The Final Base

Cozy Christmas

"Race I swear if you don't get out right this second I will throw these sweet potatoes at you!" Henry yelled from the kitchen as Race snuck a bread roll and ran away. Christmas was always a hectic time, even more so now that they no longer lived at the Lodge, so to make things even they decided who gets what by drawing names out of a hat. Yes, that counted every major holiday and who would be in charge of the summer get-togethers. This year, Finch, Henry and Jojo were hosting.

Over the course of time the number of people have changed, mostly in the female variety now that the boys were getting more and more serious in their love life. Feister was taking it as well as she could with those who've been around the longest, Isabelle and Sophia, Finch and Blink's girlfriends to be exact. There was now Opal, Aurora and Sage, who Feister dubbed the princess trio. Specs, Elmer, and Crutchie's girls. Jade and Paisley who were with Henry and Ike were undecided, and it couldn't be more clear.

Mush made sure his wife got an extra large glass of spiked eggnog as a way to let her relax, while also making sure she didn't get too drunk. He'd meet his grave if he let her go all dumpling crazy, which Henry made sure to stock up on. His words were always, a full tummy equals a happy girl. Weirdo.

Sure it was a little squished but the more the merrier, right? At least that's what Brooklyn thought. She liked the princess trio, got along well with Jade and Paisley. She was currently walking around on video call with Kloppman. They all missed him, but made sure to stay in contact whenever possible. "As you can see, not much has changed."

"Hey Klopp!" Race said with a mouth full of bread. "How's the sunny orange state? Missin' good ole New York winter or what?"

"It's great down here. I might come to visit next summer, my grandson is a big fan of Al."

"Shhh!" Race hushed. "Al's head is already big enough

"Hey is that Kloppman, hi there!"

"Speaking of big," Brooklyn began, she switched the camera around and stepped back. "Look at little Les. He's almost as tall as Davey."

From the other side of the room Albert couldn't help but smile. She's so pretty it's hard to believe she's with a guy like him. She's going to marry him for crying out loud and they still haven't told anybody yet. They're going to do that during dinner. He has to admit he's enjoyed this being their little secret for the past few weeks. It's like they've been stuck in a bubble where it's just the two of them and romance. The days she crashes at his place are the best. He was never big on snuggling but waking up to the warmth of her body and sweet smell was...perfect. Making meals and doing little stuff like that was only a glimpse into their future.

"You're so in love it's sickin'."

"Have you looked in the mirror lately?"

"The big difference is that I didn't go for your sister."

"Me and Feisty are basically cut from the same cloth, your argument doesn't work."

Mush muttered something under his breath before taking a sip of his drink. "I'm glad."

"What? That I'm gone for half of the year." Albert shook his head.

"No. I'm glad that it's you. She could've been with any bummer in the city and she picked you. Least I know she'll be taken care of. Not get her heartbroken." he took another swing. "But I'm drunk so come mornin' I'll go back to hatin' you're datin' my sister."

"Drunk words are sober thoughts."

"Shove of."

Albert chuckled. He turned back to where the party was, an amused smile forming on his lips. "I hope you're not too drunk though, Feisty looks ready to throw hands at one of the princesses."