Orchards and Moonlight - a Mialotte story (TNN)

Christmas

The cosy warmth of the Christmas party contrasted with the cold winter night outside. The house was filled with laughter, twinkling lights, and the smell of freshly baked cookies. Everyone was gathered in the living room, wrapped in festive sweaters, sipping hot cocoa or mulled wine. The Christmas tree stood tall and glowing, its branches heavy with ornaments and memories from years past.

Carly, still processing everything she had learned about her past, was sitting on the couch next to Marjorie. Though things were still complicated between them, the holiday spirit seemed to ease some of the tension. Reece was nearby, chatting with Mia and Charlotte, who were laughing together, reminiscing about old times.

Just as the evening was beginning to wind down, Winter and Autumn exchanged a look and then stood up, both of them visibly excited. The room fell quiet as everyone noticed them, sensing that something was about to happen.

Winter, with his usual vibrant energy, clapped his hands together.

"We have a little announcement to make!" he said, his voice brimming with joy. Autumn, standing beside him, smiled softly, her usual reserved demeanour giving way to a rare glow of happiness. She placed a hand on her stomach, and Winter did the same.

"We're expecting!" Winter announced, his eyes shining with excitement.

The room erupted in cheers and applause, the news filling everyone with joy. Hugs and congratulations were exchanged all around, the warmth and love in the room growing even stronger.

Autumn's calm, almost serene smile remained as she accepted hugs from Reece and Mia. "We found out a little while ago," she explained, her voice gentle.

"It's been a secret between us, but we couldn't wait to share it with all of you." Winter, always the more outgoing of the two, was practically glowing with excitement. 

"It's been so hard keeping it under wraps, but now that everyone knows, we can finally celebrate together."

Mia hugged Autumn tightly, tears of happiness in her eyes. "I'm so happy for you, Autumn. You're going to be an amazing mom." Charlotte, standing beside Mia, smiled at Winter.

"You too, Winter. This is the best Christmas surprise ever!" As the celebration continued, Carly found herself smiling genuinely for the first time in what felt like ages. The room was filled with so much love and happiness, that it was impossible not to be swept up in it. Marjorie, noticing Carly's smile, gently squeezed her hand, a silent understanding passing between them.

Reece, grinning from ear to ear, made his way over to Winter and Autumn.

"I'm going to be an uncle! This is the best news ever! I'm so happy for both of you." He pretended like he didn't already know. The rest of the evening was spent celebrating the news, everyone sharing stories, laughter, and the joy of the season. The warmth of family and friends, old and new, filled the room, and for a moment, all worries and uncertainties were forgotten. It was a Christmas to remember, one filled with love, new beginnings, and the promise of even more joy to come.

After the Christmas party, Mia and Charlotte bundled up and headed home, their hearts still warm from the evening's joy. The snow crunched softly under their feet as they walked, hand in hand, through the quiet, snowy streets.

When they arrived home, the house was peaceful and quiet, the soft glow of nightlights illuminating the hallways. They gently opened the door to their daughters' room, where Grace and Felicity were fast asleep, curled up in their beds with their favourite stuffed animals.

Mia smiled as she leaned down to kiss Grace's forehead, her heart swelling with love. Charlotte did the same with Felicity, brushing a stray curl from her daughter's face.

"They look so peaceful," Mia whispered, her voice filled with warmth. Charlotte nodded, her eyes soft with affection.
"They're our little miracles," she whispered back.

As they left the room, Mia and Charlotte took a moment to stand in the doorway, watching their daughters sleep. The love they felt for their family was overwhelming, and they were grateful for the life they had built together.

The two make their way to the living room, hand in hand. Both had a bit too much to drink at the party. Mia smiled at her wife as she pulled her close and started to sway. They didn't need any music. They just needed each other. Bodies pulled close, they enjoyed all of their time together.

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After the last guest left and the door clicked shut, the house fell into a serene quiet, with only the gentle crackling of the fireplace breaking the silence. Marjorie and Reece stood together by the Christmas tree, its soft lights casting a warm glow around them. The evening had been full of joy and love, and now, with just the two of them remaining, a different kind of warmth filled the room.

Reece watched Marjorie as she tidied up, her face still reflecting the happiness of the evening. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding with anticipation. He had been thinking about this moment for a long time, waiting for the right time, and now, as the year was coming to an end, he realized there was no better time than now.

"Marjorie," Reece began softly, his voice tender as he stepped closer to her. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and curiosity.

"Yes?" she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. Reece took her hand, his own trembling slightly.

"I've been thinking a lot about us—about everything we've been through, and everything we've built together. You've brought so much joy into my life, more than I ever thought possible. And I can't imagine my life without you."

Marjorie's smile widened, but before she could respond, Reece reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Marjorie gasped softly, her eyes widening as she realized what was happening.

Reece got down on one knee, still holding her hand, and opened the box to reveal a beautiful, sparkling ring.

"Marjorie," he said, his voice filled with emotion,

"Will you marry me?" Tears welled up in Marjorie's eyes as she looked down at him, her heart overflowing with love. She couldn't speak for a moment, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions. Finally, she nodded, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"Yes, Reece. Yes, I will marry you."

Reece's face lit up with joy as he slipped the ring onto her finger and stood up, pulling her into a tight embrace. They held each other close, their hearts beating in unison, the world outside fading away as they stood together, wrapped in the warmth of their love.

The Christmas lights twinkled around them, reflecting the new promise they had made to each other. It was a moment they would both remember forever, a perfect ending to a night filled with love, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.