In the moment

Mistletoe and wine

Christmas Day was a whirl wind, sophs mum had joined them late morning, causing more commotion than needed. The caterers arrived shortly after and she made several digs about Soph not cooking.

'In all honesty Mrs Ellis, sophs heavily pregnant I thought she could do without being stuck in a kitchen all day and actually enjoy Christmas with her family!' Jack digged back sick of her remarks

'Here here' Ada said as she raised her cup of tea towards jack shotting him a smile.

He knew today wasn't going to be easy with sophs mum, she hated him ever since the last minute proposal invitation and the fact he didn't even ask sophs dad for 'permission'. She'd made her feelings abundantly clear.

'Well yes I am aware how pregnant my daughter is!' She snaps back, causing Soph to stand up in the middle of them all.

She took a deep breath 'look we're not here to argue, it's Christmas. Me AND jack both decided it would be easier to have caterers, I wasn't going to be cooking for 11 people on my own!' She sits back down and rubs her belly 'jack how far away are your family?'

Jacks sat with mae fast asleep on his chest, 'bout 20 minutes away according to my dad so it'll be more like 40' his fingers glide up and down maes back comforting her to sleep.

Sophs mum repositioned herself on the sofa now facing directly at Soph, 'are you doing anything for maes birthday? I didn't know whether to stick around just incase you had something planned?' She sips her tea not breaking eye contact.

In all honesty Soph hadn't planned anything, she was one, she didn't have any baby friends to invite, it's just seemed like an expense and she didn't need at the moment and she didn't feel the need to have an over the top party to prove a point on social media. 'We're just going to take her to soft play and then have a little get together back here, nothing extreme.'

'If your staying why don't ya come join us at the match tomorrow Mrs Ellis?' Jack asks her politely enough to make he feel wanted there

She grunts, mr Ellis had always been a fan of football but she'd never seen the appeal, 'I'll think about it but thank you for the invite' she half smiles at jack.

He was such a people person, he was sure his personality and charm would win her round eventually. He also hoped his family being present would help break some ice with her too.

It wasn't long before jacks family did arrive, he was right about the time though, it took them twice as long as his dad said. They all bundled in all equally excited to see both jack and Soph squeezing them both as they entered. 'Alright mom ya can let go ya know' he said as his mum squeezed him tight.

'I'm just excited son, it's the first time you've hosted Christmas!' She held his face in her hands 'my boys all grown up'

'I wouldn't get to excited mom, you haven't opened his present yet' Kevan digs at jack making jack knock the peak on his cap so it came off.

'You ain't open yours either so' he winks at his brother

Keira and Hollie go in for a triple cuddle with him before turning their attention to sophs baby bump.

Jacks dad was the last in, he looked absolutely fed up. 'Do you know how many service station stops we've had to do on the way here! I said before we left make sure you go, but you know I might as well talk to a brick wall'