Christmas Behind Bars #simplychristmascontest

Epilogue

The Following Christmas

"I can't believe you convinced her to come!" Preston held her close and kissed the top of her head.

"She's family," Darcy rested her head on his chest. "I wanted your mother to be here for Christmas...with us. Even though she buries herself with her work, I'm sure she wishes things were different. Maybe she just doesn't know where to start when it comes to getting out of her rut."

"You're incredible, Pooky," her heart still beat wildly when he smiled at her. "With the re-election coming up next year, I'm just surprised you pulled it off."

"Maybe it's just a Christmas miracle," he pressed a tender kiss to her lips, and though they had been married since March, the butterflies still skittered in her stomach as if it was the first time.

"Dinner's ready!" Gammy hollered up the stair, and they quickly followed the aroma of turkey and dressing and met up with the others around the table.

During the meal, Darcy could not help but notice how stiff and uncomfortable Ingrid looked from across the table. Several times she tried to join in the conversation, but her attempts were timid, and often went unnoticed.

"So, how are things going for next year's election?" Darcy wanted to offer her a topic she would be comfortable discussing but saw the subtle eye-roll from Laura.

"Things are going pretty well," Ingrid smiled. "Thank you for asking."

I certainly wasn't expecting such a short answer. When Darcy glanced up at her mother-in-law again, she was surprised to see a thin veil of tears standing in her downcast eyes. A moment later, Preston's mother laid her napkin beside her plate and excused herself before getting up and walking to the living room.

Sensing something was wrong, she rested her hand on her husband's arm, "I'll be back in a minute, Pork Chop."

Ingrid sat on the sofa bathed in firelight. Her face was buried in her hands, and her shoulders shook with soft sobs.  Hank stood beside her whining as if suffering with her.

"What's wrong?" Darcy sat beside her and draped an arm over her shoulder.

"Oh, Darcy," Mrs. Daniels sniffed. "There are so many things I wish I could do over. When I see Preston and Laura here and think of all the Christmases I was too busy...I've been so consumed with my career that I've neglected my own children."

Darcy pulled the weeping woman into a warm embrace. "We all have things in our lives we wish we could take back or change. The problem is... the things in the past are...done. The only thing we can change is the future."

"You're right," Ingrid squared her shoulders and nodded. "That's why I've decided not to run for mayor again. I've spent enough of my life chasing what I thought I wanted, and I'm just now realizing everything I really need...I already have...right here."

The others filed into the living room ready to open the gifts lying under the twinkling tree.

"You ok, mom?" Preston rested a hand on her shoulder.

"For the first time in a long time...yes."

Holding the gift she had for Preston in her lap, Darcy hoped he would love it. Honestly, she wasn't sure if it was what he wanted or not, and she bit her lip as she handed the candy cane striped package to him.

"I hope you like it," she adjusted the bow with trembling hands.

"I'm sure I will, Pooky."

He tore through the wrapping and opened the box. Nestled inside was a coffee mug that read, 'World's Best Dad' and tucked inside the mug was an ultrasound picture she got from the doctor a week earlier.

"I know it's soon and quick," she said around the growing lump in her throat. "But we obviously don't take our time with anything."

She looked up at him and saw a wide smile on his lips. "And this is real?" his voice was thick with emotion. "We're going to have a baby?"

"We're going to have a baby," she nodded and she smiled as a tear slipped down his cheek. He pulled her close and laughed as if his world could not possibly get any better than it was.

The family sitting around the tree clapped with joy. There was much to look forward to in the coming year, and next Christmas might just be the best one yet.

I want to thank you all for seeing this through to the end with me!  I wish each one of you a very Merry Christmas!!!