22. Judd

Judd

Christmas Eve Morning

Stevie is quiet in my arms, her tiny hands clutching her favorite blanket, as I grab the last of the papers from my desk. The office is quiet for the most part, with most of the staff having already left for the holidays. I glance at the clock on the wall, thinking about how quickly I can get us home. Stevie’s been talkative all morning, and while I love it, I know she’ll crash hard soon. I also need a long ass nap from how long Nakul kept me up last night.

I thought I had stamina but it doesn't compare to his.

“Daddy, is Na-ool coming?” she asks, looking up at me with her bright eyes.

“We’ll see,” I say, smiling softly. I haven’t told her we’re meeting Nakul here, but she’s smart enough to guess. Apparently, we both had last minute things to finish before Christmas. The thought of seeing him makes my chest tighten in that warm, fluttery way it always does now. It’s been hours and yet it feels like an eternity.

As if on cue, the sound of familiar footsteps catches my attention and I turn to see Nakul walking down the hall toward us. He’s carrying a folder under one arm, his hair tied back, wearing his usual jeans and work jacket. He looks like a walking dream and before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m moving toward him.

I don’t think, I just act. Closing the space between us, I press my lips to his, Stevie squished slightly between us. Nakul makes a soft sound of surprise but immediately kisses me back, his free hand coming to rest on my waist.

When we pull back, Stevie giggles, squirming in my arms. “Hi Na-ool!” she squeals, reaching out toward him.

“Hey, Stevie,” he says warmly, his grin lighting up his whole face. He sets the folder down on the nearest desk and takes her from me, settling her on his hip like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “How’s my favorite girl?”

“I brought my blankie to see Daddy's work!” she exclaims, holding up her blanket. It’s worn in places but she refuses to let me get her a new one. At least she lets me wash it.

Nakul chuckles. “I think your blankie is ready for the holidays, don’t you?”

Stevie giggles again, clutching the blanket a little tighter as Nakul spins her around gently. Her laughter echoes down the hall and I can’t help but smile. That’s when I hear it—a throat being cleared. I turn and freeze. Jess and Athena are standing there, matching wild smiles on their faces.

“Well, well,” Jess says, crossing her arms. “Look who decided to grace us with his presence.”

“And look who hasn’t RSVP’d for dinner yet,” Athena adds, raising an eyebrow.

I groan, running a hand down my face. “Do you two just appear wherever I am?”

Jess smirks. “We’re your sisters. It’s our job.”

Before I can protest, they flank me on either side and start dragging me toward Jess’ office, Stevie’s laughter and Nakul’s grin widening into the background as they haul me down the hall. I silently apologize to him just as I’m stuffed in the elevator.

Once we’re inside Jess’ office, they close the door behind us like they’re staging an intervention.

“Okay,” Athena starts, perching on the edge of the desk. “Spill. Are we setting another place for dinner?”

I feel my cheeks flush and I look away, trying to hide it. “What are you talking about?”

Jess leans back in her chair, giving me a pointed look. “Don’t play dumb, Judd. We saw that kiss. We also see how good he is with Stevie. You also left her out there with him and you don’t do that. You didn’t even do that with us for a little while. So, are you bringing Nakul to Christmas dinner or what?”

I hesitate, running a hand through my hair. “I… I am going to ask him,” I admit. “I just haven’t had the chance yet. I wanted to know… I needed to make sure this thing was real.”

Athena grins, nudging my shoulder. “Well, you’d better do it in the next twelve hours. Mom’s been asking about the seating arrangements.”

“And she will find out if you’re trying to hide something,” Jess adds. “You know how she gets.”

I groan again, but I can’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips. “You two are impossible.”

“We’re supportive,” Athena corrects. “Now go ask him.”

I leave her office feeling a mix of annoyance and gratitude, but all of that fades the moment I see Nakul again. He’s sitting on the floor of the reception area with Stevie, who’s babbling happily as she shows him every piece of her blanket. Nakul is leaning forward, his long legs crossed, pretending to be intensely focused on her work.

“Is that right?” he asks, his voice filled with mock seriousness.

“Yes!” Stevie says confidently and then continues to babble, showing off another section of her blanket. Nakul chuckles at her serious monologue.

I take a moment to just watch them, my chest swelling with something I can’t quite put into words. This— they —feel like home.

I clear my throat and Nakul looks up, his smile widening when he sees me. “Hey,” he says. “Your kid’s got a whole story for this blanket of hers.”

“Clearly,” I reply, laughing as I crouch down beside them. Stevie immediately turns to me, holding up her blanket before launching into another speech. I drag her into my lap and kiss her head, peppering kisses all over her cheeks and nose until she’s squealing with happiness. “Any plans for Christmas Eve, Nakul?”

His brow furrows slightly and he sits up straighter. “Not really. Why?”

“I was hoping you’d spend it with us.” It feels so surreal to say that, to ask him to spend a holiday as a part of my family.

His expression softens, and for a moment, he looks almost surprised. “You sure?” he asks.

“I’m sure. It’s late notice, I know, but… it would mean a lot.”

Nakul smiles, leaning in just enough that his shoulder brushes against mine. “Late notice? Judd, Christmas Eve is today. ” My heart sinks for a second until he wraps a firm hand around the back of my neck and pulls our foreheads together. “Love, I’m joking. How could I say no to that?”

Relief floods through me as I lean against him, still holding Stevie in my arms. “Good. It’s settled, then.”

“Wait,” he says, his tone teasing. “Don’t you have to clear it with the owner’s son or something?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I think I can handle it.”

He leans closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. “Good. Then I guess I’ll see you on Christmas Eve.”

“Tonight. Don’t forget,” I reply, my heart feeling impossibly light.

As Stevie’s giggles fill the room again, I can’t help but feel like this is exactly where I’m meant to be. With Nakul, with Stevie, with all of it. It’s messy and unexpected, but it’s right . And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.