Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
An eager Poppy has her presents already neatly stacked in front of her, ready to go. Mike pats the spot next to him on the floor, a sexy grin on his face as he leans against the sofa. “Saved you a seat.”
Smiling, I settle next to him. He curls an arm around my waist, pulling me close and I decide this is, hands down, the best Christmas morning I’ve ever had.
I wait for Poppy to dive into her mountain of presents, but she surprises me by handing over a small wrapped box first. “Here, this is from me.”
Surprise washes over me as I accept the gift. “You didn’t have to get me anything, Poppy.”
“I know, but I wanted to. Mike helped me pay for some of it because I didn’t have enough, but I used my own money.”
Touched by the sweet gesture, I unwrap the gift and gasp at the rose gold bracelet that’s engraved with the words “sisters forever.”
“I got one too,” Poppy reveals, lifting her arm to show me her bracelet. “This is why I needed Mike. He bought mine, but I paid for yours.”
My heart warms at the thoughtful gift. “It’s beautiful. I love it. Thank you.” I pull her into a tight hug, hoping she feels every bit of my appreciation.
“You’re welcome.” She pulls back, flashing me an eager smile. “My turn!”
A soft laugh escapes me. “Yes. Your turn, and you might want to get a move on. You have a lot to open.”
“I know.” She rubs her palms together, brimming with glee. “Mountie Mike went all out this year.”
She has no idea…
The first present she opens is the pink dollhouse she really wanted, and a family to go with it. Next, is a record player with every Taylor Swift album. She also opens craft projects, a sled that we will be using later today, and a few other items she had on her wish list.
Mike and I watch her excitement as she opens every single one and know the best has yet to come.
“I can’t believe you guys got me all this,” she beams, already trying to unbox the new dollhouse. “Thank you so much.”
Mike clears his throat, drawing her attention. “Actually, Hollis and I have one more present for you.”
It might be from both of us, but the truth is, he paid for most of it because he refused to split it equally.
Stubborn bugger.
“Another one?” Poppy gapes in surprise.
Nodding, he hands her the white envelope. “This is the clue to find it,” he adds.
She tears into it and reads the riddle out loud: “In a space where clothes find their repose, is a hiding spot where mystery grows. Behind closed doors, your quest begins; seek the clue to where your adventure begins.”
A frown creases her small face as she struggles to decipher the cryptic message.
I decide to break it down for her. “What’s a place where clothes rest behind closed doors?”
Her attention immediately strays towards the front closet.
“Very good,” I confirm with a smile.
She runs over and swings open the doors to find a pink suitcase adorned with a neatly tied bow.
“A suitcase?” she muses out loud, confused.
“Open it,” Mike tells her.
She drags it over to her designated spot on the floor, her movements quick with anticipation, as she kneels down to open it.
Lifting the lid, a gasp of pure delight escapes her as she pulls out sparkly Minnie Mouse ears that glitter under the lights, a character autograph book with glossy pages waiting to be filled, and a princess T-shirt paired with a fluffy pink tutu.
“What the heck is all this for?” By the hope trembling in her voice, I think she has a pretty good idea, but Mike plays along.
“Where might one use these things?”
Her mouth drops open, eyes bugging out of her head. “Tell me you’re joking!”
I chuckle, amused by the sheer disbelief on her face.
“Are we seriously going to Disneyland?” she bursts out, practically vibrating out of her skin. “All of us?”
Mike nods. “During spring break. I managed to secure a week off, and—”
His words are abruptly cut off by Poppy’s loud squeal as she launches herself over the open suitcase and into his lap.
Mike grunts at the impact but recovers quickly.
“I can’t believe you did this!” she cries. “Thank you both so much.” She wraps her arms around us. “This is the best Christmas ever.”
Mike and I reciprocate the hug, cherishing the moment together.
Eventually, we fill her in on the plan, presenting her with the brochure that Mike grabbed. It fuels her imagination, helping her eagerly map out our adventures in the happiest place on earth.
“I have to call Annemarie and share the news.” She leaps off Mike’s lap and gathers as many opened gifts as she can, putting them in the suitcase before dragging it to her room.
I glance over at Mike, unable to contain my smile. “You know, we might not be her parents, but if we were, we’d be the coolest ones out there.”