27. Aiden

CHAPTER 27

Aiden

I pushed open the door to the chalet, the weight of the day settling deeper into my bones. My arms were sore from lugging grocery bags, and my head ached faintly from the endless chatter of Christmas plans and movie night logistics. Nicholas had been in top form—his festive spirit dialed up to eleven as we darted from store to store, ticking off every last item on the elder care facility’s list.

I loved my brother, but he had the stamina of a reindeer on Christmas Eve.

The warmth of the chalet wrapped around me like a familiar hug, the scent of pine and cinnamon hanging in the air. I hadn’t even closed the door behind me before Levi appeared, stepping out from the kitchen. His gaze softened as it landed on me, and he closed the distance between us in three sure strides.

“Long day?” he asked, his voice low and steady.

“You have no idea,” I murmured, letting the door click shut behind me.

Levi didn’t say another word. Instead, he cupped my face with both hands, his palms warm against my chilled skin, and kissed me. It wasn’t a quick peck or a playful tease—it was deep, slow, and grounding, like he was pouring everything he felt for me into that single moment.

The exhaustion melted away, replaced by the steady thrum of my heart and the warmth spreading through me. When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles.

“Better?” he asked, his thumbs brushing against my cheeks.

“Much,” I whispered, feeling like I could conquer a dozen more shopping trips with just one more kiss like that.

Levi chuckled softly, then slipped his arm around my waist, guiding me further into the chalet. “Come, I’ve got something to show you.”

He led me to the bedroom, my heart pounding with anticipation. As we stepped inside, I froze.

In the corner of the room, a cozy little space caught my eye and I froze, my heart thudding in my chest. Levi had transformed the area into something straight out of my most secret, cherished dreams.

Instead of a rug, there was a soft, padded playmat in warm, inviting colors, perfect for sitting or lying on comfortably. Against the wall, a small wooden bookshelf stood, its shelves filled with colorful picture books, carefully chosen titles I’d loved as a kid, and neatly stacked coloring books paired with boxes of crayons, markers, and colored pencils.

And right in the center of the mat, three brand-new stuffies were propped up, their handmade stitches so precise, so intentional, that I recognized the style immediately. Paige. I crouched down, brushing my fingers over their soft fabric. A fox, a bunny, and a turtle, each with its own unique details—a little scarf here, a tiny bow there.

My chest tightened as I took it all in, the effort and thought he’d put into every detail.

“I thought this was just your style,” Levi said casually, though his voice was tinged with a quiet vulnerability.

I turned to him, unable to hold back the tears spilling over. “Levi… this is…”

“Yours,” he said simply, stepping closer and pulling me into his arms. “It’s all yours, Aiden.”

I let out a shaky laugh. “What did Paige name them?”

He chuckled, his nose crinkling. “The bunny is Bella; the turtle is Toby, and the fox is Phineas.” He moved to the closet, opening it with a knowing look. From inside, he pulled out Rudy the reindeer, Penny the penguin, and Beau the bear. He carried them over, setting them gently with the new stuffies on the mat.

I stared at the growing collection, my heart swelling with so many emotions I didn’t even know where to start. But then something clicked.

“Wait a second…” I straightened, narrowing my eyes at Levi. “Did Nicholas have anything to do with this?”

Levi’s lips twitched into a smirk, but he didn’t answer.

“That’s a yes,” I said, groaning. “No wonder he kept coming up with reasons to drag me all over town today. Anytime I wanted to head back to the chalet, he found some excuse to keep me out.”

Levi chuckled, his arms folding across his chest. “Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t.”

“Oh, he did.” I shook my head, biting back a grin. “I can’t believe him.”

But I could. That was Nicholas through and through. Always looking out for me, always finding ways to show me love—I just didn’t appreciate him enough when I was a kid… or even as an adult. I made a silent vow to change that.

I glanced back at the little space Levi had created, at the thoughtful, perfect details, and something warm and soft settled deep in my chest.

I buried my face against him, overwhelmed but deeply, profoundly happy. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice breaking.

He tilted my chin up, his lips brushing mine in a kiss that was slow and filled with everything I couldn’t put into words.

Later, after a shower that left me warm and relaxed, Levi handed me a pair of pajamas—red and green plaid, just cheesy enough to be endearing. He wore a pair that matched, his grin lighting up the room as we cuddled on the couch surrounded by blankets and pillows. We decided we’d open our gifts with the rest of the Kincaids at the main house the next day, Christmas Day.

The soft glow of the Christmas tree lights bathed the room in a cozy warmth. Levi shifted beside me, reaching under the tree with deliberate care. When he turned back, my breath caught; in his hand were the letters we’d written days ago.

“I thought we could read the letters we wrote to Santa,” he said, his expression warm and expectant as he handed mine to me. “See if he gave us what we wanted.”

