Christmas morning was surreal. It was strange not being in Ottawa. And even stranger hosting this year’s holiday in my home like a bona fide adult. Belen had gone to great lengths to ensure Christmas was a success, including purchasing every conceivable ingredient she thought my mother would need for the traditional Kringle Christmas. She’d even contacted Uncle Rus who couldn’t attend and got him to ship his renowned gumbo so the tradition could continue.
“I think Mom and Dad have one more gift,” I said, grabbing the last gift bag under the tree. Handing it to my mom, I glanced at Belen, who was doing her best to suppress a smile.
“I think we need to have a gift limit. This is just an embarrassment of riches,” my mother said.
“I absolutely hate that idea,” Matt objected while perusing the specs on the high-end gaming system Belen and I gifted him.
“No more gifts after this, I promise.”
My mother fussed over the gift bag, taking out the tissue wrapped item, she folded the bag neatly. “I love the gift bags. I’m taking them all home, by the way.”
“Hurry up Irene, the coffee cake is calling me,” my dad said.
My mother ripped into the tissue paper and pulled the onesie from it.
“Oh my God,” Rayna squeaked.
“What does this mean?” My mother searched Belen and my faces for confirmation.
“Next Christmas will include a new Kringle,” Belen said.
“This better not be a joke.” My mom jumped to her feet, rushing over to Belen. “You’re pregnant?”
Belen nodded her head with tears in her eyes.
My dad clapped. “Well I’ll be. I was starting to give up hope on you kids. Do you know all our friends have grandkids except for us?”
“I think the word you’re looking for is congratulations,” Celeste said.
“Why is she sitting on the floor? She needs to be on the couch with her feet up.” My mother helped Belen stand, leading her to cushy seating. “How far along are you?”
“A little over two months.”
My mother did some quick math in her head. “A summer baby.” She fluffed the pillows behind Belen before adding a few more. Then as if struck by the weight of it all, my mom turned to me. “My first baby is going to have a baby.” I pulled her in, giving her a hug.
“Now remember Gerrit is a family name and it’s a fine moniker for a boy.”
“Daddy, don’t nobody want to name their kid Gerrit. Now Rayna is far more in demand.”
“If you think Kristoff is naming his son Rayna, you’re mistaken,” Matt said.
“How do you know it’s a boy? It could be a girl,” Belen asked.
“I’m just getting boy vibes. Plus Dad, Kris, and I are outnumbered. We need a male to balance things out.”
“Wait are we still going to do the snowball fight?” Rayna asked.
“Of course,” I said.
“I’ll take it easy on you Belen since you are in a delicate way.”
“Thanks.”
“I know I said that was it for the gifts, but I lied. There’s one more for Belen.”
Belen looked at me with a confused expression on her face. She was never good at receiving presents, she always claimed it was too much or she didn’t deserve it, which were both false.
My father whispered loudly to my mother, “It better not be another doll house.”
