Page 13 of Enduring Christmas

In the heat of the argument, Shiloh had slipped back into the room and Xenobia had heard enough.

"Pumpkin," she hoisted the trembling child in her arms, "it's past your bedtime. Your daddy and I have a big day planned for you tomorrow."

In a weary voice, she said, "That's right. We have to decorate the tree and make a cake."

Xenobia lifted a finger and wiped her tears from her baby-soft cheeks. "That's right."

"Luke, is your girlfriend there now-"

"No."

"Yes," Xenobia interjected, her voice several octaves above his denial.

"Her name is Miss X-n-o-bia," Shiloh shouted. "And she loves Daddy and his pancakes."

Luke's mother released an audible sigh. "X-n-o-bia," she called, using Shiloh's enunciation. "I look forward to meeting you on my next visit."

Luke opened his mouth. Xenobia threaded her fingers through his squeezing.

"I'd like that," Xenobia said.

Luke glanced at their joined hands and shook his head, before releasing a big grin. "No worries, mom. Xenobia will be here."

Oh boy, maybe her playing savior had been a bad idea. Especially, with Luke toying with her fingers.

He ended the call and they all four watched each other- Shiloh grinning, Meow bored, Luke contemplative, and Xenobia cautious.

"So, you're my girlfriend for Christmas?"

Xenobia swallowed her apprehension. Luke hadn't asked her to intervene, she had chosen to insert herself into his world. She could back away from her impulsive action. He could too. But, she preferred to hang around a little while longer...for the pancakes. She didn't think she could endure another Christmas alone.

"Yeah, I am."

#

LUKEsmiled to himself. Xenobia Yardell had come to his rescue. His girlfriend. He half expected her to undo the entire charade the second the phone call ended. When she hadn't, he seriously started to think. Was she truly interested in being more than friends? Yeah, he wanted to explore beyond that kiss, but was she thinking this Christmas, or New Years, and onto next Christmas? Had she considered what would be entailed in dating a single father? He needed clarification, so he started with the basics. Closing the door to Shiloh's bedroom, he came to stand in front of the couch.

Xenobia clicked through the few channels with his basic cable line-up before switching the smart TV to the streaming services. Yeah, he could afford a premium cable package, but that was two hundred dollars a month he socked away in Shiloh's college fund. Besides, he could catch the sports channels at No Limit with the rest of the guys when he wanted. He liked a cold beer and a burger. Owen's had the best of both.

"Find anything good to watch?"

She shrugged before killing the picture with the remote. "Caught the tail end ofIt's A Wonderful Life, the three bells and your wish is granted stuff."

Yeah, he didn't believe any of that malarkey. But looking at Xenobia, he was hopeful of finding more than a mother for his daughter. Luke wanted to love again.

"Where do you want to sleep tonight?"

"Please don't tell me you're really pushing this girlfriend boyfriend angle."

"Hey," he grinned, "it was your idea. I expected you to stay clear of my domestic squabbles. Since you didn't. I'm testing my boundaries."

She gave him a saucy smirk. "Well, there are plenty."

"Like?"

"No kissing for one."

He took her in his arms. "Not even before bedtime? I mean what kind of boyfriend would I be without us flinging it a little."