I sneak into my bedroom and, of course, our curious kitties come along, trying their best to sneak into my suitcase like tiny, determined stowaways! Well, more accurately, Coconut bats around a pair of fuzzy socks like it’s a toy, while Muffin claims a spot smack in the middle of my folded sweaters. Thankfully, I’d gotten a head start earlier, but I go through everything again to make sure I’ve got it all. It’s only three days away from home, but somehow it feels like I’m packing for a full-blown expedition!
First up: my cute new Christmas pajamas, plus the matching set I secretly bought for Nicolas. I picked ones that are extra softand cozy because I know how particular he is about fabrics, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to love them!
Then there’s the beautiful dress I found for our Christmas Eve dinner, which I can’t wait to wear. I was a little nervous about it at first, but Jenna insisted I looked amazing in it when I tried it on, and Emi, Nicolas’s sister-in-law, agreed it looked absolutely perfect when I sent her photos. I packed a pair of cute Mary Jane shoes to go with it; they’ll be perfect for dinner and wandering around the hotel in style.
For Christmas Day, I picked a more relaxed outfit—something comfy enough for the drive, cozy but cute enough for lounging around my parents’ place, and sturdy enough to survive unwrapping gifts, toddler cuddles, and all the glorious food Iknowwe’ll be eating. I settled on one of my favorite Christmas jumpers, a pleated skirt, and some festive tights (plus an extra pair, in case the kitties got to the first!).
Next up: toiletries, slippers, and an extra pair of fuzzy socks, because I’ve learned my lesson about forgetting backup socks and ending up with snow-drenched feet. And last, my outfit for tomorrow: the cream knit dress that’s both snug and stylish, perfect for an afternoon stroll through Quebec’s Christmas Market! I zip up my suitcase (double-checking for stowaway kitties), and lay out my trusty red leggings and an old Christmas jumper with penguins that’ll just be for the airport and flight; I’ll change as soon as we get to the hotel for our Christmas wonderland!
By the time I finish packing, I hear the front door open—our delivery’s here! I walk back into the living room just in time to see Nicolas thanking the delivery driver and setting the bags down on the coffee table. He’s already fed the kitties, judging by the sound of contented munching in the kitchen.
“I think I’m all done!” I announce.
Nicolas looks up and smiles as I flop down next to him on the couch.
“Did you use the list I sent you?” he asks.
“I did,” I nod. “It was so helpful!”
Of course, he has a very,verydetailed packing list—neatly organized, with checkboxes and categories and notes like “pack socks in shoes to save space.” I might’ve trimmed it a bit to make it more me, but it definitely reminded me to bring my charger and travel medicine… both of which I would have completely forgotten otherwise, I’m sure!
“Good,” he says with a little nod. “Now let’s eat.”
“I missed their curry,” I sigh as I take in the delicious smell. “It smells so good!”
We dive in, chatting lightly while trying (and failing) to keep the cats away from our food. Nicolas did feed them, but apparently, there’s nothing in the world quite as tempting as the smell of chicken katsu… Coconut keeps trying to paw at my plate, and Muffin circles Nicolas like a very determined, very fluffy shark.
Thankfully, we’re both starving too, and it doesn’t take long before our plates are completely clean. I let out a happy little sigh and lean back on the couch while Nicolas heads to the kitchen to toss the trash.
“I can’t believe it’s the holidays already,” I say with a smile.
“Are you glad to be done with work?” he asks.
He returns a moment later, carrying our traditional post-dinner peppermint teas and one square each of dark chocolate. Tonight’s batch has macadamia, candied orange, and dried cranberry, which I made myself, of course!
“I love my job,” I pout, accepting my mug, “and my colleagues! But I was really looking forward to our holiday plans. And I can’t wait to spend them with you.”
Nicolas smiles, his eyes soft.
“I missed you,” he whispers. “A lot.”
I feel my cheeks go warm, and scoot closer to him on the couch.
“I missed you too,” I say quietly. “I’m so excited we get to spend Christmas together.”
“I’m excited too,” he replies.
He leans in and kisses me. It’s sweet and soft, with just the right hint of dark, orangey chocolate.
“It’s going to be a wonderful Christmas, Ophelia.”
Two
Chapter 2
Ithink we could use a Christmas miracle.
“You’re delayedagain?” Rosie squeaks.
