Caleb frowned as his mother fussed at him: Mama, it's the holidays. One day without you yelling at me. @nanicles
Claudia frowned: Do I get one day without you getting on my nerves? No, right? Then there's your answer.
Zion laughed under his breath.
Caleb: I hear you Zion. Mama, we miss you. Doesn't that help?
Claudia went to kiss Zion's head: Don't you be threatening my grandbaby cause you getting in trouble. It helps them, not you.
Zion grinned at his father: thank you Grandma. He's always mean to me.
Claudia went to pop her son's arm: I told you to be nice to my babies. And where are my other ones? You been mean to them too? Probably told them last minute about coming to DC like you did me.
Caleb: I didn't Mama. I... They on their way Ma'am.
Claudia: Mmhm. Now gimmie a hug. Thank you for bringing me.
Caleb hugged his Mama: I promised Lainey all of us would be here. You welcome Mama.
Claudia rubbed his back: And you always keep a promise to your babygirl. Where is she? And where is my grandson and great grands? They live here don't they? And where's the kitchen? I need to get started on Christmas dinner.
Zion took his phone out to dial his sister: yo, first lady we outside!
Caleb: I hope they let you in the kitchen Mama.
Lainey: Oliver is gonna let you guys in. I'm changing Charleigh but I'm coming!
Claudia started at him: Why wouldn't they?
Oliver ran downstairs and opened the door: I'm so sorry. Happy holidays guys. Come in.
Caleb: Cause Mama they have their staff.
Zion smiled: Ain't no problem, Baby Danny. Come help me get the bags out the car. Rissa, don't touch that!
Claudia: I don't give a damn, Caleb. I'm cooking. Hey sweetie.
Oliver went and greeted Claudia: Coming Zion. Uh Lainey isn't happy that Ms. Hanna isn't coming.
Marissa smiled: I won't Zi
Claudia looked at her son: And why is she not coming? You know what, you can tell me after you help them with those bags.
Zion smiled at her: Good, get on in the house.
Caleb sighed smacking Zion in the back of his head: Laughing.
Marissa chuckled softly heading inside behind Claudia.
Zion hissed: That hurt, Pop. You know I'm telling, right?
Treasure ran downstairs to Claudia: Gramps! I missed you, darling.
Lainey came down behind her with Diego and Charleigh: Yall are here! Finally!
Claudia smiled hugging Treasure: I missed my Treasure too. Getting so big
Marissa laughed: Yes we are. Zion was being yelled at til Grandma stepped in.
Diego looked around: Where Nana?
Treasure: Yes ma'am! I eat my veggies like you and Nana tell me! Where is Nana?
Lainey handed Charleigh to her sister in law: Apparently she's not coming, guys. But everybody else is here.
Diego frowned: Nana not come?
Marissa smiled softly: getting so big Charleigh.
Zion snorted whispering to Caleb: Wait until she sees Mama
Claudia picked him up: No but Gramps is here. Do you two know where the kitchen is? Bet i can find you two a snack.
Lainey: She is, eat as much as her Daddy.
Caleb smiled: She's gonna be so happy.
Treasure: Deal. Come on Gramps.
Marissa: Is she mean like you?
Zion: And gonna fuss Mama out. Yo Oliver what's that on ya neck?
Claudia walked with her grandchildren to the kitchen, listening to Treasure talk.
Lainey laughed: No, she's not. If she doesn't like you all you're gonna get is a blank stare and she won't go to you. She reminds me of Charles.
Oliver smiled rubbing his neck: Must be a mosquito bite or something.
Marissa: That sounds like you. A lot like you.
Zion squinted: Nah I see that smile. Why you not in Georgia with Grandma?
Lainey laughed: That's Charles cause if it was me, she would be mean mugging them. I see you got a lil glow.
Oliver coughed to cover his smile: She's actually coming up here. Might be a allergic reaction then.
Marissa smiled: I actaully have to tell you something but I'm waiting to tell Zion tomorrow. I already told Ma.
Zion: Yeah okay. Come on let's bring these bags inside
Lainey squealed quietly: Oh my gosh...are you?
The guys took the bags inside and Oliver let them know where to leave them so the staff could grab them.
