Through the years we all will be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~

Nathan and I had the silliest fight this morning while we were getting ready for the Christmas Eve family dinner. Honestly, I can't seem to even remember the reason but we stretched it enough for us to act a little cold to each other.

I slam the car door close behind me loudly when Nathan parks in the driveway of his parents house. I miss my parents but they weren't able to make it here for Christmas. It's sad cause I didn't want to spend my first Christmas married without them.

I nudge Nathan out of my way and I hear him grunt when my elbow meets his ribs. A small smile tugs on my lips, loving our little fight a little too much. Staying mad at your husband is fun.

“We're home!” I announce as we enter the three stories tall, white picket fence house. My legs are immediately tackled by five screaming children. The sixth child calmly makes her way towards Nathan and blinks up at him.

I roll my eyes with a smile when Nate laughs and picks his favourite niece in his arms and her face splits in an adorable grin as he nuzzles her cheek with his nose.

My heart clenches as his eyes meet mine. I can't wait to have our baby. No doubt Nathan will dote on his child.

“Come on Aunt Stay!”

“We're making Christmas ornaments for the tree from popsicle sticks!”

“Granmama promised to hang them on their tree.”

The triplets quickly complete each other's sentences.

“Give them a little room to breathe you little devils.” I hear Nathan's mum admonish them as she quickly makes her way to me and pulls me down for a tight hug, kissing both my cheeks in greeting. The children scurry away giggling.

“Let my daughter in law breathe love. No doubt you're smothering her in your arms.” Her husband shakes his head.

Lisa pulls back with a gasp and hits her husband's arm. I feel Nathan slip his arm around my waist and press me closer to his side. I look up at him shyly, forgetting all about out little tiff.

His eyes glimmer as he looks down at me.

“Ah look at the way she's smiling at him. Back in the days Liz, you used to smile at me just like that.” We hear Nathan's dad say wistfully.

“I still smile at you like that you dolt!” She sweetly smiled up at him.

He bopped her nose. “Oh but over the years I've learnt that that smile is nothing but trouble.”

“Why you little!” Lisa clenched her hand in a fist.

Nathan tightened his hold on me, the other hand pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Ignore my parents Stace. They still have a lot of years to grow up.” Nathan smiles apologetically.

“Nate! That's no way to speak to your parents.” I scold and I hear his dad laughing. Lisa pinched my cheek.

“Aw aren't you precious? Maybe you'll teach my son some manners. Come here Nathan, give mama a kiss.”

“Mum.” Nathan's cheeks reddened as he stooped low to kiss his mom's cheek.

“Come on in hon. Don't let my parents hold you up.” Nathan's older brother Kenneth waves me in, his wife bouncing their youngest baby in her arms.

“There sure are a lot of babies around here.” I make faces at the toddler. She clamps her small hand around my hair and pulls.

“Ow!”

“We wouldn't mind another one.” Kenneth grins at me.

I blush as I untangle little Patty's fist from my hair. Nate is already cornered by his niece and nephews as they show him their craft and ask a million questions.

I look around at everyone and my lips stretch in a smile, my heart bursting with love. Without Nathan, his family wouldn't be mine today and I'm grateful for every single person in his room, especially my husband.

🌟💛🌟

When I see everyone gather around the large living room and Nathan taking his seat on the piano bench, I am greatly surprised.

“I didn't know he played.” I said to Fiona a little sadly. She smiles at me as she explains.

“He doesn't really like to share with people that he plays. He's very shy. We're the only one's who've heard him play.”

I nod in understanding.

My eyes lock on his tall seated figure as his slender fingers run on top of the keys. I can't stop my eyes from running across his face, lingering on his lips.

“Careful sister in law. I'm pretty sure we can all see the hearts in your eyes for my baby brother.” she teased.

“Fee!” I hissed as I look around the living room. They're all shuffling and cramming on the couch and love seats, thankfully no one paying attention to us.

My eyes switch back to Nate quickly as he moves his fingers expertly on the keys creating a beautiful melody. The living room falls silent and even little Patty is watching her Uncle in awe.

My heart stutters in my chest as he closes his eyes and tilts his head as he blindly plays the music. Warmth washes over me as Fee gestures to him and mouths proudly, ‘That's your husband.’

The melody transitions into a unfamiliar song and I watch in surprise as Nathan's Dad guides his wife to the middle of the empty living room and takes her in his arms in a slow dance.

“It's my parent's favourite Christmas song and Nathan has been playing for them every year. It's like a tradition now.” Fee leans in to whisper.

“Look at the love in their eyes.” I murmur as Lisa looks at her husband with pure love and her husband reciprocates with an even intense look of passion.

“Look at the love in your husband's eyes.” Fee whispers.

My eyes quickly move to Nathan to find him already looking at me. Our eyes lock on each other as he keeps playing for his parents.

My heart fills with emotion as I stare tenderly at him. He keeps his eyes intently on my face. My hands tremble at the look in his eyes. I recall the way he held me in the kitchen as he swayed me and I blink back tears.

I'm falling in love with my husband.

I'm losing my heart to Nathan and I have no intention on stopping it.

I lick my sudden dry lips and watch how his eyes follow the movement. My breath hitches as his eyes darken. He turns his gaze to Fiona and they share some mental sibling conversation.

I unconsciously take a step back as Fee takes his place and Nathan confidently strides towards me. I watch his lean body move gracefully before me and I gasp as he sweeps me in his arms.

The teasing of his siblings fall on deaf ears as he guided me next to his parents. Words escape me as he places both of his hands on my waist. My arms weave around his neck as we lock eyes.

“Nathan..” I whisper, wishing I had enough courage to confess my newfound feelings.

He smiles gently when I don't say anything else.

“Shh..” he places his forehead against mine and our eyes fall close.

We move to the music and I absently notice that Fee is even singing gently.

“I can't imagine my life without you now Stacy.” Nathan whispers softly. “You've gotten under my skin and settled in deeply. Life before you feels meaningless and the future with you a pleasant blessing.”

Warmth washes over me. I tuck my head under his chin and murmur gently.

“I'm falling for you Nathan. I don't ever want to imagine my life without you too.”

We move silently until I feel his lips curve in a smile against my cheek.

“I don't think I like fighting with you. I don't like it when you don't talk with me.”

“I thought it was pretty fun.”

“Is that so dear wife?”

A happy laugh bubbles out of me when he pinches my side teasingly. I'm aware of everyone watching us with matching smiles.

Everything fades away as we hold each other on the Eve of Christmas and for the first time I truly believe that Christmas really is full of hope and love.

🌟💛🌟