Standing, Yvette cut the light off and left the room.
“Is she okay?” Christopher asked when Yvette climbed into bed.
“Yes, her birthday is always bittersweet. She loves it, but then is sad because she misses her father.”
“I know. It’s hard seeing her have to experience that type of pain. It will never go away.”
“No, it won’t. The best thing we can do is just continue to support her, and to let her feel how loved she is.”
He reached up to run a lock of her hair through his fingers. “Do you feel that way?” Christopher questioned, quietly.
“Of course, I do. Chris, you’ve always supported me no matter what I’ve wanted to do. I love you for that.”
“Is that the only reason?” he grinned and kissed the area on her neck that always made her melt. Now was no different. Yvette leaned in to his touch.
“No,” she murmured. “There are too many reasons to count, but if you want me to try…I love you for your commitment to us, for how you’re such a wonderful cook, and incredible father, how you always make me laugh, except when I’m mad at you, how kind, and thoughtful you are, how you make me feel like I’m the only woman in the room—”
“For me you are,” he said matter-of-factly.
Yvette ran her hand down his chest. “Should I go on?”
Christopher’s hand snaked out and captured hers. He kissed her wrist.
“Later, Snow Queen,” he commanded, before turning out the
lamp on his nightstand and plunging the room into darkness.
17 CHAPTER sevenTeEN
Christmas Eve went by in a blur for everyone at the Darcy farm. It was their busiest time with last minute shoppers in the market for Christmas trees and gifts. Everyone pitched in at the store while Adelaide watched Robin at the house.
Santa was taking photos with kids, Mrs. Claus was helping with gift ideas and the elves manned the gift wrap station and welcomed new shoppers. Christopher assisted buyers with trees while Yvette rang up purchases, and Lacey helped those receiving a free ornament with purchase. By the time everyone made it back to the house, they were wiped out.
Adelaide greeted everyone with a warm smile and hot stew. After dinner, Christopher and Yvette got the kids bathed and put into bed. When they were done, they went back downstairs to help clean the kitchen and do some prep work for Christmas dinner. Christopher glanced at Yvette from across the room. Suddenly, he stopped what he was doing, walked across the room and took Yvette by the hand. He led her out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
“What’s wrong?” she asked when he continued pulling her down the hallway.
He guided her into their bedroom and shut the door. “You’re done for the night. I’ll handle whatever Mom’s got left that she wants tackled. You look like you’re about to drop.”
“I’m fine, Chris. We’ve got stuff to do and—”
“I’ll take care of it.” He kissed her and pointed to the bathroom.
“Go take a hot shower, and go to bed. That’s an order.”
Yvette did as he asked, but when she was done, she put on her pajamas, and then pulled out some last minute gifts and started wrapping. She plugged her phone into a small set of speakers and listened to Christmas carols while she worked. He was right, she was tired, but she could nap tomorrow. She wanted everything under the tree and waiting for the kids when they came down in the morning.
With a sigh, she closed her eyes and dreamed of the day when it would be their steps the kids were running down…in their house. And they would host dinner at their home. “Maybe next year,” she said, wistfully.
An hour later, she was having a great time singing and outfitting a gift for Robin with Shrek gift wrap paper. She smiled just thinking about how excited he was going to be when he saw it. First he’d grin and holler at it being his favorite characters, then he’d rip the paper to shreds mercilessly, and then—
“What are you doing?”
Startled, her hand flew to her chest. Her heart raced, and her breath caught in her throat. She glanced at the door to find Christopher standing there looking none too pleased.
“You’re supposed to be sleeping.”
“Well…I wasn’t tired so I decided to do some last minute gift wrapping.” She smiled.
He rolled his eyes, and headed straight for the bathroom to shower. When he was done, Christopher got dressed and came out to help Yvette wrap presents. He sat with this back to the headboard, but not before he leaned over and nuzzled her neck.
“You look delectable.”
She blushed at the compliment. “In my flannel reindeer pajamas?”
“Heck, yeah. Not many women could pull that off, but you do it flawlessly.”
Yvette scrunched her nose at him. “You’re looking quite dapper yourself in your Frosty the Snowman PJ’s.”
It was a holiday tradition for them. Everyone went to bed in holiday-themed pajamas. Lacey had chosen penguins, and Robin picked Santa and his elves. After opening presents, they always took a family picture in their night clothes before starting their hectic day.
“Are we almost done?” Christopher asked taking a box and some gift wrap, tape and scissors.
“Yes, just a few more.”
“I’ll sneak down and put these under the tree when we’re through.”
They chatted jovially and sang songs while they worked.
***
While Christopher wrapped, Yvette snuck a peek over at him. She wondered what he’d say when she told him her news. The babies were due in late July. Lacey and Robin were fall and winter births, so it was cool that they would be in the summer. He was right, she was tired, but she would be sleep soon enough. These were their holiday traditions, and she didn’t want to miss any of them. There would be a lot of firsts for them all over again. Baby’s first Christmas…babies’. She corrected herself. Babies’ first steps, the first time they said mommy and daddy. Her heart swelled with love. They were still dealing with exciting new things with Robin almost daily. It would be crazy dealing with two babies at once, but she suspected that as with anything, it would take time, practice and patience. She and Christopher would manage. They seemed to do their best work together.
