Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Christmas Eve •|| MIALOTTE ||•

Prompt: Mia and Charlotte spend Christmas Eve with Charlotte's daughters.

Charlotte’s cozy home was filled with the unmistakable magic of Christmas. The smell of cinnamon and sugar lingered in the air, mingling with the piney scent of the tree that sparkled in the corner of the living room. Charlotte's two daughters, Rosie and Lila, were sprawled out on the floor in front of the tree, giggling as they sorted through a pile of ornaments.

Mia stood in the kitchen doorway, watching the scene unfold with a soft smile. Her dark hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and she wore a sweater that read Sleigh All Day in glittering red letters. She glanced over at Charlotte, who was seated on the couch, sipping a mug of peppermint hot chocolate.

“Your girls are little elves, you know that?” Mia teased, walking over to sit beside her.

Charlotte smiled, her blonde curls bouncing as she leaned against Mia. “They get it from me,” she replied playfully.

Rosie held up a glittery reindeer ornament and waved it at them. “Mommy! Aunt Mia! Where does this one go?”

“Top of the tree, my love,” Charlotte called back. “It’s special.”

Rosie nodded solemnly, climbing onto the footstool to reach the higher branches. Lila, not to be outdone, grabbed a sparkly snowflake and followed suit, her tiny hands carefully placing it on the tree.

Mia chuckled, wrapping an arm around Charlotte’s shoulders. “They’re so careful. It’s adorable.”

“They’re perfectionists, just like their mom,” Charlotte said with a proud grin.

“Or maybe they’re trying to impress their favorite Aunt Mia,” Mia joked, earning an eye-roll from Charlotte.

“Favorite? You’re their only Aunt Mia.”

“Still counts.”

The girls finished decorating the tree and ran over to the couch, each holding a strand of tinsel. Rosie climbed onto Charlotte’s lap, while Lila scrambled onto Mia’s.

“Aunt Mia, can you read us a Christmas story now?” Lila asked, looking up at her with wide eyes.

“Yeah! Pleeease?” Rosie added, tugging on Charlotte’s sweater for emphasis.

Mia glanced at Charlotte with a mock-serious expression. “What do you think, Char? Should we grant their Christmas wish?”

Charlotte tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Well, they have been very good today…”

“Okay,” Mia said, grinning. “But only if you two promise to sit still and listen.”

“We promise!” the girls chorused, wiggling into their spots to get comfortable.

Charlotte reached for a book on the coffee table, handing it to Mia. It was an old, well-loved copy of The Night Before Christmas.

Mia opened the book and began to read, her voice animated and full of warmth. The girls listened intently, their eyes wide with wonder as Mia brought the story to life. Even Charlotte found herself drawn in, her hand resting on Mia’s leg as she watched her daughters’ delighted expressions.

When the story ended, Rosie and Lila clapped enthusiastically.

“That was the best!” Rosie declared, wrapping her arms around Charlotte.

“Yeah! Aunt Mia should read to us every night!” Lila added, snuggling closer to Mia.

Mia laughed, ruffling Lila’s hair. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Charlotte leaned over to kiss Mia’s cheek. “You’re a natural,” she said softly.

Mia’s cheeks turned pink, but she smiled, brushing it off with a playful shrug. “What can I say? I’ve got the magic touch.”

As the evening wound down, the girls fell asleep in their mothers’ arms, their heads resting on soft blankets. Mia and Charlotte exchanged a glance, their hearts full.

“This,” Charlotte whispered, “is my favorite part of Christmas.”

Mia nodded, her hand finding Charlotte’s. “Mine too.”

And as the snow fell gently outside, the little family sat together in the glow of the Christmas tree, wrapped in warmth and love.