Christmas Day

The Hollis House

Another major holiday in her new home and new experiences to partake in.  It was the most talked-about day for the year besides one's birthday and Erica was sitting near the window of her home lost on the snowy white view outside. 

Her first white Christmas.

Her father informed her of the chance of having lots of snow on the ground for the season, but she didn't mind. The opportunity of experiencing it was all that mattered to her. Outside wasn't like the movies she loved to watch, but it was good enough for her. Pulling the new blanket her father purchased for her on a whim, tighter around her body, she smiled at the memories she could now hold dear. 

Tree picking was a first for her. The trip to the lot with her father was amusing and eye-opening. It was indeed a family outing plus a 'father knows best' duty. They had specific things they looked for in the perfect Christmas tree. Kids who accompanied their parents were either taught what to look for or given a chance to find their version of perfect. It was fun people-watching that afternoon. Julius gave her the honor of choosing her tree, which took over the living room.
The scent of the tree  filled the room; it was decorated with ornaments she chose and a few handmade ones by her friends and herself. The tree was tall, stout, and full of foliage; Erica was trying to ignore the stress of taking it down after New Year. The colors of blue and silver shone against the room lights and the twinkle lights her father painstakingly chose. Below the branches, neatly stacked on the seasonal tree skirt, were gifts from her family and friends. Those were opening after the breakfast her father wanted to prepare for her. He wanted to spoil her on their first holiday together, and she couldn't take that away from him. Her stomach grumbled at the smell of hot chocolate and the smoky aroma of ham. 

"Ah wonder if dey have chow-chow up here. Ah could do with dat, yes," she muttered to herself. 

Going to her phone to pass the time, she chuckled, seeing the voice notes from her Tobago friends, knowing they were either sleep-filled Christmas Greeting or edited versions of parang song. 

Wait.

Erica paused in going through her messages. "Daddy yuh have Sprangalang Christmas song here?" she shouted towards the kitchen.

"Yeah, and some mixes. Dey on de Alexa playlist," he returned.

"Thank Gawd."

"Alexa play Island Playlist," Julius called out. 

'Now playing, 'Island Playlist.''

It wasn't long when the familiar strumming and intro began by the late Trinidadian singer, Sprangalang. From muscle memory of years singing and dancing to the song, Erica started her own reenactment. Her father was practically crowing the drawn-out parts in the kitchen. Dancing around the room, she replied to messages from everyone.

"De sorrel ripe.... de ginger beer green... wah is dis? Is dog chow?!" The two bellowed that part on instinct. The song was a toe-tapper at any time, no matter the season. 

After two songs, countless pictures were shared back and forth; breakfast was ready. Erica ran into the kitchen to see the spread her father created.  Freshly baked pumpkin bread, sliced ham, fruit salad, sweet bread, and that cocoa tea straight from the fire. "It have..." she started as she situated herself before her laden plate.

"Chow-chow? Yuh granny made and mek sure she sent some for us," her father answered, revealing it from behind his back. 
Chow-chow was pickled vegetables used as topping/dressing for ham or pastelles - another Christmas food. 
Julius took his seat and helped himself to his plate, loving the happy look on his daughter's face. It brought him a greater joy when he informed her of sorrel juice he began to make and the pastelles he made while she slept. 

The latter was made for the Christmas dinner Isaac Bronson was hosting at his family home. The past few days found Spencer experiencing a more exciting air as the older siblings of the group descended on the town. She was formally introduced to Marielle and her husbands at their home, along with Charisse and Lane. Talking to her through video call was one thing but seeing her, in reality, made her relationship with Elijah ten times more accurate. She was questioned thoroughly by Marielle and Charisse, with Shaye as their witness. Jayden was the one who saved her by dragging his wife away for a needed nap. 
Over the days leading up to Christmas, she met Kade and Jerron, best friends of Bryan; they were owners of five prestigious car dealerships and garages. The last to arrive were Isaac and Luanne; they surprised everyone with their early arrival.
It was then it was decided their Christmas dinner would be carried out as a potluck. Isaac will do the main meat dishes, and the sides will be catered by each family.

