Narrowing his eyes further, he a took hold of her hand, “You must be hearing incorrectly, madam. I’m pretty sure it was you who pointed out to Miriam the only store open was that atrocity. You set the game in motion.” He retorted.
Tugging playfully against his grip, she stepped closer to him, "I'm sorry. I wasn't there when Miriam messaged Jack. She asked, and I simply told her!" She then tilted her head and pressed her pointer finger against his chest, "You're the one who went in the mess head first. I was only doing the right thing and helping my family." She joked.
“I bet you told her with glee in your tone and a devilish glint in your eye just knowing how I’d look when I found out. It’s written all over your face.” He hissed in return while pulling around her side.
Her eyes narrowed at him challengingly while she smirked slightly at him, “Whatever gave you the idea that I enjoy torturing you? You make it so easy. Now, let me go, sour ass.” She whispered.
Her demand only made him refuse more adamantly. Slowly, he shook his head, “Not quite yet, guilty ass. Admit that you love torturing me.” He hissed.
Reaching around, she gripped against his wrist. She tried not to smile wider as he stepped closer. Arching an eyebrow, she chewed on the inside of her cheek, “Let me go before our parents get the wrong idea." She murmured.
Looking between his grandkids, Simon Sr. had to test out his theory; ever the troublemaker he was, “Let’s see if she loves Jr.” He muttered. Plucking the little rotund boy up, yet again Jr. was the one who began to fuss and squirm as he stared down at Jasmine. Simon Sr. held the boy up to his face and gave him a critical gaze, “Oy vey…”
Jasmine stared up at the younger sibling curiously. Miriam turned her attention to Simon Sr. and rested the bag down, "Simon. Stop pinching that baby!" She called out with a laugh.
Simon Sr. quickly placed Jr. down and got to his feet, “I wasn’t pinching. Scouts honor.” He promised. This man wasn’t a scout and never was.
At the outburst from Jr. and the others’ conversation, Cherish bit her bottom lip and stepped away from Simon. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Do you want something hot to drink?"
Simon knew he had a bad habit of forgetting there were nosy people around. Pulling away, his gaze lingered on her briefly before he peered out into the living room at the others.
Margaret shook her head and stood, "Dinner is almost finished, let's set up."
Simon glanced back at Cherish, “Yeah, I’ll have it with dinner.” He whispered.
Simon Sr. joined everyone in the kitchen and dining room. Soon, their meal was underway, and they sat together with their hands clasped for Christmas Eve grace. Eating, Margaret continuously looked over towards the bag on the kitchen counter. Her mind reeled with how she’d be able to use the content within to her advantage. She glanced between Cherish and her son who spoke amongst themselves. Rubbing her fork across her lips, she tuned into the conversation and the excited chatter about Christmas in the morning.
After dinner finished, Miriam and Jack began to clean up the dishes while Cherish grabbed Jr., “Bath time?” she asked Simon.
Seeing her chance, Margaret cleared her throat and straightened her back, “Go ahead! We’ll finish up down here. I’ll bring up Jasmine’s bottle soon. Go and help Cherish, love.” She said to her son.
Unknowing of his mother’s intentions, Simon fell right into her trap at the sound of her innocent encouragement. Picking Jasmine up, he nodded, “Thanks mom.” He said.
Cherish kissed against Jr.’s cheek as she whispered nothings into his ear. He grunted and kicked his feet with a wide, messy, gummy grin as he was led away; Simon following.
As always, bath time was a mini shower for whoever dared to take on the task. Jasmine energetically splashed the soapy water and shrieked when it hit against her face. Jr. chewed on his wet fingers as he patiently waited for Cherish to wash his hair. Their little personalities started to peek through which was beyond adorable to both parents. Even with the knowledge that they would have a problem with Jasmine when she was old enough. The smile on her dripping wet face when she looked at them was enough to weather the storm she’d bring.
Margaret advanced up the steps toward the twins’ bedroom with Jasmine's bottle in hand. Cherish rocked Jr. from side to side beside Simon with her hand over his ear. She smiled quietly at him only for Margaret to knock on the door. Pacing in, she handed Simon the bottle before she rubbed Jasmine's back, "We are going to stay up and watch a couple of Christmas movies. You guys come down and join us." She said.
Cherish placed Jr. into the crib quietly and glanced at Simon. She tried to gauge his reaction before nodding, "That sounds good. I'd love to see the two Simon's tear up at the end." She teased with a laugh.
Margaret shook her head, "I love my sensitive men." She replied.
Giving Jasmine her bottle, she took hold of it by herself and laid on her side. Simon made sure she was alright before he left the room with the baby monitor and followed. He slid his eyes at them, “I’m not going to cry. Dad’s the one who cries.” He denied.
Cherish rolled her eyes as she trailed a few steps behind Margaret, “Isn’t that what you said with Twelve Days of Christmas?” She asked looking at him.
Margaret leaned her head back
