December 25th

Warm gingerbread and smells of holly caress the kitchen air as Christmas settled into the Blake household. Vibrant, glittering baubles and ornaments twinkled among the pine of the tree. The red brick fireplace held warm embers that gave the living room an intimate, golden hue. Candle scent of toasted marshmallow and sugar plum cookies hung deliciously in the air. Red stockings hung above the tall and broad fireplace were all wholesomely stitched with initials: two D's, and two A's.

Gleaming lights wrapped around the staircase, intertwined with green tinsel. Tchaikovsky's "March" from the Nutcracker resounded from the household speakers, the wistful violin music gliding around the house like soft winter wind. It had always been a tradition for Denver and Alice to build a gingerbread house to the Nutcracker soundtrack. Now they could do it with their own child, and it was a dream come true to them.

Bowls of peppermint candies, chocolates, gum drops and icing littered the kitchen table, along with a pot of hot chocolate and platter of gingersnap cookies. The Polar Express movie playing on the living room flat screen was nearly coming to an end as the houses were completed. Alice Blake stood to wash the crumbs from her manicured hands.

"Woah, careful!" Alice cackled, bemused as Dacie's legs collided at her ankles.

Peering down, Alice steadied her teetering daughter who had a with a wolfish grin and wobbling gingerbread house in her arms. Alice caught the precious house in her hands; The green and red icing lines were sloppily amiss, with the roof hardly holding together, but the attempt made was adorable. Dacie's light-up antler headband alternated lights as it wobbled above her curls, her red dress and cozy, white knee socks in tact. She giggled playfully.

"Sorry, mama, I wanna show Aurora my house!" The seven year old's eyes widened wistfully. "She must be done getting ready by now!"

Alice gingerly stroked her daughter's butterscotch hair; The little girl was always eager to show Aurora her accomplishments- the gingerbread house was no exception. Alice grinned.

"Yes, but don't get it on your pretty Christmas dress," Her mother mused, cupping Dacie's soft cheek and feathering a kiss to her forehead. "Now, go show sissy."

"Aurora, Aurora!" Dacie shouted, wasting no time to dash away. Alice chuckled to herself; The gingerbread house was nearly twice Dacie's width in her arms.

A California Christmas was not your typical Hallmark movie. Noses weren't red rimmed from below zero temperatures, and winter's icy glacier of snow didn't coat the ground like buttercream frosting. It was chilly, but by all means bearable and still lush and green. The Blake's ritually made their household celebratory regardless, for the authentic Christmas effect. Dacie's first Christmas had started bright and early, scrambling out of bed in her gingerbread onesie to rush to the tree. She tore through festive wrapping paper to pull out multiple toys of her dreams.

And me?

I had taken my time waking in the morning, smoothing my fingers in my clean sheets and breathing in fresh air from the ajar window. I inhaled all the smells of baking and faint sounds of music and laughter. Winter is romantic in that I'm falling in love with life again.

Alice and Denver were quick to find me after Nate contacted them at the hotel. In a matter of days, I was adopted into the family and felt exactly at home. I slept comfortable in my own room as if I had been there my entire life, and everyone just felt like family. Dacie was ecstatic for me to return, and for the past few weeks we'd been playing at the beach, drawing chalk on the driveway, and even having sleepover parties occasionally. She had missed her princess, and I had missed mine.

In the bathroom, I fastened a pearl earring to my right ear, matching the left. My hair was pinned back to an elegant ballerina bun, my bangs long grown out to delicate face-framing pieces around my almond shaped eyes. Red lipstick was a festive touch to my silky, malted chocolate colored gown and matching flats. It was my mother's gown. When I heard Dacie repeatedly call my name, I grinned and giggled to myself, heading down the stairs. But before I reached her, Alice approached me from the bottom step, jaw unhinged.

Her long fingers covered her mouth, and her eyes nearly watered.

"You look stunning," She gushed softly, coming forward, cupping my face with her manicured fingertips on my cheeks. "Man, if I thought I looked good in this dress, I had no idea just how exquisitely dashing my precious daughter would look in it."

"Stop," I blushed, smiling softly. "I can't imagine anyone wearing this as best as you, mom. You're beautiful."

"Well, it's forever yours now. Just like you are forever mine," She squeezed me into a hug and I hugged back, trying not to cry of joy. It had been quite the emotional day already. My first Christmas with a family. One so full of warmth and hugs and love.

