Page 40 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets

The door slammed open, followed by running footsteps clamoring up the steps and into the den. “Mommy? We’re back! Can we decorate the Christmas tree now?”

Jade closed her eyes for a brief moment. When she opened them, Bryce looked pale. “Can we finish this later?” she asked.

“Of course.”

Mia stopped when she saw Bryce in the den, and her eyes widened when she spotted Sasha lying in front of the fireplace. Then her attention swung back to Bryce and she grinned. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“I’m Mia. Who are you?”

Jade’s throat tightened. Mia had never met a stranger. Making a new friend—especially one who had a dog—was always at the top of her priority list.

Bryce rose and went to kneel in front of the little girl. “I’m Bryce, a friend of your mom’s.”

Mia’s face fell. “Mommy’s friend Frank died. Did you know him?”

“I did. He was my friend, too.”

“I miss him. He took me and the twins to a birthday party, and he always brought me ice cream. It’s very sad.”

“Yes, it sure is.” Bryce cleared his throat.

Mia stepped closer. “Who’s that?” she whispered and pointed at the dog.

“That’s Sasha,” he whispered right back.

“Wow,” Mia breathed softly. “Can I pet her?”

“Sure.”

Bryce walked her over to the dog that looked like she could crush her with one paw. “She’s ginormous,” Mia said.

“Ginormous?” Bryce asked. “Where’d you learn that word?”

“Jessica.”

“Well, this ginormous dog is a Great Pyrenees and she loves kids.” He directed her hand to Sasha’s ears, and Mia scratched. Sasha’s eyes closed and Mia giggled.

“She likes it,” Mia said.

Jade watched the two, heart thundering, palms sweating, confusion swirling. Why would he think he’d be a lousy dad? He was amazing. Okay, so he’d only been interacting with Mia for all of three minutes, but still…

“So,” Bryce said, “what’s this I hear about decorating a Christmas tree?”

Mia’s face brightened. “It’s all ready. Lolly saved the popcorn from last night—well, most of it—and Gage and Jessica are trying really hard not to eat the rest of it.”

Bryce raised a brow. “Just Gage and Jessica?”

“Well… I might be trying pretty hard, too.” Another giggle escaped her.

“Then I guess we need to get down there.”

“Are you going to help?”

“If that’s okay with you.”

“Of course. The more the merrier, my mommy always says.”