A Different Christmas: Novella (University Park Series)

by CM Doporto

  “I agree with you, one-hundred percent.” I pressed my lips to her temple, catching her tears on my lips.

  “I never imagined I could love something so much.” Her voice rattled as she took turns studying their small features.

  “You did good, Lexi.” I squeezed her and the babies close together.

  “Me? I think you had an equal part in this, too.”

  “True.” I laughed as more happy tears released. “But you did all the hard work. My part was fun.”

  “Okay, you have a point.”

  I stared at Lexi and our twins. Out of all the bad things I’d done in my life, there was finally something I did right. And they were the two most precious creations I’d ever seen — a true miracle of life.

  Chapter 10

  Lexi

  “Oh, she’s so precious,” Delaney squealed as she held Nevara in her arms.

  “Thank you.” I smiled, still in awe over the twins finally being here. It seemed like a dream that would be over soon. Seeing my two beautiful babies sent my heart into overdrive. I never imagined I could love something so much. And knowing they came from Raven and me, made me love them even more.

  “Don’t get any ideas.” Luke leaned over her shoulder, making silly faces at his niece.

  Delaney shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’m in no rush to be a mom.”

  I cocked a brow, eyeing them. By the way they were talking, it sounded as if wedding bells might be ringing in the near feature.

  “Man, he can eat.” Luke eyed Jonah as Raven fed him. We immediately had to supplement with formula because I wasn’t producing enough milk for both of them.

  “Tell me about it.” Raven cradled our son close to his body, caring for him gently.

  Knowing what to do came so naturally to him, despite growing up fatherless. Maybe it was the innate desire to prove he could do it or a true blessing, but he surprised me by lulling Nevara to sleep when I struggled. Even after spending all day on the practice field and working long hours, he gave whatever he had left to his babies.

  Seeing how passionate he was about them overwhelmed me. I never imagined he’d be so loving and patient with them. Caring for two was a lot of work and every minute he had available, he was right there helping me. Seeing the love he displayed for them and me proved he was worthy of being my husband. And I knew, deep down, I never wanted to spend a day without him.

  “May I?” My mom extended her hands toward Jonah.

  Raven hesitated for a moment before handing our son to her. I didn’t blame him. After she made it clear to me her social life came before her family, we didn’t know whether we could trust her. “Make sure you hold his head.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, I still remember what to do.” Mom took Jonah in her arms.

  I had forgiven her, but my heart hadn’t completely healed from the hole she pounded in it. Her uncanny behavior had me questioning her true motives. It all started the day after the twins were born when Mom found out Mimi would be staying with us to help. She convinced my dad they needed to stay until I was released from the hospital. I was totally shocked, but we welcomed them to stay in our home and Mom didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation. Dad didn’t protest, and it allowed us to celebrate Christmas with them a week early.

  “Aww. Isn’t my grandson so handsome?” Mom oohed and awed at Jonah as if he’d hung the moon for her. “Oh, yes he is.”

  “Doesn’t he look like Raven?” Delaney asked with a smirk on her face. I covered my mouth, hiding my laugh. Leave it to my crazy friend to call my mom out on her statement.

  “He does,” Mom confessed. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t act like him.”

  Dad scowled at her and I was ready to tell her something, but Raven quickly interjected. “Mrs. Thompson, I’m going to take that statement as you referring to the old Raven and not the new one.”

  Mom kept her eye steady on her grandson, tucking the blanket around him. “Of course I am.”

  “Good. Because I think everyone would agree with you,” Raven said lightheartedly.

  No one said anything. Trish and Mimi looked at each other with indifference, but kept their comments to themselves. I warned them ahead of time about my mother and they were doing their best to be cordial toward her. I wasn’t sure how long it would last and I could only hope things didn’t get ugly.

  “So, are you ready for Sunday’s game?” Dad asked, changing the subject.

  Raven averted his attention away from the twins. “Yes, sir. We need to win this game and I’m going to do everything to make sure we do.”

