Jump Then Fall

50.

"Leighton....stir this and tell your Grandma I did it." Meredith whispered. It was Christmas Eve and now she was helping Derek's Mom in the kitchen prepare all of the Christmas food only Meredith was trying her best not to screw it up. She was having fun and she loved the time with his family, but she couldn't deny she was nervous to meet his sister the next morning.

"Okay." Leighton gigged, standing on the chair that her grandma had pulled up the counter for her and grabbing the spoon. "It's for potatoes!"

"Leighton, let me pull your hair back." His mother laughed, wiping her hands on a towel.

"Can I have a pink pony holder?"

"That's what I have in my pocket." His mother laughed.

"Grandma, I think the cookies are ready." Trevor interrupted, look through the glass part of the oven.

"They need about two more minutes dear, but would you mind grabbing some foil?" Mrs. Shepherd asked, pulling Leighton's hair back as Meredith heard Derek coming down the steps.

"Derek has to finish Christmas shopping....a few things we didn't pick up yet." Meredith breathed.

"If you want to go along with him, I don't mind watching the children." Mrs. Shepherd smiled, taking the foil from Trevor.

"No...that's okay. He won't be gone long."

"Something smells good in here." Derek smiled, walking into the kitchen as he slid his coat on, kissing Leighton on the head and ruffling Trevor's hair.

"I'm making potatoes Daddy." Leighton smiled proudly.

"Yeah?" Derek laughed. "I can't wait to taste them."

"They are gonna be the best potatoes...right Grandma?" Leighton asked as Meredith retied the mini apron that was a little too big for Leighton.

"Right." Mrs. Shepherd nodded as the oven's beeper went off.

"Cookies are ready." Trevor moved out of the way so his Grandma could get the tray from the oven.

"Did you call you know where to see if they have the you know what?" Meredith referred to the video game Trevor had asked for last minute.

"I did." Derek nodded. "They wrapped up the you know what and I am going to pick it up on my way."

"I remember speaking in code when my kids were little." Mrs. Shepherd laughed.

"Where do you think I got it from?" Derek laughed.

"You washed their Christmas pajama's right?" Meredith turned to Derek.

"I don't have Christmas pajamas!" Trevor shouted.

"Okay....did you wash Leighton's?" Meredith stood corrected.

"They're in the dryer."

"Did you get a you know what for me Daddy?" Leighton grinned.

"All of your you know whats are wrapped and under the tree." Derek laughed.

"Until Santa comes?" Leighton asked.

"Until Santa comes...and you know you have to sleep in your own bed tonight...all night...if you want Santa to come."

"But who will I snuggle with?" Leighton frowned.

"You can snuggle with us for a little while."

"I'm going to bed at nine o'clock exactly." Trevor announced.

"I believe you Trevor." Mrs. Shepherd laughed.