I sighed as I set down my mug and reached for the ridiculous Santa hat. I refused to wear the beard, but the coat and hat would be sufficient.
I hoped the gesture would be enough to soften Grace.
Chapter 24
Jaxson
I stepped from the SUV, pulling the hat firmly into place. I stood for a moment, looking over the vast expanse of land, houses, and water. The “BAM Compound,” as it was called, was impressive. Well-placed homes with great views and totally private. I had enjoyed the drive out, the roads mostly empty with the threat of the storm Grace and I had madly driven through now finally reaching this area. The air was thick with fog, and the snow was beginning. In case it got as bad as they predicted, I had packed a small bag, planning to take Katy up on her offer of the spare room. And hoping Grace might let me sneak into her room once everyone was asleep.
We all had Christmas wishes. I knew the chances were I would end up back at the Port Albany Motel by myself if the storm was bad. But I could hope.
As I approached the door, my nerves kicked in. Maybe it was a bad idea. Somehow, between the wistful tone in Grace’s voice and the unexpected invitation, the insane idea seemed like a good plan. A chance to make Grace happy. Remind her I was the man she had fallen in love with. Now, in the glaring light of day and with a houseful of strangers, it seemed stupid.
But before I could change my mind, the door was flung open, and Aiden was framed in the entry.
“Santa!” he shouted, far too exuberantly for a man of his age. “Come on in!”
I hoisted the bag of gifts higher on my shoulder.
Too late.
I entered the building they called the Hub, once again impressed. Vaulted ceilings, accentuated with wooden beams, soared high. Large windows faced the water, showing the astounding endless view of water. Hardwood floors gleamed. A massive tree was in the corner, gifts piled high underneath. Enticing aromas tickled my nose. Warmth surrounded me, not only from the heat of the huge fireplace, but the welcome that greeted me.
My gaze immediately found Grace standing behind Aiden. She looked befuddled. Amused. Angry. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides, yet her mouth quirked at the corner. She had no idea what to think. I had, indeed, surprised her.
I winked at her, not at all perturbed by her lack of warmth or greeting.
I cleared my throat and put my hands on my hips after lowering the bag to the floor. “Ho ho ho.”
My effort was poor, and I tried again. I lifted my arms high, bellowing, “Merry Christmas!”
I was shocked at the chorus of Merry Christmases that greeted me in return, and I felt a real smile cross my face.
“What’s in the bag, Santa?” Ronan yelled.
“I hope it’s booze!” Thomas added.
I blinked and looked at the bag by my feet. “Some of it,” I said, sounding doubtful.
Aiden laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. “Some is good. Let’s get this party started.”
Everyone, it seemed, loved Santa.
I made my way around the room slowly, distributing gifts, shaking hands, getting hugs. Using my odd gift of remembering details, I called each person by name, never once faltering. My gaze found Grace sitting with Addi and Brayden, the happy couple glowing and angled close together. Grace looked shocked. Annoyed. Bewildered. She watched me, our eyes locking several times as I worked the room.
I took my time and spoke to every one of her cousins, aunts, and uncles. Her grandparents. I still found it amazing that these families were joined together, not because of blood, but with what seemed to be a much stronger bond. It made me curious and, strangely enough, made me want to be a part of it.
I made my way to where her parents were watching the entire spectacle. With Richard and Katy stood Bentley, Aiden, Maddox, and their wives. I could feel the heat of Grace’s stare as I handed them their gifts, once again thanking Katy for the invitation. She looked delighted with her bath bombs and the chocolates I had added, wanting her gift to be a little special. Richard turned the bottle of scotch I had given him in his hands, then clapped me on the shoulder. “Welcome,” he said.
“I appreciate being included.”
Katy patted my arm in a motherly fashion. “Christmas is for family and sharing. We’re thrilled you’re here with us. We’re even more thrilled that Santa joined you.” She winked. “Santa’s visit was always Gracie’s favorite part.”
Aiden clapped me on the back, his cigars clutched in one large hand. “You can take up the tradition now. My gifts were never this good.”
I wondered if next year I would even be part of Grace’s life, but I didn’t express that thought out loud. I handed out the rest of the “parent” gifts and turned to the last grouping waiting for me. Gracie was still sitting with Brayden and Addi, looking tense as I approached. She and Brayden appeared to be having some words before I arrived, but they were quiet as I sat down across from Gracie. I pulled off the hat and ran my fingers through my hair with a rueful grin.