I glance at the baby monitor, making sure our newest arrival, Alexis, is doing okay. But all is silent on that front.
“Mom?” Miracle murmurs.
I smile over at her, pulling myself back from overthinking.
Whereas her brothers have their father’s black hair – well, black before it turned to snow – Miracle is like a miniature version of me. Except I think she has Kenny’s eyes…
My heart soars, even more, when I think of my little brother, manager of a non-profit organization, engaged to the loveliest woman imaginable.
Mom and dad, if you could see us now.
“He’s letting us get all excited,” I smile. “Don’t worry.”
“He’s never been late before.”
“That’s because we have something special planned this year.”
Miracle’s eyes widen and she moves close, seeming far older than her eight years. She’s got a conspiratorial twinkle in her eye as she looks up at me, lowering her voice.
“What, like a surprise?”
“Yep.”
“Mom, you’ve got to tell me. Please.”
I giggle, but of course, she’s not going to quit. I’m sure Miracle’s going to be a cop when she grows up, like her dad, or maybe a journalist. Once she sinks her teeth into something, it’s impossible to get her to let go.
In the background, one of my songs plays. Miracle and the boys insisted on it. It’s one of my chart-toppers, always resurging around Christmas time, and pride whelms up inside of me each time I hear it.
I’m about to tell Miracle the surprise, but then the sound of jingling bells comes from the front of the house.
The boys leap to their feet and sprint over to the window, yelling in excitement.
I follow after them and stare over their black haired heads, taking in the sight of my Saint Nick sitting on his red sleigh, with four horses pawing at the snowy ground. They have antlers attached to their heads, all humanely – we researched the company thoroughly to make sure.
Nick smiles at me from behind his Santa’s beard, our eyes meeting, love blossoming all around us. A silent message hovers between us, dancing in the snow laced air.
Each Christmas will always be more special than the last.