This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet Page B

including Tyson and Janelle, took pictures with Santa. Aneka was thrilled.
    Afterward they ate lunch and then strolled along the Harbor walkway, entertained by jugglers, magicians and carolers. Janelle took Aneka on the merry-go-round followed by a playful walk through a children’s gingerbread house and a life-size dollhouse, while Tyson disappeared into a nearby toy store to pick up items he had previously ordered online.
    They continued their outing with a trip to the National Aquarium, Aneka’s favorite place to go. As soon as they walked in, Aneka led the way to her favorite exhibits.
    They drove to Washington, D.C., for an early dinner and a special holiday puppet show at Union Station. By the time they headed back to Baltimore, everyone was happily exhausted and Aneka had fallen asleep in her car seat.
    In Tyson’s car, Janelle relaxed back into the blissful comfort of toasty warmth and soft holiday music. She closed her eyes and exhaled, feeling absolutely perfect. She turned around to see Aneka fast asleep.
    â€œShe is so adorable. How do you like being a single father?”
    â€œIt’s more difficult than ever I imagined. But I love it and I got great tips from your father.”
    â€œMy dad? Really?” she said, stifling a yawn.
    â€œYeah, really.” He turned to her. “Tired?”
    â€œNo, not really—more happy and contented.”
    â€œI like the sound of that.”
    â€œYeah, me, too. I think I could get used to this.”
    â€œI hope so.” He reached over and grasped her hand, squeezing gently. “Thank you. You made our day very special. I couldn’t have imagined it without you.”
    Janelle smiled to herself. “It’s funny. I’m usually working through the holidays. It gives the doctors with young children a chance to spend the day with them. So, I’ve missed out on most Christmassy things.”
    â€œLike baking cookies, riding on merry-go-rounds and taking pictures with Santa,” Tyson suggested.
    She chuckled. “Yes. Exactly. I forgot how much fun it can be just to let go and enjoy life. I don’t get a chance to do that.”
    â€œWith the right person,” Tyson added.
    Janelle nodded in agreement and looked at him. “Yes, with the right person.”
    â€œSo, right person, what happens next?” he asked.
    Janelle took a deep breath and sighed. “Well, Dad has the neighbors over tomorrow night for the annual Christmas Eve party and neighborhood luminaries.”
    â€œWhat are those?” he questioned.
    â€œThe neighborhood does it every year. My mom and dad started it years ago. We place white bags with candles and sand throughout the area. At sunset the candles are lit and the whole area looks like Santa’s runway. Afterward Dad has everyone over for cookies, hot chocolate and champagne.”
    â€œSounds nice,” he said.
    â€œIt is. The kids in the neighborhood love it and Dad looks forward to doing it every year no matter what. He invites his staff and their kids. It’s a huge thing for him.
    â€œAneka will love it,” she added, then continued in a whisper. “Later on in the evening, Santa will drive his sleigh through the neighborhood.”
    He smiled, nodding. “You’re right. She will love it.”
    They fell into a comfortable silence for the next few minutes. Tyson said, “Janelle, when I asked you before about what’s next, I mean with us—you and me. Where do we go from here?”
    â€œYeah, I know,” she said.
    â€œI never lied to you, Janelle. You always knew I had to leave eventually. It was my job.”
    â€œYes, and I also knew that we talked about having a life together. You know I would have followed you anywhere.”
    â€œThat’s just it. I couldn’t let you do that.”
    â€œIt wasn’t your choice, Tyson. It was mine.”
    â€œAnd I couldn’t let you make it,” he said as Janelle