December 24

DECEMBER 24

We took the train up to New York the following morning, and I was so excited that I couldn’t sit still in my seat. Also, Daddy was so sexy sitting next to me and reading a paper—which meant I’d lost my damn marbles, right? He was just reading the paper. Was that reason enough to get stars in my eyes?

Oh, whatever. I was cooked and done.

This Christmas was already epic.

To kill some time, I brought out my notebook from my backpack and dropped it on the table in front of us. Turtleton had to wait in my bag—I’d take him out once we got to the hotel. Now, list-making!

I wanted to visit the M&M store in Times Square, I wanted to buy funny slippers for Daddy and me, and I wanted—

“We should decide where to get lunch, sweetheart,” Daddy said. “Do you want to go out or have it delivered to the hotel?”

I pursed my lips and turned to him. We were who we were, and I very much wanted some cuddle time upon arrival, so I had the best idea ever.

“I suggest delivery from Olive Garden, and we eat in bed,” I said. “Or wait! By the tree. We eat by the tree.”

Because Daddy had booked a suite that was freaking decorated, and I hadn’t asked how much that had set him back.

Daddy smiled. “Excellent idea. Extra bread sticks?”

“Obviously.”

We could eat a million of those!

* * *

Yup, my Home Alone dream coming true! Holy Santa poop, this was amazing! The suite was so fancy, but more than that, it screamed of Christmas. With the lights and the tree and the garlands and the—whoa.

I stopped abruptly on the fancy rug in front of the tree. “Um. Daddy? There are gifts under the tree.”

He came up behind me and pressed a kiss to the back of my neck. “Huh. Santa must’ve delivered them early since he knew we wouldn’t be home.”

I beamed and looked back at him. “Don’t give Santa credit for the work that’s all Daddy Christmas.”

He rumbled a warm laugh and hugged me to him.

Now I just needed privacy to wrap Daddy’s presents and put them under the tree too. Maybe after we’d eaten, I could convince him to take a nap…?