A Hickory Ridge Christmas by Dana Corbit

specialty toy shop.
    Rebecca and her father were so at ease with each other, no longer strangers, as they’d been a week before, but fast friends. They seemed to share a comfortable, private rhythm, a sign that they were building a foundation for a relationship between just the two of them.
    Hannah waited, expecting jealousy to squeeze inside her and to strangle all the magnanimous feelings she’d been experiencing tonight. Todd was an interloper; before, Rebecca’s heart had belonged to her mother alone.
    To her surprise, Hannah felt only warmth. Her eyes were wet as she stared at the blur of bright colorsfrom games, toys and puzzles stacked high in the tiny shop. Strange how she didn’t feel cramped herself in this new relationship. There seemed to be plenty of room for both Todd and her in Rebecca’s heart.
    She’d been naive to believe Rebecca didn’t need a father in her life. Now she wanted that for her daughter. It had become intrinsically tied to all the hopes and dreams Hannah had for her child: for a strong relationship with God, for a good education, for love, adventure, dreams and joy.
    â€œMommy?”
    Hannah glanced down at the little love of her life, who was pulling on the hem of her parka to get her attention. A packaged collector’s doll in a satiny, pink dress rested in her daughter’s arms.
    â€œDo you think Santa would mind if I asked for just one doll this year?”
    â€œSweetie, that isn’t really the kind of doll that you would play with.” Or one her mother could afford. That familiar disappointment pulled at her spirit, a reminder of the way that tight budgets warred with Hannah’s need for independence in caring for her child.
    â€œBut she opens and shuts her eyes and everything.” The child shifted the box to demonstrate before hugging the package to her chest.
    â€œShe sure does, but this doll—” Hannah paused to read the name printed on the box “—Miss Gabrielle is the kind of toy you put up on your shelf to look pretty.”
    â€œShe is pretty, Mommy. Look, her hair’s just like Tessa’s.”
    Hannah glanced down at the doll’s collection ofdark curls, all tidily collected with a bright pink ribbon. That hair would look exactly like Tessa’s unruly mass of springy curls before they could finish Christmas breakfast.
    â€œYou mean Andrew and Serena’s little girl?” Todd asked as he came closer to study the doll.
    â€œShe’s a big girl. Tessa’s nine.”
    â€œOoh, I stand corrected.” Todd said seriously.
    â€œBut the doll…” Hannah began again.
    â€œOkay, Mommy. I’ll put her back.” Rebecca returned the toy to the shelf with her sister pricey dolls but only after several hugs and a promise to visit. Even after Miss Gabrielle was standing tall next to her sisters, Rebecca stood looking up at her with longing.
    Hannah peeked over at Todd, who appeared to be fighting back a smile and losing the battle. He crooked his index finger to call Hannah over to him. Her stance stiffened. He wasn’t going to question her parenting, was he? She jumped in before he had the chance.
    â€œLook, Todd, no child should ever have everything she wants. Even if I could afford it.” She glanced around, hoping Rebecca hadn’t overheard, and lowered her voice. “I’ve had to explain this to Dad and to my child-care provider, Mary, but I don’t want everyone overindulging Rebecca. They need to understand that I’m the parent.”
    â€œRebecca has two parents now,” Todd pointed out softly.
    Hannah blew out an exasperated sigh. “I know, but…” She let the words trail off because even shedidn’t know but what. Todd kept a solemn expression when he could have given her the condescending smile she deserved. She appreciated that.
    â€œI know I’m new at this parenting thing, but I just want to be a part of the team,