ever become Hunter’s dad. [Stop it. Wishful
thinking will get you exactly nowhere.]
Brad builds a fire and lights the Christmas
tree, and if I were six again, I’d be chirping
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” right along
with Devon and LaTreya. Finally, Brad
tells the girls they have to go to bed.
Santa won’t come if you’re awake, you know,
he says. Come on. I’ll tuck you in.
The girls run ahead, and he turns to Trey
and me. Hang on. I’ll break out the new stuff.
When he leaves the room, Trey pulls me into
his lap. God I’ve missed you. I can’t wait
to give you your present. He kisses me, hotter
this time, and beneath me, through his denim
and mine, I can feel the promise
of his Christmas gift soon to come.
Brad Is Generous
With his personal stash.
[He can afford to be. Have
you ever seen so much uncut
meth in one place at one time?]
Once we’re sure the girls
are asleep, we help him play
Santa, filling the empty
space beneath the tree.
Gifts spill across the floor.
I wanted to make it up to
them for their mother not
being here, he explains.