“You know we couldn’t miss our little grandbabies’ first Christmas.”
“Where are our hosts?”
“Oh, they had some issue to discuss in the kitchen.” Seconds later I see my sister come out, hair disheveled, and Franco tucking in his pants. “Problem solved, it seems.”
“Fabio was right. Sorry we’re late. You know how it is.” I hug my sister. “Did you at least clean the counter after?” I whisper in her ear.
“Why? It was the wall this time. I hear it’s a great spot.”
“Fucking Mia.” I can’t believe she told them about catching us against the wall. At least we weren’t fucking yet.
“Aw…let me see these cuties,” our mother calls out as Fabio crosses the threshold.
“Where are my princesses?” my dad says.
“We’re right here,” Isabelle and I say at the same time.
“Oh, you’re queens now. I want to see the little cherubs.”
“They are so beautiful.” They look like Snow White, taking my coloring with Fabio’s hair color.
“Fabio, Anabelle,” his mother calls out, rushing up to the both of us. “Merry Christmas.”
“Ah, they stole the girls first.” She pouts as if they don’t get to see the babies enough. Our parents are crazy over the kids, and we all can’t be happier.
“Well, it’s only fair since you got him first.”
“I will never think it’s fair.” My mother-in-law is hilarious to me as she huffs away.
“Thank you all for coming. Isabelle has outdone herself again,” Franco says before bending down and stealing a kiss from his wife.
“So I hear you’re a good cook—looking for a job?” I ask her. “Fabio is looking for someone to cook at home. He married the wrong sister.”
“Never. I’d rather cook the rest of my days than give you up for anyone, not even the almost identical version of yourself. You’re mine, and I mean that.” He kisses me hard. “Now, sit and behave. I can’t have you feeling unwell with that little one.”
My eyes widen, and I sputter out, “What? How…”
He tilts his head and grins from ear to ear. “Are you? I just assumed I knocked you up because it’s all I think about.” I slap his chest as he pulls me into his arms. “I love you, Anabelle,” he whispers before brushing his lips against mine. It’s brief, but my heart does a flip when he kisses me so tenderly.
Once we pull away, I look around the room and notice we’re missing someone important. “So where’s Mia?”
“She went to New York City to visit her friends,” Soren answers with a grumble.
“Wait. I thought she was coming back tomorrow,” Isabelle says.
“No, she’s spending the holidays with her besties this year,” he adds as if he doesn’t care for the idea at all. I suppose he did come all the way from Italy to spend Christmas with the family and his sister isn’t here.
“Okay. Well, I’ll call her in a bit,” I say. Mia has become distant lately and although the guys aren’t sure, we women know damn well what it is. She’s lonely and has baby fever. She feels left out, especially because Soren lives across the ocean. Their parents want them to find their significant others soon so they can enjoy being grandparents as well. For now they love being a great-aunt and uncle to our kids.
I hope Mia finds her other half like we have very soon.
She needs a man like ours who will love her unconditionally.
Fifteen Years Later- Fabio
“This is the last one,” Anabelle grumbles.
“I know. I promised you he’s our last,” I tell my beautiful wife. After all these years, she’s pregnant again. She’s about to rip my balls off because we have six kids now and another on the way.
“I meant the emails. I don’t want to look at my computer for the rest of the week.”
It’s Christmas Eve, and thankfully, we’re celebrating at Franco’s again. Honestly, after the chaos that unfolded last year, I’m grateful we’ve taken turns hosting. Last year we had more people than we had room for. We’re having an addition built onto our home in the spring because we have only ten bedrooms, and every single one was utilized along with the living room. Between all of our children, it’s gotten hectic so we take turns. Hell, Franco had considered expanding his home, but our oldest kids will be off to college in a couple of years, so it’s not worth it.
Anabelle’s parents passed away a few years ago, but the family always says a prayer for them, hoping they’re watching their grandbabies grow. My parents will be here, but my aunt and uncle will be staying with their kids for the holidays. With everyone married and popping out babies, we’ve grown our family exponentially, but it’s wonderful.
“Did you finish all the food for tonight?”
“It’s almost done, so we have about an hour before we leave. The kids are getting dressed now.” I hold her close, knowing she’s thinking about her parents. She always does as we get ready to celebrate. Kissing her cheek, I run my hands over her tender breasts and whisper, “Maybe we can…”