GIFT-WRAPPED FOR DADDY SANTA

The poor man.

It's tough enough that my mom ran out on my stepfather and me with their accountant—an accountant, for Joy's sake!—but now his work is cutting Christmas bonuses, leaving him panicking about not being able to cover gifts for everyone.

Especially me.

How'd I find that out? The stockings were still hung with care, but how else do you explain the barren ground underneath the Christmas tree? Daddy usually sets down at least a few gifts early to tantalize me before the big day.

But I'm a grown woman. Getting gifts isn't something I've thought about for years. Sure, it's nice, but I can...