"What on earth are you still doing up, little miss?" you ask, rubbing your eyes as you enter the living room. "I thought you were following me to bed."
I yawn and nuzzle into a throw pillow under the tree. "I was waiting for Santa." I pull my purple blanket up over my shoulders and roll onto my tummy, looking at you. "It's too exciting to sleep on Christmas Eve, Daddy."
You run your fingers through your hair and I try not to blush or stare. You're in your pajama bottoms and slippers and nothing else. My eyes wander, taking in every inch of you. Every time I see you, especially when you're half naked, I still get butterflies.
"He can't come if you're awake, baby-girl."
"I know, Daddy. But..."
"No buts. Come to bed."
I look at the twinkling lights, illuminating the room and sigh. "Five more minutes?" I bat my eyes at you. "Pretty please?"
You groan. "That's not fair... Your big eyes and your bed-head and you're wearing my shirt-"
"And boxers!" I giggle.
"AND boxers, and you're just too damn cute..." You give a long sigh, before telling me to scoot over. "It's cold and if I have to be out here, I need some blanket too."
I scootch as the heat kicks on next to us. As you crawl under, I tuck the opposite edge of the blanket over the heater vent, creating a bubble or warmth around us. You snuggle up to me and wrap an arm around me, stealing my pillow.
I giggle and kiss you softly before looking up at our tree. "Isn't it magical Daddy?"
You nod, yawning. "Mhmm." Your eyes are closed.