Had they been wrong to let her sleep on the journey? Alix had no clue as to the best approach.

Zac appeared in the doorway, holding a book and a soft toy. “I lost my audience.”

“Not that I’m an expert, but isn’t bedtime supposed to be a time of quiet and calm?”

“I guess it depends. I prefer my bedtimes to be more exciting.” He gave her a wink and turned back into the bedroom without giving her a chance to respond.

“Are you okay, Aunty Alix?” Holly studied her closely. “You look pink.”

“It’s the fire. It’s making me hot.” She walked into the cozy bedroom and tucked Holly back into bed. Only now, when all three of them were crammed into it, did she realize how small it was.

Holly wriggled and rolled. “This bed is strange.”

“It’s the coziest, comfiest bed in the world.” Alix tucked the numerous soft toys around her. “I wish I was sleeping in it.”

“You could sleep in it with me. Is it Christmas tomorrow?”

“Not yet, bunny. Soon.”

“I want Christmas to come now. Will you both sleep with me tonight?” Holly snuggled down with all the toys, leaving barely any room for herself.

Alix rescued a cute mouse with a pointed nose that was dangling precariously close to the edge. “I think it looks a little crowded in there. You already have more than enough company.”

“Where will you be sleeping?”

It was a problem she had yet to address, but Zac had clearly thought it through.

“Aunty Alix will be in the bedroom, and I’ll be in the living room on the couch.”

“I want you both to sleep here with me. I’m scared.”

Alix felt a ripple of alarm. She didn’t want Holly to have bad dreams. “You’re going to be fine.”

Zac leaned forward and added another toy to the bundle already sharing the bed with Holly. “What exactly are you scared of?”

Alix felt frustrated with herself. Of course that was the question she should have asked.

Holly squeezed her polar bear tightly. “Polar bears.”

“Polar bears don’t live here.”

“Wolves.”

Zac considered. “The wolves are all busy in other places. And they’re not interested in little girls.”

“They liked Little Red Riding Hood.”

“Good point...” Zac thought about it. “But your pajamas are blue. No red in sight.”

“There might be a monster under the bed.”

Alix shook her head. “There’s no—”

“Why don’t I check?” Zac went on his knees to look. “No monster. There is nothing under this bed. You are safe.”

Alix watched him. Why hadn’t she thought of doing that?

Holly was determined to stretch out the moment. “What if I have bad dreams?”

“Then, you’ll call out to us, and we’ll come and sit with you.”

“Will you leave the door open?”

Zac stood up. “The door will be open. Now, sleep tight.”

Alix felt some of her tension drain away. He was good with the child. At least she could be confident that if there was a crisis, he’d be able to handle it.