The next day was filled with more decorating, cooking and baking, present wrapping, gingerbread house decorating, and lots of eating.

Mila was so excited that Santa was coming that night it was all she could talk about.

"I wish I could have her sense of wonder again." I said to Harry as we we decorating cookies. "I miss believing in all of that magic."

"You actually once believed in Santa?" He asked me.

"You didn't?" I raised my eyebrows.

"No." He shook his head.

Harry really did not have a childhood, and that broke my heart. He never got to experience the things most children do.

That evening everyone gathered in the living room to watch The Polar Express, everyone with a cup of hot chocolate.

Harry was beside me, a cup of hot chocolate in one hand, Mila between us and leaning into his side.

When the movie was over, Mila and I made a plate of cookies and a glass of milk and set them on the small end-table by the tree.

"Are you excited for Santa?" I asked her and she nodded eagerly.

"What did you ask for from Santa?" Harry asked her as he bent down beside her.

"Barbie car." She smiled at him.

"Wow. That's a nice present."

"Mhmm." She nodded.

"What else did you ask for?"

Mila looked at us before moving to Harry and covering her mouth as she whispered something in his ear. I watched as his face fell a little but when she spoke and then moved back.

"Ah, I see." He said.

"Mila, sweetheart, it's bed time." My mom said.

"No." Mila whined, a pout coming to her lips.

"But you have to go to sleep if you want Santa to bring you your presents." My dad reminded her and she nodded with wide eyes.

"So come on. Let's get you to bed." He picked her up, Mila hanging onto his neck.

"Night, Mils." I called at her.

"Goodnight, Mila." Harry said as well, Mila waving at him over my dads shoulder.

Once they were up the stairs and turned the corner I looked at Harry.

"What did she tell you?"

"She said she wanted a mommy and daddy for Christmas." He said with a sad smile.

My mom put her hand over her heart and sighed.

"Poor baby." She frowned.

"She's so sweet." I said and everyone nodded in agreement. "I'll go make sure she stays in bed."

I went upstairs after saying goodnight to my mom, Jamie and Harry following me.

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