Page 108 of Sexted By Santa
“I don’t know. Don’t you think going through all this is enough of a punishment?”
“I do,” I said seriously. “But maybe she needs something more to help her deal with her guilt about lying.”
He sighed. “Yeah. I probably should make a point to let her know this behavior is unacceptable. What she did was dangerous. I’m just not sure what to do.”
“Well, it’s Christmas. How about you give her a pass and talk about it in a few days? Have a heart to heart and figure out the right decision. Whether that’s a punishment or just a discussion of what’s acceptable and what’s not and the consequences of our decisions.”
He nodded. “You’re right. We do need to talk. All of us, you included. You’re a part of this family now.”
He threw down the words like a challenge, but I would never take my place beside Jaxson for granted again. I looked directly into his yes. “I’ll be there, then. I’m in this with you, Jaxson. I swear.”
“Good.” He gave me a quick, hard kiss. When he pulled back, his eyes were twinkling with humor. “Because I’m not letting you go anywhere.”
I laughed. “Glad that’s settled.”
“Damn right it is.” He grew more serious. “But I have been thinking about your suggestion that I look into support groups. I thought I could handle everything, be everything to her, but…”
“You’re just one man, Jax. Not everything has to rest on your shoulders.”
He smirked. “Well, now I’ve got your shoulders too.”
“You do,” I said. “I’ll be there to support you both, no matter what.”
“I’m glad, but…a little more help couldn’t hurt,” he said.
“No, probably not.”
He smiled. “Want to go back in and reassure Tori that we’ve made up?”
My gaze flitted to the clock. “I’ve actually got a roomful of children waiting for me,” I said. “Let me just duck in and say goodbye.”
“One last ho-ho-ho, huh? Better make it a good one.”
“I have no doubt it’ll be the best,” I said. “Tori’s okay, and you love me. I’m feeling like I just got a hell of a Christmas miracle.”
* * *
A ragtag collection of children had gathered in the playroom on the pediatrics floor. A boy with a cast on his leg and crutches under his arms leaned against the wall; a small girl curled up in her mother’s lap in the corner; a gregarious toddler ran from a harried-looking grandfather while shrieking in delight. More children sat cross-legged or knelt on the floor—and two bounced on their toes in excitement.
I hadn’t been sure what to expect, but there seemed to be a variety of energy levels in the room.
“Look, kids, it’s Santa!” Ivy, a cheery nurse who’d met me at the door, introduced me. She had a round, cherubic face and rosy cheeks. “Let’s all wave our hands to show him how excited we are!”
The kids gave me a disorganized version of jazz hands. I supposed the nurse was attempting to make sure all the children could participate—not only those with the energy to cheer.
I waved back, injecting my voice with enthusiasm. “Merry Christmas!”
The cheery tone came easier today than ever before. My insides were still bubbling with joy. Tori was recovering, and Jaxson hadn’t left me. It was a little stunning just how forgiving he’d been, how accepting of my mistakes. Because despite everything, I still regretted I hadn’t been more proactive when I’d realized Tori didn’t feel well. I should have known that any illness might affect her differently than the average kid.
Jaxson didn’t expect me to be perfect—which was amazing—but it didn’t stop me fromwantingto be infallible. That was a whole other imperfection that I’d have to work on. My track record with men had been full of failure, or so I thought. But, really, Fynn and I had been a bad match. Jaxson and I were far more compatible. Maybe it was as simple as that. Finding therightperson. When you did, you didn’t have to worry about becoming everything that person needed. You were already enough.
Jaxson’s more than enough for me. I wouldn’t change anything.Well, except for his fixation on Santa role play…Although maybe that would be fun. Christmas was growing on me.Best not to think about that now.
I turned my attention to the eager faces watching me. A sudden inspiration struck me. I wasn’t great with holiday cheer and singing, but I could make this fun another way.
“Okay, kids, we’re going to play a game, called Duck Duck Elf…”
I circled the room, patting heads, calling “duck” each time I touched one until I stopped before the boy on crutches. “Elf!”
