Page 32 of First Christmas

“I’m here too.” growled Lacey, predictably.

“Don’t start,” came Monica’s tired voice.

“Gangs all here.” I laughed as Becks ran to greet them herself.

“Congratulations, Dad.” whispered Nan, wrapping an arm around my waist and looking up at me proudly.

“Thanks, Nan.” I whispered softly, smiling down at the tiny woman that had raised me to be the man I was today.

“Vi, that was amazing. You truly outdid yourself.” Monica said, sitting back in her chair.

Lacey, Lexi, and Nat had finished their meal and were in the living room watching a Christmas movie.

“It truly was amazing.” Added Becks. “I would love to come over and have you show me your recipes sometime. Spend the day together.”

Nan smiled warmly at her, “I’d like that, Becks. It was no trouble. Usually I’m just cooking for Lucas and myself. This was enjoyable. Having a brood to cook for. Everything is so convenient now.”

I snorted, looking at all the disposable pans and dishware she’d used.

“Easy clean-up.” I nodded. “You’re such a modern woman, Nan.”

“Don’t be a smart ass, Lucas.” Nan sassed as I choked.

“Nan, language.”

“I’m in my eighties, Lucas, not a nun.”

Monica and Becks were laughing hysterically at this point, looking adoringly at the feisty little woman.

“Shall we open presents?” asked Nan. “Even Lacey looked excited. It's been so long since I’ve watched children open presents.”

Monica smiled at her fondly, “Of course. We’ll help you with the easy clean-up after.”

Following my shuffling Nan into the living room we all took empty seats as the girls took turns playing Santa. Soon the room was filled with wrapping paper and laughter. Exclamations of surprise and adoration.

Nan had a fit over the new flatscreen television Becks and I had gotten her, knowing hers was on its last legs and from the 80s. She even grew teary again at Nat’s coffee mug that said “Greatest Great-Nan”.

She’d given each of the girls a scarf and hat set she’d knitted herself. Each seemed to understand the love that had gone into such a gift.

Monica and Becks had each gotten one too, Becks getting misty-eyed yet again. These women and their tears. I was beginning to understand what Paul had always talked about, being outnumbered.

I had to shake my head at the fact that he’d left me here with all of them, remembering a long ago conversation.

I looked around at my tiny family that had come together so perfectly and smiled at my blessings. Leaving Nan to visit with Mon and Becks I snuck into the kitchen to clean up and throw things away.

Nan came shuffling in after a few minutes, scolding me for doing all the work.

“You cooked for us Nan,” I countered, “It was the least I could do. If you hadn’t gotten in my face when you did, I may have never been a cop. I may have never been who I am and who I need to be to deserve Rebecca and that little girl out there. This is the least I could do.”

Feeling sentimental myself suddenly and a little overwhelmed at the emotions that came with a first Christmas with a family.

Also the first Christmas, in a long time, without my best friend.

Nan just patted my arm, drawing me down into a hug, like she understood. Just like she always had as I’d been growing up.

“You deserve all this and more, sweet boy,” she assured me softly. “You may be bigger than me now, and all tatted up, but I’m still your Nan,” she said a little more feisty to break the mood.

I laughed at her. “I know Nan. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

---