Alec.
Riley had been having nightmares all throughout the night, and I only woke up because she was kicking me. She was whimpering and pleading for help. When she finally woke up, she was shaking and crying. After we settled down and managed to go back to sleep, the kids woke up shouting that Santa was here.
I ended up getting out of bed and joining them downstairs to help Anna with breakfast while the kids excitedly opened a few of their presents. I was at the stove, transferring bacon to a plate, when Jackson came up behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders.
"Everything alright, mate?" he asked.
I looked at him over my shoulder. "Tired, but other than that, I'm good."
"I'm surprised Rye isn't up yet."
I yawned, covering my mouth as I said, "She was up half the night."
He ga