Back to the father-daughter breakfast, the two enjoyed their meal with idle conversation as Christmas songs blast in the next room.

"Are you okay?"

Erica's hand paused with the now warm cocoa in her hand and eyed her father. His expression was severe, which confused her. They were laughing a few seconds ago; what happened in that space of time.

"Uh, ya. De food real good, and I ain't feeling sick or nothin'" she answered warily.

"No. Da is nuh wah ah mean. Ah mean, if yuh good with how tings dey. Yuh know wid ya mammy," he reiterated.

"Yeah," she returned with a dismissive shrug of her shoulders.

"Erica..."

"Daddy, ah good," she pressed, wanting to end the conversation but her father didn't want to.

"Erica, dis ain't ah simple fall out wid ya mammy. She now out of yuh life. You only have me now, no brother or sister, cousins in other states, and grandparents too. I won't mind if you still want a mother in ya life..."

"Den go an' get married," she cut in with a sneer. Her appetite waned by the simple thought of her mother and half-sister. She was an out-of-sight - out of mind person. Her mother made her choice a long time ago by choosing which daughter to dote on. Erica concluded that she was meant to be a trap for her father. It wasn't new for ambitious women to use kids to gain their successes. There were a few cases back on the island of women using kids to trap the men into marriage for a posh life. Her mother didn't plan on her father's one-tracked mind to have his daughter without any conditions. He saw through her plans and the arduous fight to legally have her. 
All of that was now water under the bridge, she was now happy with the people in her corner and they brought love and comfort for her. But, in her new life, she has no mother or sibling.

"Yuh serious?"

"What?" Erica was too lost in her mind and brewing annoyance to remember what she said a few seconds ago. 

"You said ah should get married," he reiterated.

Leaning back to gauge her feelings, she found herself not bothered by the fact of her father dating. He spent his years in the US building himself up to be at a comfortable stage; she was leaving home soon, he will need someone by his side. 

"Try yuh best, nuh."

Julius smiled, he didn't have to say another word. That simple response she gave him spoke volumes. For a better understanding, Erica gave her father the blessing to go out and date, plus telling him to give his all in his venture. 

It will be nice to watch the family grow.

********

The Winshall House

If one was to go that in-depth, families around the country, the world were celebrating the biggest holiday of the year. One person was awake and still in bed, wondering what was happening outside. Though his room was on the other side of the house, he somehow knew his guardians were up and starting their day. He was curious as to how the married couple celebrated Christmas. Later in the day, they were all heading to the Bronson Mansion for Christmas dinner, an annual reunion of all the families. When he was given the mandatory invite, Shaun began to second guess his position in the circle. Elijah who seems to be intuned with each of his friends threw his arm around his shoulders and simply said, "It's okay. Don't push yourself." Not caring of how it looked, he placed his head on his friend's shoulder in need of that comfort. 

Rising from his bed, he pulled his legs closer to his chest and took a peek outside the window. His thoughts went dark. It was his first Christmas without his family, he endured Thanksgiving, but this holiday affected him for some reason. Is it the continuous melodies of love and happiness with family? The commercial setting on every app of social media or game with the Christmas theme? The day was pissing him off. Though his mother and sister never stayed with him around the breakfast table for at least an hour, he still considered those times Christmas memories. He took over the absent role his father once held and did his best to show them that it was okay. Shaun learned it was all for nothing. His twin sold him out and his mother disowned him.

Ah! This is what they meant by Christmas blues.

"Gotta move on. Curse the holiday season," he muttered to himself. On the bedside table, he can hear the vibrations of his phone due to incoming messages and probably calls from the group. Knowing they won't stop, he reached for it blindly hoping they can spare some holiday cheer. 
The continuous vibration told him it was a call for sure; lying back he swiped instinctively and gave his greeting.

"Merry Christmas."

"Well, this is an unexpected answer. Also, I didn't expect you to do so."

