Page 31 of The Christmas Blueprint

Hunter looked miserable. Sick. “Dude, I am so—”

Killian stepped forward, clasped his hand and pulled him into a one-armed hug. “Don’t worry about Harlow,” he said fiercely. “I will take care of her. You focus on taking care of you.”

When will you be back?

The question burned, but he didn’t ask it.

“I emailed you all of the information you’ll need to contact Lisa, Harlow’s school, pediatrician. Consent forms. Specs on the property I bought to build our house. I’d love it if you have time to start on the design. Harlow’s amazing,” Hunter’s voice tumbled like water and then broke. “I don’t know who’s raising who. She’s had so much change this year. I wanted stability for her. I wanted to do a good job.” Hunter’s voice rasped in his ear like it was being pulled out of him backward. Killian could feel the tension in his body.

“I got this,” Killian lied through his teeth, slapped Hunter on the back, and gripped his shoulder.

Both Sophia and Harlow stared at him. He was probably overdoing it with the bro code act.

“It’s the happiest time of the year.” Wasn’t that what people considered Christmas? He’d enjoyed it as a kid until his mom had died, but he hadn’t celebrated in years.

His panic mounted. Of course he’d said yes to Hunter, but he’d never imagined he’d have to step in as a substitute dad on day three. Could people smell fear the same way animals could? He must stink right now.

“Is this where we’re going to live while my dad’s away?” Harlow’s voice changed when she said “my dad,” and Hunter only looked more gutted to be leaving. Harlow hopped into the trailer. Sophia followed her.

“I was supposed to have another month of family leave,” he whispered miserably. “I have time accrued, but there’s a mission. My team… Harlow and I’ve had so little time together. But she’s great. So smart. So funny. So amazing. I still can’t believe—” He choked up.

“Yeah.” Killian squeezed Hunter’s shoulder. “Life-changing.”

“I’ve lost so much time with her.” He sounded as broken as he looked, and it hit Killian then how much he was personally lacking. Hunter was running toward family, whereas he’d been running from, thinking he didn’t need anyone or want anyone because he had to prove himself.

What exactly was he trying to prove? And to whom?

“I know. I’m sorry. I got this. I’ll send pictures. You’ll be home soon for good. Her dad every day. Creating a life together, making memories. Harlow and I will start on the house plans,” he vowed.

And while Hunter was out risking his life for his country, Killian was going to do his absolute best, ensuring that Harlow had fun and felt safe.

Christmas!

He’d been intending to bury himself in work to create a plan for this part of the mill that both Zhang and the mayor could agree on. He’d thought to mostly ignore the season. Not possible now.

“Thank you for stepping up,” Hunter said, his expression intensely serious. “You’re the best.”

“And I’m getting better,” Killian shot back the catchphrase they’d used since middle school, hoping to break up some of the tension and strong emotions Hunter was rocking.

Harlow popped her head out of the huge window in the Airstream that had been custom cut so that it raised up and out, almost like an awning at a food cart service counter.

“This is seriously cool,” Harlow said her face shining and curls bouncing. “Hey, Dad, what can I get you?”

“Think you can order up some more time with you and a Coke?”

“You said you’ll be back.” Harlow hesitated.

“And I will.” Hunter’s voice rang with the vow.

Sophia whispered to Harlow, and she bounced out of the trailer to the red fridge under the covered area. She stared at all the drinks inside.

“Did I mention this place is seriously cool?”

“A few times. Give me a hug. And remember our secret handshake and code.”

Harlow retrieved a can of Coke for her father and walked toward him, her expression serious. They did a ritualized handshake that included several spins on Harlow’s part and up-high and down-low palm slaps. And then they signed something in American Sign Language.

Killian felt himself fighting an unaccustomed burning behind his eyes.

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