  Dad chuckled. “I love the confidence you have. That’s the right attitude you need to win.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Thompson.” Raven grinned.

  “Travis. Call me Travis, or father-in-law, but not Mr. Thompson. It makes me feel old.” Dad quivered in his chair.

  Mom rolled her eyes. “Sorry to tell you, honey, but fifty-two isn’t young.”

  “Whatever.” Dad ran his fingers through his greying hair. “I’m like a fine bottle of wine. I keep getting better with age.”

  Everyone laughed, including Olivia. “He always says that.”

  “At least I know I’ll look good at his age,” Luke said with an impish grin.

  Delaney arched a brow and winked at him.

  “I’m glad we made it in time to see the twins born. It worked out perfectly. We were able to celebrate Christmas, too.” Mom walked toward Delaney and sat next to her on the couch. “I wish Ashley could’ve come.”

  My sister wasn’t much better than my mom, leaving me a congratulatory voicemail and apologizing for not coming to New Orleans as planned. An opportunity to vacation with some friends in Italy presented itself and they were leaving in a few days. It didn’t matter to me. I had my own family now and if she didn’t want to be here, that was fine with me.

  “Oh well. She wanted to go to Italy,” Dad said with a slight shrug. “She’s a grown woman and makes her own decisions.”

  Mom let out a soft sigh and continued rocking Jonah in her arms.

  “I think she’s wet.” Delaney stood and I took Nevara from her. She followed me to her room. “I don’t want to leave tomorrow.” She placed her finger in Nevara’s palm. “These babies are just too sweet.”

  “We still have the rest of the night,” I reminded her.

  “I know.” She nodded as she handed me a diaper. “I wished we lived closer. Once the season starts, Luke is going to be gone a lot.” Her voice weakened and her shoulders slumped.

  “You’re welcome to stay with me whenever you want. Once the twins get a little older, I’ll go to Fort Worth and spend some time with you.”

  “That would be awesome.” She inclined her head toward me. “I can’t believe you’re a mom. And with twins.”

  “It’s crazy.” I snapped the pant legs of Nevara’s layette and quickly placed her pacifier in her mouth before she started screaming. “It doesn’t seem real. I keep thinking I’m stuck in a dream.”

  “Things have sure changed since last year.”

  I picked up the baby and placed her on my shoulder. “Tell me about it. I don’t even want to think about last Christmas. It totally sucked.”

  “Oh, yeah. Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up.” Delaney placed her hand on my arm. “At least things have changed for the best. I mean, look at Raven…he’s like this awesome father.”

  “True.” I smiled. “Who knew he’d be so fatherly?”

  “I guess he’s making what he never had up to his children.”

  “I guess so.” My throat tightened and my eyes watered. “And I couldn’t be prouder.” I wiped the tears away.

  “I’m happy for you, for Raven…for the babies.” Delaney hugged me. “You guys deserved a happy life. You’ve been through so much.”

  “Thank you. I feel so blessed. I hope this isn’t temporary and despite what might happen with Raven’s football career, I pray he’ll still want to be a part of our lives.”

  “Some
thing tells me he will.” Delaney stroked the back of Nevara’s head. “Do you think you’ll marry him?”

  I glanced at my baby girl, knowing what had been going through my mind the past few days. Maybe my friend saw it, too. “We’ll see.”

  ***

  Raven

  The week flew by. Between practice, constant feedings, and diaper changes, I didn’t know if I was coming or going. But I loved every minute it of it. Somehow, I managed to keep my head straight and play my best. Sunday night’s game was a close one, but we won thirty-seven to thirty-four, and Coach Rush was on top of the world. Hell, I was on top of the world.

  We were back at the training facility on Monday watching film and preparing for the next game, which was scheduled for the following Monday night. The win, nor the birth of the twins, gave me ticket out of practice, but with Christmas on Friday, it meant less training, which I needed, as well as the team. Although we had an early celebration with Lexi’s family, we were still planning Christmas at our house with my family.