Shaun's body went cold; he didn't know what to do. His heart raced at the sound of his voice yet ached by his betrayal. Since Bree's prank, Derek has been slandering him and playing the victim, all after he tried for days to contact him. That's when he felt the cold loneliness of no one wanting to love him nor needing him. The family may have been at the center of a morbid scandal if it wasn't for Elijah.

"Good-" Shaun began to say, but Derek started to plead for a moment of his time. "Say what you have to, then lose my number."

"Babe, you know why I had to pull away from you. My image could have stained if we went public with what we had; that's why we agreed to keep it under wraps. You went back on your words. You're lucky my influence was high enough to salvage some of my family's reputation." Derek's entire monologue started with coaxing then egotistical.

Shaun chuckled but didn't utter a word. Instead, he listened on as Derek mixed examples of their past relationship with sympathetic suggestions to get him to agree on a deal to help him out.
"I never knew you could be so fucking egotistical and heartless. Are you aiming to be a grade-A bitch for your mama and grandma? God knows you can't go further than high school quarterback with that fucking attitude and lack of support. Did they mention your trust fund and inheritance? Pay me off to be a blackmailer and possibly a rapist so your bank account can grow? Though I accepted the soft sides you showed me; I still kept in mind that you're a cunt. I admit I was foolish to believe the I love yous, but I'm somewhat happy that video was shared. Too bad Bree and my sister didn't tape the night you were fucked like a street whore by two college guys while I fuck your mouth. Merry Christmas, Derek, and to your folks who were coaching you. You really can't think on your own, huh?" 

Ending the call, he threw his phone at the foot of the bed and shut his eyes tightly, not wanting the tears of frustration to go free. The upsetting notion that his blood family is no longer attached to him was enough to handle, but Derek's call to pull one over him sent his anger level higher than average. 
"Fuck this place. I need to get out of this town." 
Shaun knew the reach Derek's family has; after his first refusal of their offer, they tried to mess with him, but the Winshalls and Johnsons stopped them, not wanting him to know, but it's a small town after all. 

"Shaun!" "Lil' bro!"
"Merry Christmas!"

A smile peeked through his 'woe is me' moment. Katie and Bryan were so cheerful but not in an overwhelming way which he somehow needed. 

"Merry Christmas," he returned.

"Breakfast is ready. Come on out," Bryan shouted. They genuinely wanted him to be part of their celebrations, and he didn't want to disappoint them. Opening his eyes, the tears he held back was released, wiping them away with the sleeve of his nightshirt, and rushed to the door.

"I... uh... will be out in a few, let me wash up," he returned with a smile. Katie's smile dropped, and Bryan's shifted from carefree to forced. One could never hide swollen eyes from crying. Shaun lowered his head, clearing his throat to dispel the grey mood that was about to form. "It's nothing," he murmured.

"Nothing is always something, but we won't touch that today. So let's enjoy this day as best as we can."

"You're right," Shaun answered softly. He flinched when he felt the large hand on his head. Maybe it's the lack of male figures in his life or the absence of familial affection, he froze when Bryan ruffled his hair. It's that show of care from a big brother; it wasn't the first time he did it but it still catches him off guard. 
The two turned to leave him to proceed with his morning routine but his feet were stuck. In his mind, he was seeing himself through his own eyes as he was humiliated, defeated, pitied, and consoled. He saw himself being coddled by his friends now this couple. They don't need to watch over a grown-ass kid, they should be focusing on having their own and preparing for it. So everything came down to him, yes he needed help in the areas his low society reputation can't reach but in other areas, he had to help himself. To do the latter, he had to reach out to those who were offering that assistance.

"I want to be strong," he blurted out. 

In his peripheral, he saw the couple pausing in their steps. Katie was clutching onto Bryan, whose body became tense. 

"For who?" 

"Myself. I want to be strong for myself," Shaun answered truthfully.

"Are you accepting my offer?" Bryan asked. The offer he referred too, came from a conversation the two had when they left the county jail where his sister was currently locked up.

