Merry Christmas, Daddy. SUSAN MEIER

my own person. Marrying a man to get my independence is almost paradoxical.”

      “I say it’s common sense,” Emma said primly. “In my day…”

      Candy let out a yelp, and Loretta, Sam and Emma all jumped to their feet.

      “She’s just anxious,” Kassandra told Loretta with a chuckle. “She’s a very healthy eater and a fast eater. She wants you to speed things up.”

      “Oh, I’m making you mad,” Loretta cooed to the baby. “Well, we’ll just go faster, then.”

      Gabe watched the way his mother fawned over Candy, feeding her, tickling her, teasing her, and realized he’d never seen his mother like this. She was so happy she was buoyant.

      “Give her a bite of the peas,” Sam said, and Gabe switched his attention to his father. He’d also never seen his father like this. Hell, he didn’t even know his father liked kids….