Broken

Chapter 65: Family gathering

December 25.

The house was filled with the warmth of holiday cheer. The twinkle of Christmas lights adorned the tree in the living room, while soft carols played in the background. Fatima stood near the fireplace, adjusting a few of the ornaments, the scent of pine and cinnamon filling the room. Zac was in the corner, cooing at the twins, who were both snuggled up in a cozy blanket in their bassinet, their tiny faces peaceful as they slept.

"Did you ever think we'd be here?" Zac asked, his voice soft as he glanced up at Fatima, a smile playing on his lips.

Fatima shook her head, her eyes glowing with affection as she looked at the scene before her—her family, gathered together for Christmas. "No," she admitted with a small laugh. "But it's perfect, isn't it?"

Before Zac could reply, the doorbell rang. Lana, ever efficient, hurried over to answer it. "I'll get it!" she called.

Moments later, Tia breezed into the house, her arms loaded with bags. "Merry Christmas!" she announced, her smile wide as she stepped inside.

"Merry Christmas, Ma," Zac greeted warmly, standing up to greet her. He kissed her cheek as Fatima followed, pulling Tia into a hug.

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Taylor," Fatima said with a smile.

"Oh, stop with the Mrs. Taylor, call me Tia!" she chided gently, patting Fatima's back. She leaned down, peeking at the bassinet where the twins lay. "And Merry Christmas to my little angels! Look at how peaceful they are."

"They've been good today," Zac said proudly, leaning over to peek at his daughters.

"Well, they're perfect, just like their parents," Tia said, beaming as she looked between Zac and Fatima. "I brought them a little something," she added, holding up the bags. "I couldn't help myself."

Fatima chuckled. "You always spoil them, but I'm not complaining."

As they chatted, another knock echoed from the door. Lana, who was setting up the dining table, paused and glanced toward the door. "That must be Khalid and his dad," she said, wiping her hands on her apron before heading to open the door again.

Khalid and his father stepped into the warm, festive home. Khalid, smiled softly. His father, a tall man with graying hair and a quiet demeanor, followed behind him, carrying a carefully wrapped gift in his hands.

"Merry Christmas," Khalid greeted, his voice warm. It was his first Christmas with them, and everyone definitely made him feel comfortable.

"Merry Christmas," Zac replied, stepping forward to shake Khalid's dad's hand. "Good to see you again, Mr. Morris."

"Good to see you too, Zac," Mr. Morris responded with a polite smile. "And please, call me Harper."

Khalid hugged Fatima. "Merry Christmas," he said, glancing over at the twins.

Fatima smiled at him. "Merry Christmas, Khalid. I'm glad you're here."

"Of course," he replied, nodding toward Zac. "They're starting to look just like you."

"They look like me too!" Fatima interrupted.

Zac grinned. "Finally someone sees it." Zac laughed, "We're just trying to keep these two from crying all day," he joked, gesturing toward the twins.

Harper chuckled softly. "I remember those days. You'll get the hang of it."

Lana reappeared, ushering everyone into the living room where snacks and hot cocoa were laid out on the coffee table. "Come on, everyone, let's get settled," she said, her cheerful energy filling the room. "I've got dinner going, so we have a bit of time to relax before we eat."