"I think someone wants to see you," Alice joked into my ear and I cackled softly. I could head Dacie's voice calling for me in the background along with incoming foot steps.

Alice stepped aside for Dacie to run up to me, and then her little feet came to a screeching halt.

"Woah!" Dacie said in awe, her mouth falling open. She nearly dropped her gingerbread house that Alice quickly caught. I snickered under my breath. "You're a Christmas Princess!"

I blushed earnestly. Mom came back to me and squeezed my shoulder with a grin. Then, she headed back to the kitchen to start preparing dinner. I bent over to Dacie's height and gasped.

"Hi, sissy! Sorry if I took a while. Look at your house, wow!" I praised, "Dace, it's so beautiful!"

"You like it?" Dace squealed, seeking affirmation of the validation from her older sister. "It took a whole hour! Daddy did the front yard, and the windows," She explained, pointing around the different sections, "mama glued the house together and I did all the rest."

"Oh, it's beautiful! The icing it's..." My voice trailed peering at the sloppy icing dripping down the side. My eyes met my mother's as Alice palmed her mouth to conceal laughter. I found Dacie's eyes again, "...interesting. So talented and creative, Dace. And the structure...," The left side of the roof caved in, falling down. The house had just one right roof now, "...just...impeccable, Dace. I think you really have a career in architechture," I ruffled her hair.

"Archi-huh? " Dacie's brows squiggled together, only for the doorbell to sound off.

"You'll learn about it one day in school."

"Aurora!" Alice called out as the bell rung once more.

"I'll be right back, Dace. Set that on the counter, hm?" I asked, patting her shoulder and running to the door.

"I got it!" I yelled, prancing through the kitchen and towards the door.

When I stood in front of it, I caught my breath and smoothed my hands over the fine silk of my dress. It was beautiful and elegant, making me feel like a gift wrapped up myself.

Grasping the knob of the wreath and mistletoe adorned adorned door, I pulled it open slowly.

A black pom pom beanie met my eyes and had a giggle eliciting from me, as my eyes met it immediately.

"Oh my gosh," I squealed, hand to my mouth. Joyful giggles pealed from me.

Then, my eyes floated dow to meet two eyes, warm like caramel candies, and a freckled smile. B

"Merry Christmas, Aurora," Beck spoke, gently pulling me into the warmth of his body.

His hands wound around me tightly and I tensed slightly, and he quickly loosened it. His hand softly caressed the small of my back as he pressed a kiss to my temple.

"It's just me," He murmured assuringly, kissing my temple softly. I exhaled slowly. "You're safe," He whispered.

Beck always knew the moment the flip switched and I became anxious. I definitely had PTSD I needed to resolve with the therapist mom set me up with for the new year.

I smiled, melting into his touch, my favorite home. Beck smelled of spiced gingersnap and earthy, fresh woods. There was something about his smell that felt so lived in and homey, like a fire lit Christmas cabin in the snowy woods.

"I like the giant Santa in his sleigh and bushes cut into reindeer in the front yard. It's a nice touch."

I smiled once more - this time, bigger.

"That's all Alice - I mean, my mom. You know how she loves to decorate. But happy late Hannukah," I greeted, unable to fight my cheekbone popping grin; Especially by those adorable fucking pom poms. "Did you have a good celebration?"

"Oh, yeah. The matzo ball soup? Impeccable. The menorah? Too lit."

He took my small hands in his rough, calloused ones and my heart warmed.

"Y-you look fucking beautiful, Aurora," Beck murmured softly with a grin, as if he was feeling timid.

My cheeks flushed deeply seeing how nervous he was. I peered down and tucked a loose hair behind my ear before meeting his caramel eyes again. My cheeks were surely red as hell, as if I'd spent a day outside in the snow of a New York Christmas. For months, I had felt the nervous butterflies for Beck. It was exciting and thrilling to see him feel it towards me. It almost made me just as nervous all over again. We were still so new at dating, and the tension and thrill was all so fresh and present.

"I love your pom pom hat," I complimented, leaning up on my tippy toes to feel the fluff. "It's the most adorable thing in the world. Never take it off."

"Not even for a shower?" His quipped, taking the opportunity to peck my lips since I was closer to his height.

My cheeks bloomed with fresh pink coloring, surprised and shy at the gesture.

