Mr. 365 (34 page)
Authors: Ruth Clampett
We say our good-nights and head home, feeling the warm satisfaction of knowing we put some smiles on the kids’ faces.
We let Romeo out in the yard and sit on the deck hand-in-hand.
“I’m happy to see Hank looking so settled,” I say as Romeo runs off to chase some critter in the yard.
Will sighs. “I’ve never seen him this content. He’s broken the cycle of being homeless and I’m really proud of him.”
“You know it happened because of you.”
“No. He may have met the group at the shelter when he helped me set up the village and train set I donated last year, but the rest is all Hank. He’s a good man.”
I reflect on the year we’ve had. There have been setbacks and disappointments but wonderful things, too. I look at Will, and my heart swells, knowing our love has grown deeper than I knew was possible. I trace the bottom of his tattoo on his arm, my fingertip outlining the roots of the oak tree.
He looks down. “The tree’s roots keep me steady,” he says, watching with a tender expression. “Like you, Sophia.”
“As you do for me.” I feel the goose bumps on his skin. “You must be getting cold. Let’s go inside and do something Christmasy of our very own.”
“Like what? The house is pretty low-key now as far as Christmas goes.”
“Hey, I love our little tree and homemade stockings on the mantle.”
He laughs and squeezes my hand. “I do too.”
“I know—we could shake up our snow globe. The one I gave you to win you back last year.” I smile remembering the first time I realized Will had placed the snow globe front and center on his mantle.
“Okay. And then let’s head upstairs and find other ways to celebrate.”
He calls Romeo, and we head into the house. “So, do you ever miss that I’m not your big deal Mr. Christmas anymore?”
I look at him with wide eyes before wrapping my arms around him. “You’re so much more than that, Will. You’re everything I ever wanted, wonderful in every way.”
His smile shines bright, warming both of us in its glow. “That’s right—I always wanted to be so much more than your Mr. Christmas, Sophia. I’m completely yours and always will be, three hundred sixty-five days a year.”
Thanks to my daughter, Alex for both supporting and tolerating a mother who talks far too much about fictional characters. I’ve passed on to you my excessive tendencies when it comes to holidays, and you’ve given me quite the fodder with your reality show fascination. We make a fine pair.
Big love to my sister Cheri, and dear friends Lisa and Judy who read early drafts of this story and asked all the right questions for me to go back in and make it better.
Huge thanks and hallelujahs to Angela Borda, Aviva Layton and Janine Savage: editors, drill sergeants, and delightful cheerleaders. You pushed me hard and I loved every minute of it. Will and Sophia thank you too.
Unending gratitude and a few ironic eye-rolls to David Johnston whose cover photography elevated my crazy ideas into something I’m really proud of. Your amazing talent and kindness are appreciated, while your wacky YouTube links and emails keep me grounded.
Jada D’Lee: uber designer, goddess and supportive girlfriend deluxe…I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for all that you do.
Every Skype emoticon of love to my Lost Girls, Erika, Susi and Dawn. You’ve put up with endless babbling from me about a boy who loves Christmas. Your support and love has helped get me through a very challenging year.
Thank you Flavia for loving my words and taking them to the Frankfurt Book Fair. (I got giddy just writing that.) You’re classy, smart and kind—someone I’m proud to work with. The future looks bright.
A big hug to my virtual friends around the world who have become dear real life friends…Azu, Laura, Jenn, Suzie, Mary, Liv, Irene, Elli, Sonia, Roberta, Jack, Erik, Michael, Christina, Kathy….I’d keep listing names but I’m terrified to leave anyone out. You guys have colored this crazy fic world in the most brilliant hues for me. I’m so grateful for your support and I’m proud to know and admire each and every one of you.
Last but very far from least….to the readers, reviewers, bloggers, Tweeters, and fic promoters….I wouldn’t be here without you. I’m honored that you’ve welcomed my characters into your busy lives, and held them in your hearts. You have my gratitude and unending devotion.
Thank you one and all.
Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director, Bob Clampett, has spent a lifetime surrounded by art and animation. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, her careers have included graphic design, photography, VP of Design for WB Stores and teaching photography at UCLA. She now runs her own studio as the fine art publisher for Warner Bros. where she’s had the opportunity to know and work with many of the greatest artists in the world of animation and comics.
Mr. 365
is Ruth’s second novel and is inspired by her varied experiences in the television world from winning big on a game show, to guest hosting on the QVC shopping network, to sharing a studio with a production team that produced early reality television. Her first novel,
Animate Me
, is a contemporary romance set in the animation world. She lives in Los Angeles and is heavily supervised by her teenage daughter, lovingly referred to as Snarky, who helps her plan and execute their yearly Christmas extravaganza.
Connect with Ruth:
https://twitter.com/RuthyWrites