space was designed just for her.
“Did you hear me?”
I shake my head to clear my thoughts. “I’m sorry, I was lost in thought.”
“I sold two of your pictures this morning, within minutes of hanging them.”
My mouth opens to reply, but nothing comes out. “You . . . you did?”
Bree nods and smiles brightly. “They asked when I’ll have more because they were so excited.” She comes over to me and starts to take the remaining things out of my hands. “Are you okay?”
I nod and lean forward, pressing my lips to hers. This time, I deepen the kiss, testing myself. When we part, she opens her eyes slowly. “What was that for?”
“I’ve wanted to do that since high school.”
“Really?” she asks.
“Yeah, and I’m trying to make everything make sense in my head. Every book I’ve read tells me I need to take time to heal, but as soon as I saw you, it’s like the hole in my heart sealed up and starting pumping again. Besides my parents, you’re the first one to see any of the photographs because I couldn’t bring myself to share them, but you make me feel so at ease, so comfortable like we were meant to be in each other’s lives that I want to share everything with you.”
Bree swallows hard and looks into my eyes. “I never believed in love at first sight until I saw you standing in line. I haven’t been able to think of anything or anyone else since that moment. But, I don’t want you to rush, and I want you to be sure because this wouldn’t be a you and I situation. It’s an us. There are three of us with our hearts on the line.”
I smile softly. “The two of us are certain we want you in our lives.”
Bree’s grin rivals Alyssa’s when she saw Santa the other day. “But first, dinner.” She takes the bags from me and gives me a quick peck. “I’ll cook. Santa heard I was helping you and Alyssa tonight, so he got another elf to take my place. You set up the tree and start stringing the lights. We have a long night ahead of us.”
This time, the small talk in a small town has worked to my advantage. I have to remember to thank Santa the next time I see him.
7
Bree
It’s been three weeks since mine and Caleb’s first kiss. During that time, we’ve had many more, but that’s as far as it’s gone. I think it’s good to take things slow. What I love most about mine and Caleb’s time together is how natural it all feels. I can’t help but smile when I’m around him and Alyssa. Alyssa loves that about me and often asks if I’m ever sad. For most of the past month, I haven’t had a reason to be sad about anything. This Christmas is turning out to be the best holiday I’ve ever had.