Page 10 of First Christmas

I laughed outright at that.

“Too much to name. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to check in on my grandson. See how my girls are. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Nan, we were over for dinner last night.”

We talked daily and ate with her once a week, but she’d gotten so attached to Nat and Becks that she was always sniffing about it being forever since we’d seen her.

“I know. I just love seeing them. Nat keeps me young.”

I chuckled, “She is a special little person isn’t she? We’re all fine, Nana. What if we all come by tomorrow before I take Nat shopping for Becks?”

“Oh, are you still working on Becks’ Christmas surprise?” She asked.

“I’d say I have about three more days on it. It’ll be done by Christmas Eve.”

“She’s going to be beside herself,” said my Nan, knowingly.

“I know.”

“Well. I’ll let you get back to it. Give the girls my love. Behave.”

“I will. Love you.”

“I love you too, Lucas.”

Hanging up, I placed my phone back in my pocket and took the chicken off the grill. Walking back into the house I set my half-empty mug of cocoa on the counter beside the finished chicken.

Monica thanked me and I took my coat off, watching her and Becks move around the kitchen seamlessly. They were laughing at some scenario from one of the fantasy romance books they were reading together. I couldn’t keep track of their stories and authors. Some fairy or monster romance stuff. Embarrassed the hell out of Becks when I’d read one but couldn’t say she cared when I’d reenact a scene for her.

Lacey, Lexi, and Nat ran in, the younger two giggling and driving the elder crazy.

“Girls. Please stop pestering your older sister,” Monica groaned while Becks set the sides and salad on the table.

“Like they’ll listen,” complained Lacey, scowling at the grinning younger girls.

I threw my arm around my oldest niece’s shoulder, placing my cold hand on her and making her squeal.

“You’re just as bad as the younger two” exclaimed Becks shaking her head.

“We can’t let Lacey get too big for her britches.” I said, winking at Nat and Lexi while Lacey tried to scowl at me.

“Let’s sit and eat.” Monica announced, as she carried Becks and her wine over to the table. “I think this is necessary.” She quipped.

“Tell me about it,” replied Becks.

Later that evening, back in our cozy home across town, I watched from the doorway of Nat’s bedroom as her mother tucked her in. I walked across the room and grinned down at my daughter.

“You ready for a kickass Christmas break, Peanut?”

“Lucas!” exclaimed Becks as Nat giggled up at me. Her blue eyes were sparkling with mischief and she winked.

“What am I going to do with you two?” asked Becks, crossing her arms. “Don’t get her all riled up. Night, Nat. Love you.”

“Love you, Mom.”

We watched Becks leave the room and I grinned down at Natasha again.

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