My chest tightened as I unfolded the paper, the words staring back at me like a window into my soul. I swallowed hard, fingers trembling slightly. “I, uh... I don’t even know why I wrote this.”

Levi’s voice was steady, reassuring. “Because it’s what your heart wanted. And it’s okay, Aiden. Take your time.”

I nodded, the paper trembling in my hands as I began to read aloud:

Dear Santa,

It feels strange to write this, but here goes. If you’re listening, I don’t want toys or gadgets or anything like that. What I want most… is a Daddy.

Not just anyone, though. Someone who makes me feel safe and loved, who understands that even though I love to spread my wings, see new places, and meet new people, I sometimes need to come home and just be held.

I want someone who knows when I’ve been peopled out, who can tell when the world feels too loud and overwhelming and helps me find my way back to myself.

I need someone who accepts me as I am but also holds me accountable when I mess up, who sees the best in me even when I can’t. Someone who knows when to push me forward and when to pull me close.

There’s such a person out there, Santa, that’s what my heart wants most. His name is Levi Kincaid. If you think I deserve him, please give me him this Christmas.

Love,

Little Aiden

My voice cracked as I read the last word, and I couldn’t bring myself to look at Levi. I stared at the letter, my vision blurred with tears.

“I didn’t think…” My voice faltered, and I let out a shaky breath. “I didn’t think it was possible to really ask for that. I didn’t believe I could have it.”

Levi reached out, his hand gently covering mine as he took the letter from me and set it aside. “Aiden,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion, “you just described everything I’ve ever wanted to give you. Everything I will give you, if you let me.”

I looked up at him then, his face swimming through my tears. The way he looked at me—like I was the most precious thing he’d ever seen—broke something open inside me.

“You mean that?” I whispered, my heart pounding.

“Every word,” he said, his thumb brushing away a tear that slid down my cheek. “You deserve to feel safe, to be loved, to have someone who sees all of you and wouldn’t change a thing. And I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you know it.”

The dam broke then, and I surged forward, wrapping my arms around him and burying my face in his chest. His arms came around me, holding me tightly as I cried, releasing every ounce of fear and doubt I’d carried for so long.

When I finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine, his hands framing my face. “You’re not alone anymore, Aiden,” he whispered. “Not ever again.”

I kissed him then, pouring everything I couldn’t say into that moment, every fear and every hope, every part of me that wanted to believe someone like him existed.

For the first time, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, Santa really had been listening.

Levi unfolded his letter carefully, glancing at me as he did. His eyes were soft, but there was a flicker of nervousness there, too.

“I guess it’s my turn,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

I nodded, my throat still thick with emotion.

He took a steadying breath before he began to read:

Dear Santa,

I’ve always believed in taking care of others. It’s who I am, who I’ve always been. And deep down, I’ve always dreamed of having someone of my own to take care of—someone who sees me for who I am and lets me care for them, protect them, love them.

I’ve dreamed of a little who respects me but also trusts me enough to let me guide them when they need it. Someone who knows they can lean on me when life gets overwhelming, who finds peace and comfort in my arms.

And I think I’ve found him. Aiden.

The thing is, Santa… I’m not sure he feels the same way about me. I know I’m not perfect, and maybe I don’t deserve him. But my heart is full of hope.

So, this year, my only request is this: Please, let my little see my heart. Let him know that it beats for him, that it only ever wants what’s best for him. Let him see that I’m here, that I’m his if he’ll have me.

If he could believe that, if he could trust me with his heart, it would be the greatest gift of my life.

Sincerely,

Daddy Levi

He lowered the paper slowly, his hands trembling just enough for me to notice. He looked up at me then, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Aiden…” His voice broke, and he let out a soft, shaky laugh. “Guess I’m not so good at hiding my feelings, huh?”

I couldn’t speak at first. The depth of his words, the rawness of his heart laid bare on that piece of paper, hit me like a tidal wave.

“You really meant all of that?” I asked, the words slipping out like a secret.

Levi reached out, his hand cradling my cheek. “Every word. But only if it’s what you want, too.”

The answer came from a place so deep in me, I didn’t even have to think about it. I leaned into his touch, my eyes locked on his.

“It is,” I said. “It has been almost from the beginning. I was just too scared to admit it.”

Relief flooded his face, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine, soft and insistent, full of everything he hadn’t been able to say until now. I melted into him, letting his kiss erase every doubt, every fear I’d ever had.

When we pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine, and I saw the tears spilling down his cheeks.

“You’ve already given me my greatest gift, Aiden,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve given me yourself.”

I kissed him again, my hands threading through his hair as I let myself fall completely, utterly into him.

He made love to me like I was his whole world, and I knew without a doubt that I’d found everything I’d ever wanted—everything I’d ever needed—right here in his arms.