It was a few days before Christmas and I was losing my mind thinking about gifts. What do you get for people who literally have anything? Nick informed me a week ago, that his family was inviting me for Christmas. As much as I wanted to spend Christmas without any Rosa drama, I had to show up out of courtesy of the other family members. Also, I didn't have anything better options, Whitney had gone to visit her family in Philadelphia for the holidays.

To this day, I still preferred the Christmas tradition we had in Nigeria. On Christmas day, the whole family would go to church, Sunday or not. After church, we celebrate Christmas by eating plates and plates of Jollof rice and chicken with soft. Sometimes, my mom would order a cake, if she was feeling extra merry that year. That was the summary of how Christmas went for me, as a child, there were no gifts given unless you personally wanted to; it wasn't mandatory.

I had gotten a set of kitchen wares for Nick's parents. But I had no idea what to get for the rest of the family. I decided to face-time Whitney and get some ideas.

"Hey babes, how's it going over there?" Her face popped on the screen. Her forehead glowed from the overhead light above her.

I groaned and raked a hand through my afro. "Terrible, I don't know what to get for Nick and his sisters?"

She chuckled. "I would like to say I know how you feel but I would be lying"

"Help me, please" I cried out.

She held unto the front edges of her fresh cornrow braids. "It hurts, please don't make me laugh . . . Just get him a wristwatch or something"

"The man probably has a drawer full of those, I don't think he needs anymore" I groaned out and threw my head back, against the sofa's backrest.

She released a sigh. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't get him anything. You're having his baby rip your va-jay-jay apart, I don't know about you but that's gift enough to me"

I winced. "Please don't remind me"

She sputtered out a chuckle as she held unto her skull. "But it's true"

"Can you just focus on why I called you?"

"Babes, I really don't know what to tell you. Just get them anything I don't think they care about what you get them. They love you already, well except his mom." She reasoned

"You're no help," I said, giving her a stink eye.

"Hold on, you said one of his sisters is a fashion designer. Why not get her some African prints, I'm sure she'll like it" she said

Hmmm. That's a good idea, I didn't even think of that.

I grinned. "Thank you, why didn't I think about that? Now, what about the other one?"

"I'm sorry sis, that's all I have. You're going to have to figure out the rest on your own" she replied.

There were some inaudible voices in the background and she shifted the camera away from her. I was now looking at a drawer of some sort, it wasn't clear because the camera kept moving.

She brought the lens back to her face. "I'm sorry, I have to go. They need me to help set up the Christmas tree"

I exhaled. "Sure, say hi to your family for me"

"Will do. Bye"

"Bye"

Okay, one person down, two others to go.

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I stood in front of Nicholas's parent's house, a box of cookies in my hands. Nicholas was back at the driveway, grabbing all the gift boxes from the back seat. I succeeded in getting gifts for everyone, at last. Evelyn's daughter, Sophie got a snow globe to add to her collection. Jack, Evelyn's husband got a wristwatch. Lucia got tickets to a concert for a small co-ed group she fancied. Nick got the latest release from one of his favourite authors – I'd been in his work office and I was sure he hadn't gotten this particular one.

I balanced the box in one hand and rung the bell with the other. I turned away from the door and admired the Christmas decorations laid out in front of the house. The lawn had a small Christmas tree, adorned with a bright Christmas light and a few ornaments. There were twinkling Christmas lights on their mini front porch as well.

Nicholas emerged by my side with the bag of gifts just as Lucia swung the door open. Her smile broadened as she exchanged hugs between the both of us. Nicholas went ahead to drop off the gift bag.

"Beautiful as always. You're glowing," she wiggled her brows.

I glanced down at my attire. I had on a large chunky sweater and a pair of leggings. These days, I couldn't be bothered to make so much fuss about my appearance. The only hard work done would be gelling my natural hair and packing it at the nape of my neck with a centre parting in the front.

I lifted my eyes back to her unfaltering smile. "I'm not sure if you're jesting, but thank you," I held out the box of cookies to her. "Here,"

She chuckled and collected the box. "I'm not ... and thank you,"

We headed into the living room, where Sophie, Jack and Nicholas and Frank were settled. I gave each person a hug, wishing them a merry Christmas before heading to the kitchen where the women were. Evelyn didn't let me spend more than five minutes in the kitchen, after the greetings and wishes, before she shooed me back into the living room.

The Christmas dinner went seamless and uneventful. There were merry chatters amidst the dinner and I was glad that the Christmas spirit was in everyone's heart, even Rosa. Despite our previous encounter, she had not made one snarky comment and not one dirty look directed my way. Hallelujah.

Most plates on the table were cleared of food and I'd expressed my gratitude for the meal. I stood to my feet, with my used plate in my hand, about to take it into the kitchen.

"Amanda," Rosa called out and stood to her feet, her chair scraping against the marble floor. "Please, sit down,"

I glanced about the table and every face held the same clueless expression. I placed my plate back on the table and lowered myself back into my seat. What is this about? Nicholas took hold of my hand and locked our fingers. I lifted my eyes to Rosa, as did everyone else in the room.