"Yes."

"Very well. You have until Spring to say your goodbyes."

Just like that, the weight on his shoulders was no more. So this was the path he had to take, unconventional but right. 

California is where his new life will start.

**********

The Johnson Home

Sitting in the lap of her husband, Janine watched over her son and daughter as they got lost in their Christmas gifts, along with her nephews, Micah and Harem. In the corner sipping on some eggnog was Taylor, texting away with one hand, with a happy smile on her face. 

"You think she's alright?" Janine asked her husband softly.

"On the outside, probably but it's not our duty to push for an answer. She has to cope with this first Christmas without her mother," Eli returned, tightening his hold on his wife. He knew how useless she felt. Taylor was spending her first Christmas without both parents. They don't know what she might be feeling, but the best they can do is offer her the comfort of a family. She has to battle this on her own. 

"You're right."

From what they heard from Elijah, she was emotionally sound; she was at peace with her new circumstances. Maybe it's their parental side causing them to worry over her. They all made it known to her that they are ready to help her if she ever asks. It was indeed best for them to leave things be.
Taking a look around the family room once more, Janine felt so happy. She couldn't explain it but she couldn't keep the smile off her face. Here she was spending another lovely Christmas with her high school love, her two children along with the others she claimed as her own; Her eldest was happily married and about to start her own family, not to mention the great friends she had. Her life was grand by her standards.

"I'm excited," Eli mumbled as he burrowed deeper into his wife's warm body. Her fingers tightened on top of his hands as he does this. A low chuckle left his lift when he felt that family heat flow through him whenever they touch each other. After all these years and he still feels it. So many adventures they went through now for a new one to conquer.

"We're going to be grandparents, baby," she added to his happy comment.

"My little princess...."

Janine scoffed at the endearment he refer to Marielle as. "Love, our Mari is no longer your little princess. She's now a grown-ass queen with two men as her loyal servants about to have a little one of her own.

"She'll always be my little princess while Shaye is my little empress. You blessed me with three wonderful children, J. Thank you, sweetheart."

"You always thank me," Janine commented. Shifting on his lap, she made herself comfortable by straddling him as he covered them both with a blanket. 

"I must do so, after all, you took that first step in loving me, now look where we're at. I will keep thanking you till my last breath."

Janine wrapped her arms around his neck and simply held him, no words needed to be said, he understood her quiet gestures, the same as she did his. 

This is love. How great it is to live in and with this love every single day?

With the warmth of the room combined with the blanket around her, plus the low chatter of the kids Janine fell into a comfortable nap leaving her husband to keep watch of the kids. Not that they need to be supervised but one person stirs up chaos when she's bored. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his mission's objective slowly making her way back into the room from the kitchen. He frowned. When did she leave the room? In her hands was a tray with two mugs. Eli didn't give her actions much thought since Shaye's tradition since she learned to use fire was to make her own version of hot chocolate. 
"I thought that you two will like more of my hot chocolate. You did say you loved it?" she said to the girls with that bright yet suspicious smile. The girls didn't know that smile, but the men in the room knew it all too well.

"Shaye," Elijah called out to her. 

Eli watched in awe as his little girl did her most tremendous acting role as a baby sister to her older brother. Then, Elijah began to backtrack on his words and melted into the overprotective big brother mode. "Where's my mug? I told you the same," he whined. 

The smile was super effective.

He shuddered in fear for the men in his daughter's future. That smile was perfected through the ages from her mother and her older sister.

"You're not a guest, sir. You can walk to the kitchen on your own. I think I left three more servings," she answered, serving the girls their drinks.

"Oh, fine," her brother grumbled, rushing to the kitchen. 

