Epilogue
Christmas morning
“Have you been a good little girl this year?”
Sara’s eyes flew open and she felt a flurry of excitement wash over her as she realized that it was Christmas Day! Not only that, but her favorite man was playing Santa this year. She observed Daddy Alex in his boxers and a decorative red and white Santa hat.
“Yes, Sir!” she giggled.
“Are you telling the truth?” he asked, feigning a much deeper voice. “Santa always knows when little girls and boys are lying,” he warned as he wagged a finger at her.
“Scout’s honor, Santa.”
“Very well then. Wake up and come see your presents.”
Sara didn’t have to be told twice and eagerly flew out of bed to run into the living room. Her mouth dropped open in surprise. When she’d gone to bed last night they’d had a small, two-foot tree set up that they’d decorated with itty-bitty ornaments and strands of tinsel. It had been fun, but not much to look at. But now in its place stood a tree at least five feet tall strung with garlands, lights, and glittering ornaments. When her gaze slid upward and she saw her family’s angel perched atop the tree, she turned toward him with tears glittering in her eyes.
“How did you…”
“Let’s just say Santa worked overtime this year,” he said with a wink.
“But there were no big trees left,” she marveled.
“I called in a favor or two and after I put my little girl to bed I went through some of the boxes in your parents’ basement. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind?” she echoed, still amazed at the glowing, beautiful tree. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing as hard as she could as she squealed. “Of course I don’t mind! Now it really does feel like Christmas,” she told him tearfully.
Daddy smiled at her enthusiasm. “Good. I’m afraid there isn’t much under it this year.”
“It’s not the presents, it’s the company that counts.” Sara looked at the floor and spied a single gift—the box she’d giftwrapped herself for Daddy. Happily, she skipped over to the tree, retrieved the box, and bounded back over to him. “Open it, open it!”
“I should probably get my cup of coffee first—”
“Dad- dee !”
“Okay, okay,” he chuckled as he began to unwrap the gift. “What’s this?” he asked curiously as he lifted the lid.
“It’s not much,” she admitted, taking the box from him. “It’s a handkerchief. But look—” She picked up the light blue silk and turned it over. There she’d glued a picture of herself with fabric glue and she’d sewn the words stay safe, Daddy in neat stitches. “You’re always worried about me staying safe, so I thought if you wore it in your pocket maybe it would keep you safe.”
“Baby…” He cupped her chin and gave her a sweet, tender kiss. “That is so thoughtful. I love it. Thank you. Now, I know you think there’s nothing for you, but look over at the fireplace.”
Brightening instantly, Sara looked at the fireplace and saw a stocking hanging. Turning back to him with an eager grin, she squealed in excitement. “You didn’t need to get me anything else! The tree by itself is so amazing!”
“Well, why don’t you go see what Santa Daddy brought you anyway?”
With another excited giggle she disentangled herself from his embrace and ran eagerly to the fireplace. She took the stocking off the lone hook and shook it eagerly. It didn’t make any noise. And when she reached her hand in and pulled out a long, thin switch, she saw why.
“Daddy!” She stamped her foot and turned on him with a pout.
“Well, you can’t tell me it won’t come in handy.”
“That’s not funny!”
“It’s a little funny,” he chuckled. “Go on, keep looking.”
Dubiously, she slid her hand in again and dug down deeper until her fingers brushed against what felt like a piece of paper. She withdrew an envelope and looked at him accusingly. “Is this a coupon for me to get out of a spanking?”
“No, but thanks for the suggestion. I know your birthday is coming up.”
Sara gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes but she couldn’t help but smiling just a little. And then when she opened the piece of paper and read its contents, her mouth dropped open a second time. “No! You’re… you’re coming to visit me? Over spring break?”
“That’s right. I’m taking a much-needed vacation and we’ll have a whole week all to ourselves. You can show me around the city, we’ll go out to eat at all your favorite places, and if you’re a very good girl—”
But he didn’t get to finish because right at that moment Sara catapulted across the room and threw herself into his arms. Her lips claimed his eagerly and he returned the kiss with fervor. Besides, he didn’t think he had to explain anymore.
“Merry Christmas, little girl,” he said when they broke for air. “Ho, ho, ho!”
“Just shut up and kiss me,” she said, her voice raspy with need.
Daddy briefly considered reminding her to be respectful, but pushed it aside. There’d be plenty of time later for Sara to take a trip over Santa’s knee.
The End