Everyone raises their own canisters filled with hot cocoa as laughter rises in the air again and we fall back into easy conversation. As I look around, I see no difference between my crew of pals and these new ones that we’ve made. We all fit together like puzzle pieces. I’m suddenly really glad we did this . . . took this chance to come out here.
Not only are we making memories with our best friends. I have a hunch we might have just made some new friends, too.
Margot Price
In front of the fireplace, Ryan and Ava take turns flipping through some of the Christmas story books we laid out in the lobby. Ava, who isn’t a great reader yet, makes up most of the stories while Ryan throws himself full-heartedly into performing each character’s voice. His Scrooge is deep and raspy, for a seven-year-old, and his Rudolph is high-pitched and sweet. Ava is loving every second of it, constantly collapsing into a fit of giggles.
“It’s like those two have known each other all their lives,” Stacy says as she slides up to the counter, sipping on apple cider. “Isn’t it adorable?”
“More than adorable,” I gush, happily.
Chloe Martin swirls her spoon in her hot cocoa, lifting it up eventually to steal a mouthful of whipped cream from the top of the warm beverage. She slips the fluffy, white goodness between her lips as her gaze shifts between her friend and me. She still seems rather sad but making cookies has helped. I mean, how could it not?
“Motherhood must be so exciting,” she offers, hesitantly mustering up a smile. “It’s like a brand new chapter in your life.”
While I nod, Stacy clears her throat. “How did you know you were ready to start your family?”
I laugh. “Oh we weren’t ready at all. Ava was a big surprise, but honestly, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to us. It really made Owen and I take stock of what was most important in our lives.”
Stacy nods. “And you both still live in the city?”
“Yes, we’re in Manhattan.”
“Us too,” Chloe beams.
“What was that like?” Stacy asks. “Living in the city with a baby?”
“It’s actually easier than you might think. There are so many great kid-friendly things to do in the city, great childcare and tons of parent groups. It’s really very convenient.”
I watch the petite brunette’s shoulders sag with relief. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was making more than just polite conversation. Could she and the Hartbreak Kid be thinking about having kids?
The idea fills me with overwhelming joy. I feel my emotions bubbling to the surface suddenly and find I have to wipe my eyes.
“Are you okay?” Stacy asks.
“Yes. I’m more than okay. I just get a little weepy at the holidays. One of the perks of motherhood,” I joke. “Sometimes it feels like Ava is six going on sixteen.” I gaze out to where my precious little girl is giggling with Ryan. “It’s like they grow up every time you blink.”
Stacy and Chloe both have teary eyes now too, and for some reason that makes us all erupt into laughter.
“Okay, okay,” I say waving away the cloud of estrogen threatening to turn us into sobbing messes. “Back to the cookies.”
Chloe composes herself first and gestures at the bowl in front of me. “That smells heavenly!”
“I noticed you haven’t even measured anything,” Stacy says, inspecting the dough. “Do you have the recipe memorized?”
I nod, happily. “Yep! This is the Price family recipe. We make it together every year . . . though this is the first time we’re making it without Mom around to help and Dad sneaking the cookie dough when he thinks we’re not looking. It’s kind of strange.” I smile sincerely at our guests. “I’m really glad you guys came. The lodge would’ve felt so empty if you weren’t here.”
“I’m glad we came, too,” Stacy says, sweetly squeezing my hand when she sees my emotions starting to get the best of me again.
“You should put some dough in the freezer for your parents,” Chloe pipes up, straightening a little in her seat. “You guys could still bake cookies together when they get back.”
I smile at her, startled by her genuine kindness. She reminds me a lot of my sister, actually. Besides having a first name in common, they’re both business-minded, smart and generous.
I wave my cookie dough spatula at her. “That's brilliant. Thanks for the idea!”
Chloe nods. “So you guys do this every year? You must have all sorts of fun Christmas traditions.”
I chuckle and roll my eyes. “Oh, believe me, we do. We’ve got too many, and I feel like we add more every year. But I suppose that’s what keeps the Christmas spirit alive even when you’ve outgrown it a bit. It makes the holidays just . . .”
“Special,” Stacy says, softly.
“Exactly.” I grin. “You know, I get it now. When I was younger, it used to get old, having our lives revolve around Christmas all year long. Co-Co and I couldn’t wait to get away from it. And look at us now!” I laugh. “I guess it was actually a pretty great way to grow up and I really want Ava to get to experience all the fun traditions like me and Co-Co have.”
Stacy nods. “Those special activities you get to do with your family are something to look forward to. I can’t wait to make some fun traditions of our own.”
She rests her hand on her belly, fingers softly stroking over her pretty red sweater. I’d had a hunch she was pregnant when she turned down Co-Co’s amazing spiked cocoa, but now I’m sure. All those questions about babies in the city and the glow of her rosy cheeks.
Joy about bursts from me as I envisioned how amazing life is about to get for Stacy and her hunky Hartbreak Kid. But I also know how precious this news is and I