Paige was walking through with folders and stopped to speak: Lainey, your family is here! I totally forgot they were coming! So nice to meet you all.
Marissa nodded: Three months and I quit my job.
Zion squinted then whispered: this the slow one?
Lainey hugged her: Congrats, sis. I won't tell. Yeah, Paige that's them, girl.
Oliver nodded: Yup that's her.
Caleb smiled: How you doing, Paige? If you wanna go take those folders first and then come back we won't be upset.
Marissa: thank you Lainey. This the one that... I see why you keep headaches.
Paige: no I can multitask.
Lainey nodded,: Girl all day every day. I'll take them, Paige. Just tell me where they go.
Caleb chuckled: You sure?
Paige: You can put them in the office. I'm sure thank you.
Zion: Where Eddie's ass at? He come DC and forgot bout us.
Lainey took them smiling: Gladly, dear. Come on, Baby Danny.
Oliver shook his head going to follow her: He somewhere around here.
Eddie walked up and grabbed Zion's shoulders: Right here, baby. Awee ... you missed lil ole me? That's sweet.
Paige: I forgot what I was supposed to be doing.
Zion: Of course nobody else wants to borrow pop's cars and guns with me. It's lonely.
Lainey: No worries, Paige, we got you. Just stay here with my family.
Eddie grinned: I do miss doing that. Ima have to visit more often.
Mama had came early with Katheryn, Spencer, Diane, and Amanda along with Hattie. Mama was hiding in one of the rooms.
The next morning the kids was around the Christmas tree Caleb decorated with the gifts.
Charles smiled: I'm so glad you guys could come. Lainey and Treasure really miss you guys.
Cameron was tickling Mckenna: Awww we missed her too. Merry Christmas.
Lainey smiled: We really have. Treasure, don't touch that yet.
Zion turned on the Temptations silent night: Here we go! Cryce!
Cheyenne snorted: You still a mess Zi.
Marissa laughed: You been doing that since yesterday.
Zion danced a little: Gotta be in the Christmas spirit.
Claudia laughed: He acts just like Caleb.
Caleb: But unlike him I'm not a thief.
Melissa laughed: you act like this even when it's not Christmas.
Zion: There's no proof so that's name calling and grandma said no name calling, Pop.
Lainey: Look at Brooklyn and CJ. Fighting already.
Caleb frowned: It's not name calling and it's the truth. Thief
Marissa: Benny and Cameron can't deny those two.
Marcie sighed: CJ! Come here.
Mama made her presence known: This is what we are doing CJ and Brooklyn?
Zion gasped: Pop, I resent that! I would never!
Cheyenne laughed: At all.
CJ hit Brooklyn one more time then went to his mama: Yeah ma'am?
Lainey and Treasure jumped.
Lainey: Mama!
Treasure: Nana!
Caleb: you just took one... Nevermind.
Marcie: why are you hitting Brooklyn? That wasn't nice.
Mama smiled: Merry Christmas.
Zion smiled: See? I didn't steal nothing.
CJ: He not listen.
Treasure and Lainey ran to get, hugging her tight.
Marcie: What didn't he listen to?
Brooklyn went to Benny pouting: Daddy! Him hit me!
Mama hugged both of them: My mean girls.
CJ: I tell him get the toy.
Benny put his son in his lap: Why he hit you?
Treasure: Nana, you told a fib!
Lainey: You had us all upset!
Marcie: But are we supposed to be touching any toys? Apologize CJ.
Brooklyn: Me tell him no we not get the toy.
Mama smiled: I did? Me?
CJ: But Mommy.
Benny kissed his head: You did good, it's not time for toys yet.
Treasure: Yeah! You! I'm happy you here, Nana!
Lainey: Couldn't have Christmas without you, Mama.
Marcie: Apologize CJ.
Brooklyn smiled: tank you. him mean
Mama: I'm happy to be here. I missed you two. I really wasn't going to come though.
Oliver walked in: Sir your Parents and sister are here.
CJ: Sorry.
Benny laughed: Yeah a little but so his Daddy.
Lainey: You wasn't gonna come, Mama?