Shaking his head for his sill worry over Shaye's antics, Eli shifted a bit on the couch to take a nap. The coziness of the room was no joke. Janine uttered his name in her sleep and moved her head accordingly to have him comfortable beside her. 

~~~

How long did he doze off? That didn't matter because the blood-curdling scream that woke him had his heart racing so fast and beating loudly, deafening him at the same time. Disoriented from sleep, Eli found himself on the floor and spotted his wife in the same state in his peripheral, Stacia dancing? - on the sofa, brushing off herself?- Taylor laughing her head off - Elijah had Shaye in a stare off - Harem was trying to talk to Stacia - and Mischa hiding his laughter as he cleaned?

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?" he shouted when he got his hearing back.

His outburst silenced everyone. Harem seemed relieved by it and quickly pulled Stacia from the sofa and left the room with her. Elijah restrained his sister by holding her by her neck and walking her to their parents while Taylor and Mischa composed themselves and left the room.

"It's your turn, baby. I'm heading back to bed," Janine mumbled as she shuffled away from them. Eli's answer was a grunt of acknowledgment, then a tired sigh before he turned to his daughter.
"What was it this time? Why Stacia? What's your motive? Be mindful that you will be the first kid in this family to be grounded on Christmas Day. Congratulations."

"WHAT!"

Raising an eyebrow in question by her outburst, Shaye saw her father's silent admonishment and readjusted her demeanor. She knew she messed up when her mother left her father in charge, and he's barely speaking. "I mean, it's a harmless prank, daddy. No one was hurt; it was a simple welcome to the family event," she explained in a business tone.

"Answer the first question; you answered two."

"I ordered two 3D style coffee mugs, one with a skull and the other a spider. I made Stacia's hot chocolate with the spider. It seems like she wasn't too fond of the mug."

Eli and Shaye fell into a stare-off - one was trying not to laugh, and the other was daring him to laugh. The coffee mugs were hilarious; he received one as a birthday gift from her. The 3D art style was in the mug, when one's drink meets a certain level, you're either frightened by the design or amused by it. The former was Stacia's reaction. 

"Elijah, take Mischa and empty her room with every prank stuff she has stashed away. Remove her phone, laptop, and console from the room also. As for you, Pee-Wee Herman, go apologize to Harem and Stacia, then report to your room. You do not enter, you stand outside the door and watch your brothers strip your room. Merry Christmas, my little empress." Eli gave her a cold smile, his emerald eyes twinkling. Both she and her brother took a hesitant step back, that smile is used when he got the best deal through work without the other side knowing. So what was the upside in grounding her? Shaye was confused but didn't want to stay in her father's presence anymore and figure that out. This time she regretted that prank.

"I'm sorry, daddy, I will .... Ummm.... yeah. I will go apologize right now." Shaye didn't bat an eye at Elijah's way and took a hasty exit out of the room. 

"And I will do as you ordered, sir," Elijah said with a stiff bow. 

"That was hot as hell."

The sudden sound of his wife's voice startled him. Leave it to her, to be turned on when he disciplines the kids. Shaking his head, he braced himself for her weight and teasing. 

Just another day as Janine Johnson's husband.

                                                                             *********

The day went on with everyone enjoying the holiday, trying out their new presents, chatting with each other over social media, and preparing themselves for the last run of the day. Ayanna and Raine were trading messages, but the conversation was more one-sided, with Raine narrating her friend's love life. It all started with the package Ayanna received from Callum. 

He visited her an hour ago with the reddest face she has ever seen on him. Her parents crowded the window, spying on their awkward yet cute gift exchange. She couldn't get the image of his blushing face when he held her gift. The comment of that being the first time a girl gifted him anything affected her greatly for some reason. The pride of having that special memory made her feel ten times tall.
His gift was a large hamper filled with goodies she would use over and over. One thing that stood out for her was the photo memory box that had her name on it. On the inside of the cover was a note written by him. Ayanna didn't dare tell Raine about it; the words themselves showed how personal it was. He asked her one question, but it could be answered whenever she was ready. 
It was endearing that he was confident in the growing feelings they had for each other. She wishes to have that same confidence. They are high school seniors about to step into college. New people will be met, they will be away from home, on top of that, their studies will be more than what they have now. 

