Just a Soldier

Chapter 69 - Christmas in New York

Scarlett's POV:

Yesterday was perfect. I loved every minute of it. It's something that I won't be forgetting for a long time. Having the opportunity to share Hanukkah with Y/n and Ava. They were both interested and asked lots of questions to learn more. Mum texted me this morning and couldn't stop gushing about last night and the two of them. I feel that this has really set us up for the rest of the trip. It's going much better than our last visit to New York!

Today we've got a jammed packed day. We're going to have a family shopping trip and then this evening we're going to the Botanical Gardens GLOW. Its so beautiful and a great experience. We're meeting mom, dad and Hunter there and I can't wait. I feel like I'm excited for everything that we're doing this trip.

I'm currently sat with Ava in the kitchen, both of us still in pyjamas have a bowl of cereal each. Y/n went out early to grab the things she needed to finish fixing mom's oven. I love how caring Y/n is to make sure that it's fixed and safe for mom. Watching her work was definitely a treat for the eyes too. I don't remember the last time I had to call a handy man to come fix something. Y/n just does it all. She often finds things before I even notice!

We're heading out once Y/n is back, so I get to help Ava get ready today. I've managed to convince Y/n to let me treat them to a shopping trip this afternoon. Living in LA the need for winter clothing isn't exactly high. They each have some stuff, but not a lot. I want to be able to spoil them both today.

I get Ava dressed into her cute sweater and a warm pair of jeans. I laugh as she fights to get her little boots on. She grunts and complains when she finally gets them on. She then stares at the laces. She still hasn't learnt to properly do her laces yet, so I decide that this could be a good time to try and help her.

I guide her to the stairs and place her on the bottom step and sit behind her on the step higher. "OK monkey, I'll show you what to do first ok." I tell her and Ava nods. I take the laces of the boot and talk her through what I'm doing. "So, we start to tie the first knot like this. Then we make a bunny ear with the right one and wrap the left one around it. See?" I start to explain and Ava nods in understanding.

"Then we pull this part back through to create a second bunny ear. Now I'm going to pull it tight to make sure that it's nice and secure." I finish off. "Can you show me again?" She asks and I happily go through the process again. This time introducing a rhyme to help her learn. "How about you follow me on the other boot." I suggest and she instantly grabs the laces. We go through it a couple of times and I smile when she mumbles the instructions as we go.

"Ok, I think I can do it now." She says confidently and undoes both laces. Her face contorts into her concentration face, her tongue sticking out as she carefully ties both shoes. When she's done, she turns to look at me with a smile. "Done!" She cheers and I lift her to cheer with her. "Amazing job. My clever little widow!" I praise her, happy to be sharing this moment with her. "Thank you for teaching me, Scarly!" She says gratefully, wrapping her arms around me. "You're welcome. Now let's finish getting ready. Your mom will be home soon." I reply, placing her back on the floor and taking her to the cupboard with our coats in.

Almost perfectly on time, Y/n walks through the door as Ava and I finish getting into our winter coats. "Mummy! You're back. We're ready to go!" Ava squeals excitedly. "Wow, looks like I need to catch up!" Y/n replies. "Hurry up mummy! I want to go shopping!" Ava hurries Y/n along to get ready, who starts chuckling. "Hi babe." I greet her with a kiss as she walks into the hallway. "Hi Angel. Have a nice morning?" Y/n asks switching out of her converses and grabbing her boots.

"It was a good. Get everything sorted for mom?" I ask in reply and she nods. "Yep. I ended up switching out the whole ignition switch as I didn't want her to have any issues with a patched up wire." She explains and it makes my heartbeat faster at her kind nature. "You're such a knight in shining armour!" I whisper, placing my hands on her chest and leaning in for another kiss. "Less kissing, more getting ready!" Ava huffs, pushing me away from her mom.