Charles smiled and went to hug them all: Merry Christmas.
Brooklyn looked at CJ: It otay. Lub you.
Mama: Treasure go sit down while I talk to your Mommy.
Eva: Merry Christmas big head.
CJ hugged him: Love you too.
Treasure went to sit in Caleb's lap.
Lainey: What's wrong?
Charles picked his sister up spinning her around: Merry Christmas, Squirt!
Cameron: See how well you two can get along?
Caleb tickled Treasure: what's my baby doing?
Mama sighed: Remember me telling you about my sister? Your Aunt?
Eva laughed: Ugh why do you call me that?
CJ: You hit Uncle Benny.
Treasure giggled: Nothing, nothing!
Lainey nodded: I remember you mentioning her, yeah.
Charles smiled: Cause you're my Squirt.
Cameron: That's different. Right Benny?
Caleb: You sure?
Mama: She wanted to spend Christmas with me. That's why I wasn't going to come.
Eva pinched him: Annoying. now put me down and hug my Mama.
Benny: If I say no you gon hit me.
Treasure nodded hugging him: Yes sir. You happy, PopPop?
Lainey: Mama.
Charles put her down and ruffled her hair then went to his Mama hugging her: Looking beautiful as always.
Marcie: No he won't Benny.
Caleb smiled: Am I happy? Yes I am. I have all my grandbabies with me.
Mama: What are you thinking Lainey?
Eva hit her brother before briefly making eye contact with Oliver smiling a little.
Ruby: Well of course. Do you expect anything less?
Benny: Ima just agree just in case.
Treasure smiled: And you got your mommy.
Lainey: Why she popping up out the blue?
Oliver winked at her smiling.
Charles laughed: Of course not, Mama. Dad, you on the other hand don't look too good.
Cameron snorted: Smart man.
Caleb: Yes I do. Guess what?
Mama sighed: I don't know Lainey. Said she wanted to rebuild our relationship.
Zion squinted then whispered to Marissa: You peeped that with Baby Danny and Eva?
Silas chuckled: Means you don't look too good either since you look just like me.
Marcie; Don't hit your brother.
Treasure: What? What?
Lainey: At Christmas? Where is she at?
Marissa nodded: Yup, I did. Think they slick.
Charles chuckled and hugged him: How you been?
Cameron: It's Christmas time. I won't hit him... Yet
Caleb: Me and your Nana have more gifts at our house.
Zion: This is going to be interesting.
Mama: A rehab center. She's okay. But we talk more about it later.
Silas patted his son's back: Between your Mama and Sister getting more gray hair but I'm good. How are you?
Marcie: That's why CJ hits Brooklyn.
Treasure's eyes got big: Really? That's so awesome! I was really good!
Marissa nodded: It is cause from what I hear he's very protective of his sister.
Lainey hugged her mama: I know it sounds selfish but I'm glad you came, Mama.
Charles: Trying to keep your daughter in law from snooping, taking care of Charleigh and running this country i been good. Surprised I don't have more gray hairs.
Cameron: And you think that's cause of me?
Caleb smiled: Of course you have unless we don't know something.
Zion: Well he pursued our baby sister and we protective of her. That didn't stop him.
Hattie walked in: Y'all know one of your workers is slow as hell?
Mama hugged Lainey back: It don't sound selfish. I've missed my baby. Your Aunt Kat is here as well.
Silas: Oh you going to get them.
Marcie stared at her husband.
Marissa: It didn't but you really think he's gonna wanna hear that?
Oliver went to hug his grandma: Grandma, Grandma, we know. Trust me ... we know.
Lainey: Missed you too. She is? Did Amanda and Spencer come too? Our they went to visit his mom?
Charles: I'm sure I am.
Cameron smiled: love you?
Zion: we ain't want to hear that shit either but look where we at.
Hattie: I'm just saying Baby Danny! nobody is supposed to be that damn slow.
Hanna: They here as well and I had to make a stop with your Aunt Tilda.
Marcie: Mmhm... love you too. Don't hit him.
Marissa: Yeah but Lainey is a lot rougher than she is. Lainey would've jumped on yall.
