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“We don’t need to do this today, princess. It can wait. Let’s get some hot cocoa for the kids and put a movie on. They need to see what Christmas is really about, and it’s certainly not about the number of gifts beneath the tree.”
Ace had come from a family similar to mine. We weren’t given many luxuries, and we had turned out just fine. I knew that whatever happened in the next few years, our kids would be just like us. All I wanted was for them to be kind, loving, and successful in all their endeavors.
“How did Kennedy take not getting a puppy?” Celine asked me softly while we made hot cocoa for the kids.
“Ryan and I found this robotic dog. She seems to love it. I’m so glad we didn’t get a real puppy. I wouldn’t know what to do with it.”
“Yeah, I feel you, sister. Summer asked for one from Santa, too. Ace and I only found out last night when we put her to bed.”
Just as I was about to ask her what Summer did get, the doorbell rang, and the kids squealed in delight. “Granny and Grandpa!” The group ran over to the door. I just saw a glimpse of them from the kitchen.
“Why do you think they are so late?”
“Probably doing things no daughter wants to ever imagine.” She cringed as she poured boiling water into the eight gingerbread-themed mugs. I added the whip and some chocolate chips, and then, we headed to the front door all the while hearing a lot of commotion.
“What’s going on here?” Celine asked, looking at the kids who were bouncing up and down.
Celine’s Dad held out a wriggling, black bundle of life that yipped. Her mom handed out one to me as well. My eyes land on a small pair of chocolate, brown eyes.
Oh, no, they didn’t!
“Merry Christmas!” The grandparents exclaimed, and I looked over my shoulder at Ryan’s shocked expression. He didn’t know either.
“Sorry we’re late. We had to pick these two guys up.” Mrs. Wilson grinned, cooing at the puppy in her wrinkled hands.
“Who are they for?” Celine mumbled, glancing at the little furball in her dad’s hands.
“Why, you, of course, honey. A little birdie told us the kids were all begging for puppies for Christmas, and we had a friend who was trying to get rid of these little guys. It all fell right into place.”
“You got us a puppy?” Summer pushed past her mother and grinned with wide excitement at the little dog in her grandfather’s hands. “Can I hold him?”
“He’s all yours, sweet girl.” He handed her the puppy who immediately licked Summer’s face, and she squealed.
This wasn’t happening.
“Take him, Ames. Let his love heal all the heartbreak please.” Celine’s mother thrust the small puppy into my shaking hands.
“Puppy!” Kennedy screamed, coming and pulling on my dress to get my attention. I felt Ryan at my back, his hand just grazing my hip.
“What are we going to do with you?” I held the puppy up in front of my eyes, holding its squirming body tightly between my two hands.
From the looks on Mr. and Mrs. Wilson’s faces, you’d swear they were in fact Mr. and Mrs. Claus delivering their own Christmas miracle.
