It was still too early for bed, but I knew the baby wouldn’t sleep forever. If the movies and books were right, I’d need to sleep while I could. Patriot helped me into my pajamas, then he crawled into bed next to me.
“Sweet dreams, Little Bit,” he murmured.
“Always,” I said. And it was true. Other than my first night as being his and sleeping in his arms, I hadn’t had any more incidents of waking up not knowing where I was. I now knew it was Patriot holding me each morning. He’d not only destroyed my demons in real life, but he’d chased away the monsters lurking in my head as well. Patriot had saved me in every way possible and give me the greatest gift ever -- a family.
Epilogue
Patriot -- Christmas Day
Blaze slept in her new bouncy seat while MaryAnne and I opened our presents. For a newborn, she was a rather great kid. She slept at least six hours at a time, and hardly ever fussed. If she stayed this easygoing, I’d be amazed. Something told me we were in for one hell of a ride when she became a teenager.
MaryAnne opened the small box and her eyes went wide. “Ronan.”
“Put them on. My wife deserves to have something pretty on her hand, something that tells everyone she’s taken.”
She removed the wedding set from the box and slid the bands onto her finger. “They’re beautiful. Thank you!”
I’d opened all but one of my gifts, and I’d loved everything she’d picked out. It seemed my woman knew me rather well. As I opened the last package and pulled out a leather jacket, the love I felt for her swelled even more. “MaryAnne…”
“It looked like something you’d like, and it will not only keep you warm but it will protect you if you’re in an accident on the bike.”
“Love you, Little Bit.”
She finished opening her presents, excitement flashing in her eyes with each gift. But the glances she cast toward Blaze told me our daughter was even better than anything I’d put under the tree. I had to agree. She and MaryAnne were my true gifts this year. As long as I had them, I didn’t need anything else.
The front door opened and heavy steps came our way. Galahad entered the room with a few boxes in his arms. He’d reached out yesterday, taking me by surprise. Even though he was MaryAnne’s cousin, he’d been a bit harsh with her at times. I’d worried their relationship would always be strained, but it seemed he’d pulled his head out of his ass. Finally.
“Sean!” She stood quickly, then winced. “Sorry. I meant Galahad.”
He looked at me before focusing on her. “We’re all family. It’s fine. I come bearing gifts.”
He passed a box to me, one to MaryAnne, then set one next to Blaze’s bouncy seat. MaryAnne toyed with hers and seemed reluctant to open it. I knew what held her back. “Hey, Little Bit. Grab that envelope on the bottom branch of the tree.”
She picked it up, saw her cousin’s road name on the front, and handed it to him. I winked at her, hoping to set her at ease. Galahad opened the card and pulled out the Harley Davidson and restaurant gift cards inside with a wide smile.
“This is awesome. Thanks, guys.”
“Welcome,” I said.
Thank you, MaryAnne mouthed to me. I gave her a quick nod and she tore into her present. It was an oval-shaped locket with the word Mom engraved on the front.
“Oh, Sean. It’s beautiful! I love it.”
“Figured you could have a picture taken of Blaze and put it in there. Maybe get a family shot for the other side.”
I opened mine and pulled out a Ride or Die long-sleeved tee with a skeleton riding a Harley on the back. “Thanks, brother. This is great.”
“Why don’t you help Blaze with hers?” Galahad asked MaryAnne.
She reached for the present and opened it. It was a large box with several gifts inside. A floor mat with toys that would dangle over her when she lay on her back, a silver keepsake rattle with her name on it, and a soft purple blanket. It looked like Blaze had melted Galahad’s heart and he was ready to help spoil her. MaryAnne thanked him and set the box aside.
“Want to stick around for a while? I think MaryAnne is going to put some holiday movies on the rest of the day, and she has a small feast she’ll be making in a bit. Although,