Oliver laughed: I know, Grandma c but don't say that so loud okay. We don't wanna hurt her feelings.
Lainey: Auntie Tilda came?
Benny grinned at his brother: Thank you Marcie.
Zion: she still jumps on us. When she visits she ready to fight.
Eddie laughed: Be nice Grandma Hattie.
Mama smiled: wouldn't be Christmas without all of us.
Marcie smiled: You're welcome, B. Cam, stop frowning at him.
Marissa: Yeah but for good reason.
Hattie: I was being nice, I coulda said it to her.
Lainey: It wouldn't. You know Grandma gave Priscilla and then a fit in that kitchen yesterday?
Cameron mumbled.
Zion: My future kids are gonna be sweet like me.
Oliver chuckled: yeah you could've.
Mama: I'm not surprised but what happened?
McKenna reached for her Daddy.
Marissa: You mean silly like you?
Hattie: Okay then. Now where that girl? Your girlfriend?
Lainey: They weren't trying to let her cook. I told Priscilla not to argue but she didn't listen.
Cameron grabbed Mckenna: My baby the only one who understands me. Right?
Zion: that. likes good music and can help me steal things from Pop without getting in trouble.
Oliver cleared his throat: Not now Grandma. Please?
Mama: Oh lord. She argued?
Marcie: You mean that's mean like you?
McKenna started at her mama.
Marissa laughed: And stealing from Cam.
Hattie: Ooh they still don't know, Baby Danny?
Lainey: You know she did. And they lost.
Cheyenne laughed: Girl she staring at you like Cam stares at Benny.
Cameron: That's right McKenna.
Zion smiled: Exactly. So you know you gotta put your 3 weeks in so we can start on Zion Jr.
Oliver: No ma'am.
Mama: They just... Lord have mercy. But how you feeling baby?
Marcie shook her head: Can you tell he got on my nerves when I was pregnant?
Marissa laughed: Says who?
Hattie: You scared huh? I'll tell em!
Lainey: I'm a lot better now that all of yall are here. It's been hard.
Cheyenne: twice. I hope Eddie don't get on my nerves that bad if I ever get pregnant.
Zion: Says God. He said the world needs a mini Zion.
Oliver: Grandma. No please. I somewhat like this job and it's Christmas. Please? I'm not scared. I promise.
Mama: Wanna talk about it?
Marcie laughed: Oh he will, I'm sure he will.
Marissa: What is its a mini Marissa?
Hattie: Mmhm ... okay but you need to tell him.
Lainey shrugged: Just been a little down. I don't know.
Eddie frowned: I resent that.
Zion: Even better. God like mini people. So even if it's a mini you or a mini me. We gotta get started on making them
Oliver nodded: I know Grandma.
Mama hummed: Well it is the holidays and you usually in the kitchen helping me. Now look. But see if you can come home for new years. I been down as well. I don't have my partner in crime next to me anymore.
Marcie: You shouldn't, it's the truth.
Marissa: You're really excited about this huh?
Hattie: Just stand up, like ya chest or and say it. And if he wanna pop off then I got you.
Lainey: I would like that. I miss home, I love Charles and I don't regret any of this, I just get homesick sometimes.
Eddie: Pop! Marcie being mean.
Zion: Hell yeah. I keep telling you, I got us. No need to work that job.
Oliver smiled: I know you do Grandma. I know you do.
Hanna: I understand baby. Even though you work my bad and good nerves I miss you more than you will ever understand.
Caleb frowned: Marcie is the good child, she's not mean. You must've did something to her.
Marissa nodded: Alright, Zion. I believe you.
Hattie: Is that her right there?
Lainey hugged her mama: Love you.
Eddie: Me? Do something to her?
Zion smiled: thank you. Somebody believes me. You know how hard it is to get Pops to believe I'm not a thief?
Oliver looked over at Eva and nodded: Yes ma'am.
Mama smiled: I love you more Lainey. Aunt Tilda is calling me probably outside. Want to come with me to get her?
Caleb: Yes, you. She's never mean.
Marissa laughed: I know baby but I belive you.
Hattie smiled: She's pretty, Baby Danny. Your face all red.
Lainey nodded and followed her mama outside: Aunt Tilda!
