Pairing: Bryce Lahela x MC (Cassie Vanderfield), Sienna Trinh & MC (friendship)
Book: Open Heart (somewhere around Book 1, Chapter 7)
Word Count: ~1250
Rating: PG
Summary: Cassie bumps into Bryce in her apartment for an unexpected reason.
Author’s Note: My long overdue Autumn prompt as requested by @sunnyxdazed (knitting). Sorry this is so late (and I still have one more Autumn prompt left, yikes!), but I also tied it into day 2 for 41 Days of Cheer (stripes) because why not?
Cassie felt disgusting. Her face was oily, her hair was greasy, and she knew she smelled like some awful blend of sweat and the hospital. And while she’d dumped her nasty scrubs in the laundry bin in the locker room, her tank top, underwear, and socks couldn’t get into her hamper quickly enough.
It was her first 28 hour shift ever. In med school, she’d had a couple of 24 hour shifts, but those extra 4 hours were brutal. Actually, it was closer to 6 extra hours, but Cassie knew she would fudge that so she wouldn’t get flagged for a duty hours violation and have to meet with Dr. Hudges. Elijah warned her about that after he recorded his hours a little too accurately. Regardless, it was close to noon and all she could think about was crawling into bed.
She walked down the flight of steps as she entered their building, drudging down the plain hallway before she unlocked the door to their apartment. She was immediately greeted by the smell of something sweet baking in the oven and Sienna’s laughter. Cassie raised her hand, hoping for just a quick hello before she crashed, but was surprised that Sienna wasn’t laughing at something Elijah, Jackie, or Landry had said. Instead, she was sitting cross-legged on the couch with Bryce, a pair of knitting needles in each of their hands and a pile of various colors of balls of yarn on the coffee table in front of them.
“What are you doing here?”
“Well, hello to you too,” Bryce replied, not taking his eyes off his hands as he wrapped the green yarn around one of his needles.
“Yeah, hello. What are you doing here?”
“He asked me to teach him to knit,” chimed in Sienna.
“Why?” asked Cassie, rubbing her eyes. She was so exhausted and this whole thing seemed so strange, she half felt like she was hallucinating.
“Aren’t you just a ray of sunshine on this fine Saturday?” said Bryce, still focused on his project.
“She just got off a 28 hour shift,” explained Sienna.
Bryce finally paused his knitting at that, looking up at Cassie for the first time. She felt very subconscious about her appearance. She and Bryce had hooked up a few times at this point, and while she didn’t always look hot at the end of a shift, she knew this was a whole different level of ugly. The only saving grace was that Bryce was halfway across the room and probably couldn’t smell her at the moment.
But Bryce had no reaction to her appearance, at least not one he let on. Instead, he looked her straight in the eyes as he asked her, “First one?” Cassie merely nodded, hoping to end this conversation quickly and head to shower and then her bed. But Bryce smirked and kept the conversation going.
“They say you never forget your first,” he said with a wink. Cassie shook her head slightly, a smile creeping onto her face no matter how fatigued she was. Sienna was either oblivious to Bryce’s innuendo or was choosing to ignore it, merely checking the evenness of her last few stitches in the sweater she was making for Wayne before she leaned over to check Bryce’s work. “You’re really getting the hang of it!”
“Of course I am. My hands are spectacular. Isn’t that right, Cassie?”
Cassie’s eyebrows shot up as her tired brain raced to try and come up with an appropriate retort. Flirty, teasing banter was nothing new for them, even if this one did imply a bit more first-hand knowledge than usual. Normally, Cassie would be able to dish it back, but right now, she was drawing a blank. She blamed sleep deprivation.
“Why would Cassie have anything to say about your hands?” asked Sienna. Her question was a naive one, but the glint in her eyes implied that it was anything but innocent, and as she glanced between Bryce and Cassie, it was clear that she knew exactly what she was doing. It also made Cassie wonder how much her roommates knew about her and Bryce, but that was a topic for later, when she wasn’t ready to crawl into bed.
“Oh, you know, because she’s consulted on some of my post op patients.” Bryce said with another wink to Cassie before returning to his knitting.
“Uh huh,” said Sienna as she rolled her eyes, but before she could push the topic, Bryce redirected the conversation.
“I’m ready to switch colors, I think.”
Sienna leaned over, counting his rows before picking up the grey yarn off the coffee table. “Yeah, that’s a good stripe width for a scarf. So, what you need to do is drop the green, and then I’ll get you started with the next stitch with the grey, okay?”
Sensing an opportunity to sneak away and get cleaned up before she went to bed, Cassie turned and headed down the hallway towards the bathroom, barely noticing Sienna and Bryce calling out, wishing her “Goodnight” in spite of it being the middle of the day.
