vampires of san francisco 08 - merry sucking christmas Read Free Page A

Mathilda. I supplied all the pictures and she made sections for me to write underneath each one. I’ve been holed up in my office at the club a lot lately filling it in. I think she will love it. We’ve been meaning to make photo albums with pictures of Mattie but haven’t gotten around to it yet. If this is a hit, I may do it every year. For birthdays I could do memories of Lily. I really like the idea of being a part of the creation of her gifts. It’s finished and all I have to do is get it wrapped.
    Aidan and I are going out for a drink tonight with Diel. Diel and I will drink and Aidan will soak up djinn energy, however he does that. The important thing is we get together every couple of weeks to talk and let loose. Lily says that I’m more relaxed now that I’m blowing off some steam once in a while. I’ve never had close male friends besides Julian before. We’ve invited him but he is usually too busy to join us. Tonight will be the exception. I think it has something to do with Saturnalia. He really embraces the whole feasting mood. Helena is ready for a break from him and all things Saturnalia, so this is perfect.
    I grab the photo book and head out of the club, stopping by a boutique nearby to beg them to wrap the book for me. With a generous tip and a wink I soon have a wrapped gift for my Lily. I can’t help but smile. I whistle on the way to my car. I love this time of year.
    Once home, I slip the gift along with Mattie’s under the tree near the back where she won’t notice them. We decided not to follow the whole Santa thing with Mattie to a point. We will tell her about him and even have taken her for a visit at Macy’s but we explained he is a spirit and it’s in Jesus’ memory that we give gifts. Christmas is a celebration of life. Mattie is fascinated with reindeer and elves and we’ve watched every Christmas special that has come on. Her favorite is Rudolph.
    I look for my girls after my secret mission is complete. I don’t have to look far, I can hear them splashing in the pool. Annie is taking a much needed break, reading on a chaise lounge. Lily is in a black bikini with hot pink polka dots. Her luscious curves tantalizing over the strips of fabric. I have to shake myself and remember with my daughter here it has to stay PG. Mattie is wearing a hot pink bikini with black polka dots. They are too beautiful and I lean against the door watching them without them knowing. My heart expands and I realize that I love them more and more every day. Impossible but true.
    Lily looks up and sees me. Her smile is radiant, it takes what little breath I have away.
    “Bast, get your trunks on and join us.”
    “I can’t, I’m meeting the guys in a half hour.” She gives me a pouty lip that I want to bite. 
    Mattie takes the opportunity to splash her mother when she’s not looking. She douses Lily completely and I can’t help my laugh. Soon Lily is laughing too, after the shock wears off. She pushes a small wave towards Mattie. Mattie starts giggling and splashes her again.
    “Daddy, daddy! Will you be home to read to me?”
    “You can count on it, ma petite chou-chou. I think we will finish Le Petit Prince tonight. Is that acceptable, princess?”
    “Yes! I love that book. Mommy’s been practicing French with me today. She’s getting good at it,” Mattie says sagely. I have to laugh when Lily narrows her eyes at our daughter. 
    “I’m glad you and mommy are practicing. We are going to France in just two more months. Do you remember?”
    “Mmm hmm and I will get to see real castles. Woohoo!” Mathilda squeals as she jumps up and down, splashing the hell out of Lily. Since all the children are supernatural for one reason or another, they’ve all aged at different rates. Being under a year old is very confusing for some since Mattie is as big as a five year old and much brighter. The twins are about the equivalent of four year olds and Sammy is about three. The twins are technically