Melissa smiled: Thank you Pop.
Zion kissed her: Thank you. How are you feeling?
Oliver chuckled: Grandma. My face isn't red.
Tilda smiled: Girl better be lucky I miss your mean ass.
Caleb: Aht aht, not you, Melissa. You mean now. I was talking about Marcie.
Marissa: Good, hungry and ready to open gifts. You?
Hattie touched his face: Yeah, ya are. I'm looking right at you.
Lainey hugged her: I feel very lucky. Yeees, my grandma here, my Pop and now my Aunt Tilda here so I can really do what I want.
Melissa: I'm not mean. That's rude. Sister of the century isn't coming?
Zion: Same. Mama and Grandma and Lainey would have been had shit made.
Oliver laughed: I'm glad you here grandma.
Tilda: Of course. Mean causing hell?
Caleb: See ... that right there. Yes they're coming, they should be here in a little bit.
Marissa: They would've, this is crazy.
Treasure: Gramps, we hungry. Ms. Priscilla taking forever.
Hattie smiled: Glad you invited me. I got you a little gift too.
Lainey smiled proudly: You know me so well, Auntie.
Cameron laughed.
Zion: I have a honey bun. Want it?
Claudia: they should've let me, Hattie, and Hanna in the kitchen but no.
Oliver: Yeah? I got you something too.
Priscilla came where everybody was at: Breakfast is almost ready. Paige was in there with us.
Mama laughed: My baby is back.
Caleb: Don't you start, Cameron.
Marissa: We can share it.
Treasure: Yall making dinner, Gramps?
Hattie: You got your girlfriend something?
Cheyenne: Do we even really wanna know why she was in there?
Lainey smiled: Yes now let's go back in. It's cold.
Cameron: I.. I didn't say anything Pop.
Zion took a honey bun out his pocket opening it and breaking it in half: Here you go.
Claudia: Yes we are. Can't have y'all starving.
Oliver: Yes ma'am I did.
Priscella shook her head: you don't but I promise it's almost ready.
Tilda followed them: I know the food ready?
Caleb: Uhuh but you was thinking it.
Treasure: Thank God!
Lainey: Probably, Auntie. I think Paige was in there.
Charles: Yall all remember my parents and little sister, right?
Cameron: Maybe. Yes we do brother in law.
Claudia: Don't want y'all starving.
Tilda frowned: the slow girl?
Cheyenne: Hey Eva! Hey Mama Ruby and Papa Silas!
Caleb smiled: Silas, how you doing man?
Treasure: Mommy gets cranky when she's hungry.
Lainey chuckled: Yes ma'am the slow girl.
Eva: Hey, Chy! You look cute girl
Silas smiled: Getting gray like you but we have to go to a Lakers game man.
Claudia: and I know my Treasure gets cranky too.
Tilda: That's a damn shame.
Marissa: Hi Ms. Ruby. You look lovely.
Cheyenne: thank you girl. You look cute as well.
Caleb: Oh you know I'm always game for that. Just let me know when.
Treasure nodded: Yes ma'am, Chuck said we get hangry.
Lainey: She tries, Auntie. I think.
Ruby hugged her and whispered: And you look pregnant.
Eva: I try, I try.
Silas: Son you going to hook us up with some Lakers tickets.
Claudia: I believe it.
Mama snorted: I'm be nice. I'm check on your Auntie Kat.
Marissa pulled back to look at her: How did you?...
Cheyenne: I keep telling you, you need a boyfriend.
Charles nodded: Yes sir. I got it.
Treasure: Can I have a candy cane?
Lainey: Go head, Mama. We'll be here.
Ruby smiled: I'm a mother.
Eva shrugged playfully: Maybe I have one already.
Claudia nodded taking a candy cane from her purse and passing it to her: shhh. Our secret.
Mama headed to the room Katheryn, Amanda, and Spencer was in and laughed softly seeing her friends confused face: Why are you looking like that, Kat?
Marissa: He doesn't know yet. Three months Mama Ruby. Only you, Lainey, and Ma knows.
Cheyenne squinted before pulling Eva to the side away from everybody else: Spill it.