Carefully, I filled the stockings. Heather’s was easy—socks, simple toys, a couple of onesies, and a few chew rings and some of her favorite cookies that Katy approved of. As she was still teething, everything was fair game. Gracie’s was more fun—toys, candy, girly things for her hair, frilly socks, some little games we could play together. It was full to overflowing when I rehung it, and I hoped the hook was strong enough to keep it safe overnight.
Katy’s stocking, I filled with bath products, hair clips, kitchen gadgets, and some gift certificates for places she loved—Starbucks, White Spot, and her favorite salon. I added a couple of handmade ones for a massage and a few date nights. Those were always a big hit. In the toe of the stocking, I tucked a tiny box. The sapphire earrings were delicate and beautiful—much like my wife. The vibrant blue color reminded me of her eyes. I knew she would love them.
Into the branches of the tree, I slid another box. The matching ring would make her shake her head and mutter about going overboard, but she deserved it. She deserved nothing except the best, and I wanted to see the shimmering blue and clear of the gems on her hand. The elegant band would look good with her wedding rings and further mark her as taken.
The caveman in me liked that.
Satisfied, I cleaned up, turned off the lights, leaving the tree on. I stood back, admiring the scene, and snapped a picture. It turned out well, so I quickly sent it off to Maddox in Toronto, with the caption of “Merry Christmas from my house to yours.”
I wasn’t surprised when he replied right away—he was a night owl and he would no doubt be enjoying his Christmas eve with Dee.
“All the best, my friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family. See you soon.”
I shot back a fast reply. Can’t wait.
Maddox and Dee were coming to visit in a few days. I was looking forward to having him here. This time, it was all fun—he had no need to kick my ass. His friendship was a gift I had never expected in my life. I never had friends until Katy changed my world. I had business acquaintances, lots of enemies, but never a real friend.
I had confessed to him one night while I was in Toronto on a business trip what I said to Katy in the hospital and admitted my feelings of shame over it. He had stared at me and threw back his head in laughter.
“You are such an asshole at times.”
“I’m aware.”
He shook his head, still amused, and sipped his whiskey. “Even if you were stuck in that damn chair the rest of your life, your wife would never look at another man the way she looks at you, Richard.”
“I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
He sobered. “No, you weren’t. You were really fucked up, not that I blame you. So if you need forgiveness, you have it.” He chuckled. “But the bill is on you tonight.”
And that was that. He never spoke of it again, and I let it go. I had to let a lot of things go in order to move ahead.
I sighed, pushing aside the memories, and returned to my den for one last item. I slid the thick envelope into the tree branches where it would wait for Maddox and Dee. Maddox thought they were only spending a few days here, but with Bentley’s blessing and Dee’s permission, I had arranged a short cruise for them. They would depart from Victoria, and it would take them to San Francisco. A hotel and excursions were booked, then they would return on another boat and fly home. All first class, all designed with Maddox’s interests at the forefront. Dee’s enthusiasm had been evident, and her assistance in making sure I picked all the right things for them to do, invaluable.
“Maddox will love it!” she had gushed. “What an awesome gift!”
I had to admit, I was looking forward to seeing his face when he opened it.
I headed upstairs, checking on my girls. I pulled Gracie away from the edge of the bed and tucked her blanket around her, knowing in an hour she’d be starfished across the bed again, her blankets on the floor, but her favorite lambie tucked tight against her. Heather was a ball of sweetness in her crib, her tiny lips pursed as she slept. I kissed them both repeatedly, my love for them overwhelming tonight. I slipped into our bedroom. Katy was a huddled mass under the covers. I hoped she had put on some socks. She had the coldest feet at night, and she loved to use my legs to warm them up. I would find out soon enough, I supposed.
I jumped into the shower, knowing the morning would be crazy and I wouldn’t have time. I toweled off my hair, then opened the bathroom door, flicking off the light. It took me a second to register the difference in the bedroom.