"Mm-mm," I mused, shaking my head no.

"Mm-mm," He echoed, slipping his hands around my waist and pulling me closer as I giggled, head under his chest. "You're adorable," He pecked my forehead. "So, so adorable."

"When did you get the cute little hat anyway?" I murmured.

"Oh, I got it at the mall,"-

"You should've seen how stressed he was," Hadley approached from behind, struggling to hold a large gift. Beck and I separated as I rose a brow at Hadley, grinning. "He was running around trying to find the "best most perfect gift" for you, and crashing into all of the elves who were laughing at him," Hadley chuckled as Beck harshly nudged her side with his elbow.

"Was not," Beck grumbled timidly.

To picture the scene she had described in my head was adorable. I hoped it was true.

"Hey, Had," I chuckled. "Happy late Hannukah. Come in, guys," I beckoned.

"Damn, it smells so good in here," Beck praised, stepping in and slipping a hand around my waist lovingly. He pressed another kiss to my cheek and I blushed. I loved all the physical touch and affection from him, I couldn't get enough.

Hadley set the large box down and huffed, out of breath.

"I've got one more gift in the car, I've just got to set it up and I'll be in!" She said breathlessly, winking at me. She dashed away, leaving me confused.

"Uh...alright," I laughed softly, leading Beck in. "Can I get you anything to drink? We've got a pot of hot chocolate going," —

"Hi, Beck!" Mom cheered, coming forward to hug him in her black dress and plum lipstick.

She looked so tall, elegant and regal, like true royalty. It was strange to think someone was perfect and manicured as she was my mother. However, beyond her beauty, even more gorgeous was the kindness of her heart.

"Oh, look how handsome you look!" Mom fawned over Beck, rocking him side to side as she squeezed him in bone crushing hug. "I hope you and your sister enjoyed your Hannukah."

"Mrs.Blake, hi," Beck sputtered a laugh, closing his arms around her gently. "Don't get too excited, I'm not the first man to wear Ralph Lauren. And thank you, we had a very nice holiday. Your house looks absolutely beautiful and smells divine, Mrs. Blake."

"Oh, how charming," She cooed, wringing her slim fingers together. "But please, call me Alice. What can I get for those red cheeks of yours? Egg nog, hot cocoa? Some gingerbread cookies?"

"Uh, Aurora was saying something about hot chocolate earlier, that sounds great," Beck called out and grinned gently.

"Alright, honey, I'll fix you a mug," Alice parted from him, sending a grin to me.

I blushed earnestly. Mom scurried off to the kitchen, her white high heels clacking on the tiled floor.

"Come, I'll give you a tour of the decorations while she gets that ready," I spoke, peering up at his substantial height and reaching for his hand.

When our fingers interlaced, my stomach bloomed as my cheeks redenned. He still gave me butterflies as ferociously as the day I first met him. I guided Beck into the warm living room.

"I have my first ever stocking," I beamed shyly, pointing.

"Look at you, cool kid," Beck grinned, squeezing my hand.

"See the A? It's right next to my mom's. It's kinda funny how'sthere's two A's and two D's?"

"Like it was meant to be," Beck's lips quirked into a smirk.

A warm smile caressed its way onto my cheeks.

"Yeah," I agreed softly, "Like it was meant to be. Do you know what was in it?" I pulled out from my clutch. "A phone! Let's take our first picture."

I turned the camera around so it faced us, the Christmas decor and fireplace with stockings behind us. Beck gingerly pressed his heated, full lips to my cheek as I grinned with my red lips and pink tinged cheeks. I snapped the picture, deciding later I would make it my lock screen.

"So cute," I squealed, looking at it on my phone."

His hand squeezed mine, the warmth of his palm engulfing mine, before his thumb rolled along the side of mine. After we exchanged numbers, I guided him to the enormous tree.

"Denver had set this up," I said, craning my neck all the way up. "I contributed some stuff, though."

I pointed my finger at the very bottom where a baubel was hooked on and Beck released a loud chuckle, squeezing my hand. He kissed my head.

"My little five foot princess," Beck murmured.

"Hey," I pouted, trying to fight off a grin. "I made some contribution...the contribution that I could."

"It's very nice, baby," He squeezed my hand once more. "Let me take some pictures of you, princess." I looked up at him as he reached for my phone.

