Edward

"Hey Dad?"

I hum, from the kitchen as I make us some soup for lunch.

"I just remembered something," he says rushing into the kitchen with a worried look on his face.

"What's up bud?" I wonder, setting the soup aside and focusing on him.

"I never told Santa what I want for Christmas," he blurts out, looking terrified.

Shit!

When I finish mentally swearing to myself, I stare at my son who's eyes are currently as big as a bush baby and look like they're about to spring a leak any second.

"Why don't we write him a letter?" I suggest, trying to think quick. Anything to keep from having to go to the blasted mall.

He shakes his head.

"Why not?" I wonder.

"Because, the mail doesn't go on Sundays. You've always told me that."

The kids smart. I've got to hand that to him. But I don't really want to go to the mall on the Sunday, two days before Christmas.

"Okay," I sigh. "I'll get my keys."

I scrap the soup, putting a cover on the pot and turning the stove off, before getting my jacket and wallet.

Once Ej is all bundled up, we get a move on.

We get to the mall and Ej tries to run ahead of me, but thankfully I grab his hood.

"Hey little man, chill. There's too many people here today for you to run ahead."

"Okay, sorry dad."

I smile and ruffle his hair as we approach the food court. Santa's all set up there, with a line that's at least a good hundred people deep.

I want to swear. But there's way too many impressionable kids nearby to do anything like that. So I do mentally. Cursing every other parent that also either forgot or waited until the last minute to bring their kid to see Santa today.

But remembering Mr. Fontaine's words, I grab Ej's hand and proudly get in line.

The wait is definitely a pain in the ass, but two long hours later, Ej is smiling like crazy. And there's nothing that can top that. No matter how warm and crowded the mall is, his face, his excitement is worth every second of discomfort.

"I'm next," he tells me excitedly.

I nod and smile down at him. "Okay, follow what she says to do," I say pointing to the elf that's come to get him.

"Got it, Dad."

Then another, equally helpful elf gives me the pricing for the complimentary photo. I thank him as the female elf directs Ej to the chair, sitting him next to Santa.

They smile for one photo, then Santa asks my boy what he wants for Christmas. And I listen intently, wondering just what was so important that we had to make a special trip down to see the big guy.

But when the words come out of his mouth, I'm stunned.

"Santa, I know you're real busy and all. But could you please bring me and my daddy a new mom? Dad's so busy and I know he would really like it."

My heart drops to the pit of my stomach and I feel like I've been punched in the nuts.

My son wants a mom. Something he's never really had. And I never once, in his short life, thought he would ever want for anyone but myself.

"Oh and some snow would really cool, too."

Thankfully, the mall Santa whispers something that placates Ej and they both smile for a nice photo.

I close my mouth to stop gaping like a fish and move along down the line, collecting my son as he finishes up.

The rest of the afternoon is a blur. I began this trip thinking that I would have to do some serious last minute shopping for the little guy. But now, I'm reeling from his wish list, wondering if I really do need to get out in the world and meet someone.