  On Tuesday after practice, I rushed home to see if Lexi’s present had arrived. She had no idea it was coming and I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face. I’d been shopping around for the perfect gift and when I passed a music store at the mall, I knew exactly what our house was missing.

  “Lexi, I’m home,” I announced as I entered through the garage door in the kitchen. A sweet aroma filled the air and I recognized it immediately. Mimi had started baking holiday sweets, getting ready for Christmas. It reminded me of when I was young, waiting for Santa to arrive. Being in New Orleans brought back some very sweet memories, and I was ready to make some new ones with my own family.

  “Oh my God!” Lexi met me halfway between the kitchen and the living room, throwing her arms around my neck. “I love it!” Her eyes swelled with tears. “I can’t believe you bought it for me — for us.”

  “It came.” I smiled and embraced her.

  “Yes, about an hour ago.” She led me into the formal dining area. Sitting in front of the French doors was a black, baby grand piano. Very similar to the one Lexi used to play at her dorm.

  “Merry Christmas, baby.”

  “Thank you, Raven.” Her face radiated with a bright glow. “I’ve been dying to play.” She glided her hand along the sleek black wood, admiring it. “It’s so pretty.”

  “I’ve missed hearing you play.” I did a visual inspection, making sure it was the correct one I’d purchased.

  Lexi sat on the bench and pressed her fingers on the keys. A melody of Christmas music sounded, filling the house with a festive tone. “I’ll be able to play for us on Christmas,” she squealed, and then changed the tune to a lullaby. “I can also play for the twins.”

  I approached her from behind, kissing her cheek. “You’re such an awesome mother.”

  “Thank you.” She stopped playing and turned to face me. “And you’re a terrific father. You know exactly what to do. I don’t even have to tell you.”

  I laughed. “It just comes naturally, what can I say?” I hitched my shoulders and then relaxed them.

  “Don’t stop. Whatever you’re doing.” She reached up and touched my face. “You’ve been working so hard to provide for us and help me, I couldn’t ask for more.”

  “I told you, I’d do whatever it takes to prove I can be the husband you need and the father our children deserve.”

  Her eyes filled once more with unshed tears. “You’re doing it and more.” Her mouth parted and for a second, I thought she was going to tell me what I’d been praying to hear. Instead, our attention turned to a crying baby. “Nevara.” Lexi sighed. “She’s been so fussy today.”

  “Let me try to rock her to sleep.” I signaled for her to stay at the piano.

  “Thanks. Your mom’s been trying for the past thirty minutes. I gave up after an hour.” A look of defeat covered her tired eyes. Lexi and Mimi had been taking turns throughout the night feeding Jonah. Surprisingly, Nevara slept a solid six hours once she went to sleep before wanting another bottle. Not Jonah. Our boy could eat and eat.

  I walked into the nursery to see my grandmother rocking my baby girl. “She doesn’t want to go to sleep?”

  “No.” Mimi looked just as defeated as Lexi. “She’s fighting it.”

  “Let me try.” I gathered Nevara into my arms and brought her close to my chest. I swayed from side to side, soothing her. “Daddy’s here, baby girl. No need to cry.” At that moment, all crying ceased. Her tiny lips stopped trembling and her eyes opened as she tried to focus on me.

  “Amazing. When she hears your voice, she stops crying.” Mimi eased out of the chair and I sat down.

  “I guess she wants me to rock her.” I nestled her tiny frame in the crook of my arm.

  Mimi cocked a brow. “You have that magic touch. The one a daddy can only give.” Her knowing look turned into a big smile. “I’m proud of you, Raven. You’ve really grown up. You’re not the same man you were nine months ago.”

  “No, I’m not.” Hearing that made me feel warm inside. I’d been working so hard to change for the better. It was nice to see my grandmother approved of my efforts, and most of all, Lexi.

  “I hope Lexi appreciates everything you’ve done and sees the new Raven.”

  Glancing at her, I said, “She does.”

