Roan and Reese’s precious baby girl had come last August, fat and happy from the first day they’d brought her home. She was now almost six months old, growing cuter by the day. Reese and Roan were madly in love with her, delighting in every milestone.
They were all gathering for dinner at their home for Christmas dinner. David and Cynthia had been in town for a few weeks. Reese and Roan had both the boys home from college and had promised to come over later that afternoon to help Mauve with dinner. There would be gifts and food and laughter. Making memories to pull out and think about for years to come.
“We have so many things to celebrate,” Jason said. “Marcus killing it his first semester.”
She smiled as an image came to mind of Marcus taking his bow for his first college production. “He was wonderful in the play.”
They’d been in L.A. the week Marcus’s play had opened. He’d been ridiculously good for someone so young. His Uncle Jason was very proud of him. So was his Aunt Mauve. She was still getting used to being an auntie to teenagers, but loved every moment of it. She also loved the whole new relationship with her mother. In addition, she’d gained a father figure in David, who was as steady and supportive as a man could be.
Cody had just finished up his third semester at University of Vermont, where he continued to run cross-country. He’d decided to major in business with a minor in exercise science. He and Roan had big plans for the gym, including opening two more in neighboring towns. Jason had gladly offered to loan his brother money for the expansion. So far, however, Roan was content to wait until Cody was through with college. At the moment, he had his hands full with baby Bree.
Their phones buzzed at the same time. A quick glance showed that it was Ollie texting their group chat. She pickedhers up and opened the message to see Ollie signing Merry Christmas. And then, to their delight, he said the words. “Merry Christmas.” He’d made an impressive improvement in the last twelve months. He still struggled, but with each passing day he became more and more verbal. Regardless, he’d wanted to continue with his sign language and had started taking classes with a private tutor. He’d signed to Mauve just last week that he wanted to grow up and perform the national anthem at a football game someday. Adorable.
“I have another gift for you,” Jason said, reaching for a box.
She opened it to see a new Christmas tree ornament—a glass sculpture of a bride and groom, with their wedding date engraved on the bottom. “I love it.” She leaned close to kiss him.
“I’m going to give you one every year. Next year, it’ll be a baby carriage or rattle or something.” He grinned. “Oh my gosh, we’re having a baby.”
“We’re having a baby.”
She knew logically that they weren’t the first couple to ever make a baby together. Of course she knew that. But at this moment, it felt like something they’d done together that no one else could do. Perhaps in that way, it was true. No one but the two of them could have made the particular baby now growing inside of her.
“Merry Christmas, my love,” Jason said. “We’re two but soon to be three. If only my mom were here to see it.”
“She’s here. I feel certain of that.” She patted her still flat stomach. “She’s part of this baby too. And you’ll tell her all about her grandmother Caroline.”
“Caroline is a pretty name,” Jason said. “Something to consider, should the baby be a girl.”
Mauve rubbed her hands together. “I love that name. How is it possible that every dream I’ve ever had is coming true? Life with you is just way too much fun.”
They snuggled closer, watching the fire, sipping their coffees until Mauve suddenly sat straight up and set her mug on the table as if it were about to bite her. “I can’t be drinking caffeine. And no soft cheeses. Or wine. Or sushi.”
“Did you look all that up last night?” Jason asked, laughing.
“I couldn’t sleep. I was too excited.”
He tilted his head, watching her. “You’re going to be an incredible mother.”
“And you’re going to an amazing dad.”
Mauve glanced at the windows. “Oh, it’s snowing again.”
Hand in hand, they got up and went to the bank of windows, watching the silent, happy flakes that had come on Christmas morning as if God had sent the snow just for them.I must remember this, Mauve thought.To tell their baby about the Christmas morning when they first learned that she or he would make them a family of three.
“We’re blessed, you know,” Mauve said.
“Trust me, I know.”
They stood watching the snow fall for a few more minutes, until Mauve’s stomach growled and they both laughed and agreed that the baby needed breakfast. So they went into their kitchen and made pancakes, eggs, and sausage, talking the whole time about the baby and the future and everything they had to look forward to.
Together. There were days and even weeks when they couldn’t be in the same place, but it didn’t matter. They always came home in the end. To Sugarville Grove. To their home. To each other.
