the fire between us

chapter 41

As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow through the windows, the delicious aromas from the kitchen fill the air, drawing everyone toward the dining table. Marcus has outdone himself with a spread that looks like something out of a holiday magazine. There's roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet cranberry sauce, and dishes brimming with vegetables, all surrounded by festive decorations.

We all take our seats around the table, laughter filling the room as we settle in for Christmas dinner. Martinus takes a seat next to me, his hand briefly squeezing mine under the table. His family surrounds us—Gert-Anne, Kjell-Erik, Emma, Nora, and Marcus—and it feels like a warm, joyous gathering, with everyone sharing in the holiday spirit.

As we dig into the food, the conversations flow easily, filled with jokes, memories, and plans for the future. The clinking of silverware, the sound of wine glasses being filled, and the warmth of the fire make the scene feel cozy and intimate.

After the meal, we move into the living room, where the Christmas tree sparkles with twinkling lights, the presents piled beneath it waiting to be opened. The air is filled with the anticipation of gifts and the simple joy of being together. We gather around the tree, finding spots on the couch or the floor, making sure everyone is comfortable.

"So, who's going to start opening presents?" I ask, looking around the room with a grin, my excitement bubbling up.

"Emma!" Marcus says with a smile, his arm around his sister, encouraging her to go first.

I nod enthusiastically. "Yes, Emma, go ahead!"

Emma's eyes light up with excitement, and she scrambles up from her spot on the floor, her face glowing with happiness.

Emma's eyes sparkle with excitement as she rushes over to the tree and picks up the first gift, a brightly wrapped box from her parents. She eagerly tears away the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek new iPad. Her face lights up with pure joy.

"Oh my gosh!" she squeals, holding it up for everyone to see. "Thank you so much, Mom and Dad!"

Gert-Anne and Kjell-Erik smile warmly at their daughter, clearly pleased with her excitement. "We knew you'd love it," Gert-Anne says with a soft chuckle.

Emma carefully sets the iPad aside before reaching for the next gift, Emma opens the small box from Nora and Marcus, and inside is a delicate silver necklace with the initial "E" on it, not "M."

"It's beautiful!" Emma says, beaming as she holds up the necklace for everyone to see. "I love it, thank you!"

Nora grins. "We thought you'd want something personal with your initial. It suits you."

Emma immediately fastens the necklace around her neck, admiring how it sparkles in the light from the Christmas tree. "It's perfect. I'll wear it all the time!" she says with excitement.

The room fills with happy chatter, Emma still smiling at her new necklace. Finally, Emma reaches for the last gift, a box from Martinus and me. She unwraps it carefully, her curiosity piqued. As she pulls the lid off, she gasps in surprise, revealing a brand-new digital camera inside.

"A camera!" she says, looking thrilled. "This is amazing! I've always wanted one of these!"

Martinus smiles at her excitement. "We figured you could capture all your favorite memories with it."

I nod in agreement. "Now you can be the official family photographer."

Emma giggles, her eyes sparkling with gratitude as she looks at all of us. "Thank you, guys! This is the best Christmas ever!"

The room fills with warm laughter and chatter as we watch Emma excitedly test out her new camera, taking candid shots of everyone in the room. The joy of the moment lingers in the air, making it feel like this Christmas is truly something special.