Free Christmas Wishes...Special Delivery by Mary Manners

the parenting package and sounds like fun.”
    “Same category of fun as a root canal.”
    But Kaylee’s laughter told Riley she was looking as forward to the chaos as he.
    “And don’t forget about the wrapping part, after it’s all put together.”
    “Duly noted.” Riley’s gifts to Kaylee would prove difficult to wrap, as well, but he’d manage anyway.
    “I think the coffee and cookies will have to wait.” He set the packages on the floor and slipped his arms around her waist. “Rosie and I did a little shopping, too, before we got in the line to see Santa.”
    “Oh?”
    “Yes. Look up.”
    Kaylee’s little gasp told Riley exactly when she saw the sprig of mistletoe hanging over the mantle. She pressed her cheek to his chest, sighing as flames danced along the hearth. “And just what do you suppose we should do with that?”
    “Let me show you…”
     
     
     
     

7
    “I never knew a sheep could be so cute.” Riley helped Rosie scoot from the Escalade and then lifted her into his arms.
    The wind whispered through leafless trees that bordered the meadow as he pressed her check to his shoulder. Rosie yawned and twined her arms around his neck, holding tight as they started for the stairs to the guest house.
    “Or so sleepy. You did a great job in the nativity tonight, sweetie. I’m so proud,” he said.
    “Thank you. It made Mom cry, though.”
    “Good tears. Moms do that from time to time.”
    “Why?”
    “Because they get so full of happy that if they don’t let it out somehow, they’ll burst.”
    “Oh.” Rosie patted Riley’s cheek. “Do daddies cry sometimes, too?”
    “I suppose they do. I’m not sure, though. I’ve never been one.” And I’ve never had one, either, he wanted to add. “Maybe I’ll find out one day.”
    “You could be my daddy, and then you’d know for sure.”
    “You already have a daddy.”
    “Miss Ruth says God is everybody’s daddy. Is that true?”
    “If Gran said so, then it’s true.” The words hit home with Riley. Was that what she and Gramps had been trying to get through his head all these years that he’d spent feeling sorry for himself?
    “So, we both have the same daddy.” Rosie tucked her cheek against his shoulder. “God must be pretty busy to keep up with everyone.”
    “I suppose he is, but he still manages quite well.” Riley shifted feet to glance at Kaylee. He smiled, wondering how she managed to field so many questions.
    “Is Santa on his way, Mom?” Rosie gazed into the moonlit, velvet sky, searching for the elusive gift-giver. “Is his sleigh all loaded with lots and lots of presents?”
    “He sure is on his way.” Kaylee stuffed Rosie’s costume beneath her arm as she followed Riley up the stairs. “And I’m positive his sleigh is loaded down. He might even have a thing or two for you. We’d better get you into bed so you’ll be fast asleep when he gets here.”
    A thing or two… Riley groaned inside. Despite his expertly honed questioning skills and years of practice, Riley had failed to garner any further information on Rosie’s secret request to Santa. The kid was locked tighter than Fort Knox. He could only hope Kaylee had somehow stumbled upon the gift and it waited in her closet to be wrapped.
    “We need to put the cookies out.” Rosie yawned again as dusky lashes fluttered against her cheeks. Her words drifted out on a sigh. “Santa told me he likes chocolate chip best, same as me.”
    “I’ll take care of it while your mom tucks you in,” Riley handed Rosie off to Kaylee. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Will you be here when I open my presents?”
    “Not then, but I’ll see you when you get to Gran’s house for Christmas turkey.”
    “Yummy. Mom’s going to help cook, right?”
    “We all are.”
    “Like a family?”
    “Just like a family.” Her words brought a lump to Riley’s throat. He kissed her forehead and waved while Kaylee carried her away. “Sleep tight, sweetie.”
    As Kaylee