Page 81 of Mia Amata

Randy looked at us and cleared her throat a little, “I’m sorry if we interrupted anything. I told him we shouldn’t just show up like that.”

Before I could reply, Jacob said, “Oh, don’t worry about it. We finished about five minutes before you got here.” I slapped him on the shoulder as Josh burst out laughing.

“I forget you two are still newlyweds,” he laughs.

Jacob said, “Newlyweds has nothing to do with it. I would advise you never to come over unannounced because any chance I get…” He never finished the sentence because I cried out, “Jacob Lee Vance!” He grinned, and we all started laughing. At that moment, the doorbell rang again.

Jacob looked at me, “For crying out loud, has no one respect for the time of day.”

Josh looked at Jacob with a wicked grin, “We can’t help it if you are a horny bastard!” Randy looked at him in exasperation as we all laughed. Jacob went to the door, to let in Nora, Donald, Janet, and Jack. “What’s so funny?” Donald asked when he walked in.

Josh smirked at his little brother, “It seems like Randy and I interrupted something when we got here.” Jacob looked at Josh, “And I told you that you didn’t interrupt anything.”

Josh replied, “Oh, that’s right, you had just finished…” He trailed off as his mom flicked him on the ear. “Ow, Mom!”

Jacob laughed, “Can we just stop talking about our sex life? Merry Christmas everyone.” Everyone laughed.

Everyone had coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls. Turned out they all figured I would bake them for breakfast, so they invited themselves over. We all took our coffee to the couches and sat down. We sat around, discussing the usual things, the wedding, and everyone asking how I was feeling. At that point, Lucky walked up, placing his head on my belly.

Jacob said quietly, “Hey, watch Lucky.” They all watch Lucky respond to the baby’s movements until the baby stopped. Then Lucky went to lie down in his dog bed. The room was silent for a few minutes as everyone took in what they had just witnessed. We discussed how Lucky seemed to be really in touch with the baby and probably be the best protector of the baby.

I got up and put the ham I had prepared in the oven and also started the scalloped potatoes. I went back to the couch, and as I sat down, Jacob announced it was time we opened presents. He handed out the first round of gifts, made sure everyone had one, then we took turns guessing what they were and then opening them. Everyone had a great time; all the gifts were very thoughtful. I had given everyone handmade items along with something sentimental that made me think of them when I saw them.

Finally, the only gift left was the big box that Jacob had said would be a surprise. He looked at Josh, nodding at him. Josh stood up, helped Jacob pick up the big box, and then placed it in front of me. I looked at them in surprise. “What is this?” I asked.

Josh smiled, “This is all Jacob.” He sat down by Randy again.

Jacob looked at me, “This is for you. Well, it is more for our daughter I should say.” I looked at him, then started taking the paper off the box. Opening the top, I let out a gasp. I looked at Jacob, tears starting to stream out of my eyes. It seemed that only Josh knew what was in the box, he, again, helped Jacob pull the item out and move the box aside. They set the gift on the floor next to me where everyone could see it.

“It’s beautiful,” I cried. Everyone echoed my sentiments. “Did you make it?” I asked Jacob.

He nodded, “Yes, I made it by hand.” Sitting on the floor in front of us was a beautiful handmade cradle. On each end was carved a puppy that looked a lot like Lucky. “I love it so much,” I said, tears flowing.

I stood up, giving him a hug. “Jayden will love it.”

“Oh, I love that name,” Nora cried, tears in her eyes also.

Jacob smiled. “Yes, our daughter’s name is Jayden Lee Vance.”

“That is so perfect!” Randy said.

“How did you decide on the name?” Donald asked.

Jacob looked at me, “It was all Mia’s idea.”

I smiled at him. “I wanted something rather similar to Jacob, so Jayden seemed like a fit. Then I wanted to name her Lee after her daddy.”

“That is so sweet,” Janet said.

I left them to discuss the cradle along with our daughter’s name while I checked on our dinner. I cleared off our breakfast dishes and loaded the dishwasher and started it. Lucky had followed me to the kitchen and was watching as I moved around the kitchen getting our dinner ready.

“Can I help?” Nora asked, walking into the kitchen.

“Can you set the table for me? Normally I would insist you sit and enjoy visiting with others, but I’m not moving as well as I normally do.”

Walking up to me, she smiled, “Do you mind?” she asked, motioning to my belly.

“Not at all,” I smiled. She reached out, placing her hand on my belly. Lucky watched closely, ready to jump to my aid should he sense danger.

---