Page 181

Charlie reaches for the nightstand.

"Nope." I hook an arm around her waist and haul her backward.

She makes an outraged noise.

I reiterate, "Nope! Your mama says you're not allowed to eat phone chargers."

Charlie reaches for it and wails.

I grab the pacifier and hold it near her mouth.

She leans in and sucks it.

I pick her up and hold her against my chest. "Okay, peanut. We're gonna have to talk about rules."

Lainey comes back carrying a rectangular package wrapped in dark green paper. She climbs onto the bed but doesn't hand it over right away.

Charlie squirms until she's wedged between my legs.

Lainey hands me the package. In a nervous tone, she offers, "This is for you."

"Thank you." I pull the card off the top.

"Read that second!"

"Really?" I question.

"Yes," she insists.

I rip the flap open.

"Jagger."

"What?"

"I just said second."

"I heard you," I affirm.

"Then why are you opening it?"

"Because now I'm curious."

She groans. "You're impossible."

I pull out the Christmas card. Her handwriting fills the inside.

Jagger,

Even when you weren't in front of me, you were.

Merry Christmas.

I love you.

P.S. Make me send you the video.

I look up.