Page 29 of A New Year Baby

CHAPTER 18

The little girl is standing there and holding a stick, like she’s ready to beat me up.

“Sweetie,” Stella says softly. “This is your daddy.”

“That’s not my daddy,” the little girl insists, pointing. “He’s not fat. He’s apposed to be fat.”

“Well, he lost some weight, honey.”

“Where’s his red suit?” the little girl demands. “Where’s his beard? He’s apposed to have a big white beard!”

I lean over to Stella and whisper softly, “What did you tell her about me, Stell?”

She whispers back, “She thinks her dad is Father Christmas.”

“Jesus. How am I supposed to compare to him?” I ask. “Those are some pretty big shoes to fill. Okay. Give me a second. I got this.” I clear my throat and flex my shoulders.

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” I call out in a deep voice. “Young lady, have you been naughty or nice this year?”

Luna’s eyes go wide. “It’s you! It’s really you! Daddy!”

She runs forward and launches herself into my arms. “Did you get the milk and cookies I left for you?”

“Yes, of course! I ate them all. Very, very yummy. Ho, ho, ho.”

“So why aren’t you fat?” Luna asks, patting my stomach. “I fed you so many cookies, and all the children all over the world gave you so many cookies too. You’re apposed to have a huge tummy.”

“Well, the funniest thing happened in Africa,” I say to her. “Maybe we should go back to the house and have some cake, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Okay,” she says happily, taking my hand, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Her other hand reaches for her mother’s hand, and she guides us both toward the car.

Stella and I look over at each other, as the little girl guides us. It’s the strangest sensation of being so new, yet feeling so right—like it’s happened a thousand times before. I see Stella lower her face, as tears slip down her cheeks.

“Just one moment, honey,” I tell the little girl, as I move to comfort her mother. I take her face in both of my hands, and lift her chin to stare into her eyes. “Are you okay with this? Are you okay with me being here with both of you?”

“Yes,” she responds tearfully. “It’s just going to take me a minute to adjust. I didn’t—I didn’t really realize how badly I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Stell.” I place another soft kiss against her lips. God, I can’t wait to get her alone. I need to place kisses all over every single inch of her.

“Jack—have you been hurt?” she asks me quietly, gently running her hands over my body, checking to make sure I’m not injured. “These last few months—what happened to you? Were you wounded? Are you okay?”

“I’m perfectly fine, Stell.” Then I hesitate, and whisper, “By the way, what’s her name?”

Stella seems surprised at this, and she laughs softly. “Luna.”

I turn to the little girl, and pick her up in my arms, so that I can look into her eyes. Striking, emerald green eyes, exactly like mine. “Little Luna,” I say in amazement. “My little moon.” Hugging her close, I reach out another arm to hug Stella at the same time. “My moonlight and starlight,” I murmur, kissing both of their hair. How could a man ever get so lucky?

To do everything wrong, make every wrong choice, and still be so loved?

How could I have so much perfect beauty and joy, life and laughter, all just waiting for me—completely mine, if only I was brave enough to get my head out of my ass and claim it?

I guess getting robbed and held hostage for months was the best thing that ever happened to me. It really knocked some sense into my head. And that guy who pointed the gun at my head was correct. Things aren’t that complicated, after all.

---