We stood outside a small home, Christmas lights still hanging from the eavesdrops and the trees that littered the yard. Daniel raced to the front door, knocking enthusiastically.

Lucas linked his large fingers with my own, his hand encapsulating mine in the process. "You okay?"

I nodded, not fully trusting my voice at the moment. I took in a deep breath, the cold air puffing out like smoke as I exhaled, "I'm good."

Miguel opened the door with a wide grin, "Happy New Year!"

"Hey!" Daniel responded practically pushing past him while shouting, "Mateo! Your favourite uncle's here!"

"Happy New Year, man," Lucas pulled Miguel into a one armed hug and with his fingers still clutching mine, tugged me inside the warm house with him.

"Hey Miguel," I said softly taking in the cozy home before me. It was decorated from top to bottom with Christmas decor and it almost felt like I was walking into a Hallmark movie home. The rich reds and golds were scattered about the house in the form of twinkle lights, garlands, paper star cut outs, and wreaths. You could feel the love of a happy home.

"Emily," Miguel's eyes darted to our enmeshed hands and he grinned even wider if that was possible. "I'm so glad you came. Maria's going to be thrilled. So," Miguel trailed, glancing down again, "Are you guys official finally?"

My cheeks flared up and Lucas rolled his eyes, "Maria?" He called loudly as Miguel guffawed.

A familiar curly haired woman with green eyes poked her head out of the kitchen. Lucas tugged me towards the kitchen where Maria stood. "Lucas! Emily! I'm so glad you two are here."

Lucas smiled at her and walked into the kitchen while Maria pulled me in to a tight embrace. "It's so nice to finally meet you!"

"You too," I stated shyly at the friendly woman before me. Lucas was making his way out of the kitchen but cocked his head to the side as he looked at me as if to ask are you okay? I nodded my head before he ducked out.

"I can't tell you how happy I am that Lucas has finally found someone permanent." She walked into the kitchen and I followed her lead, the smell of food becoming more potent. I tried not to think that she meant that Lucas had a lot of temporary flings. I knew he must have, he was so unbelievably handsome and kind. Anyone would have been lucky to be with him. But a small part of me wondered if he had brought them to a gathering like this one.

The kitchen was overflowing with dishes ranging from turkey, mashed potatoes, salads, chicken pot pies, and more dishes that I couldn't even name. "Wow. This all looks amazing, Maria."

"Thanks, Emily!" Maria wore a Santa Claus apron over her red sweater and black jeans. Her curly hair tucked into a neat bun. She was stunning. She was currently stirring something on the stovetop. Gravy maybe? I couldn't be sure. "Kyle!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. A moment later, Kyle came running into the kitchen in a panic.

"Sorry," he said sheepishly as he slipped a green mistletoe apron back on.

"I turn around for one minute and you're already out of the kitchen? When we make a deal, you follow through."

Kyle whined before spotting me, "Hey, Em!" He walked beside Maria and she handed him the whisk for the gravy as she moved away to chop something at the counter.

"Hey," I smiled at Kyle. His back was towards the stove at this point while he continued to whisk. "How's it going?" He asked as parts of the gravy overflowed, slopping onto the stovetop, bubbling and burning as it did so. "Oops," he chuckled nervously glancing to see if Maria had caught him.

Her eyes snapped towards him and he visibly flinched, "Kyle! I gave you one job. Stir the goddamn gravy." She slapped his hands away from the pot before she cleaned the stovetop and took over the gravy. She glared at him and I could see him visibly shrink back.

"So, do I still get her number?"

"No!" Maria shrieked, "Out of the kitchen you caveman!" She shooed him out while he placed his hands in front of his face to protect himself, walking out slowly. She turned to look at me, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He promised to help me if I gave him my newly single pediatrician's number."

I laughed as I took over the whisking of the gravy, "Were you actually going to give him her number?"

She snorted, "Lord, no. I like her way too much. But Kyle can't cook for shit so I wasn't too worried."

"How is Mateo?" I asked as I took a spoon that sat on the counter and dipped it into the steaming pot to taste the gravy. My eyes practically rolled to the back of my head, "Yum."

She smiled at me, "Mateo is amazing. Though I feel like Miguel likes him more than me now."

Miguel popped his head into the kitchen, "Did you call me, my love?"

Maria tossed him a glare, "No. But thank you for confirming you were eavesdropping."

He frowned mumbling, "Was not," as he walked back out of the kitchen.

"How long have you two been married?" I asked her, turning the oven off as the gravy simmered and thickened slightly.

"Three years. But we've basically dated since high school." Maria explained, tossing the salad ingredients she had chopped into a wooden bowl. "Do you mind grabbing a serving spoon in that drawer?" She nodded her head to a drawer next to me.

I grabbed the large utensil and placed it in the bowl as she carried it, following her with a plate of mashed potatoes. She placed the food on top of a elaborately decorated table and I placed the tray next to it. "Your house is beautiful by the way," I exclaimed as we walked back into the kitchen.

She grinned at me, "Thanks! I'm a tiny bit Christmas obsessed if you couldn't tell."

"Tiny bit?" Miguel mocked as he walked in and leaned against the door frame. "These decorations won't be down before St. Patrick's Day."

Maria shoved a basket of bread rolls in his face, "Are you going to help at some point or just stand around looking pretty?"

Miguel winked at his wife, "Of course, my love." He grabbed trays upon trays of food, placing them on the large table in the dining room.

I took a seat in between Lucas and Daniel, baby Mateo sleeping in his swing in the corner.

"Well, dig in!" Maria gushed as plates were passed around and we piled food on top.

"So bossy," Miguel muttered as he took a huge bite of a turkey leg.

Maria rolled her eyes, "Oh I'm sorry, did I hear you complaining when I cooked this entire meal on my own?"

"No, my love."

"Men, am I right?" Kyle chimed in. "You guys liking this gravy? It was a real bitch to make."

"You're still not getting her number," Maria chuckled.

"Ha!" Daniel scoffed. "Apparently you have less game than you thought you had. It really is a happy New Year!"

Miguel's phone rang and he sighed, standing up and walking away from the table to answer it, "Miguel speaking."

"Maria!" Kyle whined, "I'm such a catch!"

Lucas snorted, "Hold on tight to that number, Maria." Lucas reached under the table and placed his hand gently on my thigh, his thumb brushing circles onto the skin under my dress. I felt shivers run down my spine as he did so. His face was impassive but I'd learned to read the slight expressions that glimmered in his eyes. He looked relaxed and carefree.

Miguel returned into the room and made eye contact with Lucas. He looked worried. "You've been declared winner of fight six by default. Matt Deluca was underground fighting and got seriously beaten. They don't know if he'll wake up from his coma."

Lucas's fingers automatically stopped moving on my thigh. "Was it him?"

Miguel nodded and the table fell silent. My gaze flashed to Daniel who was as pale as a sheet. And unfortunately, we all knew who Lucas was referring to.

~~~~~~~~

This is making me miss Christmas.

Also, I'm kind of toying with the idea of writing either a werewolf story or a college romance story once Fight For You is finished?! I have basic outlines for both, but I'm not sure which to get started on!