MINAH slowly opened her eyes. She had deliberately stayed awake. She glanced at Asher’s digital alarm clock on the bedside table next to their bed.
Ten minutes before Christmas.
When Minah looked back at Asher, he was fast asleep. She was sure he wouldn’t wake up.
Carefully, she got out of bed and walked toward the door without putting on any slippers. She turned to glance at Asher once more—still asleep. Satisfied, she quietly opened the door and slipped out, making sure to close it just as gently.
Minah let out a deep sigh.
After dinner, they exchanged gifts. Asher had given her an expensive necklace.
She had also received an heirloom from Mommy Anne—one of three gifts from her.
Christmas would have been perfect if she had gotten the one gift she truly wanted from Asher. But it st
