Page 14 of Unwrapped By the Grumpy Mountain Man
"We're gonna see Santa after lunch," Lucy announces proudly. "He's at the community center today. Only until four o'clock."
"That sounds exciting," I say, genuinely charmed by her enthusiasm. "Are you going to ask for something special?"
Lucy's eyes widen. "It's a secret! I can't tell or it won't come true!"
"That's birthday wishes, goose," Silvie corrects her, rolling her eyes but with an undercurrent of affection.
"You should come with us!" Lucy declares suddenly, looking up at her father with wide, hopeful eyes. "Can she, Daddy? Please?"
Hudson freezes, clearly caught off guard. I watch the conflict play across his face—he doesn't want to encourage my presence, but he also doesn't want to disappoint his daughters.
"Lucy, I'm sure Violet has other plans today," he says carefully.
"Actually," I say before I can stop myself, "I'm free all afternoon."
Hudson's jaw tightens, and I can practically see him searching for another excuse. But before he can speak, Angie surprises everyone.
"I want her to come too," she says quietly, her soft voice barely audible. She blushes when all eyes turn to her. "She's nice."
Something in my chest melts at her words. Shy, sweet Angie, who barely spoke yesterday, wants me around. I'm already winning over two of the three.
Hudson looks to Silvie for help, but she just shrugs, clearly unwilling to be the villain who disappoints her sisters. He sighs, defeated.
"Fine. If Violet wants to come, she's welcome to join us."
"I'd love to," I say, meeting his eyes. Something electric passes between us, just like yesterday when I touched his arm. His pupils dilate slightly, and I know he feels it too.
"We're having lunch at Grizzly Pine Diner first," Hudson says gruffly. "Meet us at the community center around two?"
"Perfect." I smile, warmth spreading through my chest at this small victory. "I'll see you all then."
As I turn to walk back to Ivy, Lucy calls after me. "Bring more cookies if you have them!"
I laugh, glancing back at Hudson, who's shaking his head but can't quite hide the small smile tugging at his lips. "No promises, but I'll see what I can do."
Ivy is practically bouncing in her seat when I return. "Well?" she whispers excitedly.
I can't contain my grin. "I'm seeing Santa today."
"You're a genius," Ivy declares. "Those girls are your ticket in."
"They're not tickets, Ivy. They're people." I frown slightly. "Sweet, wonderful little people who deserve stability."
"And you could give them that," Ivy points out. "You practically raised yourself while taking care of your dad. You'd be an amazing stepmom."
The word 'stepmom' sends a jolt through me. I hadn't thought that far ahead. If this happens it’d just be a business arrangement. But looking at those three girls, I can't deny the pull I feel toward them already.
"One step at a time," I mutter, mostly to myself.
The community centeris bustling with families when I arrive just before two. A massive Christmas tree dominates the lobby, and volunteers in elf costumes direct people to the line for Santa, which wraps around the perimeter of the main hall.
I spot them immediately—Hudson's tall frame stands out in any crowd. Lucy is bouncing on her toes, pointing excitedly at the decorations, while Angie clutches a piece of paper that mustbe her wish list. Silvie stands slightly apart, pretending to be too grown up for all this, though I catch her eyeing Santa's throne with interest.
Hudson notices me first. Our eyes lock across the room, and my stomach does that ridiculous flip again. He says something to the girls, and Lucy whips around, waving frantically when she spots me.
"You came!" she shouts, drawing several amused looks from nearby parents.
I make my way over, self-conscious under Hudson's intense gaze. "I promised I would," I say to Lucy, but I'm looking at him. “And I always keep my promises.”
