Page 60 of If You Love Me

We all try not to laugh.

It’s a flurry of hugs, and Callie rushes down the hall to change out of her pajamas.

I walk the three of them to the door. “Thank you so much for this.”

“Way better than spending Christmas Day drunk,” Connor says.

“Absolutely our pleasure. We’ll be back in a few.” Roman winks.

My heart stutters. I check to make sure the girls aren’t in hearing range. “Where are you getting changed?” Hopefully not in a car.

“I live a couple buildings down,” Connor says.

“Oh, I didn’t realize.”

“I moved at the beginning of the month. We’ll be quick.”

“Okay.”

While they’re off changing out of their costumes, my dad calls. “How are you and the girls doing?” he asks. “Have they had a chance to open their gifts yet?”

“Not yet. Santa stopped by with his elves this morning.” I check to make sure Callie isn’t around. “A couple of the guys from my team and one of my friends set it up. Callie was over the moon.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. I’m sorry I can’t be there with you.”

I get it. They spent last Christmas with us, and it’s Jacqueline’s birthday, but it still hurts. “It’s okay. Are you having a good time in the Bahamas?”

“It’s beautiful here. Send me pictures of you and the girls when they open their presents.”

“Of course.”

There’s a knock at the door, so I let him go with promises of photos from today.

“Look who I found!” Connor claps Roman on the shoulder. The three of them are laden with gift bags and food.

I usher them back into the living room, and Callie’s eyes light up all over again. “First Santa, and now my two favorite hockey players are here? This is the best!” Callie hugs Roman, then turns to Connor, who has changed into jeans, a black button down that covers those tattoos on his arms, and a faux Santa hat with the Grinch on it. “I love the Grinch. I think he’s misunderstood.”

“I relate,” Connor says with a wink and smile.

Roman joins us in the living room and listens raptly whileCallie tells him about the visit with Santa. There are more gifts for the girls—thoughtful, cute things that make them smile.

We play board games—Dred destroys all of us—and make the elaborate gingerbread Zamboni Roman brought over. What started as the second-worst Christmas of Callie and Fee’s life, and probably mine, turns into a wonderful celebration and amazing new memories. I want this feeling to last, but I worry it will disappear when they all have to leave later.

When it’s time to think about eating an actual meal, Roman helps me in the kitchen with dinner while the girls and Dred and Connor set the table.

“Thank you so much for doing this,” I whisper as we stand side by side, assembling the stuffing. Throwing dinner together is easy since I ordered it from a local restaurant.

He covers my hand with his. “I’d rather be here with you all than at home alone. How are you holding up?”

“The start of today was rough, but it’s better now.”

He strokes his thumb along my knuckles. “Always so strong. You’re a force, angel. I’m proud of the way you love these girls.”

I tip my chin up, butterflies fluttering in my stomach at the praise. Having him here has made today not just bearable, but joyful, and I don’t want it to end. “You don’t have to go after dinner, if you don’t want to.”

“Do you want me to stay?” he asks.

My need for him wipes out everything else. “Yes, please.”

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