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“I’ll get it!” Beth screamed as she dashed from the kitchen “Maybe it’s Santa”

With a chuckle, Shell wiped her sticky hands on a dishtowel “Santa doesn’t knock on the door, silly,” she called after her daughter “He co old chiet there” She chased after the energetic five-year-old

Thunder had been sitting outside their house since Copper left, but she still didn’t want her child ripping the door open

Beth dropped her hand frorin over her shoulder

“Busted,” Shell said as she approached the door

“You’re here Can I open it now?”

“One second” She swiped her phone open, checking the security app Cassie stood on the Santa welcome mat while Thunder remained in his car on the street “Go for it”

After struggling with the deadbolt, Beth yanked the door open “Mama V!” she squealed “Even better than Santa”

Cassie gave Beth an indulgent smile “Well, don’t I feel special now,” she said as she crouched down As was her custom, she pulled a lollipop out of her pocket and held it out for Beth

Her daughter’s face lit as she reached for the treat, but then she thought better of it and looked up and over her shoulder at Shell “Can I have it, Mommy? Pleeease?”

“Yeah, Mommy, can she have it? Pleeease?” Cassie said in an al kid

“All right,” Shell said as she rolled her eyes “Lay off it, you two You can have the lollipop”

“Yes!” Beth raised her arms in victory then snatched the lollipop from Cassie As she turned and started to dash back into the house, she caught Shell’s gaze then spun back around “Thank you, Ma her ar into the house “I’onna make you and Viper a Christmas picture!” she shouted as she disappeared up the stairs

“Oh, to have even half her energy Come on in, Mama V Didn’t ination, or had Cassie lost weight recently? She stood in a fluffy coat, shivering on the porch

“Thanks, sweetie” Cassie pressed a kiss to Shell’s cheek as she entered the home

“Let me take your coat”

Cassie handed it over, rubbing her slender arone