“Oh, completely,” I say with a laugh.
Finn opens the car door behind us, and I watch as he pulls Skye into his arms. Andrea and Ivy are there immediately as they admire our daughter.
“And this is Skye,” Finn says proudly.
“Oh, look at you,” Andrea says with adoration in her eyes. “You’re even more perfect in real life. Oh, I’m gonna cry.”
“Oh my god.” Ivy shakes her head, tears in her eyes. “Oh, she’s so beautiful. Hello, little one.”
Skye’s hair is a little wild from the journey and her on-and-off naps, but her eyes are bright as she looks at the two women in front of her.
I watch the interaction unfold, my heart racing because this is how people should be around children in their family. If it’s anything like my mum or sister, then I don’t want it. I press a hand to my chest to stop the sudden cry emerging. It’s pathetic, but it’s all I’ve wanted for Skye to be around a family who actually cares.
“I cannot wait for a cuddle later,” Andrea says as she slides her finger over the back of her hand. “I can’t believe I’m a grandmother.”
“Let’s get inside, it’s cold out here,” Finn says before handing Skye to me. “I’ll get the bags.”
I follow the rest of them into the house. I’m immediately drawn into the features of their home and all the ocean-inspired decorations. It’s clean and classic with a personal twist. A home. A real home that feels lived in.
There’s a beautiful Christmas tree in the living room with red and gold ornaments. Along with fairy lights and stockings pinned to the fireplace. There are seven of them, all personalised with names.
Andrea. James. Ivy. Finn. JJ. Maya. Skye.
There’s a warmth in my chest that blossoms because I can’t even remember having a stocking since I was about eight years old. But it immediately makes me feel included, along with Skye, like they’ve been planning this for a while.
“How are you, Maya?” Andrea asks as she guides me into the kitchen.
“I’m good, thank you. How are you?”
“Very excited to have you here,” she says as we approach the kitchen island.
“It’s all she’s been talking about for weeks,” James pitches in with a chuckle. “You are very welcome here, Maya. I hope you don’t mind spending Christmas in a madhouse.”
I nearly snort. I know what a madhouse is like, and this doesn’t seem remotely similar. “No, not at all. Thank you for letting us.”
“Oh, don’t be silly.” Andrea waves a hand. “You’re family, and family is everything.”
Skye wriggles in my arms, and I adjust her slightly.
“How old is Skye now?” Ivy asks as she slides onto the stool.
“Four months.” I brush back her hair.
“Four months and an absolute beauty.” Andrea beams at Skye. “Can I hold her?”
I nod slowly. “Of course.”
Andrea steps forward, and she takes Skye from my arms. The adoration on Andrea’s face is instant, bright, and unreserved. Skye stares back at her with curiosity on her face, but she doesn’t start to cry, which is a bonus.
“Oh my, look at you, big girl. Are we going to have the best Christmas ever? Yes, we are.”
Finn comes through the door with our bags before meeting us at the island. He approaches my side, and I take a quick glance at him. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I am okay. I’m more than okay. They welcomed us with wide arms, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Of course, I don’t want to push any boundaries with Skye,” Andrea says, catching my attention. “And I want to make sure we don’t make you uncomfortable with anything we do or say. So please let us know if we’re crossing any, okay?”
I frown at her words. “You’re Skye’s family,” I state. “It’s a blessing for her to be around her grandparents and her auntie.”
