Page 22 of Enduring Christmas

"I want Miss Xenobia to help me. You did it last year."

He gave her a rueful look. "Is that the way you ask?"

She frowned at him, and her little eyes watered. "No, sir."

Luke so rarely chastised his daughter that it surprised Xenobia. She felt a swell of emotion fill her heart. She really did adore this little girl and a part of her wanted to protect her from everything, even her father's correction.

Shiloh turned sad eyes on Xenobia. Tears gathered, cheeks aflame she looked as if she'd break if Xenobia refused her request.

"Miss Xenobia, will you please help me put the angel on our Christmas tree?"

"I've been waiting for you to ask," Xenobia smiled, adding lightness to her voice.

"Really," Shiloh smiled up at her, awe in her voice.

This child enjoyed the simple things in life; she just wanted to spend time with her father, and now Xenobia. This time, her own eyes filled with tears.

"Yeah, Pumpkin." Xenobia dropped to her knees, spreading her arms wide. "Thank you for inviting me to Christmas."

Shiloh ran, throwing her arms around Xenobia's neck. "I love you, Miss Xenobia. I want you to stay with us forever."

"Oh," Xenobia, squeezed Shiloh tighter. "I love you, too." And your father, she thought.

An hour later, the soft white lights sparkled like fresh morning dew, and Shiloh was fast asleep underneath the tree.

The perfect gift.

Luke lifted his little angel, releasing a groan as he stretched his back. "You any good at back rubs?"

He'd handled everyday life with such ease, she'd forgotten about the tree chopping and hauling. Not to mention the ten boxes of decorations he'd unloaded from the attic and his office.

"Some say I have magic fingers."

"They better be girls," he warned.

Xenobia laughed. "Boy, you crazy."

"But, serious." he winked. "Let's put Pumpkin to bed, then enjoy some cider by the fire."

He reached for her and Xenobia took his hand. "I'd love that."

Letting him lead her down the hallway, Xenobia laughed at how natural this felt between them. Yeah, she was definitely falling in love. She could fell a shift between them tonight. Would it be the first of many? But she wondered if Luke had only fallen in lust.