“What are you over there thinking about?” he inquired.
Like a deer caught in headlights, Yvette stared at him. “Huh?”
“You had a very pleased look on your face just now. I was just curious what caused it.”
“Oh, I was just imagining the look on everyone’s faces tomorrow as they open up gifts.”
“You mean later this morning,” he said, pointing to the nightstand clock.
“True.”
“And we’re done.” Christopher held up the last wrapped gift. “Thank God. Now we can go to bed.”
He bolted off the bed, packed everything up in a big shopping bag, and then went downstairs. Yvette got up and put all the supplies away in their closet, and then returned to bed. Minutes later, Christopher came in.
“All done,” he told her before getting in beside her and plunging the room in darkness.
“Yvie?”
“Yes,” she answered in a quiet voice.
“Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, my love.” Yvette reveled at the little secret that was soon to be revealed. Let’s hope your daddy doesn’t faint from shock. She joked to her little ones.
A few hours later, the sun crept lazily across the sky and with it the first stirrings of everyone sleeping within. The first ones up were the youngest of the Darcy tribe. Lacey and Robin didn’t bother with trivial details like knocking. Instead, they burst into their parents’ room full throttle and catapulted themselves onto the bed. Lacey helped Robin up so that he could accomplish the task of pouncing on his mom and dad.
“Merry Christmas,” Lacey bellowed excitedly.
“Murray Kissmas,” Robin replied before landing on his father’s stomach with a loud thud.
“Umph,” Christopher replied turning sid
eways to roll his son into the middle of the bed between him and Yvette.
“You two are up early,” Yvette yawned.
Lacey hugged her. “No we’re not; it’s six thirty, Mom. We’re late.”
She yawned again. “Oh, well thank you for being late.”
“Up, Mommy, get up, Daddy,” Robin commanded.
“Okay, okay. Give us a few minutes and we’ll meet you downstairs, okay?”
The kids dutifully filed out of their room and on to conquer their next unsuspecting, and sleep, family member.
As promised, Yvette and Christopher made their way downstairs. As was tradition, the kids got to open up some gifts in the morning, and some after dinner. Not that anyone would know that from the mound of gifts Lacey and Robin each had stretched around the tree. Eventually, Christopher’s parents made their way down the steps as did Yvette’s aunt Adelaide. Christopher had set the timer on the coffee maker so they had fresh, hot coffee. Everyone had a cup except Yvette.
“You don’t want coffee?” Christopher asked with surprise.
“Oh, I think I’m going to have some hot chocolate,” she said, quickly. “I’ve had a taste for it ever since Lacey’s party.”
True to Margaret’s prediction, it had snowed in the early hours, and was still snowing. After everyone marveled at the unusual snow storm, they exchanged gifts, and Lacey and Robin got to jump in the mounds of wrapping paper left behind, they all went into the kitchen to have breakfast. Margaret had made French toast casserole and cream chipped beef the night before, so they just needed to be warmed up. Adelaide placed store brought biscuits on a baking tray while Christopher and Anthony handled the breakfast meats, and Yvette the fresh fruits. When everyone was done, they ate breakfast.
“I think I’ll be skipping lunch today,” Christopher moaned when he was finished.
“I think that will be everyone after all that food,” Margaret agreed.
Each of them went their separate ways after breakfast to nap, relax, or try out some of the presents they’d received.
A few hours later, they all met up in the kitchen once again to begin meal preparation. Anthony and Christopher took Robin outside to show him how to fry a turkey. They made sure that he was safely in his daddy’s arms while Pop Pop ‘showed him how it was done’.
By the time dinner was ready, and their guests had arrived, the kitchen table was burgeoning a second time that day with a large variety of food. Dinner was a lively affair and everyone enjoyed the holiday feast. Soon it was time for any gifts that weren’t opened earlier to be shared. It was pandemonium for a second time that day as Lacey and Robin found themselves sitting on the floor again ripping open gifts. Christopher handed his wife several gifts and she did the same. Yvette handed Christopher his last gift. It was a rectangular shaped box with a big red bow. He shook it and turned it over several times.
“You’re not going to figure it out, so stop trying,” she laughed.
“I don’t know; I’m pretty good at guessing these things.”
“I guarantee you’ll never get this one.”
“A shirt?”
“No.”
“Tie?”
Yvette shook her head.
Lacey punched Christopher playfully in the arm. “Daddy, just open it.”
“Yes, open it already,” his mother called out from the group sitting behind them.
“Okay, okay,” he replied and ripped open the package with flourish. He lifted the box top and pulled back several sheets of tissue paper. He reached in and retrieved two identical stockings that said, “My First Christmas” on them.
Christopher looked perplexed. “Are you sure these are for me, and not Robin? Granted, it’s not his first Christmas, but at
least he has two and can keep one at our house, and one here.”
Yvette laughed. “These aren’t for Robin, Christopher.”
