I lift onto my toes and press a kiss to James’s cheek. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be on Christmas.”
14
Phoenix
Daily Affirmation: “I am letting go of people that no longer serve me peace.”
I getmy brother’s voice mail for the second time today.
“Merry Christmas to you too.” I end the call and let the sadness overcome me for a moment. Though I’m hurt over his choice to keep me out of the baptism, he’s still my brother.
I bend down and clip the leash on my adorable puppy. “At least you love me, Wilbur.” He licks my face, and I can’t help but smile. “Who needs family when you have dogs, am I right?”
We head next door, and the Russo’s door flies open before I can lift my hand to knock.
“Merry Christmas, Nixie!” Leo wraps me in a bear hug and spins me around on the porch.
“Be careful. I’ve got presents here.”
He sets me down and takes the gift bags from me. “Which one’s mine?”
I smack his wrist as we walk into his house. “Who says I got you anything?”
“You should’ve gotten him coal.” Jim stands from his recliner and gives me a hug. “Merry Christmas, Miss Bridges.”
I relish in the warmth of his embrace, missing my own father a little bit extra today. “Merry Christmas, Jim. Thank you for having me.”
“Of course. And who might this little guy be?” He leans down to pet Wilbur.
“This is Wilbur.”
Leo scoffs. “I can’t believe you named him after a pig.”
I shield Wilbur’s ears. “You leave him alone. He loves his name.”
Leo scoops the puppy up into his arms. “You’re a cute piggy though, aren’t you?”
“He’d be even cuter if he stopped stealing my shoes and destroying them in his crate.”
Jim laughs, his round belly shaking with the movement. “Did you get him any chew toys? He’ll stop messing with your things if he’s occupied with something else.”
“Oh, yes. I gave him many chew toys. The only toy he wants is my shoe.”
“Ah, let him have your shoes.” Leo holds up Wilbur like Simba. “Look at this face. How can you deny him anything?”
I ruffle Leo’s hair. “Well, we knowyou’renot going to be the disciplinarian when you have kids.”
A dark-haired woman sitting on the couch chuckles. “You should see him with my daughter. She could ask him for the sun, and he’d figure out a way to give it to her.”
I offer her a knowing smile. “Sounds about right. Leo isgo big or go home.”
She stands and offers me her hand. “I’m Denise. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Leo wraps his arm around her. “This is my mom’s sister.”
“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Nix. I live next door.”
“Oh, I’ve heard an earful about you and I’ve only been in town for a few hours. I feel like I know you already.”