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Caleb charges at Chris and they both go flying into a heap of snow. I run over to them and cover them both from head to toe. I can’t stop giggling at them.
“You up for it, Caleb?” asks Chris. I stand back away from them as they both inch closer to me.
“I think I am.” Caleb winks at me to show his playful side and butterflies swarm in my stomach.
He runs towards me, slipping, but managing to save himself quickly. He grabs me lightly under my arms and Chris grabs my legs. Before I can say anything, I’m flat on my back and they cover me in snow. I have to say they’re a lot gentler than I was to them. None hits my face, and I can’t move for laughing. Caleb and Chris hold their hands out to me, and I take them, letting them pull me to my feet. I have a funny feeling that my stomach would have made me look like a whale trying to get up myself.
“You’re both evil.” I giggle.
“You love us really, sweetheart,” says Caleb, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s get you back inside for a change of clothes.”
“I wouldn’t need a change of clothes if you pair of Neanderthals didn’t behave badly.” I chuckle.
“Merry Christmas to you both.” Chris jogs away from us laughing.
“I used to like him.”
It’s Caleb’s turn to laugh now, and it’s a welcome sight to see him relaxed. Something has changed in all of us over the last week. I don’t want to say too much, because we all know things can change very quickly, but right now, I’m happy to be enjoying such childish activities.
***
“I’m just about feeling my toes,” I say, thinking it’s only Caleb and me still in the house, but my parents and Spencer are standing in the kitchen.
I look at Caleb’s cheeky smile and can’t help but smile with him.
“Hi,” I say to my family.
“Merry Christmas, honey.” Spencer is the first to engulf me in his arms.
“Same to you.”
My mom and dad walk towards me together and I stand there rooted to the spot. They both kiss each of my cheeks and I’m a little unsure how to respond to my dad. We’ve not really had much contact since his outburst a couple of months ago, and I really don’t want to forgive him for what he said. However, it’s Christmas, and I won’t spoil today because of him.
“Caleb was saying you went for a walk.” My mom laughs.
“Caleb needs to go back to school if he thinks covering me in snow is walking.” I walk towards Caleb and take the cup of coffee out of his hand. His hand rubs my tummy delicately. “Since you got me cold, you can heat me up.”
“No problem.” He winks at me.
I clear my throat and turn back to my family just in time for Chris and Clay to walk through the door.
“Have you been working on that aim, sweetheart?” Clay jokes. Everyone laughs and Chris bends down and kisses my cheek.
“Truce.” Chris holds his hand out to me.
“No chance! I’ll get you back, mister. I won’t always be this pregnant.” I wink. “Here’s a coffee for you, Clay. I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.”
“Cheers, sweet cheeks. You’re a good host.” He takes a big gulp of my coffee and swallows it reluctantly. “You didn’t just give me decaffeinated coffee again.”
Caleb and Spencer are laughing in the background and I shrug.
Clay puts the cup down and wraps me in his big bear hug. I’m a little taken aback, not because he’s hugging me, but because it’s not expected.
“What was that for?” I pull back.
“Because…” He shakes his head and swallows hard. “Because for the first time in months I’m seeing the Aria I once knew. The joker. The prankster. It has maybe been a long fucking road to get here, but you’re doing it.”
“Language, Clay.” Angela walks in and places bags down on the floor.
