Chapter 13

CHAPTER

THIRTEEN

Rebel

“I still can’t believe some of the things Tiny Sparkles got into,” I say as I help Holly finish up the playroom.

My brothers showed up and showed out, with Monster, Tank, and Psycho utilizing skills I didn’t know they had to build a helluva kitchen, as well as two baby doll cribs, two desks, a ‘teacher’s desk’, and some small furniture that we’re currently grouping as a living room area within the playroom.

Holly starts laughing then asks, “Which was your favorite?”

I stop and think before saying, “I think the movie night was my personal favorite, although I did enjoy the ‘race’ she was having with their other stuffed animals. Where do you come up with the ideas?”

“Google, of course,” she teases. “I’m glad Grammy and Pappy have them for a few hours so we can finish all of this up, you know? I’m not sure how I’m not completely crazy at this point.”

“Babe, you impress the fuck out of me,” I tell her, my voice sincere. “You’ve managed to keep working at the bar, shopped for Christmas, took on the club businesses, and spent time with me as well as the girls. But I know you’ve gotta be wiped out at this point.”

“Well, now that Myra’s paid off, I can cut back on my shifts at the bar for sure. Just need to make sure I take plenty of tissues for Morris, because I think he’s going to break down when I tell him I can’t keep this up anymore.”

“Good thing that one of our prospects used to bartend. He can cover the weekends you don’t work. Life’s meant to be lived, babe, and these past few months, you’ve had to exist.”

“I know, but it’s almost over.”

“Why don’t you let me finish in here while you go wrap?” I suggest.

“I only have a few things left to wrap. Their Santa present isn’t wrapped, so we’ll put them out once we’re one hundred percent positive that they’re sound asleep. I hope you’re ready to eat a few cookies,” she replies, giggling.

“At this rate, I’m going to need to go up a pant size,” I state, smirking.

“I’ll love you even if you do,” she promises. “Flaws and all, Rebel, remember?”

I nod then lean down to kiss her. “Go wrap, Holly.”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” she says while saluting me.

“Smartass!”

“Mama! Mr. Rebel! Santa came!” Mina exclaims running into Holly’s bedroom. Thank fuck she had warned me they’d be up early so I could slip into some lounge pants and a t-shirt after we made love.

Both girls jump onto the bed where Holly proceeds to tickle and kiss them while telling them Merry Christmas. Neither one of them bat an eye at the fact I’m in bed with their mother; maybe it’s because it’s not the first time I’ve slept over, but I think it has more to do with the fact it’s Christmas.

“I guess we better get up and get the coffee on for Pappy and Grammy,” she says, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

Remembering how her legs were wrapped around me has me getting hard, so I start mentally dismantling my service revolver in my head, which does the trick. When I’m confident I won’t be showing two impressionable little girls anything they don’t need to see at their ages, I get out of bed and head into the bathroom to take a piss and brush my teeth, since Holly’s already been in there and is now on her way toward the kitchen.

“Mama, she went back to the North Pole,” Ruby says, sounding dejected as she holds up a piece of paper from Tiny Sparkles.

“Do you want me to read it?” I ask since Holly’s busy pulling down coffee cups.

“Can you, please?” Ruby questions, handing me the note.

Dear Mina and Ruby,

It’s that time of year again when I have to go home to the North Pole. You were both such good girls and I hope you love your surprise! You have to wait until Grammy and Pappy arrive before you can see it. See you next Thanksgiving!

Love,

Tiny Sparkles

“Can we open our stockings while we wait, Mama?” Mina asks.

“Yes, let me go get them and turn on the tree, okay?” Holly replies. “Coffee’s ready, Rebel, if you want to make yourself a cup.”

I smirk, because we both miscalculated how early the girls would be up and we’re both a bit bleary-eyed this morning. Of course, I wouldn’t change a thing, because the cute Mrs. Santa teddy she wore to bed was worth losing a few hours of sleep, that’s for damn sure!

