Miss Jackson {b.u.}

{95}

Christmas Eve. A time where everyone faked happiness and pretended to love everyone in their family. Well, except ours. See, growing up in an Italian-American household, we celebrated both ways. The 'American Way' which is when you feast on the day The Lord was born and open presents. Compared to moms way, which was feasting on Christmas Eve and opening one present from the pile you get. I didn't bring those traditions into my house. Brendon and I adopted our own traditions. We have our family anniversary which is the day we got married. On Christmas, we wake up at seven in the morning, run downstairs and go outside to see if it snowed and if 'Santa' left any footprints. On Valentine's day, Brendon made it a tradition for him and River to give Daphne, Clover and I roses and small presents and we did the same to the boys, but since the twins were born we added two new members.

Brendon and I were just getting the kids into the kitchen to set up milk and cookies. We all wore matching dark green and black plaid pajamas. Brendon carried Bella and I carried Freddie, who were now ten months and were close to walking by themselves. We all stood in the kitchen and Daphne grabbed the milk while Clover grabbed the cookies from the table. Brendon turned and grabbed a plate, handing it to the kids, "Santa's gonna be hungry tonight so put four cookies on the plate." Brendon stated.

I glanced at him and he looked at me and winked. I shook my head and chuckled a bit. I was genuinely happy. I have five kids and I love them dearly. I will do anything for them, no matter what consequences I get. And being married to someone who sees right through me. Someone who understands me. Being married to Brendon is like being married to the prince you've always dreamed of.

I watched as Daphne poured the milk into the mug and they hurried to the tree in the living room carefully and set the milk and cookies on the small table. Brendon and I watched from the entryway and him and I made a small exchange, "faster you get to bed, the faster Santa will get here." Brendon said.

The kids perked up. Clover and River grabbed each others hand and ran toward Brendon and I. We quickly moved out of the way and let them run in between us. Daphne called out for Clover and River, then ran after them upstairs. Brendon and I turned around and walked slowly behind them. Freddie and Bella were definitely tired. I walked in first, setting Freddie down in his crib and giving him his pacifier. Brendon did the same and we kissed the twins and walked out of the room, flicking the light off. The first room we walked into was Rivers and he was already ready to sleep. Brendon and I kneeled beside his bed, "you excited, little man?"

River nodded his head, "Yes daddy."

Brendon chuckled and kissed Rivers forehead. I leaned over and kissed his forehead, "sleep tight, honey."

The both of us blew kisses at him as we walked out and shut the door. We walked to Clover's room and opened the door, "you're all ready, squirt." Brendon uttered.

Clover pulled her covers up and over her, then laid her down on the pillow, "I'm always ready, daddy."

I raised my eyebrow and nodded my head as the both of us squat beside her bed, "sleep well, Coco." I said and kissed her forehead.

Brendon did the same and we got up and as we were walking out of her room, Clover stated, "I love you."

Brendon and I turned and I smiled, "we love you."

I shut the door and took a moment before walking to Daphne's room. That was the cutest thing Clover's done. Brendon took my hand and I interlocked my fingers with his as he dragged us to Daphne's room. He knocked on the door, then opened it. Daphne was just getting into bed and the both of us stood beside it. Brendon's free hand grazed the back of her long curly hair, "you all good snotface?"

Daphne glanced at Brendon as she got into bed. When she pulled the covers over her and rested her head down, she looked at us, "i'm okay."

Brendon let go of my hand, leaning down and kissing the side of Daphne's head, "goodnight."