Page 62 of Tied Up In Tinsel
Watching her… it did something to me. The way her joy spread through the whole house. Annie had gotten up to sit beside her, laughing, wiping happy tears every time Ruby threw herself into her arms—it filled me up in places I didn’t know were empty.
Ruby ripped through the last package, holding up her new art set like it was a treasure. “This is the best Christmas ever!” she declared, cheeks flushed pink with happiness.
“Santa must really like you,” Annie said, hugging her again.
Ruby pulled back, face suddenly serious. “I think… Santa had help.” Her gaze darted between Annie and me, suspicion mixing with her smile.
My heart gave a lurch.
Annie glanced at me, then leaned down to press a kiss to Ruby’s hair. “Maybe,” she whispered, her voice thick. “But only because you deserve the world.”
Ruby grinned, satisfied with that, and went back to playing with her toys.
I leaned back against the couch, watching the two of them, my chest tight. Annie came to sit with me again, her hand slipped over mine, soft, warm, grounding. Our fingers threaded together without a word.
In that moment—lights twinkling, wrapping paper scattered, Ruby humming carols under her breath—I realized this wasn’t just Christmas. It was everything I’d been missing. And maybe, just maybe, everything I’d been searching for.
Brooks
Getting Ruby ready and myself presentable enough was definitely a challenge, especially since Ruby insisted on wearing her elf costume. I had to tell her more than once that as adorable as she looked as Santa’s little helper, this was a fancy party.
Then came the next battle: her asking if I would be wearing the “princess dress.” Another hard no.
Instead, I settled on a black suit jacket with matching dress pants, my best pair of cowboy boots, and a deep maroon dress shirt, unbuttoned a few at the top. I had to let the tattoos show. Annie loved the tattoos. My hair was slicked back, and though I wasn’t one for fussing with my appearance, tonight I’d made an effort.
The funny part? Ruby and I matched entirely by accident. She wore a deep red sparkly tutu with a matching top and her glittery red ballet flats. She beamed with pride as we headed in, and I couldn’t help but feel a little proud myself.
I was eager to see what Annie had changed into. Once the presents were opened at her place, she’d rushed over here to prepare for the party. When everything was underway and the staff took over, she’d finally be free to mingle, smile, shake hands. For that, she had to be dressed to impress. Not that Annieever needed help in that department. Whatever she wore, she’d be stunning. Hopefully, she was wearing something that made her feel as beautiful as she deserved, because that woman was a stunner.
Ruby and I stepped into the main ballroom, both of us craning our necks, our mouths falling open at the transformation. The space glittered with Christmas magic. Snow had just begun to fall outside, creating the perfect backdrop beyond the windows.
The room filled quickly with chatter as more people arrived. Music played low in the background. Twinkling lights strung from the ceiling, and more than a few fully decorated Christmas trees filled the corners with warmth and sparkle.
I’d never been anywhere like this. For a small town, they’d outdone themselves.
“Wow,” Ruby whispered as I set her down. I carried her in since she hadn’t wanted her shoes getting wet outside, and honestly, who was I to tell her no?
We made our way to table twenty-five, tucked neatly into a far corner. Annie had warned me about assigned seating earlier, and I didn’t mind. From our spot, we had a perfect view of the window and the snowfall outside. I pulled out Ruby’s chair, sliding her in with care.
At her place setting sat coloring sheets and a little pack of activities to keep her busy.
“When is Mom coming out?” she asked, rifling through the pages.
“I’m not sure.” I scanned the room, hoping for a glimpse of her, but didn’t see anyone I recognized.
“Because I’m getting hungry.”
I arched a brow at her. “Kid, I told you to eat before we came.”
She gave me an exaggerated look of innocence. “But I was saving my stomach.”
I chuckled, shaking my head.
“Miss Ruby!” A familiar voice drifted over, and when I glanced up, I saw the woman from the boutique I’d visited on my first day in town.
“Hi, Sloane,” I said with a smile, standing to give her a hug. She seemed a little surprised at the gesture but leaned into it anyway.
“Well, aren’t you a gentleman,” she teased, giggling as she stepped back.
