Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 60848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
As I made my way back to her side, navigating through the crowd while keeping an eye on the girls, I realized Riot was right. There was nothing normal about our family. Nothing normal about ex-cons feeling safer than stepfathers. Nothing normal about colored lights strung across camo netting or outlaw bikers wearing Santa hats. But as Penny leaned into my side and I carefully wrapped my arm around her shoulders, I knew I wouldn’t trade our version of normal for anything in the Goddamned world.
I was nursing my second cup of nicely spiked cider when I caught Zelda and Kira huddled together by the decoration table, whispering and casting glances my way. That particular combination -- Zelda’s plotting expression and Kira’s barely suppressed giggles -- signaled the best kind of trouble. They broke apart when they noticed me watching, approaching with exaggerated innocence that immediately set off warning bells. Zelda had her hands clasped behind her back, rocking on her heels in a way that reminded me of a cartoon bomb about to go off.
“What are you two up to?” I asked, narrowing my eyes in mock suspicion.
“We need you for something,” Zelda announced, her tone making it clear this wasn’t a request but a command. “A surprise.”
Kira nodded enthusiastically, bouncing slightly on her toes. “Please, Tiny? It’s for Christmas.”
Those words, “for Christmas”, had become a magical incantation over the past two days, one the girls had quickly learned I couldn’t resist. I set my cup down on a nearby table, already resigned to whatever fate they had planned for me.
“All right, what’s this surprise?” I asked, knowing full well I was walking into a trap.
“First,” Zelda said, holding up one finger, “you need to sit in the middle of the room.”
“On the floor,” Kira added helpfully, pointing to a spot near the tree. “You’re too tall for a chair.”
I glanced at the hard floor, then took stock of my still-healing ribs. Pain had warned me to avoid sudden movements and awkward positions, but I had no hope in hell of denying them when they gave me those big eyes, wide and full of excitement. Which made the decision for me.
“Lead the way,” I said, resigned to my fate as I gestured for them to go ahead.
They both took my hands and led me to the spot they’d chosen. I braced one hand against my side where the worst of the bruising remained and went to my doom willingly. The movement sent a sharp jab of pain through my torso that nearly took my breath away. I managed to control my expression, but a hiss of discomfort escaped through clenched teeth.
“Are you okay?” Kira asked immediately, her brow furrowing with concern.
“Just a little sore still, darlin’. Nothing to worry about.” I finished lowering myself to the floor, crossing my legs in front of me. The position pulled at my healing ribs, but it was bearable. “See? I’m fine.”
Zelda studied me skeptically, her eyes narrowed. “You’re still hurt from fighting Dad.”
“Not your dad anymore,” I corrected gently, meeting her gaze. “And I’m healing up just fine. Now what’s this surprise you’ve got planned?”
The girls exchanged a look, communicating in that silent way they had, before Zelda nodded decisively. “Stay right there. Don’t move.” They darted back to the decoration table, and I saw them gathering materials with the serious concentration of artists selecting their medium. When they returned, their arms were full of tinsel, battery-powered string lights, and sparkly beads that had been draped on smaller trees around the room.
“We had so much fun last time, we’re going to turn you into a Christmas tree again. Besides, Christmas trees are an important thing this time of year,” Kira announced, her voice solemn as though imparting great wisdom.
I raised my eyebrows, looking from their expectant faces to the pile of decorations now scattered around me on the floor. “Again?”
“Yep,” Zelda clarified, already sorting through the tinsel. “You’re big enough even sitting down. And it’s much more fun to decorate you than a stupid old tree.” Yeah, I heard the humor in Zelda’s voice.
A laugh rumbled up from my chest, making my ribs protest again, but I couldn’t help it. “Can’t argue with that logic, I suppose.” I heaved out a sigh. “Fine. I guess Christmas only comes once a year.”
“Except for Christmas in July,” Zelda added, not even looking at me as she focused on her task.
Kira beamed at me, clearly taking my response as enthusiastic consent. “You did pretty good last time, but you have to remember to hold really still,” she instructed, carefully unwinding a strand of battery-powered lights. Again.
Fuck my life.
On second thought, no. If the girls wanted to turn me into a human Christmas tree every night until next Christmas, who was I to argue? Especially when it made them look and act so carefree.