She had time to answer him. Hopefully.

Raine: It will be cool to have another couple in the group.

Ayanna: IKR! Like you and Travis!

Raine: Oh come on you know that's on a maybe we will, maybe we won't category.

Ayana: Right!

 That's a definite 'we will' behind those words.

Raine: Only time will tell with us. I won't forget him though. He's my first love and I'm glad we got to talk things out. I want to keep in contact with him as friends and see where it goes.

Ayanna: So you won't date other guys while you wait on the universe to link you two?

Raine: No. Not really. But it won't hurt to give that part a bit of hope.

Ayanna: Hope, huh? 

The conversation was delayed for a while from Raine's end for two hours. When she returned to their private chat, Ayanna felt the change in her texting. She kept up the forced banter knowing her friend will tell her when its the right time. 

                                                                                         ********

The Bronson Manor
Christmas Night

Driving through the gated community, the guests of Isaac Bronson were turned into instant judges. The security handed out a four-page ballot pamphlet of the houses participating in the annual Christmas House Decor competition. They weren't told of this beforehand, so they knew Isaac didn't plan to enter, but his manor was in that pamphlet. On their slow drive, they all took in the designs of each home; the whole competitive vibe was heavy. Each neighbor was outdoing the other with more lights or more oversized decor.

"Wayzzzzz. Imagine dey light bill after this," Erica commented with her face pressed against the window. Her father had the most bored expression on his face, which made it all amusing. He believed in the 'less is more' mantra.

Behind the Hollis' car were the Hectors and Johnsons giving their commentary of the houses. The Winshalls car was filled with Bryan's hilarious comment of the families he had dirt on. Shaun laughed the most, he never knew the ones who held their noses so high, do most demeaning things in the dark to get their riches.
Car after car filled with big names the town either read in magazines or seen on tv with enthusiastic reporters sharing their latest good fortune. Neighbors who were bidding goodbye to their guests at their front door tried to get a glimpse of the passengers in the car as they proceeded in the direction of the Bronson Manor. The family's scandal from years past was still on the nosy neighbors' tongues. Anything that takes place at the old mayor's home, was spread like wildfire around the community before it reach the town itself. When Isaac returned home from college and refurbished his childhood home, that was major news. Now with his many guests were arriving and being escorted in a grandeur manner, this development will surely be one of the few top stories.
At the Bronson Manor, cars lined the curb and whoever carpooled with others was making their way to the front doors manned by the house manager. This employee was one of the few who stayed under Isaac's employ, not for pity on their young master but love. They cared deeply for the once-troubled boy and simply wish to see him grow and have a life on his own decisions.

"The young master will join everyone in the formal dining room," the man announced over the little crowd. He smiled as he spotted those he welcomed back when they were in high school and now wore the faces of working adults and newly wedded bliss. Their siblings who caused amusing antics greeted him cheerfully as the parents of both generations gave him a nod of hello in return. Hands laden with the food they carefully prepared, the aroma of each dish coupled with the happy faces was a sight to behold. This was the first time the manor received such walks of life. In the past, the guests who arrived were more for the ex-mayor's political advancement and not for a simple heartwarming gathering. 

This year was Isaac's first attempt at a family Christmas dinner and showcasing his talent for everyone. A few were lucky to dine at his restaurant in New York while others got a few passing meals from him. 
Chatter filled the halls, their voices filled every crevice of the manor which was filtered to the kitchen where Isaac worked diligently. He smiled in relief that they were all here. 

"Ready? I will take over now. Go and greet your guests." 

The family chef who stayed by his side practically pushed him out the door. He was careful to miss the first waiter who was entering with his hand occupied with a large dish. "Do as planned. It won't be long for the dinner to start," the chef said hastily. 
Being careful of workers, Isaac made his way to the formal dining room. He made that the meeting room because it was spacious and it was adjoined to the receiving room. It was a good call on doing so, with parents and kids all under one roof, it was a surreal sight. 
