Page 74 of Unwrapped

WHACK.

The ax is heavy as I swing it high, splitting another log in two.

“I think I have enough to last two winters.” Sally wraps her shawl around her as she brings me coffee in a thermos. “What happened when I was gone?”

“Nothing,” I grumble. “I already told you that.”

“Well why are you out here chopping more wood than I could ever burn while Shiloh’s in the kitchen baking and cursing up a storm.”

“She’s baking?”

“Like she’s Martha on steroids.”

I feel my lips curve as I swing the ax high.

“The vet called back. Their power’s back on and you can bring the kittens in.”

I grunt.

“…and Rog called. He’s throwing a last-minute party at Sassy’s on the 23rd and needs Santa to make an appearance.”

“No friggin’ way.”

“What…what if I convince Shiloh to go.”

My ax pauses high in the air. I lift my head. This time the cocky grin that splits my face wide even has Sally fidgeting. “I’m in.”

“I thought you might be. She might not want you right now, but she sure as hell wants Santa.”

“She’s gonna flip her lid when she finds out we’re one in the same.”

“When are you going to tell her?”

I lean on the end of the ax and stroke my chin thoughtfully. “I’m not sure.”

“Well, give me notice when you do so I can hide all the kitchen knives.”

My bark of laughter slips out surprising me as I picture Shi in my head coming at me. There’s no doubt that woman is a spitfire one I wish I had time to tame. But I don’t. I’m a man whose about to become a father to a pre-teen. I take the coffee from Sally’s hands. “Maybe it’s better off is she never knows. I have responsibilities back in Chicago. I doubt we’ll ever see each other again when New Year’s comes.”

“I wouldn’t bet on that.”

Fuck. Neither do I.

“Well, whatever happens please don’t ruin Christmas dinner. I want it to be special.”

“I was planning on going to Sassy’s. It’s tradition.”

“Not this year. I’ve already invited everyone here.”

“In that case—we better hide the kitchen knives.”

“Rog better stay out of my kitchen.”

“Good luck with that.” I chuckle as she goes back inside. Christmas is four days away. From the corner of my eye I notice the curtain fluttering from her corner window. I know what’s at the top of my list, I just need to figure out how I’m going to make my Christmas wish come true.

“What do you want?” She ignores me and keeps scribbling furiously in her notebook.

“Help.”

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