Keep Me Safe

Chapter 22: Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was announced by the incessant knocking and shouting at Spencer and Toby's door.

"Get up! It's Christmas!" They heard Joshua squeal.

They weren't surprised by this 6:00 wake-up call, and were already used to early mornings with the kids.

Spencer jumped out of bed and crossed to the dresser where a plastic Target bag sat.

"Here you go," she giggled, tossing Toby a red pajama shirt with Santas on it and matching pants.

"You don't really think I'm wearing these? Do you?" He asked, frightened of Spencer's answer.

"Humor me," she replied.

He felt better when he saw what she would be wearing.

Spencer stared disgustedly at a pink flannel nightgown decorated with white kittens and puppies.

"At least I have easy access," Toby smirked, noting the short dress.

"Shut up you perv," Spencer squealed before being scooped into Toby's arm and being tickled half to death. She begged him to stop, but her pleas of release were silenced by short kisses on the lips.

There was a knock at the door.

"We're opening presents," Aria chirped.

"We'll be right down!" Spencer shouted as she pulled away from Toby. She got dressed and her fiancé did the same.

Expecting utter humility as they stepped into the chilly living room, they were delighted to see their friends dressed just as ridiculously.

Ezra was clad in Grinch themed footsie pajamas and Aria donned a reindeer sweater, white, fuzzy sweatpants, and reindeer antlers atop her brunette head.

"It's a tradition, crazy Christmas jammies. Right guys?" Ezra glanced at the twins.

They nodded in unison, obviously hiding laughter.

"Ready to get started?" Aria asked as she handed a present to each of her kids.

"Yay!" Ada Lynn squealed in delight.

The paper was torn away from the box and Joshua unearthed a Crayola painting kit complete with a canvas, brushes, and 10 colors. Ada Lynn discovered a pair of pink leather ballet shoes and a sparkly black leotard. She only took one class a week, Spencer learned, but acted like a Radio City Rockette.

Aria was next. She opened a photo box filled with Polaroid photos of her childhood, high school, college, her wedding, and her most recent visit to Emily's house in Florida.

"I love them Spence!" She said as she flipped through the pictures.

"I'm glad. I recovered some from my old laptop and printed some from my phone," she explained.

Ezra received a gift certificate that entitled him to two free rounds of golf at his favorite course.

"I think we may have to use these, Toby!"

"Agreed," Toby laughed.

Together, Toby and Spencer opened an envelope containing a check for $100 and a ticket to Wicked on Broadway.

"I can't wait! Thank you guys!" Spencer said excitedly.

It was the twins turn once again, and they decided upon the box carefully wrapped by Spencer. The wrapping was peeled away, revealing matching clothing boxes. Ada Lynn was the first to open it.

Many "oos" and "ahs" were heard as she pulled a dress from the box. She admired the white, ruffled, silk bodice and fluffy tulle skirt.

"How would you like to be my flower girl, and for you to be our ring bearer?" She added, turning to Joshua.

"Awh," Aria sighed happily. "Being a flower girl is fun, you'll both have a blast!"

"I want to!" Joshua agreed as he eyed his new black suit.

"Me too!" Ada Lynn complied.

"And the cool part is," Spencer whispered to Ada Lynn. "We get to be the only ones wearing white!"

It was true. All of her bridesmaids would be wearing navy blue, short , one-shoulder dresses. Emily, as maid of honor, would have a different sleeve style, but still the same length and color.

After the excitement passed, the rest of them opened their gifts.

"That it?" Joshua asked.

"Actually, there's one more gift for you in the driveway," Aria answered.