The cozy little scene was not lost on her. The Christmas tree was too big, and she had protested when she saw it being carted in. That was not all. He had gone all out. There were lights all around the brownstone that could be seen from a distance.
He had ordered enough things for David to last the child several years. A bright blue bike with a matching helmet, games, and a computer that left the boy staring at it in wonder and clothes. Their two week honeymoon in Paris had cemented their marriage and bonded them together.
She was getting to know her husband. He had fully adopted David, with the boy declaring that was the best present ever. Now they were sitting around the living room watching David tear through his gift.
"Think you've had enough?" Rodney asked mildly.
He was seated comfortably in an easy chair, his wife cradled on his lap and had never felt so contented in his life. The fire was crackling inside the hearth and the child he had adopted as his own was glowing with pleasure. It pleased him to provide for David.
"These are all cool gifts."
He was dressed in his spider man PJs and sitting Indian style near the tree. Colorful gift papers were strewn all around the hardwood floor, making a colorful backdrop. His gifts were heaped next to him.
"I wish grams and Grandma Gloria were here tonight."
"They will be here for Christmas dinner. You know they had prior engagements."
Rodney reminded him. He felt when his wife stirred and dipped his head to look at her.
"You're sleepy."
"A little."
She murmured, perfectly content to watch her son enjoying the process of gift unwrapping.
"Imelda is going to have a fit if you don't clean up this mess."
"She loves me."
David said, throwing his mother a cheeky grin.
"She sneaks me cookies..."
He cleared his throat when she lifted her brow.
"I mean-"
"Save it kid, you're so busted."
Rodney wrapped his arms around his wife and rose.
"Now it's time to hit the sack."
"But-"
"No buts. It's after midnight and we all need our sleep."
"Okay, fine."
He jumped to his feet, after taking one last look at his gifts.
"How come you're carrying mom? Is she ill?"
"No. I just want to make sure she gets upstairs safely. She's carrying precious cargo and I happen to love lifting her."
"Precious. Oh, you mean the baby."
David hopped along next to them.
