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“Hello Lydia.” Taylor’s father, Lincoln, handed me a bottle of wine.
“You look beautiful,” Carol said, greeting me.
I was wearing a simple red, off the shoulder dress that hit just above my knees with matching red heels. It was easy and sexy, as Taylor had already told me.
“Thanks. And thanks for coming, you can set your gifts under the tree,” I said and led them to the room.
The next to arrive was Mrs. and Mr. Tupp. Mr. Tupp was wearing a Santa hat, which made him look even more like Santa than he already did. After dropping off their gifts, they immediately went to the kitchen with their casseroles to give Taylor a hand.
Next was Virgo and Michael.
“You better not be late for fashion week. Again,” I said, but smiled.
“We left with plenty of time to spare, I have no idea how I always end up late,” Michael complained.
“That reminds me of that time I was in the Amazon,” Virgo said seriously but didn’t elaborate further.
I let them inside, and they mingled with Lincoln and Carol, drinking the nice sparkling wine the two had brought.
Last to arrive was my aunt.
When I opened the door, I couldn’t help but rush forward into her arms. The hug was a little awkward because she had a present in her hands, but I couldn’t wait, I hadn’t seen her in so long.
“Merry Christmas sweetie,” she said and kissed both of my cheeks.
“Merry Christmas Aunt Renee,” I let out a visible breath in the cold air as we stood outside.
“Come on, you’ll freeze out here in that dress,” she said, and we went inside.
She seemed to get along well with everyone. I saw her talking the most to Lincoln and Carol, probably trying to get as much information about my husband as possible. I was so happy to see her, I probably would have run over and held her in my arms forever if she would let me.
When it came time for dinner, we were treated to a magnificent feast. Taylor had spent his free time planning it out. He had a notepad he jotted down recipes and cook times down and he placed sticky notes all over the kitchen in preparation. I helped where I could, but Taylor did most of the work. It made him happy. I loved seeing Taylor happy. It was certainly new to see the light in his eyes almost every day, but it was welcome. He bounced back from bad days much easier now. It maybe seemed obvious, but it made me truly happy that he was so happy.
After dinner, and after everyone piled up plates with all the treats and cookies Taylor had made. We went into the room with the tree and sat down ready to give out presents.
“You shouldn’t open mine until you tell everyone,” Virgo whispered to me as we got settled.
“Who should go first?” Mrs. Tupp asked, looking around.
“Actually.” I stood up. Everyone’s eyes were on me. “I have something to tell everyone.”
“What is it dear?” Aunt Renee had a knowing look in her eye.
“Everyone.” I paused to look at each of them. I remembered how deeply I cared about them and how much they cared back. “You are my family. You’ve all been there for me and Taylor, even during our darkest moments. And because of that I want you to know that the family is getting a new member.” I touched my stomach and smiled, some tears pricking my eyes. “I’m pregnant.”
The room went into an uproar. Everyone was talking all at once and giving me congratulations.
“Why aren’t you surprised?” Michael asked Virgo.
“I have a sixth sense.” Virgo shrugged.
“I knew too.” Aunt Renee said.
“How?” I asked. She didn’t look surprised either.
“You didn’t have a drop of wine during dinner sweetie,” she explained. “On Christmas? No way, you had to be pregnant.”
“Now that you mention it,” Carol spoke up.