She pressed her lips together, her eyes trained on her half-eaten plate. She cleared her throat and raised her eyes to mine. "I've decided to do this in front of everyone here," she visibly swallowed. "They were present when I disrespected you, and they should also be present when I apologize to you"

Oh, wow. Okay. I locked eyes with Evelyn across the table and lowered them to Nicholas and my hand.

"I wouldn't blame you if you hated me, I very much deserve it" she ran her hands along her dress and clasped them in front of her. "I'm not sure if you know this but in the past, we've had people pretend to love my son because they were after his wealth. And most recently, some weasel tried to trap him with a pregnancy that wasn't his"

She glanced down at her clasped hands and cleared her throat. "I just wanted to look out for my boy. I was tired of seeing him being used and deceived . . . The moment I heard about you, I misjudged you and I admit I went too far." She lifted her head, her glossy eyes staring at me. "I apologize. I'm sorry for insulting your character, you're a good person . . . and you're good for Nick" she swiftly wiped a tear that rolled out of her eye and pulled in a deep breath. "I'm truly sorry"

I sat frozen. I wasn't sure what to do or say. I glanced around the table and every eye was fixed on me. I hope I'm not expected to hug her. Her apology did sound sincere but I wasn't sure I wanted to be close to her just yet. Nicholas gave my hand a soft squeeze. I moistened my lips and lifted my eyes to her. "Uhm... I accept your apology, uh, everything wouldn't turn rosy between us, immediately . . . but, I look forward to us creating a better relationship"

She nodded and mouthed. "Thank you"

Sophie clapped her hands and giggled loudly. That broke the ice in the room, as everyone burst out laughing.

Evelyn grinned at me and her face as bright as the Christmas lights in the living room. I regarded her with a tight-lipped smile, and every other person I made eye contact with. As we exited the dining room, Nicholas pulled me aside to the entryway.

"How are you feeling?" he searched deep into my eyes as he ran a hand along my arm.

I made sure there were no extra ears around before I spoke. "I don't know, to be honest," I shrugged my shoulders. "I mean, it's nice to not have your mom as an enemy"

He cupped the side of my face and ran his thumb across my cheek. "Don't feel pressured to do anything. Take your time, okay?"

"Okay" I nodded as I blew out a puff of air.

He placed a light kiss on my forehead and held unto my hand as we walked back to the living room. Everyone was gathered in the living room. Sophie was seated on the floor in front of the presents under the big Christmas tree. We settled down on the small, vacant loveseat and the exchange began.

Sophie went first as the only child present and with every present she opened she'd let out a loud squeal while jumping on the spot. It was adorable. As more presents were opened, words and screams of gratitude and excitement filled the room. I got an adorable matching set of overalls for me and the baby from Lucia, a designer bag from Evelyn, a baby bottle sterilizer from Jack, a high stool and a baby carrier from Nick's parents.

Nicholas had insisted on going last. He handed his gifts to his family and when he got to me, he handed me a small box. Evelyn gasped and slapped a hand across her mouth. It couldn't be what she was thinking, it's too early for that. I held up the box to my ear and shook it, causing small laughter from Lucia and Nicholas. I loosened the tiny gift ribbon and slowly lifted the lid of the box. Oh my God. My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open as I picked out a car key and raised it into the air. Another loud gasp filled the room, this time I wasn't concerned with who it was. I gaped at the key and then at Nicholas.

He chuckled and lifted me off my seat by my hand, and led me outside the house. A bright red ribbon sat on the bonnet of a sleek silver BMW. My jaw plummeted to the floor as I took slow steps toward the car.

I released an unearthly scream and bounced on my heels before throwing myself into his arms. He wrapped both arms around me and chuckled into my neck. I reared my head backwards to look at his face. "How did... when did you... oh my God," I cradled the sides of my face with my hands. The cold metal of the car key digging into my check confirmed that I wasn't dreaming.

Nicholas grinned down at me. "I got it a week ago and kept it at James' place. I had my driver bring it around during dinner"

I opened my mouth to speak but choked up and tears pulled at my lids. I blinked and swallowed, pulling in the air mixed with his scent. I tried again. "Thank you so much"

"Come on, stop" Nicholas wiped tears that streamed down my face, his other hand still wrapped around me. He caressed the side of my face, his eyes staring deep into my soul. "I don't care if it's too early to say this. I love you, so much"

A firework went off in my chest, spreading warmness over my insides. My legs felt like jelly and the only reason I remained standing was Nicholas's arm around me. "I love you too"

He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine for a quick second, then placed a soft kiss on my temple. There were whoops of excitement that came from the front of the house. I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face into his chest.

This day turned out to be better than I expected. The animosity from his mother has been hatched. I was part of a beautiful family that sincerely cared for me. I just got a brand new car and I was in the arms of a man, I loved more than I thought possible. Things were looking up for me and I was glad I made the right choice.

This was the best Christmas yet . . . and I knew it wouldn't be the last.

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