  “I’m happy for you. You both deserve a lifetime of happiness.” She rubbed my shoulder, her touch comforting. “I knew if you stayed the course God would reward you.”

  My throat tightened with thickness. “You’re always right, Mimi.”

  She released a soft laugh. “I don’t know about always, but I’ve learned over the years.”

  “I appreciate your wisdom and advice.”

  “Anytime.” She yawned. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to bed before Jonah wakes up for his next feeding. Lexi was feeling really tired…well, until the piano arrived.”

  We stayed silent for a few seconds, catching the ending of A White Christmas. “She’s an excellent player. I’ll have to introduce her to the church choir once the twins are a little older.”

  “She’d like that.”

  “You did well, Raven. Lexi’s a great mother and she loves the babies.”

  “She really is a special person.”

  “That, she is.” Mimi yawned once more and then smiled. “Goodnight.”

  “Night.”

  She closed the door and I continued to rock Nevara until she was sound asleep. Appraising the delicate features of my daughter, I still couldn’t believe I was a father — not to one, but two children. How did I get so lucky? It seemed surreal to look at the baby in my arms, knowing she was part of my flesh. Truly amazing. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead before laying her inside the crib. Things had truly changed and for the best.

  ***

  A cold front moved through New Orleans on Christmas morning, bringing near frigid temperatures. It made it seem more like the holidays, but it had the town in a frenzy. It reminded me of last year when Lexi and I were iced in and the stores were raided like a zombie apocalypse was underway. Mimi had gone to the store the day before, so we were stocked with everything we needed.

  We had a full house, just like Thanksgiving. My aunts and uncles, along with my cousins, showed up with food and presents. My mom and Mimi made a delicious Christmas dinner with ham, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings. The desserts were divine, made with a French and Cajun flair no one could beat. The recipes had been in my family for decades. Next year would be even better when the twins were older.

  Lexi played the piano for us and we sang a couple Christmas songs. Everyone loved it and agreed she was an excellent pianist. Mimi played a few more songs while Lexi and I fed the twins. I loved helping her as much as possible and spending time with our babies. They wouldn’t stay small for long and I wanted to cherish every minute with them.

  Later that evening, we had two surprise phone calls. Shawn called us first, followed by Josh. We Skyped so they could see the t
wins. They were excited for us, and Josh apologized for being an ass and asked if he and Shelby could come visit for New Years. We told him we couldn’t wait to see them and welcomed them to stay with us.

  Everyone left around eight with the exception of Mimi and my mom. They insisted on taking care of the twins while Lexi and I spent some quality time together. We sat by the fireplace, talking and drinking hot chocolate. It was nice to have some alone time with her and I was anxiously counting down the weeks until we could have sex. She admitted she was doing the same. Knowing we had the same agenda made it more tolerable somehow.

  “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I didn’t give you a present for Christmas.” Lexi gripped her mug tightly as she released a soft sigh.

  I placed my arm around her, giving her a comforting hug. “To be honest, I didn’t. You’ve given me two beautiful gifts already. What more could I ask for?”

  “Funny you should say that.” She placed her cup on the coffee table and reached for my hand. “Come with me. I want to play a song for you.”

  “Really?” I hopped up, anxious to enjoy one of our favorite pastimes together.

  She giggled. “You did buy the piano for me. The least I can do is play you a song.”

  “Just one?”

  She sat down and patted the space next to her. “We’ll see.”

  “Okay.” I slid in next to her and the memories flooded my mind, making my heart skip a beat. I shook my head. She was the only woman who could do that to me. “Kind of like old times, huh?”

  “Yep.” Her lips pursed and she tucked her head. A glow radiated from her and she was trying hard not to smile. I had no idea what she had planned, but I was game for whatever she wanted to do. “Okay…um, I haven’t had much time to practice this song, so if I mess up, I’m sorry.”

  “Lexi.” I caressed her delicate hand, placing a kiss on her palm. “It doesn’t matter to me. You should know that by now. Besides, you just gave birth to twins. You really should be in bed resting.”