Stepping into the room, he was nearly knocked off his feet by a small body. Looking down, he couldn't help but smile; Shaye Johnson was now koala wrapped around his legs with the sweetest yet mischievous smile on her face. "Guess what?! I'm grounded," she told him with pride staining her voice.

He was amused yet curious by her statement. "Ummm, I don't think that's a proud moment," he said tugging her ear playfully.

"Hmmm, daddy said congratulations and everything. He even took away my devices."

"Your parents are actually parents now," Isaac commented with a bewildered look on his face. 

"That's the same face Charisse and Katie made when I told them my news."

"We'll let you figure that out on your own. What did you do?"

"Oh, I welcomed Stacia to the family," she said nonchalantly as she unwrapped herself from his legs. Merrily skipping away, Isaac tried to find similarities between her and her older siblings but failed to do so. She will certainly be the one to bring more craziness to the family. Shaking his head at that thought, he continued through the gathering, greeting everyone and accepting their sincere well-wishes. It's only in recent years he understood the meaning of family, he was still getting used to it. Everyone was part of his healing and he couldn't help but be thankful. 

Before he made the announcement of moving to the dining tent, he searched for one person who will give him that extra boost. Following the invisible red string that connected them, Isaac spotted his wife sitting beside Marielle, holding counsel with all the young ladies of the group. He had tunnel vision, Luanne was the only one he saw. Her long slim legs were crossed elegantly at the knee, her striking red hair was neatly resting over one shoulder causing a beautiful contrast against the emerald green cocktail dress he gifted her. His heart was about to burst with love and adoration for this woman. As he got closer, he witnessed the moment she paused her conversation and threw her gaze around the close distance before it landed on him. Rising from her seat and coming towards him without a word to her friends, he smiled at her actions because it was the same thing the other wives do.

"Annie," he breathed out when she stood before him.

Her dark stained lips curved into a smile as she threw her arms around his neck. He simply held her n his arms, basking in the warmth she gave him and daily assurance of loving him to her heart's fullest. "My Annie," he repeated, tightening his hold on her. 

"I'm here. Let's get dinner started. It smells so good from the kitchen," she commented. Placing a kiss on her neck, he reluctantly released her and addressed the crowd.

"It's a bit snug in here and we've all been cooped inside our homes for the past few days. I decided to have our dinner outside. It may be a bit cold but countermeasures are placed. Follow, Dean and he will lead you to the 'dining hall'," he said holding Luanne close to him.

Following the butler, they were led onto the terrace and through the garden which had shielded candles lighting the salted path. Though the night breeze blew around them, their layer of clothes protected them along with the warmth of the candles near their legs. 
Bringing up the rear, the couple listened to everyone's exclamations and adoration of the outdoor decor. Trees around the property along with the hedges all were decked with twinkle lights, the large trees were adorned with ornaments and the manor itself was tastefully decorated. It had the storybook feel Luanne always mentioned. Isaac decided to give his wife this gift as their first Christmas back home, officially. He enjoyed her childlike exploration when he revealed it to her.
Going a bit further, they all arrived at the large heated canopy tent. The two attendants that were hired for the night revealed the entrance by separating the zipped closure. The warmth and aroma met their faces and noses, giddily they entered and took in the grandeur of the impromptu dining hall. 
When Luanne entered she couldn't stop the burst of laughter that escaped her. 
The tent was lengthy and rectangular-shaped. Delicately hung from side to side were Christmas lights, at the far end a large evergreen wreath was positioned as a marker for the head of the table. Red bows and ribbons were draped from the wreath to the entrance, poinsettias in colorful pots were placed randomly on the sides. What gave the theme away was the S-shaped table with the red and white tablecloth, not to mention the red candelabras as centerpieces. 

"Oh, God! You didn't!" The tears didn't stop. Squeezing his hand tightly, Luanne rushed towards the table and touched everything. The colorful chairs and tableware, the silly Christmas favors that laden the table placed playfully between the numerous dishes made by everyone. 
