Page 92 of Tides and Tidings

“Why don’t you go grab your blanket and come cuddle?” I offered.

“Okay!” In a flash, Wren was off the bed and out of our room. I knew we needed two minutes to finish getting changed. So this bought us some time.

A moment later, Charlie and I were both ready for bed, and Wren came sprinting back. The kid threw herself on our bed, climbing between us and under the covers.

Wren nuzzled into Charlie’s side as I turned on her marine life documentary.

“Oh! Sharks!”

“Those are my favorite,” Charlie added.

“They’re very dangerous.” Wren scolded.

“Do you have any fun facts on them?”

“Daddy, watch the show and you’ll learn.”

I tried to hold in a laugh but was unsuccessful. “Yeah, Dad.”

Charlie motioned for me to come over. I snuggled up next to Wren.

What a life. I’m so blessed.

Charlie

“Daddy! Mommy! Santa came!” Wren yelled, jumping on our bed.

I groaned and lazily glanced at the clock. It was barely seven and the sun wasn’t even up yet. This child is the antithesis of Blythe and me. While we enjoyed our sleep, Wren liked to seize the day—especially on Christmas.

“What time is it?” Blythe didn’t remove the covers from her head.

“The sun isn’t up yet.”

“Wrenny, don’t you want to get a little more sleep?” Blythe encouraged.

“No! I want to see what presents there are!”

Blythe removed the covers from her head and looked at me. “How do you know there are presents? Have you been downstairs?”

Wren’s eyes went wide. “No.”

“Are you lying?”

“No.”

“Wren Elizabeth, are you lying?” Blythe used her middle name, which usually elicited the truth.

“I went downstairs.”

“You know you were supposed to wait for us, right?” I tried to parent.

“You guys were still sleeping, and I was ready to see what Santa had brought me.” Wren rationalized.

“Did you open any of your presents?” Blythe asked.

She shook her head. “No. I only looked over the railing from the bottom of the stairs.”

“Thank you for being honest.” Blythe paused. “We can head downstairs now.”