Page 129 of Better Together

When he finished, he closed the Bible. “And that’s just the beginning.”

“Now presents!” Abby said.

“I want to pray!” Ben shouted.

Colt opened his hand to Ben, gesturing for him to go ahead.

“God, thank You for Colt and Remi. I love living here, and I love Christmas. Thanks for all the presents and everything. Amen.”

Colt stood and clapped once. “And go.”

“Wait!” Remi said.

“I can’t wait!” Abby said.

Remi reached for the five matching boxes. “Open these first.” She handed one to Colt, Ben, and Abby, and kept two for herself.

“Why do you get two?” Colt asked.

“Because. Just worry about yours,” Remi said.

“Ready, set, go,” Colt said quickly before tearing into the wrapping paper.

Ben was the first to get the box opened. “It’s pajamas.”

Colt pulled his out, and his eyes widened. “They match.”

Abby’s mouth formed a perfect O. “Family jammies!” She rubbed her hand over the nightgown. “This is the softest thing in my life.”

Remi held hers up too. “What do you think?”

Colt stood. “I didn’t take you for a matching pajama kind of mom, but I’m here for it. I’m wearing this all day.”

Abby struggled to her feet. “Me too. Me too.”

“There’s another one.” Remi held up the smaller package and shook it in one hand.

“Who’s it for?” Ben asked.

“All of us. Open it.” Remi placed it in the middle of the room, and Ben and Abby descended upon it, ripping and tearing until the box was torn open.

Ben held up the tiny onesie that matched the other pajamas. “What’s this?”

“That’s not gonna fit any of us,” Abby said.

Colt dropped the clothes in his hands and stared at the onesie in Ben’s hand. When Colt turned to look at Remi, recognition lit up in his eyes. “Are you serious?” he shouted.

Tears filled Remi’s vision. The hormones were already working overtime. “Yeah.” The word came out shaky, but it was news she was happy to deliver.

Ben looked over his shoulder at Colt. “What’s she crying about?”

Abby’s chin quivered. “Are you okay?”

“I’m great,” Remi said. “I’m happy.”

“We’re having a baby!” Colt shouted. He bent over, grabbed Ben under the arms, and hoisted him into the air. “We’re having a baby!”

“A baby!” Abby shouted. “Are you sure? How do you know? Where are we going to get it?”

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