Page 26 of A Very Grumpy Christmas

His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer, and for a moment, we’re lost in each other, the rest of the world fading away like it always does when we’re together.

But then a sound breaks the silence—a tiny voice from the other side of the room.

“Mama! Dada!”

Kip and I both turn at the sound, and my heart swells as I see our little boy, Sawyer, standing by the fireplace, his widegreen eyes sparkling with excitement. He’s holding one of the Christmas ornaments in his small hands, his dark hair a messy mop on his head.

“Look!” Sawyer says, holding up the ornament proudly.

I walk over, kneeling down in front of him as he shows me the ornament—a small wooden heart with the wordLovecarved into it. It’s one of the first ornaments Kip and I ever bought together, back when we were just starting out, before our lives got filled with all the little moments and memories that now decorate our tree.

“Do you want to put it on the tree?” I ask, smiling at him.

Sawyer nods enthusiastically, his face lighting up with excitement. I stand up and help him reach one of the branches near the bottom of the tree, and he carefully hangs the ornament in place, his little face serious with concentration.

“Tada!” he says proudly.

“It’s perfect!” I compliment him.

Kip walks over, ruffling Sawyer’s hair with a grin. “You’re right, buddy. It’s perfect.”

I step back, watching the two of them, and my heart feels like it might burst. This is our life now—our little family, our home filled with warmth and love, and it’s more than I ever could have dreamed of.

The doorbell rings, and Sawyer’s eyes widen with excitement. “Is it Santa?” he asks, bouncing on his toes.

I laugh, shaking my head. “No, sweetheart, it’s probably Aunt Cora and Uncle Huxley.”

Sawyer’s face lights up even more at the mention of his favorite aunt and uncle, and he races toward the door, his little feet barely touching the ground as he runs.

I glance at Kip, who’s grinning as he watches Sawyer disappear down the hallway. “You know, five years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined us here,” I say softly.

Kip turns to me, his expression softening. “Yeah. It’s crazy to think about how much has changed.”

I nod, my gaze drifting back to the tree, the soft glow of the lights casting a warm, golden hue over the room. “I didn’t think I’d ever find this—findyou—and now I can’t imagine life without it.”

Kip steps closer, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “I couldn’t imagine it either.”

I smile, leaning back against him as we stand there, soaking in the quiet of the moment.

The door opens, and I hear the familiar sound of laughter as Cora and Huxley step inside, Sawyer’s excited voice echoing through the house as he tells them all about the tree and the ornaments he helped hang.

“Merry Christmas!” Cora calls out as she walks into the living room, her arms full of gifts, her face glowing with happiness.

“Merry Christmas,” I reply, stepping forward to give her a hug. “You’re just in time.”

Huxley grins, clapping Kip on the back. “This place looks amazing. You guys went all out this year.”

Kip chuckles. “Well, you know Ginger. She doesn’t do anything halfway when it comes to Christmas.”

I smile, shaking my head at him as I help Cora with the gifts. It’s true—I’ve always loved Christmas, and ever since Kip and I started this tradition of decorating together, it’s become even more special. Especially now that we get to share it with Sawyer and our friends.

The evening passes in a blur of laughter and warmth, the house filled with the sound of music and the smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. Sawyer is bouncing around, showing off the decorations to Cora and Huxley, while Kip and I steal quiet glances at each other, little moments of connection that remind me how lucky I am.

As the night winds down, and the house falls into a comfortable silence, I find myself standing by the window, watching the snow fall gently outside. The world is peaceful, and my heart feels full.

Kip walks up behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist as he rests his chin on my shoulder. “You okay?”

I nod, leaning back into him. “Yeah. I’m more than okay.”

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