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“I can’t believe I’m a willing participant in these shenanigans.”
Daisy snorted. “Willing participant? Try ringleader. This was your idea, if I remember correctly.”
I flashed a wicked grin. “Look how great it’s turned out for us.”
My mom walked over to Daisy and handed over Tate. “Do you think this boy will ever feel a crib or stroller again?”
Daisy chuckled and shook her head. “Highly doubtful.”
Amy sat on the couch and smiled at us. “It certainly makes my job easy.”
I watched my mom motion for Brielle to follow her to the couch near the fireplace. Brielle glanced at me as Nick chatted with the caterers in the kitchen. In the softly lit corner of the living room, away from the holiday cheer, clinking of glasses, and clanging silverware, Brielle and my mom found a quiet space. The Christmas tree with red and green twinkle lights shed a soft light over them.
“What do you think that’s about?” Daisy whispered. “Everything okay?”
I shrugged and took a deep breath. “I hope so.”
My mom took Brielle's hand in hers and smiled. “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of Tate’s life.” My mom’s voice was tender but filled with the wisdom and compassion of her years. "Brielle, you've given us a precious gift." Her eyes flicked to Tate, who was now asleep in my girlfriend’s arms.
Brielle nodded, her eyes glistening. "I never expected to have a son, not Hunter’s son. Not children at all. But I’m so grateful to Nick. He’s really shown me how to be kind," she whispered, a mix of pride and vulnerability in her voice. “And Tate is my everything, even if I don’t know what to do sometimes or need a million nannies. I love him. I really do.”
“You're not alone in this. Tate is a part of this family now. He’s a part of us, and by extension, so are you.”
Brielle took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I've been so anxious about everything. How Nick and I will manage, how he'll fit into our lives and your lives."
My mother smiled warmly, dabbing tears away. "Tate is already a part of us, dear. Just like you are. Families come in all sizes and shapes. Ours merely got a little bigger, spicier, and a little more special."
Tears welled in Brielle's eyes as she turned to look at Tate. "I want what's best for him. I want him to grow up surrounded by love and knowing his family, all of his family, is there for him."
“And that will happen. We will figure things out as they come, together, as a family. It’s a blessing.”
The genuineness of my mom’s words touched Brielle, and I was so grateful that they put everything aside for the sake of Tate.
As I watched from across the room, my heart grew with love and gratitude.
Nick made his way into the living room and announced that dinner was served. We all moved toward the dining table, laden with a scrumptious holiday feast, but none of us wanted to put Tate down. Daisy sat next to me, still holding him in her arms as I put turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on her plate.
“This looks delicious,” she muttered, stabbing a piece of stuffing with her fork in her right hand while Tate lay asleep nestled in her left arm.
“She’s a natural,” Brielle said, laughing. “I still don’t think I could do that.”
“This is probably my only natural talent,” Daisy assured her.
“So, Hunter told me you two are getting married after Christmas and headed to Bora Bora for the honeymoon?”
Brielle looked suddenly sheepish, but she nodded. “Yeah. It’s not the first time I’ve had to leave Tate, but I know he’s in good hands.”
My mom smiled, nodding. “Well, it’s your honeymoon, dear.”
Nick nodded.
As everyone began talking about Bora Bora, I leaned into Daisy, my voice low. "I always thought mistletoe was overrated when I wanted to impress the ladies. So I thought, why not shake things up and go bigger and better with you? You know, impress you by bringing in a baby and an ex for the holidays?”
Daisy snickered and shook her head. “Well, you really outdid yourself.”
My dad cleared his throat and grinned at me with a mischievous glint. “Hunter, I must say that this beats watching reruns ofIt’s A Wonderful Life. This real life you’ve created has spice and plenty of adventure, but I confess I never would have guessed that you’d bring us a grandson for Christmas. Our little Tate is quite a gift, but I think I can only handle one of your surprises per holiday, Hunter.”
Everyone laughed, and I shook my head. “Just wait until my brothers meet Tate.”
