Christmas Tempest (Holiday Heartwarmers #12)

Chapter Twenty-two

Dex and Jasmin cuddled together that night after the house cleared, and the others were in their beds.

“You took Dillon shopping earlier.” Dex played with her hair as he opened the discussion.

“Yes, he wanted to buy Sara a present. He misses her terribly.” Describing their conversation, she told Dex about how sad the boy had been and how angry his words about his granny had made her.

“Foolish old woman. She’s done more to harm that child in a month than one could imagine. Well, her influence is gone now, and I’ll never let her near him again without me being present.”

“Good. Because it would be really difficult for me not to smack her a good one when she talks such dribble.” Her fierce expression made him laugh.

“I truly hope you never get that mad at me. You’re scary.”

Sheepishly, Jasmin admitted, “Well I probably wouldn’t hit her, but I’d sure as hell want to.”

“Atta girl.” Dex hugged her tight. “I can’t tell you how much it means to see you take to Dillon the way you have. Seriously, if we’re to ever have any future at all, this would be the only deal breaker.”

“That’ll never be a worry. I love the boy. He’s so vulnerable and yet strong. His parents did an amazing job raising him.”

Dex hesitated before admitting softly. “As much as my brother and his wife loved their son, it was Sara who raised him. We have her to thank for him being the way he is.”

Suddenly, she watched his inner battle end with a warm smile. Over the next few minutes, he told her his secret, and she fell deeper in love, her kisses showing him her true feelings,

It was a few hours later after a lot more kissing and cuddling, yet stopping before things went too far, that they finally parted at their rooms. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart,” his voiced was filled with gentleness.

“Merry Christmas, Dex. It’s going to be the best one ever.”

***

And it was.

They had a fun breakfast of pancakes and ham and eggnog drinks with cinnamon and whipped cream. Everyone laughed at the mustache on Dillon’s face and then they all made ones of their own and took a selfie to remember the moment.

Soon, they ended up in the living room with the presents being delivered by Jasmin with Dillon and Pretty Girl’s help. The dog getting in everyone’s business, trying to abscond with the tissue wrappings and making a worse mess.

When they’d finally finished that part of the day’s business, Dex admitted to forgetting Sara’s presents at his house which meant they would have to go there soon. In the meantime, Dillon played with Lester, showing off all his new toys while Dex and Jasmin helped clean up the mess.

“Okay, bud, time to get dressed in outdoor clothes cause we have to run over to our house for a little while. It should have warmed up in there by now, and I’m anxious to show you your new bedroom. Plus, all Sara’s presents are there for you to open and then Jasmin mentioned a special phone call you plan to make.”

Jasmin added, “I can’t wait to see the place. Come on, Dillon. You can play with your toys later. Time to get some exercise.”

A short while later, they drove through the snowy roads, enjoying seeing many children playing in their yards, making snowmen and having fun with their parents. The sight made Dex’s heart sore, thinking of how much Max would have loved the place. By the time they pulled into his driveway, he could barely contain his excitement. It was Jasmin who clung to his hand as they made their way into the house. Between the two of them, he didn’t know who was more excited.

Once he unlocked the door, they stepped back so the boy could go ahead of them. “Welcome home, Dillon.”

Dillon seemed to hesitate, his face lifted, his expression shocked. The smell of gingerbread cookies filled the air.

“Let’s get your boots off here in the mudroom. Then we can see why the lights are on inside.”

Dillon let Jasmin help him pull off his boots, his hands on her shoulders as she crouched in front of him. She looked into his troubled face and whispered, “Go and see the tree Dex fixed for you.”

Dillon looked toward Dex as if for permission and Dex pointed to a doorway beyond the hall. With arms wrapped around each other, they followed the boy into the room in time to witness his thrilled expression when Sara stood up from a chair to greet him, the glowing lights from the magical Christmas tree lighting her silhouette.

“Sara,” Dillon screamed, happiness ringing through the room. Then he ran to her, his hands reaching.

Scooping him close, Sara’s words rang with a tearful exuberance. “Dillon… my boy. Its so good to see you again. Merry Christmas, lad.”

Dex had to take a few moments before his words would be strong and the teary version didn’t show. “Merry Christmas, Dillon. I couldn’t think of a better Christmas gift for you than to have Sara move in here and look after us all.”

Eyes glowing, Dillon swung to Dex. “Truly? She can stay?”

“For as long as she wants. Well… as long as she promises to keep making those scrumptious gingerbread cookies.”

Jasmin piped up, “And her scallop potatoes.”

Controlling the conversation, Dillon spoke up. “She promises, don’t you Sara?”

Grinning, Sara nodded emphatically, “I surely do, lad. I surely do.”

~*~*~*~