Love Me Like XO

• Bonus Chapter •

Los Angeles, CA
Saturday
📍 The Wilson House

_

The grand Wilson Mansion stood like a sentinel against the icy embrace of December. Its towering facade, adorned with ivy that was still lush though kissed by frost, glimmered beneath a fresh blanket of snow. The mansion, with its marble pillars and expansive rooms, had been a repository of memories, and now its walls echoed with the laughter of a family brimming with joy.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Levania stood in the spacious kitchen, skillfully mixing dough for holiday treats. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg enveloped the room, wrapping around Levania like a warm hug. He was the heart of their home, a loving husband who radiated warmth despite his feminine style, the silken edges of his attire contrasting with his masculine presence.

"I think we need more chocolate chips!" He exclaimed cheerily, glancing over his shoulder at his four-year-old daughter, Sadé. The little girl, with her curly hair bouncing with each movement, was meticulously measuring sugar, her concentration fierce.

"More chocolate, Mommy? For the cookies?" Sadé’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Of course! Christmas is all about indulgence!" Levania laughed, ruffling her hair affectionately. Together, they whipped up a batch of treats that would soon fill the air with sweetness as they baked to perfection. The family tradition handing down warmth and comfort.

In the expansive living room, piles of colored boxes sprawled beneath a tall Christmas tree. The ornament-laden tree seemed to drip with twinkling lights like a waterfall of stars. Kash was in his element with strong but tender hands, he climbed onto the sturdy wooden chair, steadying his balance before lifting their ten-year-old son, Sekani, into the air.

"Up you go, bubs! Time to place the star!" Kash grinned, his face flushed with the enthusiasm of decorating their family tree. Sekani, lanky for his age and full of buoyant energy, hoisted the shimmering star high. His brown eyes shimmered with the reflection of the lights, filled with amazement as he reached for the topmost branch.

"Almost there!" Kash encouraged, the warmth of his voice wrapping around Sekani like a soft blanket. With a triumphant shout, Sekani managed to adjust the star, securing it in place.

"I did it, Daddy" he cheered, practically bouncing with pride.

"That's what I'm talkin' bout." Kash exclaimed, setting him down gently, and they shared a hearty laugh and high five, their spirits alight with warmth and joy.

Moments later, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, drawing them both toward the kitchen. Levania had shaped gingerbread men adorned with icing, and Sadé was decorating the last one with sprinkles, a fierce determination on her tiny face.

"Look, we’re making a festival of sugar!" Levania beamed, presenting the colorful creations like a proud artist showcasing a masterpiece.

"Can we eat them now mommy?” Sekani asked, his voice a blend of hope and joy.

"Not yet! We need to leave some for Santa!" Levania chuckled.

With the cookie decorations complete, Levania and the kids sat at the kitchen table, enjoying warm cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows, as Kash joined them. It was a cozy gathering, filled with cheerful chatter and the soft clinking of mugs. The world outside was frosty and silent, but in the Wilson Mansion, laughter echoed through the halls.

"Tonight is movie night, so what will we be watchin'? Frosty? The Grinch? The Princess Switch?Something vampire-themed for Sekani?" Kash declared, standing up and making a dramatic pose.