Generations: The Long Game

First Annual Knight Christmas Part 2

Marjorie passed out the little pieces of wrap to the children and adults or the adults of children who would need help. The children's eyes sparked with excitement. Most of them unwrapped presents at home before coming, but for Emery this was the first sight he had of them. He started squirming out of Carly's arms and Reece took him to his matching wrap. Reece couldn't deny that he was equally excited. He loved that he and Aut could give their children the Christmases they never had. He looked up and caught her eye. She caught his as well and as they played with their children a silent conversation happened between them.

After all the excitement the children settled in to play with their new toys as the adults watched and chatted. Reece made his way back to the kitchen. He didn't notice Autumn following, and she didn't immediately enter the kitchen.

He started his preparations and organized his workspace. He was just getting into his normal flow when she entered. "Big brother?" He didn't realize that Mia trailed behind her until he looked up.

"Oh, it's the two of you." He wasn't sure what was going on, but he had an idea.

"I have something to say I want the two of you to hear together." He came from around the counter. She seemed happy but serious, and he wanted to be close in case she needed him.

Then it dawned on him. "You're pregnant, aren't you?"

She didn't even hesitate. She kicked him full swing in the shin. "You're supposed to wait for me to tell you." She swings back again and catches the other leg. "How did you know?"

"Okay, okay. Marjorie actually figured it out the day we moved Eric and Carly."

"Marjorie knows?" Both Aut and Mia said in unison.

"Yeah, she is a lot more perceptive than you lot give her credit for."

The two sisters looked at each other. Before Mia spoke up. "Reece, Marjorie thought Aut had a UTI the first time around, and she never caught on to Char's divorce. She just thought she was turning into me."

He glared at her. "Mia, you also seem to forget that she was the one who called you out on your most recent bout of craziness. And don't get me started on baby snuggles. Those are just the recent ones. Should we go back further because that first year was full of her figuring you out."

Aut looked at Mia. "Baby snuggles?"

Reece couldn't stop himself he started laughing and walked back around the counter leaving the two looking at each other.

"Mia?"

"What?!?!"

Autumn let out a small laugh before turning back to Reece. "We aren't telling anyone just yet." He understood her meaning and nodded. She looked to Mia. Mia nodded and waved her hand away from her body.

With that Autumn left the kitchen to rejoin Winter and Liliana. She didn't want to miss a moment with them. She remembered all too well the loneliness of Christmas when she was younger. If she had anything to do with it her children would never feel that.

Mia stood there for a moment. "So, we're getting another niece or nephew. That is exciting." He waited for her to say more, but she didn't. "You need any help?"

"No, go spend time with Char and the children. They won't be this little forever." She smiled and turned to leave.

"Reece?"

"Yeah."

"I am glad we can do this. Be together lie this. You're right you know?"

"About?"

"Marjorie. She knows all of us. Sometimes better than we know ourselves, but if you ever tell her I said that your bruised shins will feel like a walk in the park." With that she went back out to join Char and their babies.

The meal went off without a hitch and he was satisfied that their first annual Christmas get together appeared to be a hit. As the other families left, he and Viv did clean up in the kitchen while Siobhan helped Marjorie clean up a bit in the lounge and dining area.

Marjorie stopped for a moment. "It worked, didn't it?"

Siobhan eyes widened. "How did you..."

"I saw you follow Viv into the kitchen. I figured if you were both going to talk to him it must be about that. Your far too happy for it to have failed, so I figured it must have worked."

Before Siobhan could respond Reece and Viv joined them. Marjorie looked at the two of them as Viv embraced Siobhan from behind. "Congratulations to both of you."

She hadn't screamed or shouted. She hadn't even cried. Reece was a bit concerned by her less than "Marjorie-like "response, but he would take it. For now.

After Viv, Siobhan, and Jamey left they settled in in their room. She snuggled up to his chest and he had his arms wrapped around her with his hands settled on the bump. "Are you ready my love?"

"Hmm?"

She switched on the TV and started the movie.

"Mean Girls?"

"Reece, did you think I would forget?"

He smiled at her and pulled her in just a little bit closer.