Imperfectly Beautiful (Jordan Knight Fanfic, Liadan #3)

Christmas and Conversations

Two Days Later—Christmas Morning

-JORDAN-

The sound of pitter-patter feet running around outside the door stirred me awake to open my eyes and find my face buried in Lia's hair. She was nestled into me like a perfect little spoon as her body heat warmed me underneath the covers while a slight draft of cold from the window behind the bed chilled the top of my head.

I carefully moved my hand from holding onto her to scratch at my now ticklish cheeks and run my fingers over my stubble while my eyes wandered the room. It took a few moments of gazing at the unfamiliar surroundings before the events of the last few days slowly crept into my mind and I remembered Lia's discovery of Mallory's plans and our subsequent decision to stay out in the country at Jon's for Christmas. It was nice to be tucked away from the media chaos for a beat and still have all the people we loved the most around.

"Swanta came!"

"He found us!"

I turned my head towards the door to see Grace opening it and Nicky following after her before they ran around to my side.

"Papa! Santa left footsteps downstairs!" Grace declared with wide eyes and a big grin.

"Come swee!" Nicky smiled cutely.

"Okay, I'm coming, but shh," I held my finger to my lips. "Grammy's still—"

"Grammy's up," Lia stirred and stifled a yawn—undoubtedly tired from helping to leave little signs of Santa's visit all over Jon's downstairs from half-eaten carrots for the reindeer to cookie crumbs and milk for Santa to little footprints from Santa and the elves that trailed from the fireplace to the kitchen and the Christmas tree. Nicky struggled to climb up on the bed and she caught him from falling just as a very sleepy Michelle came down the hall. "Did Santa come?"

"Yes," Nicky nodded his head up and down anxiously. "Come swee!"

"Guys!" Maria said in a hushed voice. "Leave them alone, they're sleeping," she peeked her head in the door and softened as her eyes met mine. "Sorry."

"It's fine," I chuckled and shook my head.

"Just let me get my camera," Lia said as she climbed off the bed and grabbed her robe. "I want to get pictures of you two."

"Okay, Grammy," Grace agreed and she and Nicky followed after Lia.

Maria shook her head, "Were you guys still sleeping? I tried to catch them, especially Gracie, but she's too excited to listen."

"Oh, I know," I smiled and reached for my slippers off the side of the bed. "You used to do the same thing."

"Really?" she asked as she stepped into the room in red and green striped PJs.

"Yep," I chuckled. "You and Nate would jump on the bed and then when Natalie and Logan got old enough they did the same thing."

"I remember them doing it, but not me and Nate," she shook her head. "That was so long ago."

"Does it seem long to you? Seems like yesterday to me. You were my tiny little girl," I smiled, but she sighed.

"I still am on the inside, Daddy," she rested on the end of the bed and looked over at me with a heavy expression that crossed her face suddenly. "Right about now, I wouldn't mind going back to being little on the outside either. Although I keep trying to remind myself what Christmas was like back then, it's like I get this mind block and I don't know. I don't feel up for celebrating much today, but I'm trying for the kids."

"I can definitely understand that considering everything," I paused from pulling on my own robe and sat down next to her. "I'm so sorry you have to deal with all of this. It's a lot for you and Tony to work through."