Page 134 of My Heart's Doctor

“Tell me what you asked for.”

“I asked for lots of games and paints and also for a Princess Rapunzel costume.”

“Ah, very good,” I said, having no idea what costume she was referring to, but certain that Devon must have known exactly what it was. “I’m sure you’ll get those gifts because you’ve been a very good girl.”

“Daddy, what did you ask for?”

“I didn’t ask for anything because I have everything I need to be happy. I have you and Devon.”

Aurora laughed and then said:

“Does Santa Claus bring presents togrown-ups?” she asked, with that wonderful innocence that made me both laugh and feel emotional.

How extraordinarily good it would be if all people preserved that pure innocence of childhood and didn’t harbor so much evil in their minds and hearts! At that moment, I thought about what Devon’s childhood might have been like and, from the little I knew about her mother, I assumed it hadn’t been very good. From now on, I was going to do everything in my power to make Christmas a time of happiness for her and ensure she would remember it with joy.

“I think he gives them something, but most of the gifts are for children.”

Devon’s voice interrupted us, and I was truly grateful because I didn’t know what else to tell Aurora.

“I’m ready now.”

I turned to look at her. Our eyes met and, as always, I felt that deep emotional connection that bound us together. She smiled and her smile dazzled me. She looked beautiful. She had put on white pants and a sleeveless blue blouse. Everything highlighted her slender and perfect figure. And she was completely mine. I was the luckiest man in the world because I had what mattered most, her heart.

Alba was coming with her, so we were ready to do our Christmas shopping. It would be our first time doing it together and I planned to enjoy every minute by her side.

While I was choosing games for Aurora, I watched Devon in the book section, very focused on reading the descriptions of the ones she picked up.

“Do you want to give her books?” I asked, approaching her.

“I think she would like them, if we choose well. Books have many benefits, they improve concentration, stimulate imagination, enhance language skills, and Aurora loves them. She really enjoys our nighttime reading and we can share that moment with her.”

I couldn’t help but smile. It was as if she were giving me medical recommendations in response to a consultation. Evidently, she couldn’t separate herself from her profession.

“If you say so, doctor.”

“Are you making fun of me?” she asked, frowning.

“I wouldn’t dare,” I replied, unable to wipe the smile from my face, and her frown disappeared, giving way to that beautiful smile I loved so much.

“What did you buy her?”

“I chose board games and paints, you know she loves to paint. I still need the princess costume she asked for, but I can’t remember the name.”

“Rapunzel,” she said immediately.

As I suspected, she was perfectly clear about what Aurora wanted regarding princesses.

“Rapu... what? Why do they give them such strange names?” I asked, just to enjoy her smile again, though truthfully, the princess’s name was a bit difficult for me too.

“Rapunzel,” she repeated, still laughing.

“Okay, I’ll go tell the saleswoman,” I said, and walked away to find the person who had been helping me, this time to ask for help finding the costume of... of... I’d remember it.

“Excuse me,” I said, approaching the saleswoman who was placing some boxes on the shelves, “could you tell me where I can find the costume of... it’s a Disney princess.”

“We have costumes for almost all the Disney princesses. Which one are you looking for?”

“The name is a bit difficult, I think it was... Devon,” I said, looking toward where she was.