Sam picked Malati up in one arm and Malini in the other. Both little girls shrieked with delight. They weren’t going to be small enough for him to pull this off for very long. His back was already sending warning shots across his bow, but it was Christmas morning. He could enjoy their laughter and joy a little while longer. “Did you girls enjoy what Santa brought you?” he asked.
Jai looked on, grinning. He was old enough for his jury to be out on the subject of Santa Claus. Soon enough, he’d be a nonbeliever like most older kids. He wouldn’t ruin it for his younger sisters, though. He took his role as their protector seriously, until it came time to get dessert or get a shot.
The whole family was still in their pajamas, bedhead and all. The kids couldn’t wait until they’d gotten prettied
