Unconditional Love

| T W E N T Y - T H R E E |

It's that time of year again! Christmas!

Last minute Fred decided we're going to London. At first he said no because he just didn't want to. He made up with his mum but he knew there was still going to be family drama. Plus, it's our first Christmas in Austin and we won't even be in Austin. I mean, we've been in Austin the weeks leading up to Christmas and it's just beautiful.

No, there isn't snow which Emmy isn't too happy about, but there are so many vendors and activities set up in the town, along with decorations set up all over the place.

But yeah. Fred decided so last minute that we're going that it's Christmas Eve. Luckily the airline wasn't busy today and he got tickets. The plane doesn't leave for another couple of hours so we're just walking around the town as a little festival took place.

"Mommy— look!" She gasped and pointed at Santa.

"Bean." Fred mumbled

She dropped her finger quickly and looked up at Fred. "It's Santa daddy."

"Would you like to go talk to him?" I asked.

Her head whipped around to me. "I can talk to Santa." She said in such a shocked tone. "But it's Santa! He wouldn't want to talk to me!"

"Why couldn't he?" Freddie smiled. "You can even tell him what you want for Christmas and he get it to you."

"No way?!" She gasped.

So this is obviously Emmy's first Christmas knowing what Santa is. Her new daycare has told her lots about it and she's been super hyped about getting presents from him.

"Yes." I laughed, "cmon."

She took my hand and followed me and Fred over to where Santa sat on his throne, two trees at the side of him loaded with presents under them.

"Well hello there!" Santa said loudly. Emmy jumped a little and shuffled into my legs. "What's your name little girl?"

"Emery." She said.

"Hello there Emery. Do you know who I am?" He asked. She nodded.

"You're Santa." She said.

"Cmere, take a seat on my knee." He said and patted his gloved hand to his thigh.

Her hand slipped from mine and she walked over to him, letting him lift her into his knee.

"She's fine." I mumbled to Fred when I felt him tense beside me.

"Now Emery, have you been good this year?" Santa asked.

"Yes I have Santa." She nodded. "Have you?"

He chuckled. "I hope so." She's adorable. "What would you like for Christmas little Emery?"

I quickly grabbed my phone from my jacket pocket and pulled it out to take a picture.

"I would like a baby sister." She said confidently.

My smile fell.

"A baby sister?! Well that's a big present! What about a puppy?" He said.

Freddie's hand went into my back and rubbed a small circle.

"Yes! Wait! I don't want a baby sister anymore I want a puppy. A friend for Kobe please." She nodded.

"It's okay love." Freddie whispered to me and kissed the top of my head.

"Would you like to get a picture mom?" Santa asked.

"Oh— yes please." I said and blinked, standing up straight. "Smile Emmy."

"Cheese!" She said and gave us a big smile. I took the picture, then pocketed the phone.