Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Darcy’s face filled with hurt and she started to turn to Bliss, who had come to see what was going on with her daughter. From her expression, Drake could tell another boy was about to be sent to the corner with his tail tucked between his legs.
“I brought you something, Darcy.” Logan reached into his pocket, pulling out a small wooden figurine. “I made it myself. Daddy taught me to whittle, and I know you want a kitten, but you can’t have one since you’re allergic.” He tentatively held out his gift in the palm of his hand.
Drake held back his gasp while most of the women couldn’t. The beautiful wooden figurine was a work of infinite patience and skill. It was a curled-up small kitten, sleeping. It had been buffed until it shone.
Darcy gave Logan a timid smile, reaching out to take her special gift.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The children gathered around to see for themselves, complimenting Logan on his skill.
Bliss slipped an arm around Drake’s waist, leaning against him, and Drake placed an arm around her shoulder, tugging her closer.
“I think we’re in trouble,” she teased, nodding at Logan who was trying to manfully shrug off the many compliments while gazing at Darcy with puppy dog eyes.
“I wonder if Winter already threw out that punch.”
Drake winced when his wife shoved an elbow into his stomach.
“You need anything?” Drake asked, trying to make amends for his lame joke.
“Yes, hold me tighter.”
It never failed to pierce his soul when she would ask that of him. He wondered if she would ever feel the security of his love. Each time she asked him to hold her tighter, it was as if she were assuring herself he was still there.
“Why are you looking so sad?” Bliss asked, staring up at him.
Drake pulled her even more tightly against him. “Nothing, sweet Bliss.” He looked across the room before telling her, “Look over at the door.”
Jace and Cal had both just entered.
Bliss squealed in joy, taking off, whereas Drake waited patiently for his sons to make their way to him through the well-wishers.
“Dad.” Both Jace and Cal reached out to give him a bear hug.
“About time you boys got your asses here. Your mom and sister have been driving me crazy.”
“We hitched a ride with Santa.” Cal laughed, reaching down to pick up his sister and giving her a noisy kiss on her cheek.
“Bubby! I knew you would make it!”
“So did I!” Bliss joined in. “I new Santa wouldn’t disappoint me. All I wanted for Christmas was all of my family at home.”
Drake bent down to whisper in her ear, “You must have been a good girl this year.”
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hugging him tightly. “Santa will never forget which door our family is behind. We’re going to be there forever.”
Drake returned her hug. Bliss had just given him her greatest gift. It was a Christmas miracle worth waiting for—faith in their love.
“Ew … Mommy and Daddy are kissing again,” Darcy complained.
Bliss broke away, gasping. “Daddy was just wishing me a Merry Christmas.”
Jace, Cal, and Darcy moved to the food table. When they were out of earshot, Drake grabbed Bliss back.
“Daddy will be wishing you a very Merry Christmas when we get home and everyone is asleep.”
Bliss giggled. “One, you can try to make me come. Two, I’m going to make you come first. Three … after we put together Darcy’s new bike.”
“Santa’s going to be coming tonight. Jace and Cal can put the bike together. That’s what elves are for.”
~Merry Christmas~