He shook his head. “I’m sorry.”
“Hey, look, you two,” said Odette. “You’re standing under the mistletoe.”
Ava looked up. “We are.”
Tabon kissed her and everyone clapped.
“When we were kids, Gunner and I begged our parents to get us a dog for Christmas.”
“I was telling Zary about that a few minutes ago. We wanted to name him Gui—”
“French for mistletoe,” interrupted Odette.
“That’s so sweet,” said Ava, looking at Tabon.
“You want a dog, baby? We can do that.”
“Does he say yes no matter what you want?” Odette asked.
Ava smiled. “Yeah. Pretty much.”
“That’s what I want for Christmas.”
“What’s that, sweetheart?” Madeline asked.
“A man who will give me whatever I want.”
“Oh, Odette.”
“Tired?” Tabon asked when she finished eating a stack of pancakes.
“Yeah. I should clean up, though.”
“Don’t be silly,” said Madeline. “I’m almost finished with the dishes. Go up to bed.”
“Thank you,” Ava said, kissing her cheek.
“We should head up too.” Gunner stood and pulled Zary’s chair out for her.
She looked as tired as Ava felt.
“I used to have to tell the kids not to even think about getting out of bed before eight on Christmas morning. When they were teenagers, Marchand and I would wake them up at eleven.”
“We’ll see you somewhere in between the two,” said Gunner, kissing his mother’s cheek. “Goodnight, Ma.”
—:—
“Can we really get a dog?” Ava asked him once they were in bed.
“Of course.”
“You’re so agreeable.”
“That’s because I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.” Razor turned to his side and caressed Ava’s face. “I mean that.”
“I am too, Tabon. I never dreamed…”
“Gunner and I said the same thing earlier.”