Flicking through, she finally reached Thanksgiving photos. She tilted her head to the side and paused on one. This was it. She and Simon were holding the kids. Jr. was patting the turkey, Simon was laughing at Cherish, and Jasmine stared ahead at the camera. It wasn’t posed or forced, but it showed the real happiness on Simon's face.
That's what she wanted.
Leaving it out from the pile, she wrapped a rubber band around the cluster before she picked up the photo. Opening a bottom drawer to his desk, she pulled out a wrapped frame with the word "Thankful" written on the bottom. She went to work in framing the photo while the others would be added to the album when they returned from the trip. She once again felt overwhelmed with good, wholesome feelings and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, "Shit." She whispered to herself with a laugh. Finishing, she flipped the frame over with a smile and stared at Simon.
Amidst the mess of everyone getting ready for their trip, Simon made a trail around the upper floor and double checked if they had everything they needed. He was beyond excited for the trip as he made his final descent down the stairs. Stepping onto the first floor, he saw the babies and watched as they bounced away unaware of the adventure they were about to embark on. Passing by both mothers to go outside, he stopped short when he saw a flit of motion in his office which led him towards the doors instead.
Spotting Cherish with a stack of photos, the look on her face was reminiscent and clear as day. He deduced they were from all the times she pulled out those shitty cameras. One picture though drew her attention the most and caused tears to form. The way she reacted moved him and he couldn’t stop staring at her. There was a deep, strong compulsion which wanted and needed to be closer to her; like a magnet.
He didn’t realize that the gossiping women and the fathers had entered the house and watched him in silence. Margaret slowly reached out her hand and grabbed a hold of her husband’s. Her grip tightened when her son knocked against the glass.
Simon gave Cherish a meaningful smile and a wave when she looked over. Opening the door, he stood in the doorway, “Do you mind if I come in?” he asked.
Cherish thought he was going to rush her, but he proved her wrong. Pausing, she laughed and rubbed her eyes again, "You're asking to come into your own office, how does that work?" She questioned.
He released a soft laugh, opened the door, stepped inside, and shut it behind him, “I’m not sure, but it does.” He answered. She watched him quietly as he approached and smiled at his profile. He leaned over his desk and got a look at what she was doing. His expression was gentle as he was struck with on of the sweet moments he realized they got to keep, “You were right. You know, about the cameras.” He admitted placing a hand on her shoulder and staring into her wet gaze. With a sigh, his thumb rubbed against her collarbone as he pulled the stack closer.
Cherish wiggled a finger in her ear before pulling it away, "Wait. Hold on. Did you just say that I was right? Santa does really exist." She teased.
Simon’s glance slowly narrowed while the corner of his mouth pulled upwards. He rolled his eyes with a laugh and dropped his hand, “Let’s get the kids in the van. We’re leaving soon, do you have everything?” he asked.
She glanced down at the picture frame and nodded. Standing, she passed him by, "Let me just put this where it belongs. I'll clean up your desk when we get back." She stated after her answer.
Leaving the office, Margaret hung off her husband and proceeded to whisper in his ear giving him a rather perverse grin. Simon stepped out and witnessed his parents’ rowdiness as he did quite often. Now he knew where he got this hands-on nature from and the need for human contact slowly killed him on the inside.
Miriam placed a hand over her face as she entered the house again, "Jesus, Joseph, and Mary! We haven't even gotten to the cabin and you're starting already!”
Cherish shook her head with a laugh because, unlike herself, they would have a very active holiday. The babies, having calmed down, watched their mother approach the tall shelving unit. She tilted her head looking at a photo of Emily. Her picture was lined with word Always. Smiling, she then placed their photo beside her and sighed, "Merry Christmas, Emily." She whispered.
Hearing a howl of laughter broke Cherish's attention. She quickly turned and grabbed the little boy who was far too eager to see her. His kicked his roly-poly legs and gripped onto her face. She ate against one of his hands and he squealed out with joy.
Simon appeared behind Cherish and dipped down to pick Jasmine up from her bouncy seat. He rested her against his chest while she immediately clung to him and pushed her face on his shirt. Out of pure instinct, her kissed against her headband with a father’s love. Carrying his daughter, he went to the shelf and saw the framed picture beside his late wife’s. To him, it was perfect.
Turning off the television and lights, the family made sure the doors were locked before leaving. Setting the alarm, Cherish rushed out of the house with everyone else. Soon the babies were strapped in their car seats, the grandparents sat in the two
