By his side, Miranda held her hand out, he looked at her in confusion, not understanding why she wanted him to take her hand until he noticed Trinity doing the same on his other side. He took both their hands and felt peace. A peace that made him feel whole again.
“I’m thankful for my mommy and my daddy,” Miranda’s soft voice jolted him out of his head, “And Tia Celia. And this huge house we live in now. And my school. And my new stuff. And, and, and everything!” she finished with a giggle.
Trinity went next, “I’m thankful for the fact that we have a roof over our heads and peace of mind. I’m thankful that we’re able to give back to the community that we used to be a part of. I’m thankful for my little girl and for Michael,” his heart squeezed in response and he smiled, “I’m thankful for everything I have now and for everything I’ve learnt.”
He was next and the words came flowing easily out of his mouth. “I’m thankful for both my girls,” he squeezed their hands each in turn and was rewarded by a giggle from Miranda, “I’m thankful for Celia and my grandfather. I’m thankful for taking that route home two months ago.” He squeezed Trinity’s hands and then kissed it.
He was a better person because they came into his life. He didn’t want to think about what would have happened if he didn’t come upon Trinity and Miranda that evening months before. Who knows what those men would have done to them, he shuddered to think of it.
After the dinner and despite Trinity’s protests, Miranda wanted to decorate their Christmas tree. He allowed himself to be sucked into the whirlwind of decorating. Trinity was part of it though, he and Trinity gave Miranda the mantle of leadership, following the little girl’s orders no matter how strange.
Trinity was a stark contrast to his mother who never even bothered with Christmas or even any holiday for that matter. She paid a professional to come in and decorate their house. His mother was more concerned with her own appearance, never giving him the time of the day.
When they were done, they opted to watch a movie, one about Christmas and they settled into the couch while he allowed his mind to drift.
Miranda murmured in her sleep, and he turned his attention away from the woman beside him and noticed two things.
One, the movie was over, the credits rolling.
Two, the little girl on his lap was sleeping and needed to be taken to bed.
"I'll take her," Trinity offered, as if she was reading his mind.
"Let me do it," he insisted, carrying the small, warm weight up the stairs and into her bed.
He laid her down, watching how she curled up, and her hair scattered across the pillow.
"She makes such a pretty picture when she sleeps," he observed.
"It's amazing how she looks angelic while she is sleeping." Trinity smiled down at the girl in bed who softly snored.
"Are you implying she's not one when she is awake?" he asked, brows arched.
"You said it."
"Are you going to bed as well?"
Though confused, she answered with, "Not just yet."
"I want to show you something."
He caught her hand and they walked out of the room and down to the garage with him in lead. Once there he dropped her hand and walked towards the car
"This is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO."
"Oh," Trinity exclaimed, her eyes running across the body of the car with appreciation in her eyes.
He unlocked the doors, stepping in.
"Are you coming?" he invited casually.
She started in his direction, surprised.
“Come on,” he encouraged.
She took in the soft cream leather interior of the car. “Looks nice.”
"More than nice." He returned with a mock glare, enjoying her sudden laughter.
