Curiosity sparked in me as I looked up at him, "Why do you call me 'blue'?" Asher smiled, his eyes filled with love, "Because your eyes remind me of the vast, deep ocean, and your soul shines like the clearest sky on a bright day. You're my calming...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Christmas at the farmhouse this year felt like a scene from a dream, like everything had fallen perfectly into place—just the way life is supposed to be. The air was crisp, and the thick blanket of snow outside added the most beautiful glow to the world. Inside the warmth of Asher's parents' farmhouse, it felt like every bit of that winter cold melted away with the sound of laughter, the smells of gingerbread and cinnamon, and the sight of twinkling lights reflected in Theo’s big, curious eyes.
Theo. My little boy, who had somehow managed to steal my heart from Asher’s. That’s what Asher always teased me about—saying that our son had me wrapped around his tiny finger. Maybe he was right. I couldn’t deny it as I sat on the couch, snuggling with Theo in my lap, his tiny arms curling around my neck as he fought the urge to doze off despite the excitement of the evening. His soft brown curls brushed against my cheek, and his breath was warm against my skin as he leaned into me, the weight of him so comforting. This was the life I never imagined I'd have, and yet, here it was, perfect in every way.
Asher stood across the room, leaning against the mantle with that familiar smirk on his face. His eyes were locked on me and Theo, a look I knew all too well—half adoration, half playful jealousy. He would never admit it out loud, but Asher was completely jealous of our son. The way Theo clung to me, the way he always wanted to be held, to be close... it drove Asher just a little crazy. I could feel his eyes on us even now, like he was itching to swoop in and reclaim his spot.
“Gonna cuddle with your mama all night, huh, buddy?” Asher’s voice broke through the hum of Christmas carols playing softly in the background. He crossed the room toward us, his hands sliding into the pockets of his dark jeans. That mischievous twinkle in his eyes only grew as he knelt beside the couch, resting his arms on the cushions, level with Theo and me. “Think I could steal her away for just a little while, Theo? What do you say?”
Theo looked at him with his wide eyes—those same eyes Asher had, so full of life and mischief. He didn’t let go of me, though, and I chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I think you’re out of luck tonight,” I teased, glancing down at Asher. “Your son’s got dibs.”
Asher sighed dramatically, flopping back onto the floor with an exaggerated groan. “Always third place now—after the kid and the dog.”
I laughed. “Oh, come on. You know Theo loves you, too. He’s just... well, he’s a bit of a mama’s boy.”
Asher raised an eyebrow, leaning up to rest his head on my knee, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face. “And what about his mama? Is she still in love with me, or have I lost her to the kid?”
I rolled my eyes, but my heart did a little flip at his words. No matter how long we’d been together, Asher always knew how to make me feel like we were just falling in love all over again. “Oh, stop being dramatic,” I teased, leaning down to kiss his cheek. “I love you, and you know it. But Theo needs his cuddles.”
Asher pretended to pout but then flashed me a grin that made my heart flutter. “I’ll let him have you—for now.”
The sound of little feet stomping through the living room pulled both of our attention away. Ethan, Christian and Sophia’s energetic toddler, was running around the Christmas tree, his giggles filling the room as he tried to avoid his father’s playful reach. Christian, my big brother, was laughing, too, but there was a weariness in his voice that only parents of toddlers could understand.
"Ethan! Slow down, buddy, or you’re going to knock the tree over!" Sophia called from the kitchen, her hands still busy with the cookie dough she was rolling out. Skyler, their baby girl, sat nearby in her high chair, gurgling happily with a cookie in each hand.
Lily and Liam were sitting in the armchairs near the fireplace, Lily reclining with a hand resting on her growing belly. She was due in a few months, and as much as she tried to keep up with the holiday chaos, everyone insisted she relax tonight. Liam hovered nearby, always the attentive husband, keeping an eye on Lily with that protective look Asher often wore.
“The kids are going to lose their minds when it’s time to open presents,” Lily said, a tired smile tugging at her lips. “I swear, I’ve never seen Ethan so hyper.”
I couldn’t help but grin as I glanced at the pile of gifts under the tree. “That’s what Christmas is all about, right? All the chaos and excitement. The kids make it so much more special.”
Liam chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t know how you guys manage two of them. I can barely keep up with Ethan.”
Christian shot him a knowing smile, finally catching Ethan and hoisting him into the air with a playful growl. “You learn to adapt,” he said, as Ethan squealed with laughter. “And you get used to the noise.”
I smiled softly, my gaze shifting between the happy chaos around me and the peacefulness of holding Theo in my arms. This was my family. A family I never thought I’d have, a family that came together despite all the obstacles. A few years ago, everything seemed so uncertain between Asher and me—so many doubts, so much baggage. But now... now, it felt like we were exactly where we were supposed to be.
As if sensing my thoughts, Asher stood and leaned down, gently lifting Theo from my arms. “Come on, buddy. Let’s give your mama a break for a little bit, yeah?” He cradled Theo against his chest, pressing a kiss to his head as he settled into the chair beside me. “He’s getting heavy, isn’t he?”
I nodded, stretching my arms with a soft groan. “I’m not complaining, though.”
Asher’s gaze softened as he watched me, and for a moment, the noise of the room faded into the background. “You’re amazing, you know that?” he murmured, his hand reaching for mine.
Before I could respond, Theo squirmed in Asher’s arms, breaking the moment. Asher sighed dramatically again, shaking his head with a grin. “Yep. Definitely jealous of my own kid.”
I laughed, leaning over to kiss Asher’s cheek. “You’ll survive.”
And then there was a loud crash from the direction of the kitchen. Ethan had managed to knock over a plate of cookies, sending crumbs scattering across the floor. Skyler let out a delighted squeal, and I could hear Christian groan in frustration as Sophia tried to stifle her laughter.
Asher chuckled beside me, shaking his head. “Well, there goes the peace and quiet.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Peace and quiet had never been our style anyway. This, right here, was exactly the kind of chaos I loved. Our family, our friends, our kids. Christmas together, surrounded by love and laughter.
Asher leaned closer, his arm sliding around my shoulders as Theo snuggled back against his chest. He pressed a kiss to my temple, his voice soft and full of warmth. “Merry Christmas, babe.”
I leaned into him, my heart full. “Merry Christmas, Ash.”
And as Theo let out a soft yawn, I realized just how perfect this moment was. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Not for anything.
