Page 28 of A Very Naughty Christmas

“It’s just… it’s just that…. th-that was m-my mom’s and my… fav-favorite movie,” she explained, taking a deep breath as she tried to contain the heart-wrenching sobs that longedto break free. It was funny, in a way. She’d gone so long without crying for them she’d thought she just didn’t have any tears. Now it seemed that she’d built up an overabundance that was like a dam bursting.

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” He wrapped his big, strong arms around her and squeezed her tightly to him. “I didn’t know.”

“I… I don’t e-ever want to… to see it again,” she told him as more tears began to trickle down her cheeks.

“We won’t watch it if you don’t want to,” he assured her. “But I think maybe one day, you will want to.”

“No,” she protested. “I won’t. Not ever again.”

“It’s hard to remember the good times, at first. But eventually when your heart has healed—as much as it can, considering a loss like yours—you’ll want to reminisce. And what’s more, I don’t think your mom would want you to give up your traditions just because she’s gone. She’d want you to keep enjoying the things you two enjoyed together.”

“Do you… do you really think so?” she asked, looking back up at him.

“Oh, I know so. Your parents loved you so very much, Sara. They talked about you all the time.”

“They… they did?”

“Of course they did! I don’t think a prouder set of parents has ever existed! Every time we saw each other they had to tell me about your latest test score, or what majors you were considering. And if you were planning to come home, I heard about it for weeks beforehand.”

He smiled and Sara, despite herself, found her own lips twitching in return. “That must have gotten pretty annoying.”

“No, not at all. It was endearing to see that kind of love. You were a lucky, lucky girl, Sara, and your parents were taken from you much too soon. There’s not a doubt in my mind about that. But even so, you got so much more than a lot of girls get. You were absolutely cherished—remember that. And enjoy those memories. Celebrate them.”

After considering his words, she snuggled in closer and nodded. “You’re right.”

“And when you feel ready, whether that’s a year from now, or five years from now, we’ll watch that movie.”

“You might not like it.” She surprised herself by giggling. “My dad never did. He just put up with it for Mom and me and really, I think we might have liked his dramatic groans more than the movie itself.”

“Well, in that case, I’ll even throw in some grimaces, if it’ll help.”

She laughed again, louder this time. “It would, thanks. Daddy?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Could we maybe… I mean, I might cry some more. Alotmore… but…”

“You want to watch it with me? Right now?”

Tears were already filling her eyes again. She brushed them away with the back of her hand as she nodded.

“Of course we can.” Daddy Alex gave her a kiss on the top of her head before reaching for the remote and giving her a good squeeze.

Sara settled into him, feeling surprisingly better after her long cry. She might be sad just now, but she also felt safe and secure, and at the end of the day, she knew she was still cherished.

* * *

“I’d like to finally pick up those Christmas decorations,” Sara said as she watched Daddy get in his police uniform the following morning. “Can you drop me off at the village on your way?”

“Drop you off?” he queried as he lathered up with shaving cream. “Why wouldn’t you just drive into town if you want to get decorations?”

“Sort of a tradition,” she admitted. “Mom and I used to go window shopping in the village every year to see if there was anything we had to have. There always was,” she giggled. “And, I don’t know, after yesterday, I think you’re right.”

“Of course I am. Wait a minute—what am I right about, again?”

Sara rolled her eyes.

“Young lady…”

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