Page 52 of Unwrapped By the Grumpy Mountain Man
She hugs me back, tight and fierce, before pulling away. "Lucy's about to explode if we don't come downstairs soon. She's been up since five."
"We'd better hurry then," I laugh, throwing back the covers. "I'll be down in five minutes."
As Silvie leaves, I place the frame carefully on my nightstand. It's the first thing I'll see every morning now, this visual proof of the family we've become.
Downstairs, the scene is everything a Christmas morning should be. The tree glows with lights, piles of presents underneath. The scent of coffee and cinnamon rolls fills the air. Lucy bounces on her toes by the tree while Angie sits patiently on the couch. Hudson stands in the kitchen doorway, coffee mug in hand, watching his daughters with naked adoration.
When he sees me, his face softens in that way that still makes my stomach flip. "Merry Christmas, wife," he says quietly as I join him.
"Merry Christmas, husband," I reply, stretching up to kiss him. His free arm wraps around my waist, pulling me close.
"Vi Vi!" Lucy calls out. "Can we open presents now? Please? Everyone's here now!"
Hudson chuckles against my lips. "The natives are getting restless."
"We shouldn't keep them waiting then," I smile, taking the coffee mug he offers me.
The morning passes in a blur of torn wrapping paper, exclamations of delight, and hugs. The girls love the art supplies, books, and games we picked out for them. Hudson is genuinely touched by the custom leather tool belt I had made, his name burned into the thick material. His gift to me, a delicate silvernecklace with four tiny connected circles, brings tears to my eyes.
"One for each of us," he explains, fastening it around my neck. "So you always have us close to your heart."
By mid-morning, we're surrounded by discarded wrapping paper and happy exhaustion. The girls are playing with their new toys while Hudson and I clean up the mess, working side by side in comfortable harmony.
My phone rings from the kitchen counter, and I'm surprised to see my father's name on the screen. We haven't spoken since that night when Hudson stood up for me. I've still been stopping by the house as promised, cleaning and cooking, but Dad has conveniently been absent each time.
"I should take this," I tell Hudson, who nods understanding.
I step into the kitchen for privacy. "Hi, Dad."
"Hey, honey." His voice sounds different somehow. Clearer. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you, too." I lean against the counter, unsure what to expect.
"I'm sorry I haven't been around when you've visited," he says. "I needed some time to think."
"That's okay," I reply automatically, though it wasn't really.
"No, it's not okay." The firmness in his tone surprises me. "None of what I've done has been okay. The way I've treated you, the things I've said. How I've let your mother down."
I stay silent, not trusting my voice.
"I'm in a program now, Violet," he continues. "Alcoholics Anonymous. Two weeks sober today."
"That's... that's wonderful, Dad," I manage, genuinely shocked.
"The investigation at the station finally cleared me," he says. "I wasn't dirty, just a coward who looked the other way too manytimes. They'll reinstate me once I can prove I'm clean. Regular tests."
"I'm proud of you," I tell him, meaning it despite the complicated emotions swirling inside me.
He clears his throat. "Listen, I've been an absolute ass. I know that. I missed your mother so much it was easier to check out than face the pain. And then I missed you too, but was too stubborn to admit I was pushing you away."
"Dad—"
"Let me finish, please." He takes a deep breath. "Your husband was right. About everything he said. You deserve better than what I've given you. And I can see now that he makes you happy. That's all I should want for my daughter."
Tears prick at my eyes. "Thank you for saying that."
"I want you to focus on your marriage, on the family you're building with him and those girls. I know you've been worried about the house, but I'm going to take over maintaining it. You're welcome home anytime, but I don't want you feeling obligated anymore."
