Bewitching the Beast

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Ainsley

Stretching out in my warm bed early Christmas morning and I smile at how yesterday was one of the best Christmas Eves ever. I made a big breakfast and we spent an hour eating and laughing while telling the little kids about Santa. Afterwards, I made some more Christmas treats since living in a house with nine werewolves and a little girl who has a worst sweet tooth than Willy Wonka, kept on eating everything. Then in the afternoon we watched Christmas movies; a mixture of comedies and family classics.

The day before I prep the food I would use for the two big meals so when it came time to cook Christmas Eve dinner, it was easy. I bakrd a honey-glazed ham with brown sugar and for the sides: sweet potatoes, mac n’ cheese, green bean casserole, yams, and corn casserole. Everyone loved the meal which made me happy. For dessert I made a cheesecake with a raspberry sauce on top and it was eaten in one sitting.

Cleaning up, I was surprised when Nathan asked if I could read A Christmas Coral to everyone. I learned from Summer that it was a tradition each year that their mother did. I was a little taken back, but I was humbled that he wanted me to do it.

Settling on the sofa in the living room, I had Sophie on my lap, Alexander on my left, Emma on my right, Payton and Shawn on the floor facing me, the twins and Donnie on the other sofa and Jonah and Nathan on the matching chairs by the fireplace.

Thinking back, I hope I made Mrs. Reynolds proud, I know that no one could ever take her place and I would never what to fill her shoes. I’m honor though that they wanted me to carry on the tradition and I hope I can do it again.

I stifle a giggle when I hear the door that connects to the garage open. Peaking over at my alarm clock, I see that it’s six o’clock right on the dot. The pitter patter of feet racer across the wood floor and I laugh loudly when Alexander, Payton, Sophie, and Emma jump on my bed.

“Guys we really need to stop meeting like this.” I greet them with a smile.

Alexander gives me a deadpan look before saying, “It’s Christmas; we kind of have to do this. Now come on I want to see what Santa got me!”

“Alright, alright; I’ll be there in a minute; I want to at least brush my teeth.” I reply and I hop up from the bed.

Using the bathroom real quick and brushing my teeth; I go through the garage since it’s too cold to go outside. Walking into the kitchen, I put on the coffee, knowing that it would be needed. Jonah walks in and I hand him some coffee since he is an addict like me.

“It’s too early for this.” Jonah mumbles and I laugh.

Patting him on the shoulder as I walk out, I reply, “But it’s Christmas and I’m pretty sure you did the same thing to your parents.”

Walking into the living, the kids have already divided up the gifts into their own piles and were waiting for Nathan to give the go. Sitting in one of the chairs, I watch as the little kids are bouncing around ready to rip the paper apart.