Generations: The Long Game

The Best Christmas

Marjorie and Reece

Neither of them could ever say they weren't wrapped around Emery's little finger. The seven-month-old often slept in bed with his parents now and tonight was no different. Reece had been so excited for his first Christmas that he had bought the boy every age-appropriate toy he could find. He bought three model train sets just because the little boy had been mesmerized by one they saw on display. Marjorie wondered if all of this wasn't a way for him to live a childhood, he never got to have thanks to Roger's stellar parenting skills. If she was being honest, she really didn't care if it was, because seeing the two of them light up was reason enough for her to indulge Reece.

"Gorgeous what are you thinking?"

"How lucky I am to have you two. After I walked away from my family, I spent quite a few Christmases all on my own. I always came to the office decked out in Christmas attire. I looked like I was the most festive person. When inside I was so lonely. I longed for someone to spend Christmas with. Now I get to spend it with you beautiful boys. It is more than I ever dreamed of. I love you both so much."

"We love you too, gorgeous."

He leaned in gently as not to disturb their son and kissed her softly on the lips. She was his dream too. He remembered Christmas after their mom was gone. He always tried to make them special for Autumn. He and Mia would spend months making stuff for her or buying her little trinkets. Roger was never home. He would head to the "office" early in the morning and would come back stumbling drunk late in the evening. That was their Christmas routine for many years.

When Emery finally awoke, the little family went downstairs to open presents. As little man sat and giggled at Reece acting silly with all the toys, Marjorie was beaming with pride at the little family they had created. It was Emery's first Christmas, but for Marjorie it was the best Christmas.

Sorscha and Clodagh

Clodagh was the first one awake. As she looked over at her wife, she could tell she would have plenty of time before Sorscha would be up. She hadn't even stirred when she slipped out of bed. She checked on Quinn before heading off for a shower. She felt a twinge of excitement and she really hoped that she was right, but she would know soon enough. She sat the timer and waited. She was nervous she didn't want Sorscha to wake up and catch her. The timer went off and she hit it so hard trying to silence it that she knocked her phone to the floor in a clatter. "Damn it!" She moved to quickly lock the door in case the noise woke Sorscha. She grabbed the stick and hid it before jumping in the shower. They had been together so long she knew that Sorscha might unlock the door from the outside while she was in the shower. She grabbed her towel and toweled off while reaching into the hiding place.

Sorscha woke to an empty bed, but she could hear Clodagh and Quinn in the kitchen. She smiled as she padded into the kitchen. "Good morning! How are my girls on this Christmas morning?" They kissed while Quinn tugged at Sorscha. She was ready for presents. They didn't have to prompt her this year. She tore right in, leaving her moms to sit back and laugh. The little girl would open each package with so much excitement and squeal at all her new things. When she was done Clodagh called her over. "Mommy has one more for you. Come sit with me." The little girl shredded the paper and pulled out a little green jumper with white lettering. Sorscha's smile brightened thinking it was a miniature version of her Jets one. Then Clodagh turned it around. Sorscha's eyes went blurry with tears. The top said Big Sister Established 2026. They had recently done their third artificial insemination. The first two having failed. "Really?" Clodagh nodded with tears in her eyes. To Sorscha this was the best Christmas.

Siobhan and Vivian

Although they had spent the year falling in love with each other this was their first Christmas together as a couple and Siobhan was a bit nervous about the gift she had gotten for Viv. The boutique had been doing so well she was able to really go all out, but she worried that lavishing Vivian and Jamey with gifts would come across as showy rather than her just expressing her feelings for them.

She grabbed the gifts from the closet in Vivian's room before heading downstairs to the two eating pancakes in the kitchen. "Good morning! You two were up bright and early this Christmas." Jamey was full of energy. He had waited patiently for Siobhan to come down so they could open presents, but now he was buzzing with excitement. They chuckled and moved with him to the tree so he could begin.

After he had opened all his presents and was happily playing, Siobhan turned to Vivian. She handed her a package and smiled. Vivian opened it to find a beautiful necklace with three stones. She recognized two of them at once as her and Jamey's birthstones. She looked up questioningly. Siobhan said, "the third one is my birthstone. So, you can always keep Jamey, and I close to your heart. Viv pick up the bit of cotton." Vivian Wa confused, but she picked up the cotton to find a key. Siobhan continued, "You have said many times that Jamey and I are your heart. The two of you are my home. So, I thought it was high time we shared one. I sold my flat and bought a home. It is close to the hospital and the boutique. I really want to share it with you and Jamey." Vivian wrapped her arms around Siobhan's waist and pulled her into an embrace before kissing her. "Yes" Siobhan's heart swelled with pride. Their first Christmas was in the books and to Viv it was the best Christmas.

Winter and Autumn

Liliana was still too young to understand what all the fuss was about, but she loved the colorful paper and the twinkle of the lights. As the little girl smiled and giggled Autumn couldn't help but laugh with her sweet little girl. Winter couldn't help but stare at his beautiful wife and daughter. He had always felt privileged to see a side of Autumn that, so few had, but he was overwhelmed by the sight of her with their daughter. She loved that little girl in a way that tugged at his heart. She never shied away from the small girl's emotions and was a fiercely protective mama bear. It had been a simple and laidback Christmas for them, but to Winter it was the best Christmas.

Carly

With all the babies born this last year Carly had made quite a bit babysitting for her nursery family. She would have done it for free because she just loved spending time with all the little ones. After all they were her second family. She had also gotten quite a substantial raise after the siblings took over the nursery. The almost 19-year-old knew that she had to make a lot of decisions this next year about how to move forward, but for Christmas this year she knew exactly what she wanted to do. She bought her family presents they never could afford on their own. Her second family had spoiled her for years, and now she had a chance to do that for her family. She watched as they opened their gifts and cried with them when they became emotional. She hugged them and told them how much she loved them. This was likely her last Christmas living at home with her siblings and parents, but to Carly it was the best Christmas.

Mia and Charlotte

After an emotional Christmas Eve, the couple needed coffee right away after the girls woke them. They padded of to the kitchen and Lynn noticed her moms seemed better. They were keeping physical contact again. It used to gross her out, but after the last five months she was happy to see it resurface.

Mia held Char around the waist leaning into her back and snuggling up close while Char made the coffee. She was proud of them. She was proud of herself. Had she reverted to old habits, today might have been a vastly different Christmas Day.

Char leaned into Mia's embrace. She was her home, and she was finally home. Their children opened presents, they had a quiet dinner and a lovely evening. Once everyone was tucked snuggly into their beds Char followed Mia to their own room.

Mia turned and kissed her wife. She allowed their kisses to become hungry before pulling away. "You okay with this?" Char caught up in the moment and breathless nodded. She wanted her. She needed her. Mia unsatisfied said, "I need to hear the words, baby."

"I want you"

She didn't have to be told twice, but she moved slowly worshiping every inch of her wife's body as they made love for the first time since before the boys were born. Breathless and satisfied Mia snuggled up closely to Char and said, "I love you, sweetheart."

For years to come they would remember this as the hardest year, but also as the best Christmas.

AN: Once again I am blown away by you all. I have had so many wonderful comments this week. Thank you for continuing to join me on this journey. There is still so much more to come.

Also, on a related note, later today I will be publishing the first chapter of a brand new tale. It is a TNN mystery and will be quite a bit rougher than this story, but if you are so inclined, check out Alibi later today.