He came over with a hop in his step, paint smudged across his cheek, and his two uncles cat-calling for him to come back. I just hugged him with my other arm, slinging my two kids together till we were smooshed up in a sweaty, warm hug. They shoved me off at the same time and I rolled my eyes, for once in my life the Christmas spirit tingling at my fingers. I couldn’t wait to surprise Baxter.
