First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 46

  Christmas morning starts like something out of a dream.

  KK is up before the sun, climbing into my bed, whispering loud like she is trying to be quiet but failing. "Mommy! Mommy! Santa came!" Her little face glows with excitement, her hair sticking up everywhere. I don't even try to fight it. I smile, sit up, and rub the sleep from my eyes. I notice Taytum is not here so I'm guessing she is already downstairs.

  We race downstairs, and my chest tightens the second I see the living room. The tree lights glow softly and the floor around the tree is crowded with gifts. There are more gifts than I remember putting out the night before. Taytum had clearly come down after I fell asleep and added her own touches to KK's Christmas morning. Not just for KK, but for me too. KK's stocking is stuffed full, and there are even more "Santa presents" piled up next to it.

  Taytum is sitting on the floor by the tree, leaning back against the couch. Her hair is up in a messy bun, her eyes bright but calm. She looks like she belongs here. KK runs straight to her, bouncing with excitement.

  "Santa really came, TayTay! Look at all these presents!"

  Taytum laughs and scoops KK into her lap. "Looks like you were extra good this year."

  I stand there for a second, watching them. My throat tightens. Taytum didn't have to do any of this. She wanted to and that scares me a little, but mostly, it makes me grateful.

  We take our time opening presents. KK tears into the paper like it is a race. Taytum has gotten her things I never even mentioned. A play tent. A princess tea set. A Princess Tiana dress that she put on the second she opened it and refuses to take off. Taytum didn't just spoil her. She knew exactly what would make her happy.

  When KK's pile is almost gone, Taytum hands me a small stack she had set aside.

  The first gift was a soft, cream-colored sweater. Oversized. Cozy. Perfect for curling up on the couch.

  "You know me too well," I say, smiling.

  "Something comfy for you when you're resting," Taytum says, smiling right back.

  The second gift is a large leather-bound planner with my name engraved on the front. "For your ideas and work stuff," she says softly. She has been listening. Paying attention. The last gift is a delicate pendant necklace with two small pendants. One with KK's name, date of birth and two little foot prints, the other is blank.

  "It's beautiful," I whispered, staring at it.

  "I saw it and thought of you immediately. The blank one is for the baby."

  The way she looks at me makes my chest feel tight again. She doesn't say anything else, but she doesn't need to. It is written all over her face.

  I hand Taytum her gifts from me, nervous but excited. I watch her face as she unwraps each one.

  The first is a new pair of Adidas Ultraboost running shoes. She hasn't been running much lately with everything that has happened, but I know how much it means to her. Next is a new set of workout clothes I knew she'd like because she mentioned them before. Then the small box with the necklace inside. A simple silver chain with a small mountain charm etched into it.

  Her eyes soften as she holds it up. "Thank you."

  "I wanted you to have something that reminded you of who you are," I said. "Strong. Steady. And beautiful."

  She smiles in that quiet way of hers that always says more than words.

  By the time we finish, the living room looks like a disaster zone. Wrapping paper and ribbons are everywhere. I make coffee while Taytum helps KK set up her new tea set right in the middle of the living room. KK giggles nonstop as Taytum lets her pour pretend tea and serve plastic cookies like it is a real party.