18 CHAPTER eightEeN
It took him a moment, but the confused expression gave way to one of pure shock. He set the stockings back in their box and stared back at his wife. His voice was unsteady when he said, “Yvie, are you…we’re having another baby?”
The low din of people talking halted completely at Christopher’s question. It was dead silence now, except for the crackling of wood in the fireplace.
“No, we’re not having another baby, Christopher.” Yvette’s eyes were filled with unshed tears. “We’re having two.”
The color drained from Christopher’s face. “Twins?” he whispered.
She nodded.
Christopher let out a loud whoop of joy, and then engulfed his wife in his arms. “Oh my God, Yvette. You’re pregnant with twins. We’re having twins,” he yelled to the crowd. He stood up and pulled Yvette into his arms. He then picked her up and spun her around as the throng of people cheered behind them.
Lacey ran over and hugged her parents tightly. “I’m going to be a big sister again,” she cried. “Robin, you’re going to be a big brother!”
“I not big bruver,” he protested.
“Mommy’s having two new babies,” Margaret said coming up behind them. She kissed her son’s cheek, and then Yvette’s. “We’re so thrilled for you both. I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandma again…twice! Tony, Addie, can you believe it?”
Christopher wasn’t listening. He only had eyes for Yvette.
“Sweetheart, I still can’t believe it.”
“Merry Christmas,” she whispered. “I love you.”
“Thank you for my surprise,” he said, reverently. “I love you, too.”
Yvette smiled. “I can only take half the credit.”
He shook his head in wonder. “I think this calls for a Sleigh Ride. Darcys,” he called out to his family. “Let’s go take a ride.”
Christopher insisted that his parents and Aunt Adelaide accompany them. Margaret was worried about appearing rude to their guests, but the group insisted that they’d be fine while they were gone. Anthony helped Christopher get the sleigh ready while the ladies got the thermoses filled with hot drinks.
By the time they were ready to go, the snow had stopped, and everything was coated with white, pristine snowfall.
“Watch your step,” he cautioned as he helped the ladies up, and then his son. He climbed in behind Yvette. “Let’s go, Santa,” he told his dad.
As was tradition, Lacey started the group on their sing-a-long. The sleigh bells around the horse’s necks jingled in the quiet night air as they continued to drive further along.
“This isn’t our usual route,” Yvette commented looking around.
“Dad,” Christopher called up. “Where are you going?”
“I saw something in the woods that you’ll all want to see,” he replied.
Christopher shrugged and wrapped his arm around Yvette. “Good thing we’ve got plenty of cider,” he joked.
“Here’s the thing I was telling you about,” Anthony said over the ringing bells. “I don’t know what to make of it.”
Yvette tried to look over her shoulder, but it was difficult. She couldn’t really see. “What is it, Margaret?”
“Honey, don’t start me to lying. I can’t tell, either.”
Suddenly, they drove through a clearing and down a small lane. It wasn’t until Anthony turned the sleigh that everyone had a better view. It was Yvette’s turn to be confused as they got closer and closer to a well-lit house. She turned an astonished gaze to Margaret, but she looked just as baffled.
“Time to open your last gift, Yvie,” Christopher said. Slowly, he pulled a small box out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Merry Christmas, Yvette.”
Yvette took the box with unsteady hands. “No,” she said softly as they pulled closer to the large traditional home.
There was a collective gasp as they stopped out front.
“Open it,” Christopher prompted.
“I can’t,” she croaked.
“Sure you can,” he said, softly.
Carefully, Yvette unwra
pped the box, and then opened the lid. Her hand flew to her mouth.
“What is it? Mommy, what is it?”
“It’s…” her voice caught in her throat. Unable to speak, she simply held up the shiny bright key dangling from a key chain. She glanced down at it and read the inscription.
“It’s a house key. It says…it says…”
“Welcome Home,” Christopher finished for her.
Everyone filed out of the carriage and just stood there in front of the home. Yvette was in shock, there was no other way to put it. She simply stood there staring at it. Not believing what was right in front of her.
The front looked like something out of a story book. Several steps led up to a large front porch. The banisters and columns were decorated with garland, white lights and huge red bows. There was a beautiful carriage light, and the entire front was bathed in soft white light. The front door was what held the most allure. It beckoned a person to come inside. It was a bright red and had the most beautiful stained glass window she had ever seen. There were identical sidelights flanking each side of the door.
“It’s spectacular,” she breathed.
“Don’t you want to go inside?” Christopher asked gently.
“You didn’t,” she said, tearfully. “Please tell me you didn’t build this house for us.”
“I could.” His eyes twinkled with merriment. “But that would be a lie.”
She threw her arms around him and dissolved into tears.
“Let’s give them a moment,” Margaret said, herding everyone up the snow covered stairs.
“Key’s under the mat, Mom,” Christopher called out.
When they were alone, Yvette shook her head. “Christopher…this place is…” she glanced up at it. “Enormous. I just…I can’t believe you did this.”
“It’s seven thousand square feet, it’s got six bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, a three-car garage, another detached garage, three stories, and sits on ten acres. It has a stream, a trout pond, and panoramic mountain views…though you can’t tell at the moment.”
Two Hearts for Christmast Page 10