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Iwalked in the bustling kitchen holding Kensi’s hand and joined the Silver family around a large marble island. The festive atmosphere immediately assaulted my senses. Red and green decorations adorned every available surface, twinkling fairy lights cast a warm glow, and the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine filled the air. It was like stepping into a Christmas postcard, one that made me feel both nostalgic and giddy. James’ mother noticed us first.
“Laura, I’m so happy you could join us.”
“Good morning, Grandma.” Kensi threw her hands up in the air. Teresa lowered, and Kensi wrapped her arms around her neck, smacking a fat kiss on her cheek. “It’s Christmas Eve day, Grandma!”
“Yes, it is. Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?”
“I dreamed about Santa and reindeers and Santa’s workers, because they’re not done all the work yet and Christmas is almost here. And then I woke up and Laura was there and daddy was there too.”
My cheeks heated as I saw Teresa smile.
“Oh, that sounds like the perfect dream and a perfect morning. Go grab a scone and I’ll cut it for you.”
Kensi went to the table filled with pastries and Teresa turned my way.
“I’m sorry about my son’s absence this morning. Those boys of mine are always working.”
Maybe it was better that James wasn’t here just yet. He’d left early this morning for a meeting with his brothers, which gave me time to process the lengthy orgasm he drew out of me yesterday in the massage room. As incredible as that was. I wanted him to do more. Much more. I wanted him to fuck me silly, until I collapsed, begging for mercy. The memory of his raspy voice, dirty words, and eager fingers seared into my brain. Every time I thought about him on me and inside me, I heated and melted, pooling in my core. We were so close...but always interrupted.
I cleared my throat.
“Thank you for having me this Christmas. I had fun with Kensi this morning. Wow,” I breathed, taking in the ambience. “Everything looks gorgeous.”
Teresa swept her arm around the room, like she was Mary Poppins who produced the candy cane and mistletoe-themed Christmas. There was so much food everywhere already, the kitchen island overflowing with cakes, healthy snacks and more cakes. “It’s not Christmas without a family dinner and all the trimmings.”
Kensi returned and tugged on my hand, her eyes wide with excitement as she bounced on her toes. “Laura, do you think Santa will come tonight?”
I crouched down to meet her gaze and gave her a conspiratorial wink. “I heard the winds are high and the storm’s slowing him down, but I’m sure he’ll make it in time.” Her face lit up a sudden surge of affection in my chest. I didn’t know how to process my attachment to this little girl, but I liked it.
“Alright, everyone!”
I spun on my heel at the familiar voice as James clapped his hands, drawing attention from the bustling crowd of family and friends. A tight v-neck sweater and fitting pants hugged his muscled body. He looked even better than yesterday, with his freshly trimmed mustache and his hair still damp from a shower. Curls wove through the longer strands.
“Let’s get this party started!” someone cheered, and I snapped back to the present.
James continued, “We’ve got food to cook, games to play, and presents to sort. I checked the app, and it looks like Santa’s on schedule to come down the chimney tonight!”
All the kids screamed. It was impossible to not be happy, and I wished Allie were here. I called her last night before I fell asleep by Kensi’s side, and she was having her first dinner of solids.
“The responsibility chart hangs on the wall. You all know what to do!”
Another cheer erupted, and suddenly, the room was a flurry of activity. People dashed about, pulling out pots and pans. Hunter and Emma began setting up board games and puzzles on the tables, and Gabe was fixing more twinkling lights above the mantle. The energy was infectious, and despite my initial worry about intruding on the family event, I found myself swept up in their joy.
“Come on.” James grabbed my hand. He dragged me toward the stove. “We’ve got work to do.”
He brought out mixing bowls and white powdered sugar, and we began with the Christmas colored icing. Teresa stirred the cookie dough as Kensi kept her eyes locked on the chimney, waiting for Santa’s arrival. I fondly thought back to my childhood and the thrill of expecting St. Nick’s visit. She was no different, and her enthusiasm was contagious.
“Hey, kiddo,” James said, noticing his daughter’s distraction. “Why don’t you go help Emma set up the cookie decorating station?”
Kensi’s face brightened, and she scampered off to Teresa’s side. “Come on, grandma. Cookies are in the oven, and we need coconut flakes for the snow.”
James caught my eye, and we shared a knowing smile. I couldn’t pin what it was about the moment, but it felt right, and I’d learned to trust my gut. Or maybe, it was the magic of Christmas I so desperately craved.
We scooped the icing into glass bowls, and I washed the pots and pans. When I glanced at the chore chart, everyone had claimed a job, so I walked over to the sink and started washing more dishes. As in any kitchen, there were always more dishes to wash.
Meanwhile, James mixed the flour and oats, cutting chunks of butter into the mixture and sneaking glances my way. The twinkling of the Christmas tree lights glinted off his smiling face as he turned to me and said, “Laura, since you’re new to our traditions, why don’t you be the first to sit on Santa’s lap this year?”
I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. “I’m pretty sure I’ve outgrown the tradition.”
