Page 30 of Sinful Santa
Despite the lump in her throat, Tahlia managed to answer. “Yes.”
He nodded once, sharply. “I ask that you stay on until I find a new nanny for my children.”
“Of course,” she murmured.
For what seemed like ages they stood and stared at each other. Tahlia wasn’t sure what else to say and Matt didn’t seem to know either. She desperately wanted him to ask her not to go, to be more than just the kids’ nanny; to let her know she wasn’t alone. Ultimately, she realized that her hope was mere fantasy. Why would he say any of that when he couldn’t even spend Christmas with his children?
Matt set his jaw tightly and spun on his heel to walk out. Moments later she heard his bedroom door shut.
With robotic movements, Tahlia finished setting out the gifts. Despite the turmoil with her employer, she remembered to take the kids’ presents for him to the suitcase he’d placed by the door. That was his habit; pack a case early and leave it by thefront door so he wouldn’t forget. Tahlia tucked the small things the kids (via Tahlia) had bought for him into a side pocket: from Maddy, a new wallet with a photo of the twins inside, and a tie with a pattern of puppies on it from Kaiden. Tahlia hesitated before adding her gift: the cuckoo clock. It wasn’t large and would fit, but he wouldn’t appreciate it now; most likely he would look on it as another overstep on her part. Yet, being moved by some unknown force, she slipped it inside anyway.
After double checking all of the kids’ gifts were under the tree, Tahlia returned to her room. Her nightly routine went by like a dream. She didn’t know how she ended up in her pajamas or in bed, but she stayed up for a good while. The cabin ceiling and her became very well acquainted that night. She couldn’t help but blame herself; yes, Matt was making a mistake but she had butt in on things that were none of her business. It didn’t matter it was because she cared about them all so damn much, because she loved them.
In the end that wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough what Jed said. It was over.
After this Christmas, she would never see any of them again.
24
“Tahlia!”
“Tahlia, wake up!”
The bed shook as two cannonballs leapt onto it and proceeded to jump around Tahlia, almost bouncing her off the mattress.
“Okay, okay, I’m up!” she exclaimed with a laugh. Maddy and Kaiden collapsed and crawled up to her.
“It’s Christmas, Tahlia!” Kaiden shouted.
“And Santa came!” Maddy squealed. “There are so many presents!”
“I told you,” Tahlia grinned. The night before was like a bad dream in the face of those happy kids. Yes, she would have to deal with telling them she was leaving, but she shoved that aside. Not on Christmas.
“Merry Christmas!” Ophelia’s voice rang out through Tahlia’s open bedroom door. Matt had given his parents a key to the cabin so they could be there early on Christmas. Maddy scurried out to greet her grandparents but Kaiden stayed behind to tug Tahlia out of bed.
“Tahlia, you have presents, too!” he claimed and Tahlia’s brows went up.
“I do?” She shoved the comforter away and pulled her robe on over her green pajamas.
Kaiden smiled shyly. “They’re not from Santa, though.”
“Kaiden,” Tahlia knelt down. “Did you and Maddy get me something?”
“Come and see!” he insisted and grabbed her hand.
She was dragged into the living room, where Jed and Ophelia were already arguing over how best to hand gifts out. When they spotted Tahlia, both reached out but Ophelia was the first to reach Tahlia for a hug.
“Merry Christmas, Tahlia!”
“Mornin’ kid,” Jed said at his turn.
“I brought breakfast from the lodge. Cinnamon rolls, eggs, and sausage,” Ophelia announced. “I’ve already put in the kitchen. You don’t have to do a thing except open your gifts with us!”
“You got me gifts, too?” Tahlia asked stiltedly.
“Of course!” Ophelia snorted. “Alright, alright!” She laughed as the twins came bounding through the adults to push them toward the tree. “We’re coming!”
Tahlia had to bit her lip very hard to keep herself from crying. She swallowed back the lump in her throat and followed the Nelsons. Except for the Parker’s, never had she been so warmly welcomed into a family of relative strangers. Certainly not her employer’s family. She would not break down now, no matter how kind they were or what they bought her. Which was hopefully not much.
