The Choices Being Made (Book #2, Choices series)

15

Polly snuck out of the room in the early morning Christmas Day. And like she had done for the past seventeen or so years, she played Santa.

She knew it was silly to covertly stuff stockings and lay out presents, but she adored the magic of Christmas. Plus she may as well continue since this would be her life for at least another eighteen years.

Polly lit up the tree and started the gas logs in the fireplace. She hung three stockings on the mantle, filling them each with candy and small trinkets.

The wrapped gifts went under the living room tree. Some said they were from Santa, and others from her.

Polly made some coffee - both regular and decaf - and put a French toast casserole in the oven. Since she had some time, she grabbed a quick shower and put on her Christmas pajamas.

But her lazy bums still hadn't gotten up. So she took matters into her own hands.

Polly went back into the bedroom and sat on Mason's side of the bed. She knew his little side would be eager for Christmas Day, so she wanted to see his big smile first.

"Merry Christmas, baby," she said as she stroked his cheek. "Wakey wakey. Don't you want to see if Santa came?"

Mason's eyes opened and a toothy grin appeared on his face. "Santa?"

"Mmhm," she cooed. "But we can't go out there without Michael. Do you want to wake him up?"

Mason pouted. "But Mikey just got a wump of coal."

Polly giggled because she had considered that, but then opted for a grill with an entire bag full of it. Mason will appreciate that.

"Come on sleepyhead," Polly said continuing to stroke his face. "The babies are hungry," she teased. Then her stomach growled. "See?"

"Growling babies. Ebil," Mason said as he rolled over to Michael who had his arm over his face. "Mikey. Santa came. Not for Mikey but Masey. Mikey is naughty boy."

"Mmmhm," Michael mumbled with sleep in his voice. "You keep that up, and I'm going to tan your ass, Masey."

"Ebil, too," Mason said shaking his head.

"I'll show you evil," Michael said launching over to pin Mason to the bed. And then he began to tickle him.

Mason was in a fit of laughter. "Okay, okay! I'll stop!"

"Come on you two. Your kids are starving," Polly said with a frustrated huff and a pat to her tummy.

The men were both stark naked, so Polly turned around as they got out of bed. "Shy today?" Michael teased.

"I'm just trying not to have a day filled with debauchery and...nakedness," She said with her back turned.

"Can we shower?" Michael asked.

"Fine but be quick. And no funny business!" Polly yelled to them as she heard the water start. Polly stripped the sheets as she waited for them to return. A shower together was likely a bad idea.

A few minutes later they both returned to the room as little more refreshed...more than a shower would do, that's for sure. Polly gave them the stink eye, and Mason just shrugged back as if he had no choice.

Polly threw them their pajama bottoms and said, "Hurry it up, buckaroos. I've got a casserole in the oven."

"And a bun," Mason snickered as he put on his pants. Polly scowled at him. "Tough crowd this morning."

After they were all dressed, they went to the living room and admired Polly's handiwork. "You did all this?" Michael said in awe. "This morning?"

"It's Christmas," she said.