Total pages in book: 14
Estimated words: 12536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 63(@200wpm)___ 50(@250wpm)___ 42(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 12536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 63(@200wpm)___ 50(@250wpm)___ 42(@300wpm)
It’s a fine balance, but one I feel we’ve managed pretty well.
Bryan groans himself away on the other side of Jason. They take turns on who gets to sleep directly next to me without argument. They only came up with a schedule after I told them I wouldn’t keep having the ‘who’s going to sit in the front seat’ conversation every night and still have sex with them.
“Daddy, why do you make such funny noises?” a little voice peeps.
“I ask myself that same question, honey,” I laugh, propping myself up onto my elbow.
Little Isaiah smiles and stretches just like his poppa, but without the accompanying noises.
“Happy Christmas, Sweetie,” I say.
For a second, he stares at me blankly, then he remembers what day it is and sits up with a start. Isaac follows, blinking into the darkness. “What’s going on?” he says.
“It’s Christmas.” Isaiah scrambles out from under the comforter and crawls frantically down the big bed toward the tree.
“He came!” he squeals. “Santa came.”
“Of course he came,” Isobel mumbles. “Santa’s magic.”
“Mommy’s magic,” Jason says, kissing the back of my neck. The kids might not appreciate the work it takes to get Christmas organized, but at least my husbands do.
“Can I open my presents?” Isaac says, already on the floor next to his twin.
“Of course,” I say. “But what do we need to say first?”
“Thank you, Santa,” all three of my kids declare, probably loud enough to wake the people in the next room. I’m not worried though because any minute, Bethany and her mega-brood will wake up and the hotel will be in chaos!
“Okay then. Let me get my phone so I can take some pictures.”
Isobel is slower to get out of bed and I’m kneeling next to the makeshift tree as she settles next to her brothers. I snap a cute picture of them in their matching pajamas as Bryan, Austin, and Jason sit up in bed. Bryan has his phone in his hand.
“Everyone, turn around and pose for a photo with Mommy.”
“But I’m opening presents, Daddy,” Isaiah says, not turning around.
“You can open them after,” Jason says lightly. “You know how much Mommy would love a picture with her babies.”
Isaiah lowers the present he’s holding and looks at me with big, serious eyes. “Okay, Mommy. But just one.”
I nod, but inside my heart is aching and my throat is rope-tight.
My three beautiful children climb onto my knees and Bryan moves to a better position to take the picture. Austin quickly puts the sidelights on and Jason beams. I smile so happily I fear my cheeks will split.
As Isobel scrambles to her feet, she wraps her arms around my head and kisses my hair. Isaiah and Isaac are too interested in their presents, but that’s okay. I know I’ll get more kisses later.
I watch their happy faces light up with each gift that’s peeled free of its paper confines, giving thanks that not only can we afford to make their Christmas dreams come true but also that I’m still around to witness it all.
Looking over to the bed, I find Austin, Jason, and Bryan watching me watching our children. Maybe they’re just happy I’m happy, but in my heart, I know they’re thinking the same thing.
Every day is such a blessing.
And this Christmas day feels like the greatest blessing of all.
6
AUSTIN
“It’s time to get in the car,” I say, taking hold of Isaiah’s hand before he finds another distraction.
“But I want to play,” he says, staring up at me with an expression like I just stole his cookie.
“I know, Squirt, but Uncle Harrison and Auntie Jenna are expecting us. All your presents will be here when you get back.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure.”
“And don’t forget you can choose one to take with you,” Isobel says from the floor where she’s currently putting on her silver glitter pumps. My girl looks like a Christmas angel dressed up in her silver dress with a silver bow fixing up her long, shiny hair.
“Which one are you taking?” I ask.
“My baby doll,” she says, pointing to a bundle next to her. A little nose pokes out from a fluffy, pink blanket.
“She’s sure wrapped up snug,” I smile.
“It’s cold outside, Daddy. I have to make sure she keeps warm.”
“Of course you do.”
Katelin appears from the bathroom in a black ribbed turtleneck, black satin skirt and long suede heeled boots. She’s painted her lips red, and at her ears are the diamond earrings me and my brothers chose for her main Christmas gift. Even after years together, she still takes my breath away. In fact, the years just make the ache in my chest even stronger.
There was a time when I got lost in wondering how long we’d have together. Katelin went through so much and we were all grateful when she got the all clear. But none of us is ignorant to the potential risk she’s going to live with for the rest of her life.