Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

A Leclerc Christmas ⭐️

December 24, 2023

Walking through the door with two coffees in hand, I felt a swell of happiness settle over me. The warmth of our place hit me instantly, along with the sound of Christmas music playing in the background.

As I set the coffees down on the counter, I looked into the kitchen and froze in place. There she was, my Aria, in a cute pink apron with little snowflakes, flour all over on her nose as she hummed along to 'Jingle Bells.'

She worked on rolling out dough for what looked like sugar cookies. The sight was enough to make my heart swell. How did I get so lucky? I would never know...

"Bonjour, mon coeur," I said softly, not wanting to startle her.

She looked up with a bright smile that could outshine every decoration we'd painstakingly hung around the apartment. "Charles! You're back! Did you get the coffee? I'm dying!"

"Of course." I held up the cups proudly. "One for you, one for me. Extra sweet, just like you."

"You're the best, even though you're very cheesy," she said, coming over to grab her cup. She stretched onto her tiptoes to kiss my cheek, leaving behind a bit of flour on my face. I couldn't help but laugh.

"I think you're wearing more flour than the cookies," I teased, brushing the tip of her nose gently. She scrunched it up adorably and let out a laugh.

"It's not my fault. I'm multitasking!" she defended herself, waving her hand toward the stovetop filled with a bunch of pots. "I've got cookies in progress, a roast in the oven and vegetables to prep. It's all hands on deck, baby."

"Do you really want my hands on deck?" I raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter. "You've seen what happens when I try to cook."

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're banned from anything involving heat or knives, but you can mix that bowl of frosting over there. Think you can handle that?"

I placed a hand on my chest dramatically. "I'll do my best to make you proud."

Taking the bowl and spatula she handed me, I started to stir, watching her run around the kitchen with grace. Or at least what seemed like grace until she bumped into the counter and let out a small whimper.

"Careful, or you'll end up in the roast," I joked, earning myself a dirty look.

"You're lucky you're cute," she shot back, tossing a dishtowel at me.

I caught it easily and set it aside, taking a moment to admire her again. There was something magical about her energy, especially tonight. This was our first Christmas together as an engaged couple and we were hosting her favorite holiday. It felt like a glimpse into the future we were building together.

"What?" she asked, catching me staring.

"You," I said simply. "You're incredible."

Her cheeks turned bright red and she elbowed me lightly. "Stop it, you're going to make me cry before everyone even gets here."

"I mean it," I said, pulling her gently into my arms despite her protests about needing to finish the cookies. "Look at everything you've done. You've made this place feel like a real home and tonight is going to be perfect because of you. I love you so much, cherie."

She rested her forehead against my chest for a moment, sighing softly. "It's not just me, you know. You helped. You decorated the door to our apartment and dealt with my putting decorations everywhere. And I love you too, Charles."

"I'll take credit for that, but you're the heart of all this. I'm just here to admire you, look cute and...stir frosting."

She laughed, stepping back and wiping her hands on her apron. "Okay, Mr. Romantic, if you really want to help, can you set the table? Everyone's due in about two hours."