Page 19 of Blame It On the Lattes

I shook my head and scrunched my nose.

“No, no ponies. They’re too messy, and she’s too little to really enjoy them. Maybe next year.”

“Sam...” Her voice came through as a warning.

I grimaced and opened the door to the garage, knowing she was going to either love what I did or hate it.

“Now remember, you can’t be mad.”

She raised her eyebrows and set the bag of Cheetos down on the counter.

I reached inside and grabbed the two large bags from Waldon’s that I had gotten yesterday.

I didn’t think it was even possible, but her eyebrows rose even higher.

“What in the world is in there?” she asked, hands planted firmly on her hips.

I took a deep breath and steadied my hands as I pulled the box out of the bag and set it down in between us.

She went from shocked to confused in a matter of seconds.

“I know you weren’t planning to stay for Christmas, but I would really love it if you would reconsider,” I said softly, lifting the box with the light pink mini Christmas tree. “I thought it would be fun for Kennedy to have her own tree in her room that she could decorate. I know this isn’t the home she’s used to, but I don’t see why we can’t try to make it feel like home for her while she’s here.”

Avery covered her mouth with her hands as tears filled her eyes.

“Sam, you didn’t have—”

“I know. I wanted to, Avery.”

I gave her a few minutes while she wiped at her eyes, overwhelmed with emotion.

“I thought maybe tomorrow the three of us could decorate the house. My tree is up, but I haven’t had time to put lights or ornaments on and could really use the help.”

Her lower lip quivered as she nodded yes.

It was a small victory, but at least one small step headed in the right direction.

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