Twenty minutes later, Cassie blissfully climbed into her bed, not caring that her pillow was going to be soaking wet from her hair. Her sleep was deep and wonderful, not even the bright light pouring through her blinds impacting her ability to finally get some rest. Hours later, Cassie awoke to a light tapping on her door. She contemplated ignoring the noise, rolling over and going back to sleep, but a quick glance at the clock convinced her that she should get up, at least for a few hours, maybe get something to eat.
“Cassie, are you still asleep? I wanted to see if you were hungry. I’m making stir fry for dinner if you want some,” Sienna softly spoke through the door. Sure enough, Cassie could smell something delicious wafting into her room. So she pulled on her robe and joined Sienna at the table, grabbing a plate and loading it with rice, chicken, and vegetables.
It was just her and Sienna at dinner that night, both Jackie and Landry working and Elijah out with Phoebe and some of her friends on something he had insisted wasn’t a date. At first they ate in a comfortable silence, but eventually Sienna spoke.
“Bryce is really nice.”
Cassie cocked her eyebrow at Sienna as she took another bite. Sienna blushed slightly, “I obviously don’t mean for me. It’s just, I hadn’t really spent much time one-on-one with him, but I like him. For you, I mean.”
Cassie shook her head. “We aren’t dating, Sienna.”
“Well regardless of whatever is going on between you two, I just wanted to say he’s a good guy. He’s much kinder than the rest of the surgeons, and he was surprisingly easy to teach for someone with that much confidence.”
“Why did he want to learn how to knit, anyway?”
“He told me he thought it would improve his dexterity in the OR. Plus, he said he doesn’t really own much cold weather gear, so he thought a scarf would be useful.”
Cassie nodded as she kept eating, but Sienna wasn’t done.
“I know it’s not my business if you guys are dating or just friends with benefits or something else, but I really do think you guys are pretty well suited, and I just like him.”
She looked so genuine, her eyes wide and earnest as she looked at Cassie. So Cassie just smiled, “Yeah, me too.”
Summary: Thomas has a surprise for his family and Gloriana has one too that nobody sees coming.
Authors note: for the 41 days of cheer, day 3 pets. This one does have a time skip in so it’s about fast forward about two years after the events of the book. Enjoy!
Thomas Mendez shook his head as he looked at his daughter in the backseat. She was sleeping with her head rested against the door. Next to her was Lucia trying to fix Luz’s homework as best as she could. His new step-daughter didn’t have to do that for her.
“Lucia,” he said with a warning in his voice.
She sheepishly tucked Luz’s homework back in her bag and put her hands in her lap. In the front seat next to him Gloriana stirred slightly in her own sleep. It had been a long day at work as he concentrated on the road. Everyone was going to be here today for a good reason.
The younger girl still alert looked out the window and frowned.
“Thomas where are we going?” asked Lucia seeing the rows of trees. This was not the way to get back to the house she now lived in. In fact, it looked like they were going in the opposite direction. She frowned as they passed the city and headed toward the country side.
“It’s a secret and a surprise,” he said winking at her.
She perked up excited and peered around getting a better look out the window. She didn’t want to wake Luz but this must be a good surprise and there wasn’t anyone awake to talk to her with about it.
“Can I guess?” she asked pressing on for details.
“Hmm, okay only one question because if there was anymore you might figure it out.”
Lucia nodded gravely and thought of her first question. Was it something she talked about or something different? “Alright, I trust you because you’re really good at taking care of us and you make my mom happy,” she said simply. “Is it a fun surprise?”
Thomas paused hearing that. He was good at being her new dad, as he broke into a small grin. Well, that was a nice surprise. He kept his eyes trained on the road flying past the edge of a farm.
“Yes and I think all of us will love it.”
She nodded happily and breathed hard onto the window drawing a smiley face in the fog she produced.
“Lucia do you really think that I’m doing a good job at being your dad?” he asked cautiously. It had been awhile since she had heard from Guy. She probably wasn’t even used to having him around all the time just yet. Much less having her picture him kissing her mom.
Lucia had her thinking face on before nodding. “Yea I think you’re doing a great job. Like I said before you take care of us and I can tell my mom really loves you. I like having a dad in my life since I really think that I need one.”
He smiled and turned out a gravel driveway to a farm. They had been driving for the last two hours and had stopped for sandwiches an hour back. Lucia had already woken up Luz and started to climb out of the car. Gently Thomas reached over and woke up Gloriana.
“Let me sleep,” she mumbled.
“What if I kiss you awake?” he teased.
“Do it.”
Laughing she waited for him as Thomas leaned over the console and gently kissed her cheek. She pouted and never opened her eyes.
“This is the only angle that I have. You have to get up otherwise there’s no surprise for you.”
“Okay fine you won,” she said tossing the blanket she used on the floor in front of her and opened the door.
