The Marriage Counselor. (Woman x intersex)

fifty-five.

Danielle in the MM.

UNEDITED

chapter fifty-five: Christmas.

"Open that one, go ahead." Danielle stated to Mason. It was Christmas morning, it being two weeks since Danielle gave birth to Nubia. It's been tense around the house, Nour and Danielle quiet with each other. Nura didn't get involved this time, explaining to Nour that she couldn't keep talking to Danielle for him if they plan on having a future together.

'You both are so used to being the ones to support others, that you sabotage when the support is finally given to you. You both need to learn how to be there for each other. Just the two of you. Until then, I love you both but I can't play moderator every time.'

Nour knew his sister was right and that it came from a place of love and concern. She was always the more level-headed one out of the two, but Nour knew her temper was just as bad, if not worse. She was upset with Danielle, but knew that the older woman had a right to feel the way that she did.

If she were in her shoes, she'd feel the same.

They were now all gathered in the living room, the large Christmas tree surrounded by presents for all of them. Taina was around a lot more, being submissive and glued to Nura's side. She knew Nura wasn't used to receiving such affection in such a short time and wanted to change that.

"Merry Christmas!" Both Adel and Nasir yelled as they walked into the house. They all greeted each other, Delaney hugging Mason before handing him a small gift bag causing him to smile.

"See if I was white, I'd be blushing. Thank you." Mason chuckled as he hugged Delaney again. Danielle's eyes met Nour's, Nour smiling with amused eyes while shaking his head. Danielle chuckled quietly, suddenly feeling shy as she continued to rub Nubia's back. The young child's features were slowly starting to come in, her eyes a deep grey color, just slightly lighter than her father's. Her skin was like cocoa with a red undertone to it, it being a perfect mixture of her parents' complexion.

"This is for you." Taina breathed as she handed Nura a large gift bag. Nura blinked in surprise, Taina smiling with a nod as Nura started to open it.

"I know you always say you aren't that good but I believe that you are. So I got you this kit that I saw at blick while picking up paint." Taina breathed, watching as Nura's long fingers caressed the large, leather bound sketchbook. It had her name engraved in the center, Nura swallowing back tears which shocked Danielle and Taina as well.

"Wow..it's beautiful." She breathed, pulling out the matching set of pastels and oil paint. She looked over at Taina who had red cheeks, grabbing her face and kissing her softly.

"Thank you. Seriously."

Danielle looked away, swallowing back her own waterworks. It felt as if it's been so long since she felt Nour's affection. She felt eyes on her, looking over to see Nour staring before looking away quickly. He rubbed his chin before standing up.

"Wait..this is from us." Danielle breathed causing Nour to look down in surprise. He wasn't a gift person, but Danielle wanted to do something special to remind him that she loves him through it all. He was special to her and she wanted him to be reassured.

"Yes, we can give it to him now?!" Mason asked excitedly causing Danielle to laugh. Sophia chewed on her candy cane as she sat on the ground next to Nura's feet. She was growing so quickly, her first birthday right around the corner. Her hair was larger, her curls thick and puffy. Her skin was caramel, her eyes a deep brown color as she babbled with drool seeping down her chin.

"Here." Elias grinned as he handed Nour the large book that was wrapped in gift paper.

from: your family that loves and appreciates you and everything you do.

to: daddy.

Nour cleared his throat as he slowly sat down on the couch while opening the present, smiling at the cover of the large book that had their names in colorful font.

Abdul-Sanaa Family Photo Album.

"It's every single memory we have as a family. From day one." Danielle breathed, Nour looking up and meeting her eyes that were sad yet still full of excitement. Nour opened the first page, laughing through his tears as he looked at the pictures of Mason and Elias posing in front of the cars in the garage. Mason had on sunglasses, his hands on his hips and his lips puckered as he leaned against the neon green Porsche.

"Wow..when did you take these?" Nour asked as his fingers continued to flip through the pages. There were pictures of Nour holding Sophie, and then some of him playing with the boys. There's a few selfies that him and Danielle took together. Then the first ultrasound picture which continued, the book showing the growth that was tracked when she was still pregnant.

In between those ultrasound pictures were more photos of them as a family. There were group photos they took from their trip to the indoor water park, to masons birthday party as he held his presents up with a big grin on his face.

The second to last page was a picture of Nour holding Nubia in the hospital. It captured his profile, both of them looking identical to each other.

December 15th, 202x

"I took that one." Nura chuckled causing Nour to smile at his sister while wiping his tears. He felt overcome with emotion, his eyes telling Danielle everything she needed to know causing her to smile sadly.

I love you and I'm sorry.

"Do you like it, daddy?" Elias asked causing Nour to groan loudly as he pulled both him and his brother into a tight embrace.

"I love it I love it I love it. Thank you so much. I'm going to keep it forever."

"Just like you'll keep us forever?" Elias asked as he looked up at Nour with big brown eyes. Nour smiled as he looked over at Danielle who nodded slightly.

"Yes. Just like that. Now open the rest of your presents! Santa went crazy this year! And you.." Nour breathed as he walked over to Danielle and sat next to her. She looked over at him with soft eyes as he did the same, leaning in and kissing him softly.

"We're gonna work this out."

"I know."