Page 22 of Daddy's Little Drummer Boy
“How about we take a shower and put on our new Christmas shirts and then cook breakfast together?” I suggested.
“I’d argue that it would take longer, but I really like the idea of the shower.” He grabbed my hand and tugged me out of bed with him. “Let’s get all clean.”
And we did get clean…after we got messy, so it was an hour before we got to the kitchen to put the cinnamon rolls that had been rising all night in the refrigerator into the oven to bake. Soon the sausages were sizzling, the eggs scrambling, and wewere ready to eat. Fortunately, we’d burned enough calories in the shower that we were both able to do justice to our breakfast before turning our attention to the rest of the day’s activities.
Starting with prezzies.
I was so excited about the gifts I’d bought for Bobby, both big and little. He hadn’t asked for anything in particular, but I’d taken note of all the things he admired as we spent time together. And the first thing I handed him was his stocking.
“When did you fill this?” he asked. “It was just empty when we went to bed.”
I shrugged. “Don’t look at me. Santa must have come and done it.”
Eyes sparkling, he plopped down on the floor and spilled the contents of the red velvet stocking into his lap. It was a drugstore stocking, nothing too fancy, but he loved it, and judging from all the cheerful oohs and aahs, he loved what Santa had found to stuff his stocking with.
“Santa shopped at the candy store we saw in the Christmas village!”
He certainly had, buying all sorts of Christmas candies that Bobby had pointed out. Including the chocolate reindeer that was “almost as good as a raccoon.” I’d also put in a top and a ball that sparkled when you bounced it, a couple of toy cars, and a crayon that drew in three colors. And then we got to the packages. I knew Bobby had to pare down so much when he moved, and he’d given up a lot of things he really missed, but until we got to the moving-in stage, which I hoped would be very soon, I didn’t want to overwhelm his apartment with anything too big. So small toys, some little clothes, a warm, lined hoodie, and a better drum for next year were my choices. After he opened each one, he came over and kissed me and thanked me. I’d also kept it not too expensive because I didn’t want him to feel like he couldn’t reciprocate.
“Okay, Papa, your turn!” He brought a box over to me and set it on my lap. “It’s only one thing, but I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” I would no matter what it was because of the giver, but when I opened the box, I found an antique pocket watch inside. Something I’d seen in the Christmas village and which he had spent far more than he should on. But I would never insult him by saying so. I just hugged him tight to me and promised to carry it with me always.
“Turn it over, Papa,” he said.
On the back it said, simply,Best Papa. My eyes filled with tears. “You had it engraved.”
“No, it came that way. It belonged long ago to someone else who was the best papa then. I thought it was kismet.”
I held out my arms, and he came into them again. “I love you so much, my sweetest boy.”
“I love you, my best Papa. Merry Christmas.”
We spent the rest of the day relaxing together taking a walk and talking about the future. One that looked very merry and bright.
Chapter Seventeen
Bobby
Miss Lily had arranged a little New Year’s Eve party. I was so excited. I’d never been one to do the whole New Year’s Eve thing, but this year I was all in. After seeing the little Christmas party, I was ready to be part of the fun.
The Christmas party had been such a success, Miss Lily decided to add tonight’s event to their schedule, and unlike the Christmas party, I could come to this one. I wasn’t an employee this time; I was simply a guest. And I was thrilled.
Papa even got us another fancy dressing room. On such a busy night, it wasn’t one of the over-the-top ones, but it had a private space for us and was designed for littles and their caregivers, and that was enough. I didn’t need a changing table or a daddy-and-me rocking chair. I just needed help getting ready. The real fun was going to be the party itself.
We checked in, and Miss Lily showed us to the room. Papa had picked out my clothes for the night, and I still didn’t know what he brought, but I was excited to see what he wanted to dress me in to show me off to his friends.
I had met most of them and their littles before, but I didn’t know most of them very well—at least, not yet. I was hoping tonight would help change that.
“Have a seat.” He tapped the lounge chair.
I obeyed, and he set the backpack on the counter and opened it up.
“It’s New Year’s Eve, and you know what that means?”
I had no idea and told him as much.
“It means sparkling like the sun—”
