Santa's Secret

“Do you think Frosty took it?” Holly asks, and just like that, the mood shifts from the possible gloom to cheerful.

Delaney gasps. “How will I ever get home?”

Holly shrugs. “You can just sleep over.”

I deadpan and sneak a glance at Delaney, whose eyes are wide, yet she’s grinning from ear to ear. I’m at a loss, not sure what I should say. I open my mouth, but words fail me.

“Come on I have jammies you can wear.” Holly takes Delaney’s hand and pulls her behind me. If Delaney is pleading for help, she doesn’t show it. I don’t know what to do. Do I follow? Do I stay here? Do I hurry down to my bedroom and change my sheets?

“Please someone tell me what to do,” I mutter to myself seconds before the power goes out.

Nineteen

Delaney

There’s a loud bang. Holly gasps and starts to jump into my arms, only to have the power go out. We smack heads, both of us crying out in pain. She lets out a soft whimper, and automatically my embrace tightens around her. “Are you okay?”

“Uh huh. I’m

scared.”

“It’ll be okay. I’m sure your dad can fix it.” That’s what dads do; they fix everything. I stand, and Holly’s legs go around my waist. She’s not letting go of me, even if I wanted to put her down. I shuffle my feet toward her door, hoping I can get there without stepping on anything. She’s seven, and the clutter in her room reflects that.

When I heard Aiden needed a tree stand I didn’t hesitate to bring it over. I want to feel useful while I’m here, and honestly I’m a bit tired of everyone handling me with kid gloves. My mom won’t let me cook or use the oven, out of fear I’ll burn myself, which is ridiculous. She’s worried I’ll do something to mess up my next movie role. Calvin refuses to let me drive, which I get. It’s his job to be by my side and protect me. Dominic… well, he doesn’t care what I do, as long as he benefits from it somehow. Yes, it seems rude, but I made a promise to him when we were younger that he’d get to relish in the perks of my success, and he hasn’t let me forget it. My dad, on the other hand, had no qualms tossing me his keys. Of course, the look he gave me threw me off kilter a bit. Instead of staying and asking him why he was making funny eyes at me, I hightailed it out of Mr. Steve’s with the tree stand in my hand.

I intended to drop the stand off and head home, at least that’s what I kept saying to myself as I drove over here. When Holly invited me in and asked me to stay, I couldn’t say no. Maybe I should’ve, but there’s something between Aiden and me that I feel is worth exploring. I’m not looking for a relationship, and according to every woman in town, neither is he, but I’d like to re-establish the friendship we once had. I know I’m to blame for the lack of communication. I didn’t stay in touch with anyone, but being back here now, I want everything to be different. I’m going to make the necessary changes to keep Ramona Falls a part of my life.

Much like Holly’s bedroom, the hallway is pitch black. The noise down the hall has my heart beating a bit faster than normal, and the howling wind can be heard through the walls. Holly’s grip tightens with each step I take toward the living room. I don’t know why, but I’m treating this like a scene from a movie. Although, I’ve never done any horror movies and if I have to feel like this — uneasy and unsure, I’d rather stick to rom-coms and romance.

“Fish?” I call out and receive no response.

“Where’s Daddy?”

“Probably outside.” I finally make it into the living room where the large picture window does give off a bit of light from the moon reflecting on the snow. Holly and I sit on the couch and wrap up with the afghan that’s draped over the back.

“My mommy made this,” she says, putting the blanket up to her chin.

“It’s beautiful.”

If the power weren’t out, sitting here would be peaceful with the heavily falling snow, even though it’s impossible for me to get home. The morning after a storm is my favorite time. There’s nothing better than driving down a tree-lined road, under a canopy of snow with the sun shining bright against the snow. Storms like this are a photographer’s dream. They’ll be able to capture nature at her best once the sun rises.

The kitchen door flies open, startling Holly and I. I set her aside so I can close the door, only for Aiden to walk in with his arms full of wood. “Let me help you.”

“Can you shut the door?”

“Of course.”

Aiden dumps the pile of wood into the box by the fireplace and drops down to his knees. “I bet you ladies are cold.”

“We are, Daddy.”

He looks over his shoulder, toward Holly and pauses. “Do you need me to do anything?” I ask.

“Can you make sure her coat is ready? I haven’t used this fireplace for a few years, and I’m not sure what kind of draft we’re going to get.”

“Yes, of course. Do you have a flashlight, Fish?”

“Cupboard next to the refrigerator.”