Standing in front of the tree, I smoothed my dress and smiled softly, a crescent dimple denting into my left cheek. Beck snapped a few pictures before handing my phone back to me. I peered down, blushing. I wasn't used to having my picture taken.

"So beautiful," Beck murmured. He approached me, knuckles softly grazing under my jaw. "I love seeing that little face flush. You're so gorgeous. Your blue eyes always have me trembling but...this?" He glanced down to the flowy, chocolate gown. He exhaled with his brows raised in disbelief. "This one makes me wanna put a fist to my mouth."

My toes lifted high up on the ground and he bent to half his height as our lips innocently met, pecking. He rest his forehead on mine as my eyes went aflame, smiling shyly.

"Y-you're gonna feed into my ego," I joked.

"Good," was his reply.

I guided him towards the stairwell, showing him the rest of the decorations throughout the household.

"How's your Christmas been, baby?" He murmured.

"Oh, Beck, it's like a fairytale. Like everything I hoped it could be when I was in foster care. My mom made Christmas tree shaped pancakes and egg nog, we opened presents. I even got a Polaroid we could use later."

"I'd love to, babydoll," He kissed my hand, eliciting color to bloom to my cheeks.

In the second living room, a grand, Christmas train track ran around the perimeter as the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack played on vinyl. "O Tennenbaum" resounded as Beck's head craned up to peer at it making its way around. His childlike smile lit my insides warmly, it was adorable to watch his caramel eyes follow the train. I snapped a few picture of it, even a video of how cute his eyes followed the train.

Set up around the room were Christmas toy houses, all lit up with different scenarios- some had figuirine families lighting up the tree, others had figuirine children snuggled by the fire being read a story, and some had toy reindeer touching noses on the front yard. A make-shift toy ice-skating rink lay near the rink, rotating with bundled up ice skating figures skating in circles. Snow globes like the drawers, all glittering with soft white flakes. Icile string lights were hung from the window to emulate frozen snow.

"Here you guys are," Mom spoke, and we turned as she gave us Charlie Brown Christmas mugs. Large marshmallows bobbed among the chocolate confection, the steam warming our cheeks. We thanked her before exiting the room, lacing fingers and walking towards the fireplace.

Just the two of us, we settled snugly across from each other and took gulps of the hot cocoa. The fire warmed over cheeks and I watched his skin glow orange and ember. It was warm, intimate, and safe. No where else I'd rather be, no one else I'd rather be with.

"Aurora Blake," He sounded out, smirking at me.

I giggled.

"I like it. It's nice, right?" I asked softly.

"It fits you perfectly," Beck grinned. "Come here, baby," He beckoned me.

While we had been going out for a couple of weeks, I still got flush in the face when he murmured in that raspy voice and asked me to sit next to him or between his legs. Biting down on my red lip, I crawled towards him and snuggled next to his side as he hooked his arm protectively around my shoulders. I lifted a nearby Christmas throw blanket from the couch and draped it over our legs. His large hand cupped my shoulder comfortingly and I hummed a sigh in contentment. My head lay against the soft fabric of his sweater as I reveled in the fire's warmth against my face. Beck smelled of spiced gingersnap and forest wood. The scent made me so comfortable, everything nearly lulled me to sleep. There was something cozy about Beck's energy. Being in his arms was like staying at an Inn you'd never been to - somehow, it still felt like home, with its snowy, window view and warm bed. We took slow, soothing sips of hot cocoa and shared kisses every now and then.

"I love that little bun," He murmured, glancing at my hair. "Especially your messy morning buns."

I blushed sheepishly. Beck had come over for a few mornings to bring over coffee and breakfast, with me greeting him in pajamas and a messy high buns.

"I wish I could wake up next to you in the morning," He sighed, cupping my face and running his thumb along my cheek. "See your cute little eyes flutter...be beside that kissable forehead," He pecked my forehead delicately and I giggled. "Make you food while you sleep in and bring it to you."

"That sounds like a dream," I softly agreed. "But my mom says we have to be together a little longer before you sleep over."

I plucked one of Beck's marshmallows from his mug into mine, eliciting an adorable pout from him.

"Hey, you have your own," He frowned slightly.

"Yeah, but yours looks fluffier and bigger," I whine playfully.

"Typical," He muttered lightly with a shake of his head, rising his mug to his lips, and I giggled. "You're lucky I'd delightfully tolerate your bullshit forever."