"𝐈'𝐌 𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐍'𝐓 be there for Christmas, sweetheart." Veronica sucked in a breath while her father's crestfallen smile filled her laptop screen. He was still trying to be festive for her; he was wearing a Santa hat that made him look ridiculous, but she appreciated the effort. "It kills me that I can't be there on Christmas morning."
She shrugged. "It's okay. At least you'll be home soon. Right?"
He nodded. "Only a few more months," he confirmed, and she smiled at his words. "And then I'm making it up to you for all the time we've lost."
"I'm holding you to that."
"Good." Veronica looked up when she heard the doorbell ring, and she furrowed her brows; who could possibly be at the front door? "Ah, that must be part one of your gift."
"My... gift?"
Carlos hummed. "It's Christmas, Ronnie. Even if I'm thousands of miles away doesn't mean that I'm not giving you gifts. They're just coming in increments." The doorbell rang a second time. "Well, don't be rude. Open the door."
"Alright, alright." Veronica walked over to the front door, and a smile spread across her face. "Uncle Ben!" she exclaimed when she saw her father's best friend on the other side with a medium-sized gift in his arms. "I thought you were visiting your parents for the holidays."
"Oh, they don't need to see me," he replied, shaking his head before stepping inside the apartment. "They'd just complain that I'm unmarried and childless. My dog begs to differ, but whatever. I'd much rather be with you."
Veronica pressed her lips together. "Did you bring Pickles?"
Ben looked down at her before sighing. "I told you she'd rather see my dog than me," he said to her computer. "But, no, you claimed that she'd be thrilled to see me."
"I am thrilled to see you," she contradicted, closing the door. "But I haven't seen Pickles in months."
He frowned and rolled his eyes. "I'll bring him next time, I promise."
Carlos chuckled at his daughter and best friend. "I have to go, but there are two more parts to your gift, Ronnie. They'll all be there before Christmas Eve is over." She looked down at the screen. "Be sure to keep an eye out."
She nodded. "Okay. Merry Christmas, Dad!"
"Merry Christmas, Ronnie."
Ben looked around the apartment while she set aside her laptop. "It looks like Santa's workshop threw up in here."
"Hey, don't be a hater!" she said with a small frown. "Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I need some holiday cheer."
He shrugged. "Well, alright, then." He held out his gift to her. "This is not part of your father's three-part gift thing. This is just from me."
