White lights on the Christmas tree illuminate our living room in a warm glow. It’s Christmas Eve and barely a creature is stirring. Even Nameless is snoring on his bed in front of the wood stove.

Sitting in the most comfortable baby chair ever with a Boppy propped under my arms, I glance around the room, finally understanding the Grinch’s point-of-view. My heart must have grown in physical size to accommodate the emotion I feel for my wife and child.

Hailey holds Shaw nestled against her chest, only the top of his head visible outside his baby burrito wrap. Next to her on the couch, Mack sleeps in Diane’s arms after nursing. In my old recliner, Alene snuggles on John’s lap, listening while he reads her The Night Before Christmas. Every now and then, her head dips forward and she jerks it back as her lids droop with sleep. I don’t know how she’s still awake.

Ros and Dan are curled up together on the other couch. Their daughter was born three days after the babypalooza. Ginger haired Ione sleeps on Dan’s chest, swaddled and snug. I’m pretty sure Ros is asleep.

I blink away the tired burn in my own eyes. Neither Hailey nor I have slept more than a few hours at a stretch the past ten days. I can’t imagine John and Diane have gotten much more than us, given they have a toddler and a newborn.

The logs snap and pop, the room warm from the fire as snow lightly falls outside. White flakes cling to the boughs of the cedar trees and grass. Some random Christmas music softly plays through the speakers as people recover from the big feast.

Shaw’s only nine days old, but whenever he sees Alene, he stops crying. And he cries a lot. But when she’s close by, he’s content. I’m not sure if he can even focus his eyes yet.

Then again, he is a Donnely. With his pale blond fuzz and a single dimple, he already takes after his father. Handsomest baby around.

John’s not amused and has declared more than once my son will never be allowed to date his daughter.

We’ll see about that.

That’s a long way off. We have years of these kids growing up together. Another generation of island boys chasing girls and making fools of themselves.

I hope they end up even half as happy as I am now. A few years ago if you told me I’d be married and a dad, I would’ve laughed my ass off and then called you crazy.

Stranger things have happened, but in my life, nothing has been better than falling in love with Hailey. Loving her has made me a better man, someone worthy of loving her and Shaw. The tomcat has been domesticated and I’ve never been happier. If I could, I’d probably purr with contentment.

Yeah, I’m that much of a mush ball.

It’s probably the lack of sleep.

Let’s go with that.

John reads the last line of the poem, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

“Peace on earth, goodwill to man,” I respond, the words holding more meaning now as we hold the future in our arms.

Wouldn’t change a thing in my life.

Except another little combo of Hailey and me. Or two. Twins.

It’s always good to have goals for the new year.

* * *

Thank you for reading Wingmen Babypalooza. I had the best time writing in Tom’s POV again. I don’t know what it says about me, but I have the easiest time getting into Tom’s head. He always makes me laugh, swoon, and inevitably cry with his antics and big heart.

Since I have your attention, I want to share some Wingmen news. Jonah will be getting his own book in 2018 and the title is The Last Wingman. And his book will be the final full length novel in the series. I am a combo meal of mixed feelings about writing the last Wingmen book. These men and Whidbey have a big chunk of my heart. They always will.

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to write an honest review and sharing it on or your favorite retailer. Reviews and word of mouth are the best ways to spread the word about books we enjoy. Think of it as an early holiday gift from you to me. I promise I’ll never return or exchange it.

To keep up with me, sign up for my . Lots of exciting news, a newsletter exclusive serial, and tons of new books coming your way in 2018. Let’s keep in touch!

xo Daisy