"Merry Christmas, sweet girl," he murmured back, his arms tightening around me one more time. "The first of many."
And as sleep claimed me in the warmth of his embrace, I knew he was right.
This was just the beginning of a lifetime of Christmas mornings, of snow days and firelight, and a love that would never let me feel alone again.
This was home, this was family, this was forever.
CHAPTER THREE
Estelle
Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of our master suite, casting everything in a wintry gold as I propped my phone against the pillows.
The French doors to our private balcony revealed a winter wonderland that still took my breath away—an endless white stretching toward snow-heavy pine trees, like someone had shaken the world's most beautiful snow globe.
"Leo!" I called cheerfully as the FaceTime connected, immediately turning the camera toward the window. "Look at this! Real snow!"
My nephew's adorable face filled the screen, his eyes going wide with wonder. At five years old, everything was magic to Leo, but this was different; this was the kind of awe that made my heart squeeze with love.
"Woah, Elle! It's everywhere!" he gasped, pressing his nose closer to his tablet. "It looks so fluffy!"
Before I could respond, a tiny hand shot into the frame and snatched the iPad right out of Leo's grip.
"Avery!" Leo laughed, but he never sounded upset, more amused than anything.
"SNOW!" Avery shrieked with pure five-year-old delight, her curly hair flying as she bounced in place. "It's so pretty! Is it cold? Can you touch it? Does it taste good?"
I couldn't help but giggle at her rapid-fire questions. "Slow down, cutie. Yes, it's cold, and yes, you can touch it, but no eating the snow, okay?"
“Little Miss Avery,” came Jovie's voice from somewhere off-screen, patient but firm. "You can't just grab things from people."
"But Leo doesn't mind!" Avery protested, grinning at the camera. “I’m special! Right, Leo?"
“Yeah,” Leo's voice came from beside her, completely unbothered. "I don't mind. Avery can use it.”
My heart melted a little. Something told me these two were going to be inseparable as they grew up. But for now, they were just happy to share tablets and adventures.
"You two are adorable," I told them, meaning every word. "I'll take lots of pictures to show you when we get back, okay?"
"Promise?" they both said in unison, making me laugh.
"Promise."
This was my first real Christmas—not just the snow and decorations, but the family part. Growing up, Christmas had been complicated.
Some years, I celebrated with my older sister, before she passed on. Those times were bittersweet, filled with her laughter but shadowed by the weight of what we both knew we were missing—the warmth of a real family.
After Giselle, I tried my best to make Christmas magical for Leo, but it was hard to create wonder when I'd never really experienced it myself.
This year was entirely different. We were surrounded by people who chose to love us, and I was currently in a place adorned with twinkling lights and the promise of memories yet to be made.
I was finally understanding what all the holiday fuss was about.
But the best part was that we'd be home early, which meant I could spend actual Christmas with Leo. Our first Christmas, where I truly understood the magic I was trying to share with him.
"I should let you two go have breakfast," I said, reluctant to end the call but smelling a delicious breakfast from downstairs. "Be good for Jovie, okay?"
"We will!" they chorused, waving enthusiastically before the screen went dark.
