Page 50 of Grumpmas

Blood rushed throughout my body and drummed in my ears. The pulsating fluster made my cheeks burn, and I couldn’t stop the tremble in my hands. Jack made me experience things I never thought I would, and he confused the fuck out of me.

“Sweetheart. This present isn’t for me...” I turned the box toward Faith. “It’s for you.”

“For me?” Faith peered up at me with confusion.

“Yeah,” I whispered.

The situation dumbfounded me. I simply didn’t know how to react. Jack had blindsided me with his kindness toward the most precious little girl in my entire world.

Faith smiled the biggest grin I had ever seen, lighting up her cute face, and my heartbeat went out of control. The note flew when she pulled out the contents inside the parcel and held up the surprise. My daughter beamed with delight, fully in awe at her new costume for her role in the concert.

“Mommy, look!” Faith exclaimed with a shocked expression and held the costume up against her tiny body. “The outfit is perfect!”

I pointed at the box.

“Wait...” I couldn’t contain my laughter at Faith’s enthusiasm. “There’s more in there.”

“What?” Faith grabbed the box and dumped it upside down until more contents fell out. “No way! Mr. Timber got me makeup too?”

“He covered all the bases for your transformation.” I giggled with delight and crossed my arms. “I hate to admit it, but Jack outdid himself this time.”

“Yep.” Faith popped theP.

I tapped the tip of my foot against the floorboards. “But he’s ruining this moment by not being here. Where is he?”

Faith peered past me and giggled while she covered her mouth.

“What’s so funny?” I shook my head and narrowed my eyes.

“Why can’t I get compliments on a regular basis?” Jack asked, his voice coming from behind me.

I gasped, spun around and there was a green cynical creature in full costume. The grumpy character leaned against the doorframe leading into my dining room, and he waved a long, hairy index finger at me. One eyebrow was raised with an unimpressed half-frown.

“Jesus, Jack! What the hell?” I glared at him. “How did you get in?”

“No swearing in front of the child, Elle.” Jack tsked at me and shrugged. “Someone left the door unlocked.”

Oh, fuck you, asshole!I had been admiring Jack’s good deeds, only for him to remind me of the grumpy son of a bitch he truly was deep down in his bitter soul. He was as mean and green as the fucking character he kept portraying, but he only dressed up for my daughter.

Gah!

I hated Jack.Nice, but mean.Who the hell was the real Jack Timber?The truth remained to be seen.

TWENTY-THREE

Heartfelt Wonder

Noelle

“Mr. Timber!” Faith exclaimed as she ran at him with her arms outstretched, ready to greet him with a big hug. “You came!”

“Ah, ah, ah...” Jack held up a hand, and Faith’s forehead collided with it. “Not so fast.”

“But I want to thank—” Jack shushed her.

“Nope.” Jack shook his head. “Mr. Timber gave you a gift, but I’m...”

Jack waited for Faith to answer.