I pull myself back to the present, taking in the sight before me. The Fraser fir stands tall in front of the living room window, wrapped in multi-colored lights and a mismatched collection of ornaments we’d bought together. The glittery gold star sits slightly crooked at the top. Jackson stood on my shoulders and put it there, declaring it was just right.
“Looks perfect, baby.” I wouldn’t care what it looked like, as long as they’re happy.
The tree isn’t the only thing that’s perfect. Stacked beneath it are presents we’ve been shopping nonstop for the last few days. We wanted to make this Christmas special for the boys.
We’ve gone a little overboard, but after everything they’ve been through, they deserve it.
Although there’s one more gift that’s not under the tree yet. One I haven’t told Honey about. One that’s currently at the clubhouse, waiting to make its Christmas morning debut.
I take another swig of beer, wondering how Honey’s going to react when she sees it. Probably should’ve asked her first if it was okay, but I couldn’t resist. The way the boys’ faces lit up when they were looking at puppies in the pet store window sealed the deal for me.
“Alright, boys,” Honey announces, hands on her hips. “It’s bedtime.”
“Aww, Mom!” Jackson whines, sticking out his bottom lip. “It’s Christmas Eve!”
Tommy joins in on the protest. “We’re not even tired yet!”
I set my beer down on the coffee table and lean forward, elbows on my knees. “You know Santa won’t come if you’re awake, right? And I’m pretty sure I heard his sleigh bells earlier.”
Their eyes go wide, and just like that, the complaining stops.
“Goodnight, Mom! Goodnight, Dread!” Jackson shouts, already halfway up the stairs.
Tommy pauses long enough to give me a quick hug, then he’s racing after his brother. “Don’t come upstairs, okay? We’re going right to sleep!”
Honey shakes her head, laughing. “That was too easy.”
I wink at her, picking up my beer again. “You going up to tuck them in?”
She nods. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
I watch her climb the stairs, my eyes lingering on the sway of her hips in those tight jeans.
While Honey’s upstairs, I turn off all the lights except for the Christmas tree. I grab a fresh beer from the fridge and settle back onto the couch, waiting for my woman to come back.
It’s not long before I hear her footsteps on the stairs. She appears in the doorway, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“They’re already passed out,” she says softly. “Guess they were tired after all.”
I set my beer on the coffee table and hold my arms out to her. “C’mere.”
She crosses the room and slides onto my lap, her arms going around my neck. I pull her close, burying my face in her neckand breathing her in. “Merry Christmas, baby.” I press a kiss against her soft skin.
She shivers. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
I lift my head, cupping her face in my hands. “You happy?”
Her blue eyes shine in the glow of the Christmas lights. “More than I could ever put into words,” she whispers.
“I’ve been thinking,” I start, my thumb brushing across her bottom lip.
“That’s dangerous.” She grins, sinking deeper against me.
I roll my eyes. My baby’s gotten comfortable, and I’ve learned she can be real feisty when the mood strikes.
“Makin’ you my ol’ lady.”
Her eyebrows furrow slightly. “Your what?”
