As usual, Margot’s happy little family is wearing matching holiday pajamas on Christmas morning. This year’s consist of red oversized shirts and green and white striped bottoms. Ava is even wearing a little elf hat to make her outfit even more adorable.
“It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas!” Ava says, excitedly. “Did Santa eat all the cookies we left him?”
“Every single one,” I answer with a wink. “He didn't even leave a crumb!”
Ava beams, reaching out her arms for me. I pick her up again and hold the six-year-old close, snuggling her against me. Sharing Christmas with my sister and Ava and Owen is just so special.
“You look happy,” Margot notes, touching my cheek. “I expected you to be a stressed-out wreck this morning.”
“Stressed?” I echo with feigned shock. “Who, me?”
Everyone laughs just as the sound of footsteps start treading down the stairs.
“Good morning!” I call as our new friends emerge from the stairway. “Merry Christmas! I’ve already prepped some of my special cocoa and mimosas. Coffee’s hot and the fresh-baked cinnamon rolls will be out in a minute. Want to head to the lounge to open presents while you wait?”
Everyone looks especially bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning. It warms my heart to see them all looking so happy. Their smiles tell me that the extra touches we helped provide for their Christmas Eves must have been exactly what they needed.
Ryan rushes over and Ava lightly wiggles in my arms, begging to be put down to greet her friend. She takes the elf hat off her head and puts it on Ryan’s.
Ryan gasps, eyeing the presents beneath the tree. “Santa really came all the way out here?”
“He sure did!” I exclaim. “Ava, will you take Ryan into the lounge? We’ll be right behind you.”
“Santa ate all the cookies we made!” Ava says to Ryan as she takes his hand and leads him toward the presents.
Jake and Stacy make their way over as I start handing out warm mugs of cocoa.
“We didn't mark any of our presents from Santa,” Stacy whispers. “I'm worried Ryan might notice.”
Ethan winks and shakes his head. “We’ve got ya covered. Santa always stops by to visit the kids at our lodge.”
“This place just keeps getting more magical,” Jake chuckles. “You all are the best. Seriously.”
“Damn straight!” Chloe Martin says from where she’s tucked up against Donovan’s chest.
I think the biggest change out of all the couples is from those two. It really seems like they were able to break down some walls and reconnect during their stay. Who knew ice-skating could be so therapeutic?
“Thanks,” I giggle, flushing. “Now, onward to open presents!”
Clutching their mugs, everyone shuffles forward from the lobby to the lounge. Ava and Ryan are already rushing about the beautiful trees finding presents for one another.
“Can we start opening them?” Ava asks, eagerly.
Margot and Owen share a look with Jake and Stacy before all four parents nod.
“Have at it, kiddos!” Jake says.
The children squeal and begin to rip into the wrapping paper like a bunch of wild kittens. Ribbons fly everywhere as everyone groups together to watch.
“How was your night?” I ask Chloe as I take a seat in Ethan’s lap. “Did you and Donovan enjoy ice-skating?”
“It was even better than we hoped,” Chloe says, shyly. She looks up at Donovan and silly smiles break over both of their faces. They’re looking at each other like two teens head-over-heels in love. It’s enough to make my heart nearly burst with Christmas joy.
“I told you,” I whisper to Chloe with a wink. “Ice-skating is magical.”
“Actually, Chloe and I have an announcement,” Donovan adds, drawing every single eye in the room. He gives a nervous laugh and then kisses the top of Chloe’s head. “We’ve set a date for our big day!”
Everyone immediately starts cheering, Eric perhaps the loudest of them all, though Stacy and Morgan aren’t far behind.
Chloe giggles and beams at everyone. “Margot, Co-Co, Owen, Ethan—we would really love it if you’d come to our wedding.”
I can’t help but gasp, eyes going wide. “Are you serious?”
“Of course!” Chloe answers quickly. “You and your magical lodge helped remind us what’s important.”
“The day wouldn’t be complete without you,” Donovan adds.
“Then we’ll definitely be there!” Margot gushes, from beside me.
“And I want to thank my old friends as well,” Donovan says, looking at everyone else. “If you all hadn't dragged me out to Pine Island this Christmas I never would’ve gotten my priorities straight. You all are my family. And I love you for calling me on my crap when I need it.”
“Cheers to that!” Eric shouts, raising his mug.
Everyone swiftly follows suit, laughing together. Once we all clink glasses and take a sip, Eric lifts his glass again. “Well hang on everyone, we’re not done celebrating yet. Morgan and I have a special announcement, too!”
“We’re not going back on the road!” Morgan beams. “We’re staying home. We’re ready to settle down and start a family.”
Just then, Ryan and Ava dart by. Ryan has taken the wrapping paper and is holding it behind him like a superhero cape while Ava has some over her face like a mask. They squeal, darting between the trees.
“And by family, I mean a whole litter,” Eric says, watching the children fondly.
Everyone laughs again but the sound is quickly interrupted when Margot clears her throat. “Speaking of kids . . . ” She begins with a wily grin. “There’s a reason I haven’t been drinking your spiked cocoa, sis.”
My heart drops to the floor before skyrocketing again. “No way?!”
Margot nods excitedly. “We’re expecting again!”
“We are?” Owen asks, his voice full of disbelief.
My eyes dart to my sister’s husband. Owen looks like a strong wind could blow him over. He’s shaking like a leaf as he reaches out for Margot. The poor man is as shocked as I am.
“Surprise!” Margot says, grinning at her husband through tears. “I know we weren’t planning this but—”
“But it’s the best news ever!” Owen interrupts, sweeping Margot off
