A Forever Christmas

While Sarah went on a mission to find the tree stand, he trimmed off the lowest branches as Hunter and Chase looked on. By the time they got the tree up and tried to find one decent side, it was six o’clock and time for him to be at his new customer’s office.

“I’ve got to go. You three can try to find a side that doesn’t have too many gaps in the branches.”

He rubbed Hunter’s head. And started to rub Chase’s. But Chase launched into his arms and gave him a quick hug and sloppy kiss.

He started to thank Sarah. But for what? Throwing his whole schedule off and making him late? “I appreciate you taking the boys to Dad’s for me,” he said.

“No problem. Thanks for coming to help get the tree.” She gave him a big smile.

Did she feel it too? Or were his feelings one-sided. “Hey boys, you two run outside and get your bookbags out of Sarah’s car so you don’t forget them.”

Both obeyed and headed out the front door.

“I hope you don’t see Hunter and Chase as some sort of mission project,” he said voicing the fear that had been nagging him for the past few hours.

She looked surprised. “Oh. No, of course not.” But she seemed uncomfortable, as if he’d hit at least on some bit of the truth.

“So why’d you want to spend time with them?”

“They’re in the play. I wanted to get to know them.”

“And you’re going to get together with each of the children in the play?”

She didn’t say anything.

It made him sick to think her kindness to his boys was nothing more than feeling sorry for them. “My kids aren’t neglected. They’re not needy. I do a perfectly fine job providing for them.” He paced across the living room, wishing his house were bigger so he had decent room to work off the aggravation.