Vaughn looks at our daughter blankly. “What in the world is that?”
I give Nora an extra squeeze. “It’s a snowman unicorn onesie. See? The horn has a little snowflake on it.”
He blinks his eyes several times. “I’m just going to roll with this.”
I chortle a sound. “Hadley’s mom got her a unicorn-themed outfit for every holiday. Fear Easter with all your might,” I warn.
Vaughn’s face finally breaks, and he can’t help but laugh.
I just arrived at the team’s family holiday party. First, lunch with Santa, then ice skating—with safety because there are going to be a lot of kids around.
Vaughn takes our little girl from my arms to make our way into one of the rooms used for gatherings. It’s nothing too fancy, a buffet and decorations. I’m fairly confident the two odd-looking gingerbread men were made by two rookies, and now we all have to vote who decorated which. One is missing an eye or possibly a mouth, I can’t tell. It’s also noisy, with a lot of aws and ohs.
It’s been a few months since Vaughn and I solidified our direction, which is why everything feels like an easy breeze. We still have his hectic schedule, which means moments are sparce until the end of season, but despite our frantic lives, everything feels as stable as can be.
“Let’s go take a seat over there.” Vaughn indicates to Violet, Declan, and their kids. I follow, taking note that Nora is making little noises as she responds to us now, with eyes more magical.
Vaughn mutters to me when I reach his side. “We won’t stay too long. I’m eager to see you in your naughty elf costume.”
I shake my head, because under no circumstances am I bringing holiday characters into the bedroom… stockings and lace inspired by winter colors, sure.
We settle at the table, with a camera instantly hitting our peripheral view, which tends to happen at team events. They know they need to angle to keep Nora’s face out of view; maybe we’ll change our minds later. At games, she’s so bundled up that I’m not sure they could even get a clear view.
“What are you two up to for the three token days off at Christmas?” Violet asks while Declan talks to someone at his side.
Vaughn brings an arm around my shoulders and, being the talented man he is, holds the baby in his other arm. “Taking it easy. My brother will join us for dinner, and my favorite brother-in-law is back in town.” Vaughn smiles tightly.
I playfully turn my head to pretend to bite his arm. “He loves it. They’re becoming fast friends,” I say, because their relationship is nearly a 180 to a year ago. Meh, let’s settle on a 90-degree angle.
“I forgot to ask. Didn’t you two have an anniversary not so long ago?” Violet wonders as she hands her toddler a cucumber slice.
Vaughn and I look to one another with affection, then it twists into a goofy grin.
“You mean, do we celebrate our anniversary on the date of a hurricane?” I ask, trying to hide my smile.
“Well…” Violet shrugs. “We all kind of know the creation date of your little angel. Just assuming that’s the date that you chose for your anniversary. One year is a little milestone.”
“It is, which is why Isla flew out with Nora to our away game,” Vaughn explains.
Violet looks at us, unamused. “Boo. Who wants to celebrate an anniversary with a baby? Albeit they are cute, but alas, a baby. Seriously, go find some alone time.”
I roll my lips in, attempting to keep my tongue in check. “We do find time together, don’t worry.”
“Oh, I think it’s our turn with Santa,” Vaughn lies and stands up in record time. I play along and follow him in the direction of a dressed reindeer.
“She was a little too blunt,” he states.
I wave him off. “It’s okay, we’re friends. Our playdates for the kids mean we don’t need to hold back, plus those playdates might entail breaking out a bottle of wine around three o’clock.”
“Moms who wine, sounds about right.”
We approach the deer, and then it happens. At first a tiny squeak and then the quiver of Nora’s little mouth before a high-pitched cry hits our ears.
Oh fudge, someone doesn’t like the costumes descending upon us.
“Well, no cute first Christmas photo for us.” Vaughn begins to bounce Nora in his arms.
“Was this ever going to go as planned? Last year I found out I was pregnant, this year I discover our child hates people in costumes, except when she’s wearing one herself,” I casually mention.
