“Aww… you two are adorable,” Max laughed. “But it’s fine, you can stay. You’ve already ruined Christmas. Just kidding…” He stood up and went into the kitchen. “Anyone want milk and cookies?”
“Yes!”
“It’s way past midnight,” said Avelyn. “So, you eat your cookies, drink your milk, then you’re off to bed. We’ll go see Triberg Falls tomorrow. How does that sound?”
The kids nodded and went to take their seats around the table.
“Does this mean we can stay here, with you, for the next three days?” asked Nick.
“So, that permission slip meant nothing?”
The boy avoided his mother’s gaze. “We really did want you to spend some time alone, away from all the madness at the Schloss.”
“And then you changed your mind?”
“N-no… It’s just… Well, it was so sad and boring without you. We’re… sorry?”
Avelyn chuckled and kissed the top of his head.
“Never be sorry for wanting to spend Christmas with us. Ever.”
Max brought milk and cookies for the pups, and a bottle of wine for him and Avelyn.
“I’m hungry, aren’t you?” she asked.
“I was. But it passed when I realized what these three had done.” He cocked and eyebrow when his stomach rumbled. “I could eat some pudding.”
“Awesome! Bring on the pudding! Boys, do you want pudding?”
“I hate Christmas pudding,” said Jake.
“Yes. Bleh!” Luke scrunched up his nose.
“I want some,” said Nick.
“Christmas pudding coming right up!”
Avelyn smiled. It was nice to see Max so invested in bringing the food to the table and making sure everyone had what they needed. He was the Alpha of Clan Blackmane, but he was also a great husband and a loving father. He never expected her to gravitate around him just because he was the Alpha and she was his wife. They were equal. And they both loved their three sons equally. Well, that was the definition of a perfect family, in Avelyn’s opinion.
“Merry Christmas, dear.” Max raised his glass, then gave her a quick, chaste kiss on the lips.
“Merry Christmas, baby.”
“Eww… stop kissing in front of us,” complained Nick. “It’s gross!”
Avelyn pinched his chubby cheek.
“Shut up and eat your cookies.”
THE END