Once Ella was dressed in her matching pajamas, they headed down the stairs and to the kitchen.As usual, Charlie was starving.
He loved that his kid was so excited about the pjs and showing them off, he didn’t ask about anything else, didn’t pester for presents.He’d never been a greedy kid.Christmas had always just been the two of them.They usually enjoyed a lot of food, some sports, and a couple of fun Christmas movies.Maribel had usually been with her grandparents, but they’d sometimes managed time together as well.
The kitchen smelled delicious, and they opened the door to find Knox, the pancake master, at the griddle.Thea was setting the table and spotted them first.Her smile widened when she looked up.“Those are the most amazing pajamas ever.I’m so jealous right now.You guys look amazing.We’ll have to get a picture of you in front of the tree.”
It would be their first Christmas together, and Nash figured the framed photo would have a place of pride in their room.
As the others trickled in, they echoed Thea’s words.As they ate breakfast filled with pancakes, bacon, fruit, and surrounded by family, Nash couldn’t stop smiling as he warmed up the apple cinnamon cider they’d made for the day.This was what he’d hoped to have with Charlotte.They’d never had the chance, but he knew she’d be happy for him and their son.
It was going to be a gorgeous winter day, and Nash couldn’t wait to give his kid the skates he desperately wanted.He hoped the others would have fun with them as well.
After clearing up the food as a team, they trooped to the family room where the tree was decorated with all the things they’d made.He and Olivia had dragged in their gifts the night before.Her boxes were larger than his, and he wondered what she’d bought.
Charlie’s eyes widened.“Whoa.“
Ford ruffled Charlie’s hair.“Whoa, indeed.Are you going to be the Christmas elf?”
Charlie laughed.“What’s a Christmas elf?”
Ford grinned.“The elf is in charge of handing out the presents to everyone.”
Charlie nodded.“I’m in.Maybe Ella can help me.”
Soon, they were scattered around the room.Ford and Jolie sat on the hearth.Knox and Thea shared one couch.Gray and Amber at the end of another while Olivia sat on the floor in front of Nash with Ella in her lap, Oggie at her side.
Having heard hisFree Timecommand, Boomer was stretched out on the floor beside Hemsworth.
Family.
Charlie brought over the first package to Ella.Matching ones to Nash and Olivia, another unwrapped box for himself.“These are from me.Amber and Gray helped me order them.I’ll help Ella, you two open them at the same time.”
Olivia smiled at him with tears in her eyes.“You didn’t have to do that Charlie.”
He shrugged.“I know, but I think you’ll like them.Open them.Hurry.”
At the command, he and Olivia ripped open the paper.Inside were slippers in the shape of dragons.Blue for Nash, Red for Olivia, and pink for Ella.Green for Charlie himself.
The four of them posed for pictures.Their first official family pictures.Nash had to swallow his own emotion.
When Ella toddled along with Charlie, passing out gifts, Nash lifted Olivia to snuggle with him on the couch.Her smile was full of joy.“You’ve got an incredible kid, Nash.He’s going to be an amazing man, just like his dad.”
He kissed her and even managed to keep it light.“Our kids are spectacular.”
The gifts were incredible.Thea and Knox had made wooden apple ornaments with all their names on them for the Christmas tree.Even the dogs were included.Along with Fox and Jay.That had brought tears from Jolie and Amber.The two men had played pivotal roles in their lives.Fox had raised the Malssums and Jay had left them the farm, bringing them all here.Something Nash would always appreciate.
Ford and Jolie had built bird feeders for everyone to place throughout the gardens and around the farmhouse.The one for Thea resembled the Worminator.Knox’s was covered with apples.Gray’s had flowers.Amber’s showcased Boomer and the inn.
They’d made some for themselves too, covered with ducks for Jolie and tools for Ford.
Nash’s had apples, cider, and showed him and Charlie waving.Olivia’s had dragons and brucans.Charlie’s had dragons and brucans playing sports.Ella’s was covered in pink dragons.
Amber had made bath bombs for everyone.After he learned what it was, he looked forward to sharing that particular gift with Olivia if the tub was large enough.
Gray had made Italian cookies called genettis and pizzelles.He’d also baked treats for the dogs.And he’d made personalized hot chocolate mix for them all, complete with spoons covered with chocolate that would melt into the drink.
It was going to be a sugar-high kind of day for everyone.
Then Olivia grinned.“Okay, Charlie.There’s a special one for you under the tree.”