The group also did their exploring finding their names on white cards. He watched on as Marielle and his wife's parents came to a realization of the theme, they too became emotional because it was Luanne's favorite movie and childhood story. Isaac made his way to her as the family took their place at the table. They both stood at the head and looked at each happy face. Her slender arms were now wrapped around his waist, she buried her face in his chest to compose herself, he knew the feeling. The magnitude of the silent show of love from everyone, the new faces who were genuinely excited to be part of their group, and the connection that brought them all together.

"My very own Who's Christmas Feast. Thank you, Zac. Thank you. How can I top this?" she said softly for his ears only. 

"You did already. You saved my life."

Holding back the tears, Luanne turned to everyone. Raising the pink water goblet, she grinned in excitement and recited the last lines of the infamous Dr. Suess story - 'How the Grinch stole Christmas.' Her heart fluttered when they did the same, matching her excitement of recreating her favorite moment from the movie.

"Welcome, Christmas bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas day is in our grasp as long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas day will always be, just as long we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand."

Loud cheers filled the enclosed area, Isaac happily gave the green light to start the feast. Covers were taken off showing the beautifully cooked meats and side dishes, attendants filled the empty wine glasses with everyone choice of drink, conversations began to strike, the craziness of the family began to show with playful banter and teasing shouts, this is what he wanted and he loved it all. 
Sitting beside his wife, he took that time to quietly take it all in, he was happy.

"Are you ready for your gift?" Luanne's voice cut through his thoughts. Turning to her, he placed a soft kiss on her cheek and ask what more can top what was in front of him. She watched on as her husband's brown eyes began to shimmer, he was in a high emotional state so she had to tread carefully. She too had to careful. He did so much for her in such little time, she knew this gift will be a match to his and more. Reaching into her knee-high boots, she retirved the green envelope she nimbly stored in there.

"Zac?!"

"Yes, Annie."

He turned to her, sensing her need for all his attention. The envelope was handed to him, he was curious about what it was but opened it gingerly. It was a letter with another envelope attached to it. Isaac forgot about his surroundings though their attention was on him unknowingly, their immediate friend group knew what it entails and bid their family be quiet for a moment.

   'To my best friend and husband,
    Loving you was the easiest thing to do, but it was the hardest to finally claim you. We started our love in an unorthodox way. We both went through a great deal, gained lifelong friends, matured faster than others, and accepted reality as a bitter pill. That pill showed you the ugly side of the world and removed what was important to you. Do you remember what I promised in my vows?
I promise to love and cherish you as a man of strength and to keep your heart happy every day of our life. I promise to build with you a family you can be proud of and love unconditionally. 
This is my Christmas gift to you, Zac. A family. In a few months, I pray to the heavens you will hold the first addition to our family in your arms. Merry Christmas, baby. I love you.'

Isaac's hands shook as he tugged at the envelope attached to the letter. His eyes were blurred with tears when he opened it. His heart beat was loud in his ears, pulling out the contents - he was blessed with the ultrasound photo of the baby growing in his wife's stomach. Going to his knees before her, he kissed her feet and continued the trail up to her thighs, stopping to wrap his arms around her waist. Silently he cried in her lap, thanking her over and over. Luanne couldn't keep her tears away and neither could their family. The younger ones were a bit confused about the moment but were excited to know another baby is on its way. 

Marielle silently cried for her friends, holding onto her husbands' hands. She placed their hands on her stomach and smiled when they both kissed her cheek in unison. Here they were celebrating another Christmas, shedding their past and stepping into a bright future. Everyone had their own painful back story. It may be mundane to some or unbelievable but it happened. Tragedy isn't biased, it can happen to anyone. Some can't live through it and take the quickest way out while others are lucky to have great support. 
The man at the head of the table walked up to death more than once and was able to return to life. This is where he belonged. 
This is where they all belonged. Living at different stages of society but have one thing that tied them all together - love. 

Dammit!

It was a wild ride reaching this far, they made it and now their siblings do too. Maybe its a test of fate for the families around senior year. 

But, one thing is clear - they will all make it through it all.

Of course, it comes naturally. 

                                                             THE END!