His Miracle

Disappointment and Anger.

"Merry Christmas, Pops!" I smile warmly before embracing him in a tight hug. His woodsy scent reminds me of hugging him as a child. The fond memories bring tears to my eyes. Seeing Gramps on Christmas reminds me of my father and how deeply I miss him. He's dressed smart, in a striped blue shirt with pleated black trousers.

"You look very smart, Gramps." I compliment him. He beams with pride before planting a sweet kiss on my cheek.

"Thank you, dear. Your Granny always made sure I looked presentable on Christmas so I try not to let her down. I miss her and your father so much," Gramps says with grief lining his voice. I blink back tears before nodding in agreement.

"Me too, but they'd want us to enjoy our day together."

I step back and Jake takes a step forward with his hand outstretched.

"Merry Christmas, Mr Wentworth."

I chew my bottom lip with nerves as I watch them interact. The secrecy of my pregnancy hangs in the air like a grenade waiting to explode. Pops shakes Jake's hand firmly before giving him a fierce look.

"Merry Christmas, Jake. You've been treating Emily well, I hope?"

"Yes, Sir. She deserves the best and I intend to give it to her," Jake responds confidently to show he isn't intimidated by my Gramps.

I know he isn't scared easily by anyone, but he does worry about making a good impression on my only family member. My heart warms at his response. Gramps nods his head in approval before taking a seat at the dining table. I walk around to take a seat by his side and Jake sits beside me. Opposite me is Tobias and his girlfriend, Jane. She's a bubbly girl with short dark hair and pretty eyes. Best of all, she's a girl Tobias didn't have to steal from Jake. They've been dating for a couple months and all appears to be going well between them. She brings out a softer side to Tobias and I hope it's enough to pull him out of the darkness he's been spiraling in for a long time.

Tobias shoots me a small smile as Jane talks to him quietly. I notice her pause for a second before she briefly glimpses at me and urgently tears her eyes off me. Huh, that was weird. I turn my attention to Ivory and Ben who are seated at the other end of the table. They're giggling together, looking equally as loved up as when they first met. Everybody I love, beside my best friend, is seated at the table. I couldn't be happier or more content with my Christmas this year. I reach out to place my hand on Jake's knee.

"The table looks incredible. Your Mom and Aunt Myra really pull out all the stops."

"They plan the Christmas Dinner in November. It's a big deal for them. I figure it's because they travel so much during the year so they want Christmas to be as family orientated as possible," Jake tells me. From opposite us, Jane chimes into the conversation.

"Myra has been stressing about the dinner all day, but from the looks of it, she doesn't need to. It all looks and smells delicious," Jane says. Tobias' dark eyes flash with approval and he smiles down at his girlfriend before pulling her chair closer. I smile at the sight of them together. It's nice to see him happy with someone.

"I asked Myra if she wanted help and she almost bit my head off. She practically threw a beer at me and told me to get out of the kitchen," Ben says from the opposite end of the table.

Everyone laughs beside Jake who throws Ben a glare. I know it's not his serious face, but Ben doesn't know that. He leans forward and raises a brow at him.

"Are you bad mouthing my favorite Aunt, Benny boy?"

"N-no, that's not what I meant." Ben stutters with discomfort. His pale face turns beetroot red and he falls silent before reaching for his beer. I swat Jake's arm before leaning closer to whisper to him.