“Need anymore help?” I ask.
Lia offloads covered containers into Knox’s arms before she steps inside and closes the door behind her. “Nope, that’s it. I figured if we were all getting together for dinner, I’d whip up something quick for dessert.”
“I’ll get these to the kitchen,” Knox says.
“Set them away from me,” Walker adds. “Don’t mess with any of the trays I’ve got out.”
“Sir, yes, sir,” Knox says playfully.
I turn my attention to Lia and hold out my arm for her. She comes willingly, leaning against me while I wrap my arms around her.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I murmur into the top of her hair.
“I’m glad I’m here, too,” she says softly.
“Knox! Come here!” Amber says as she points at the television. “It’s my favorite part!”
“Coming!” he exclaims.
And he dive bombs onto my couch.
Something cracks. The couch cushion he landed on drops about an inch and a half. Pickles’ head shoots up, glaring at the man while Amber giggles with delight. Lia laughs against me, her sound muted by my chest.
“Don’t worry, I’ll fix it,” Knox says as he blushes.
I can’t help but smile and shake my head. “Come on, let’s get you a drink, Alley Cat.”
“You can come sit by me, Lia,” Amber says. She pats the couch on her other side.
She pulls away from me, and I watch as she hunkers down next to my daughter.
“I love your pajamas,” Lia says.
My daughter beams with pride. “Thanks. I changed twice. The first set of pajamas I put on weren’t sparkly enough, and celebrations need sparkles.”
Lia’s smile is bright. “You’re right about that.” Then she leans over and studies Knox’s pajamas. “You weren’t joking about those Christmas pajamas, huh?”
“Oh, watch this,” Knox says with a grin. He presses something on the chest of his shirt.
And his pajamas light up like a Christmas tree.
“Whoa!” Amber says as she points. “Daddy! Look! Can I get pajamas like that!?”
Walker chuckles from the kitchen as the smell of macaroni and cheese fills the air. I hear him chopping away at vegetables while Pickles lets out a playful bark, his tail swishing against Knox’s lap.
“That’s amazing,” Lia says in between her giggles. “Walker, you need any help in there?”
“You’re helping by existing,” Walker says. “Sit and relax. Won’t take me fifteen more minutes to pull this all together.”
“Well, in that case, Knox?” I ask as I look over at him.
“Yep?” he grunts out, shoving himself off the couch.
I motion to the kitchen. “Let’s get the table set. I’ll dance around Walker to get everything, and I’ll hand it off so you can get it on the table.”
Knox rubs his hands together, his pajamas twinkling. “Perfect. Let’s get this show on the road. I’m starving.”
“What did you bring for a sweet treat, Lia?” Amber asks as she cuddles up next to her.