She returns to the kitchen with the girls’ stockings, and they set about opening them amid giggles and shrieks of joy. Sometimes I worry about my hearing, then realize that at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter as long as they’re happy.

A knock at the door has Holly turning only to smile when she hears Paul say, “Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas! I heard there are two little girls living here who’ve been good this year.”

“We have, Pappy,” Mina replies, running over to give them both a hug. “Grammy, do you have your cinnamon rolls?”

“Of course, Mina, I always make them on Christmas Day,” Esther says, setting the huge pan in the middle of the table. “Now, I understand that Santa’s been here. What should we do first?”

“Presents!” Ruby yells, causing all of us to burst into laughter.

“Presents it is,” Holly decrees. “Unless you want to see the surprise Tiny Sparkles left?”

The girls’ eyes widen then they both nod. “Can we, Mama?” Mina asks.

“Absolutely. The other presents will wait a few minutes, I’m sure,” Holly says, sipping on her coffee. “We’re in no hurry today, remember?”

We all follow the girls to the door that’s been closed since Thanksgiving. “Mama? She put our names on the door!” Mina states.

“I wonder what’s inside?” Grammy muses, her eyes twinkling.

“Open the door, Mina,” Holly instructs.

I prepare myself because I’m pretty sure two little girls are about to scream in total excitement. Seconds later, I realize I was correct. They’re so ecstatic, they’re practically in tears as they run to their mother and great-grandparents to hug them.

“It’s a kitchen, Mama! And a school! Plus, we have a movie area too!” Mina exclaims, while Ruby claps her hands.

“Yes, it is. Do you two like it?” Holly questions.

“Oh, yes, Mama. Thank you and Grammy and Pappy and Santa!” they exclaim in unison.

“Now, how about we go see what Santa brought and what else is under the tree for two good little girls,” Pappy states. “Then, while your mama and Grammy put dinner together for later, you can play in your new room, okay?”

Holly had explained the gifts her grandparents give the girls, so I tried to follow the same edit; something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read, with her help, of course, since I’ve never shopped for a child in my life. Hopefully, they’ll be happy.

We let the girls unwrap their presents first, so we could ooo and ahh over them, but finally it’s time for us adults to open gifts. Clearing my throat, I go over to the tree and pull out a small box then turn and get down on my knee in front of Holly.

As she looks at me, I see her eyes fill with tears when it dawns on her what’s happening. Esther has her phone recording a video as the girls watch intently. “Holly, my decision to go to the grocery store that particular day was the best thing I ever did because it led me to you and the girls. While there may be some out there who think this is too soon, I don’t care what anyone thinks except for you, the girls, and your grandparents. You’re the love I’ve been looking for and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me and become my old lady as well?” I ask, opening up the ring box.

She gasps and reaches out, her hand trembling. “Rebel, it’s… it’s beautiful. Yes, I’ll marry you! I love you more than words can express.”

I slide the ring on her finger, grateful that Esther got the size right, then stand and pull her into my arms before I kiss her. While it’s not quite PG, it’s definitely far tamer than normal considering Mina and Ruby are avidly staring at us.

“Mama, does this mean that Mr. Rebel will be our daddy now?” Mina asks.

Holly, who has tears of happiness streaming down her face, nods. “Yes, once we get married.”

“Can we do that today?” Mina questions, making all of us laugh.

“Not today, sweetheart, but soon,” I tell her. “And, if you and Ruby are okay with it, I want to adopt both of you, so you’ll officially be my little girls. What do you think about that?”

“It’s the best Christmas ever,” Mina whispers, tears now falling down her face. “I asked Santa for a Daddy for Christmas, and he brought one.”

Now I’m the one who’s blinking back moisture from my eyes. I’m not the only one, however, because I hear Paul clearing his throat multiple times and know that his emotions are running high as well.

“Well, I’d say this has been a great day so far,” Esther declares. “Now, who’s ready for breakfast?”

The End… for now!

Rebel and Holly’s wedding will be around Valentine’s Day so be sure to keep up with all things Darlene, so you don’t miss it!