When love takes over

Celebrate me home

There is something to be said about this time of the year. Every year I tell myself it's going to be the year I host Christmas for everyone in LA. And, because everyone lives in Louisville and the surrounding area, I get shut down every time. But I get it. There's just something magical about getting to spend Christmas somewhere cold. I watch Brielle play with her new doll in the living room while a roaring fire crackles nearby.

"I'm going to call her Jenny!" She had exclaimed as we left the store earlier that day.

Our seven foot tall Christmas tree, the one we've had since before I was even born, stands fully decorated with white lights, snowflakes, and red and green colored balls in the corner of the living room, facing the bay window. With country Christmas songs softly flowing through the surround sound speakers, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

It's been an incredible day together, and I'm more than ready to relax and enjoy our evening together.

After a full day of running and playing through the park (not an easy feat in tights and boots I might add) we continued our celebration at Steak 'n Shake before heading off to Target for a few toys to tide Brielle over before Christmas.

Being out in public, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone tipped off the paparazzi and they flocked to the city. But, at least for the first day or two, I'm able to lay low. The best thing about being back home? Most of the locals try their best to act normally around me and give me my space. Of which I am always grateful for. Signing things and taking pictures at public events is understandable, but every now and then, an escape from the crowds is all I'm looking for.

"She seems so content. I swear, you'd hardly even know she's here!" My mom mentions as she pulls the ham out of the oven.

"She really is. I'm floored she's made it through this nightmare so...unscathed." I agree. "All she wants is to be loved. I'm so torn between wanting to make up for lost time and buy her everything in sight, and not wanting to turn her into a spoiled brat."

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when it came to adopting a child on a whim. What little I knew of Brielle's past, broke my heart. I tried to prepare myself for the possibility of tantrums, back talk, or learning difficulties. But, though we've only spent one full day together, Brielle seems to have a very laid back, calm, and timid personality.

My mom smiles as she begins to get the food ready. Blaine and Kaitie have finally gotten a flight home, Dad is scheduled to be released from the hospital within the week, and Liam, Brielle, and I are all unexpectedly together in Louisville. To commemorate the occasion, mom decides to have a family dinner.

"It's all about balance, you can't miss what you've never had. Brielle has never known a life any different from this one. Like you said, she just wants to be loved. Your time is the most important gift."

Her last words stick with me, and I know it's a mantra I will repeat many times to myself through the years.

"Ms. Lawrence." Liam whispers as he comes up from behind me, two glasses of wine in his hands.

"Don't mind if I do Mr. Hemsworth."

Taking the glass of wine in my hand, I lean closer to him as I softly kiss him on the lips. His hand snakes around my waist, pulling me closer to him.