Together the small family got out of the car and saw the barn in front of them. A young couple waved them to come over. Luz and Lucia chasing after each other and already in the lead. Thomas took his wife’s hand and smiled at her sincerely wiping a stray dark hair from her face. In response she just kissed his cheek back and walked over to the couple.
The pair waiting for them stopped and the woman put a finger on her lips.
“Alright I’m Alma and this is my husband Jack,” said the young woman with a large sunhat on.
“I have a friend named Alma too,” said Lucia excited trying to investigate the barn doors.
“It’s a nice name,” she said crinkling her nose as she smiled herself. “Anyway, we have to be quiet because your surprise doesn’t really like surprises.”
With that Jack opened the door and lead them to the first stall. Inside on the floor surrounded by straw and various toys was a dog. A female black and white border collie dog eyed them but yipped at the sight of Thomas. Surrounding her was puppies about five of them sleeping soundly.
Aww, cooed the girls looking at the puppies.
“You have yourself a really nice dad,” said Jack, “one of those puppies are yours.”
“REALLY!?” shouted Luz and Lucia making the puppies wake up and bark.
Thomas just nodded and covering an ear. Jack and Alma just gestured for them to calm down and to play the puppies to figure out which one they wanted.
The puppies were eager to play with them as Gloriana picked one up to his face.
“I can’t wait to go home with you,” said Gloriana before cradling it close to her. “Seriously what brought on you buying a puppy?”
“Well you got this pet insurance from your new job I figured that we’d use it. After all who wouldn’t’ want a dog? Who knows if we’ll have any kids together so I figured a new member of the family would be fun.”
At that Gloriana bit her bottom lip and didn’t look at him as he said that. His eyes grew soft in concern and wrapped an arm around her. Her jean jacket already had fur covering it her own brown eyes downcast. A pink flush to her face.
“Oh Thomas, um, I was going to wait until this weekend when we had everyone there, but I am expecting.”
Stunned himself he watched as she let the dog she was holding down and put a hand on her stomach. “Surprise?”
With that he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug lifting her slightly and swinging her around. The girls didn’t even seem to notice playing with the puppies. That didn’t seem to matter as he kissed her lips softly. This was just the day of surprises.
A family Christmas (Beckett x MC, Thomas x Katrina)
Annotation: This is Christmas Eve and Katrina invited both her brother and his roommate to celebrate this holidays with her and her new family. Her fiancée and two daughters her and his. Does she has some secret motives of inviting seemingly stranger to join their family reunion? What secrets will this evening reveal and what reaction will have everyone on the news announced? Will here be a kiss under mistletoe and who will kiss whom? Or this will be just simple evening spend as a family.
Author note: I would love to say a huge thank you to @fluffy-marshmallow-heart for the perfect name to this one shot and to @annekebbphotography for a moodboard I loved it from the first sight :) Also this fanfic is a part of my ongoing at the moment Series Consequences but you don’t need to read it to be familiar with what will happen in this one shot.
English isn’t my native language so please forgive any errors you see. I tried no proofread as much as possible. Also I know I’m kind of late to the party, but I really want to submit this fanfic for two days of @jlpplays1-41daysofcheerchallenge for Day 8: Family and Day 32: Expecting
Words: 4052
Warnings: *fluff/make out*
It was Christmas Eve, and Beckett was pacing around their living room. He was stopping here and there to throw a subtle look toward Maeve, who was sitting on a built-in window seat, seemingly occupied with reading the book. Her legs tucked under her, a warm blanket thrown over her laps. He ran his hands through his hair oblivious to the questioning look she has thrown in his direction.
The nervous habit of his, noted Maeve, biting her lower lip, watching how his hand ran through his hair again.
"What is wrong?" She asked, closing the book, and turning her attention fully on the man in front of her.
"Why--- why do you think that something is wrong?" He asked, and his hands raked through his hair. His heart thundered audibly.
“Because you paced in front of me like a wounded animal for at least half an hour without even saying a word.”
Not to mention, you look all dishevelled and nervous, thought Maeve, taking in his appearance.
“I— I didn’t,” Beckett tried to protest, catching her sceptical gaze. “Okay, I may have paced— but I wasn’t nervous. I was thinking,” hesays, swallowing hard before sitting next to her on a comfortable Window seat. “I— I just wanted to ask you— I mean Katrina wondered if you—would you like to join us for celebrating Christmas? I mean, if you— if you have no other plans.”
“Are you asking me out?” Maeve smirked, raising her eyebrows.
“No… it’s not what I meant. I mean…,” he groaned in frustration, feeling flustered from her question. His hands raking through his hair once again, dragging them down his face. “You are impossible,” he mumbled in his hands before starting to get up. “Forget it, I will tell Katrina that you have other plans,” he says, ready to leave when he felt a small hand catching his, pulling him back to the seat.
