Hyz climbed up neatly — unlike the triplets — settling beside Alex with the poise of someone twice her age. Frank handed her a stocking.
“Here’s yours, ” he said proudly.
Hyz nodded gravely. “Thank you very much Prince Frank.”
Alex almost burst with affection.
Her lovely children and Hyzenthlay. She was so proud of every one of them.
They did stockings first — four small laps filled with chocolate coins, colouring pens, ribbons, a tiny Lego set each, hair clips for the girls, a bowtie for Frank, a compass for each of them. Erin had insisted on the compasses. “Navigation builds character,” she’d claimed.
The children made delighted noises at each trinket. Alex treasured every single sound.
Halfway through the unwrapping, Erin finally leaned into her side, head brushing her shoulder.
“Merry Christmas, you,” Alex whispered.
Erin’s smile was soft, lopsided. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Kennedy.” Alex smiled at the old nickname Erin had given her when they were first married.
The title should have been teasing — it always was — but this time there was a tremor beneath it. Not sadness. Not stress.
Longing.
Alex’s breath caught.
She traced her thumb over Erin’s wrist, a slow, gentle stroke. Erin shivered almost imperceptibly.
Later, Alex promised herself.
Later, they would have their moment.
But right now, the children were untangling each other, the dogs were stirring, and the sky was pale blue through the window.
Alex clapped her hands. “Time to get dressed. The Christmas Reindeer won’t wait forever!”
The triplets screamed in excitement.
Hyz nodded with intense seriousness. “I have been anticipating Phase Two.”
Alex blinked. “Phase… two?”
Hyz handed her a folded slip of paper.
It was a schedule. A detailed one. Written in miniature handwriting.
Alex stared at the header:
“OPERATION FESTIVE WONDER — HYZENTHLAY’S COPY.”
Underneath it:
08:14 – Parents summoned for Christmas morning.
08:15 – Collect reindeer food from terrace table.
08:17 – Begin reindeer observation walk.
08:19 – Avoid Vic’s meltdown if still ongoing.
