Rylan helps Sam open his gift of a small firetruck complete with sirens and flashing lights, groaning as soon as he sees it. “Looks like I won’t be getting any quiet in the foreseeable future,” Rylan says with a laugh.
Cole eyeballs the bow and arrows, which are fortunately tipped with foam. “Who thought it was a good idea to give my daughter a weapon?”
Nora’s face goes pink. “She asked me about it,” she replies defensively. “And they’re soft.”
Once the kids have opened their presents—notNoel and James, since they’re asleep, but the others—the adults tear into their gifts. None of them are expensive, but they’re all thoughtful, like the hand-knit blanket Georgia made for Charlie and the new hiking poles Jack gave to Finn.
Elle looks down at the box of gourmet macarons in her hands, then looks over at Maya and laughs. “You must have been reading my mind!”
Maya nods. “Great minds think alike.”
I lift my chin at Leo, who gifted me a collectible figure fromLord of the Rings. “This will go great with the collection. Thanks.”
Leo smiles at me. “I thought so.”
Once all the gifts have been opened, Jack clears his throat. “This isn’t really a traditional gift, as such, but it’s kind of a gift for us.” He glances at Nora and gives her an affectionate smile. “It’s a little early, but we couldn’t wait to share it with you.”
Beside me, Elle sucks in a quick breath.
Around the room, everyone leans forward.
Nora exchanges a quick look with Jack. A silent communication passes between them. A beat later, she nods. Turning to face the rest of us, she says, “You know how we came back early because I wasn’t feeling well.”
“Are you okay?” Georgia asks. “You’re not sick, are you?”
“I’m not sick.” Nora gives her a wobbly smile. “I’m pregnant.”
A chorus of shockedWhat!s follow.
“I know,” Nora adds. “We didn’t think we could. It’sbeen years, and nothing happened. We figured if it’s just the two of us, we’d be happy with that. That it was meant to be.”
“But then Nora started feeling sick in the morning,” Jack explains. “And she was tired all the time. So I finally put my foot down and made her go to the doctor.”
“And he said I’m pregnant.” Nora’s eyes go all shiny. “I’m ten weeks. I know you’re not supposed to say anything until the first trimester, but you’re family. And I wanted you all to know.”
A silent second passes before an explosion of joy.
“This is going to be amazing!” exclaims Maya. “Your little one will be almost the same age as James.”
“Another Blade and Arrow baby,” muses Finn. “We’re going to need another addition.”
One by one, we all rush to Nora and Jack, hugging them and sharing congratulations. Nora looks beyond happy, and Jack couldn’t be more pleased.
When I hug Nora, I tell her quietly, “You’re going to be an amazing mom, Nor. I mean it.”
She blinks away tears. “I hope so.”
I hug her again. “You will. And you and Jack will be so happy.”
Because, of all people, Nora deserves it.
Once the excitement of Nora and Jack’s announcement has settled, and we’re all back in our seats, Cole raises his glass of eggnog and clears his throat. “I know we don’t usually do toasts on Christmas Eve, but I think, in this case, it’s merited.”
In agreement, we all lift our glasses.
Emotion moves across Cole’s face as he continues, “To my incredible Blade and Arrow family. I never dreamed a spark of an idea would turn into this. I’m so grateful to all of you.” He turns to Nora and Jack. “And I’m so happy for you both.” With a smirk, he adds, “I can’t wait to see the trouble your little one gets into.”
Nora laughs. “I’ll make sure to send her?—”
