Chapter 20
Simon
Everything was ready.
I'd spent the entire morning setting up behind the barn while Tanner was occupied with the other littles. The path I'd shoveled through the snow wound through a winter wonderland I'd created specifically for him.
First, there was the snowman we'd built together days ago—I'd moved him carefully, adding a fresh carrot nose and making sure he looked perfect.
Then came a small Christmas tree I'd cut from the property, decorated with simple ornaments and white lights that twinkled even in the daylight.
Next was a stack of wrapped boxes—fake presents that I'd arranged artfully, tied with big red bows.
And at the end of the path, I'd set up a chair—padded and comfortable—where I sat in the Santa suit I'd borrowed from Atticus. The hat covered my hair, the beard hid my face, and the padding made my frame look different enough that hopefully Tanner wouldn't recognize me immediately.
My heart was pounding. This was it. The big reveal.
I'd left a note on Tanner's nightstand this morning while he was in the shower:
Your reveal awaits. Follow the path behind the barn. Come alone—this moment is just for you.
Merry Christmas, Tanner.
Now I sat in my chair, dressed as Santa, waiting for him to find me. The cold bit at my exposed skin, but I barely felt it. All I could think about was the moment when he'd realize it had been me all along.
That every gift, every note, every gesture of care had come from the man who was already his Daddy.
I heard footsteps crunching through the snow, and my pulse kicked up another notch.
This was it.