Chapter 37
Chapter Thirty-Seven
J ack
I had more than one surprise for Sierra and Ellie tonight and was excited to show them. After we picked Ellie up from school, we went and had pizza. After we ate, we walked along the street for a while as the lightly falling snow fell upon us.
“Can we stop in this bookstore?” Sierra asked.
“Sure. Is there a specific book you’re looking for, sweetheart?”
“Christmas books for Ellie.” She smiled.
“Ah, good idea.”
I kept glancing at my watch as we browsed the children’s section.
“Have you found anything yet? We really need to go.”
“Daddy, Daddy! I want this one!” Ellie held up the book How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
“Appropriate, isn’t it?” Sierra whispered in my ear. “It’s like she knew you were the Grinch.”
“Really? What about you? You were just as bad as I was.”
“Was I really, Jack.” A sly grin crossed her lips as she held a stack of books in her arms.
“You’re buying all those?”
“No. You’re buying all these. Aren’t we teaching her the magic and excitement of Christmas?”
I sighed, taking the books from her and walking up to the cashier.
“Don’t forget this one, Daddy.” Ellie smiled.
Eric dropped us off exactly where we needed to be. Leaving the bags in the car, I took Ellie out and extended my hand to Sierra.
“What are we doing, Jack?”
“This is surprise number one.” I grinned.
“Look at the horses!” Ellie squealed.
“Jack, you didn’t.”
“Oh, but I did.” I lifted Ellie up into the carriage. “Madame.” I extended my hand to Sierra.
After climbing up into the carriage, Eric walked over and handed me two cups.
“One hot chocolate for the little lady to keep her warm.” I smiled, handing Ellie her cup. “Be careful. It’s hot. And one peppermint mocha with an added bonus for my beautiful girlfriend to keep her extra warm.”
“Thank you, Jack.” A warm smile crossed her lips. She took a sip and looked at me. “God, I love you.” She grinned.
I chuckled. “I love you too, sweetheart.”
“You didn’t get anything?” Sierra asked.
“No. I didn’t want anything. Besides, I’ll hold Ellie’s hot chocolate so she doesn’t spill it.”
“You can have some of my mocha,” Sierra said.
“Thanks, baby.” I winked.
It was nothing but a wintry backdrop as we rode through Central Park. The trees lining the park were lightly covered with snow, and strings of twinkling lights were weaved throughout the branches, casting a soft, golden glow. For a moment, time slowed, and the bustling of the city faded as the only sounds heard were the clip-clop of the horses and the jingling of sleigh bells that filled the crisp evening air. My grandfather was right when he told me that you could see the beauty of the holidays once you open your heart and let it all in. I lived here my whole life and never saw the beauty of Central Park at Christmas time for what it really was: magical.
“I love you, Jack.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
“I love you both.” Ellie grinned.
“And we love you, kiddo.” I brought the blanket up to her chin. “Are you warm enough?”
“Yeah.”
I looked over to my left, and for a fleeting moment, I saw my grandfather standing there with his hands tucked into his long black coat with the missing button, his black fedora, and a smile on his face. Stretching my neck to look behind the carriage, he was gone.
“Are you okay, Jack?” Sierra asked.
“Uh, yeah. I’m fine.” I smiled.
After our ride through Central Park, we climbed into the Escalade and headed home. This was the best surprise of all, and I couldn’t wait to see it. I stared out the window as Eric drove down the street and noted my house lit up the entire neighborhood.
“Wow!” Ellie exclaimed.
“Jack?” Sierra glanced at me. “What did you do?”
“Nothing much,” I said, climbing out.
A smile graced my face as we stood on the sidewalk and stared at the sparkling lights that lit up our home. Strands of white lights were wrapped around the wrought iron railings that lined the front stoop. Small lit presents stood off to the side on each step as we walked up to the porch. A beautiful evergreen wreath made up of red berries, pinecones, white lights, and a velvet bow hung proudly on the front door with matching lighted garland that draped around the doorframe with tall potted, beautifully decorated Christmas trees on each side of the door.
“My God, Jack.” Sierra smiled. “I guess you go all out when you want to do something.”
“You bet I do.” I grinned, opening the front door.
When we stepped into the foyer, Ellie’s eyes widened, as did Sierra’s. Ellie ran up to the living room and screamed when she saw the beautifully decorated ten-foot tree and all the Christmas lights and elegant decorations throughout.
“Wow, Jack. Now, that is a tree.” Sierra grinned. “It’s beautiful. Who did all this?”
“I have a friend whose family member works in Christmas decorating. He called his sister, and she called me. I told her what I wanted, and she made magic happen.” I smiled.
“Look! Look! We have stockings for Santa Claus!” Ellie ran over to the fireplace.
“Aw, you got us stockings?”
“Christmas wouldn’t be complete without them. Let’s go see what they did in the kitchen,” I said, hooking my arm around her.
The kitchen was just as elegantly decorated as the rest of the house, with beautiful centerpieces on the island and on the table to complete the look.
“What do you think?” I asked Sierra.
“I think magic happened here today, and I couldn’t be happier.” She kissed my lips.
“You haven’t seen the best part yet. Did you forget that Ellie’s furniture was delivered today?”
“No. I remembered. Why?”
“You’ll see.” I smiled. “Ellie, come here.”
“Yes, Daddy?”
I picked her up and took her upstairs. “Your new bedroom furniture was delivered today.”
I could see the soft glow from under the door when we reached her room. Opening it, her eyes widened in shock. Not only was her room fully furnished, but a beautiful five-foot Christmas tree decorated with pink lights and ornaments sat in the corner, while the rest of her room was decorated with pink gingerbread Christmas décor.
“AH!” she screamed, running over to the tree.
“Oh my God, Jack. This is absolutely gorgeous. You’re the best dad ever.”
“I know.” I grinned. “Okay, kiddo. It's time to get in your jammies, and it’s off to bed. You had a long day.”
“Will you and Sierra read me a Christmas book?”
“You bet we will.”