Miss, Do I Know You?

19 - Thursday, December 24

Winter had firmly taken over the town. Snow had covered mostly everything, and the world outside was still. But inside, glowing strands of fairy lights lay strewn across the floor, waiting to be strung. The nostalgic aroma of fresh gingerbread still lingered from hours earlier. Light chatter filled the comfortable silences as the Christmas tree found more life with each passing minute. It was slow progress, but everything was done to the highest standards. According to Benji.

With each bauble put into place, he'd step back and subtly tilt his head, and if a nod or a smile followed, then it would remain. His eyes often wandered to the top of the tree that was just beyond his reach. But I saw the way Alex's impish smile crept out whenever she noticed those unspoken wishes; she waited for the moment when he was least expecting it and then hoisted him up in the air with a theatrical grunt of effort that quickly mixed with his laughter.

Being in their orbit was utterly intoxicating, for each interaction between them was like witnessing love so pure, it felt transcendent. And while it might have seemed unusual to declare for someone already bound by blood, if there were soulmates, those two were it. Around them, every breath felt fresher, every shadow seemed a shade lighter, and the world appeared to shimmer just a touch brighter.

Deep in thought and engrossed in decorating, I was jolted back to reality by an unexpected weight on my back, prompting a momentary stagger and an instinctual yell. "Alex!" I exclaimed in slight panic, struggling not to topple over. "Oh, gosh. Help me."

Benji's gleeful giggles rang in my ears as hands clasped around my neck. "I'm not that heavy!"

"Sure you're not." I laughed along, finally steadying myself and angling toward the tree. "Can you reach now?"

Stretching with all his might, his body wriggled in my grip before a hum of approval sounded. "Mom? The lights?"

"Just be careful and don't strangle Kayla, okay?"

While he weaved each little bulb into its place, my eyes remained on Alex in the kitchen as she checked on the food. But the click of the front door seized our collective attention. The boy's excitement had him sliding off my back and nearly toppling me over again.

"Tony!" he exclaimed as he launched himself onto the tall man by the door. "You're back!"

"What's up, champ?" the man spoke, giving the kid some secret handshake. "I swear you're getting taller each time I see you. What's mom been feeding you?"

Gabi's pleased groan chimed in. "It smells like heaven here."

Sweet scent of vanilla suddenly wafted stronger, nudging my memory and pulling me away from the hugging company. I slipped my hands into oven mitts, feeling the kiss of warmth on my face as I rescued the cookies and placed them to cool on the countertop.

By then Benji had already dragged Tony over for introductions, stitching together smiles as contagious as his own excitement. I was instantly drawn to Tony's warm smile. Falling down his back was a mane of dark dreadlocks, complemented by a full beard, and his cozy Christmas sweater added a touch of gentle contrast to his towering and athletic frame.

"I hope this isn't offensive to say out loud," I began with a slight grin, "but I half-expected a white man in a suit."

Tony laughed and directed a playful glance at his wife. "She does give off the white-collar vibe, doesn't she?"

Alex's scoff came from behind me. "And she does have her preferences in men."

Gabi echoed a childish imitation beneath her breath before flopping onto the couch with flair and feigned annoyance directed at her sister. "What's yours then? A pretty face and a criminal record? I'm actually surprised you've made it this far without being brutally murdered."