The Christmas Wish

Chapter Fifteen

Laura's POV

It's Christmas morning, and Brandon and I are getting this ready for Keely to come down. My mom and dad stayed over, and I heard them come down.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Do you need any help?" My mom asks.

"No momma, I have it all covered. Go have a seat. I'm sure that Keely will be down at any moment."

"Merry Christmas, love." My dad says as he walks into the room.

"Merry Christmas daddy."

They both make their coffee and head into the living room. I quickly throw the pastries in the oven and head in with them.

"Do you she will be up soon. I can't stand waiting. I hope she will be excited about what is under the tree." Brandon says filled with excitement.

"If her dad was here, she would be."

"She still believes that he is out there?" My mom asks.

"I think so, mom."

"The therapist is helping her though?" Dad asks as he sits down in the chair across from us.

"I think she has a lot. I can see the old Keely coming out."
"That's great. I hate to see her so depressed." Mom adds as she takes a sip of her coffee before placing it on the coffee table in front of her.

"She is coming around."
I hate keeping what I know from them, but I don't want to hear anything about it. It's his decision, and when he is ready, he will be home. I hear Keely come in, and she smiles as she sees what is under the tree and then her grandparents. She slowly comes over and hugs both of them before she heads over to the tree. She looks to me for permission and then begins to open her presents. She is thankful for what she gets, but I can still see the sadness in her eyes. I hear a knock at the door, and Keely runs to get it. I can hear his parents as she opens it and her sadness as she walks back with them.

"Merry Christmas, sweetheart." Mrs. Williams greets me.

"Merry Christmas." Mr. Williams adds.

"Merry Christmas to you too."
"Merry Christmas." My mom and dad say to his parents.

I help them put their presents down, and Keely rips into them as I hand them their gifts. I hurry into the kitchen as the timer goes off for the pastries. I plate them up and bring them in to everyone.

"Would you all like some coffee?"

"Yes please." Mrs. Williams says

"I would, thank you." Mr. Williams replies.

"Do you mind topping off your dad and mine also?"
"Sure thing."
"I'll help." Brandon says as he hops up to come help.

We both head into the kitchen and he starts the pot up as I grab more mugs.

"Are you doing okay?" he asks.

"Yes, it's just hard."

"I'm sorry he isn't here. I know he wants to be."

"It doesn't seem like it."

He squeezes my shoulder and walks over to the pot as it finishes brewing. We fixed everyone's coffee and headed back into the living room with everyone. I smile softly as I watch Keely with her new toys and both grandparents sitting with her. She may not have her dad, but she has so many men in her life that she will be okay. We are all enjoying our morning and have finished off most of the pastries when I hear a knock at the door.

"Are you expecting anyone else this morning?" My dad asks.

"No dad, everyone is here."

"I'll get it, mommy."
She gets up and runs to the door before I could stop her.