“Beckett, I will gladly join you and your sister’s family for a celebration. Thank you for the invitation,” she murmured, hesitantly placing a soft kiss to his cheek, taking him by surprise.
“Are... are you sure that you don’t mind to spend the holidays with my sister and Thomas? And--- and me, of course. It's just for an evening--- I mean dinner,” Beckett started to babble, blushing. The pleasant tingling still lingering on his cheek where her lips touched his skin.
“Beckett, stop babbling,” Maeve laughed lightly, meeting his gaze. “I like your sister’s company, and Thomas seems a very nice guy. Besides, I love their little mischief-makers. So since your sister kindly invited me to join your celebration. I will gladly accept,” she murmured before starting to babble herself. “If you don’t mind, of course. She is your family, after all, so if you think this will be weird then---I will totally understand if---,” she spoke, stopping when she caught his amused gaze, smiling sheepishly at him.
“Who is babbling now?” Beckett asked, raising his brow, a soft smile touching his lips, and they looked into each other's eyes for a long moment. “And I don’t mind,” he said, his cheeks flushing from the eagerness lacing his voice. And he cleared his throat before adding in a more calmer tone, ignoring the way his heart still pounded. “I just thought you may have other plans with your family and friends, that’s it. Don’t you have any?”
“No, I don’t,” she shook her head, continuing to explain. “My mom is working during the holidays’ season, while Shreya and Griffin both left to visit their families. So...”
“Then... then I’ll meet you in an hour. If this is sufficient enough for you to get ready? Their home is in a nearby town but still some time away, and with snow forecast and ice-covered roads, we really need to get ready soon if we don’t want to be stuck in traffic. But if this is too short notice, I can wait. Take as much time as you need,” he babbled again, till he felt a small hand softly placed on top of his.
“Beckett, I’ll see you in an hour,” she murmured, leaving for her room.
It was an hour later when he stood downstairs, waiting for Maeve, checking his watch for the hundredth time. Unconsciously, raking his hand through his hair till he heard a soft chuckle from behind.
“Are you nervous?” Maeve giggled, watching how the tips of his ears started to turn pink, and he turned around to reply.
“Just so you know, I’m not nerv—-,” the words froze on the tip of his tongue. And he felt how the wind was knocked out of his lungs when his eyes landed on the girl in front of him.
Her golden hair was put into a curly updo, and her lips were glossy and pink like a beautiful rose. Her bronze dusted cheeks wore a natural blush, and her smoky eyes met his hesitantly. Her hands reached to the hem of her mid-thigh’s loose sweater dress with a white snowman on the red field. Her hands fiddling with the hem, what he noticed, she did when she was nervous. The pair of black knee-high boots completed her look. She smiled at him shyly, taking a step closer to him, letting him help her to put a coat.
“You didn’t tell me what dress code you usually have for Christmas. So--- I hope this is to your satisfaction.”
“You--- you look amazing,” he whispered hoarsely, the words leaving his mouth even before he could stop them. And his hands lingered on her shoulders for a heartbeat longer than necessary. “I mean--- your dress is amazing,” He corrected himself hastily, a soft blush touching his cheeks.
“Sooooo, what plan do we have?” Maeve asked curiously when they finally left the house. “Are we taking two cars or just one. And if just one, then who is driving?”
“We can take my car if you don’t mind. And I can drive us to them. But on the way home, you can drive it,” Beckett suggested.
“Sounds perfect,” Maeve replied before taking a passenger’s seat.
The drive to the place took a little bit more than two hours, and they finally pulled into a driveway near to the two-story redbrick cottage. A small chimney poked out of the snow-dusted roof, and there were two little windows with plants on either side of the entrance that had an iron door knocker in the shape of the fallen star and a soccer ball. There was a greenfield on the side of the driveway with a children's playground off the road. The field and the driveway were already covered in a thin layer of snow. And it was still unhurriedly falling from the sky.
Getting out of the car, Beckett looked around. And a sigh left his lips. He was happy for his sister, and he hoped that someday he will be as happy as she is with a family of his own and a place that he could call home. Free from his mother, who was still trying to control every aspect of his life, still trying to meddle into something, in which she did not have a say. He was lost in thoughts until he was pulled out of them by a gentle touch on his elbow. He could feel the warmth from Maeve’s touch spread through his body, and a faint blush dusted his cheeks before he cleared his throat.
“Shall we?” Beckett asked, offering his hand for Maeve to take.
Without saying anything, she placed her hand on top of his. Their fingers interlacing, and the faint blush touched her cheeks. Taking a deep breath, they went toward the front door, trying to step carefully on the icy stairs leading to it, hearing excited children’s voices coming from the inside.
As soon as he reached for the door knocker, the door swung open, and two laughing children rushed at Beckett, who only had time to crouch in front of them, grabbing the girls and effortlessly lifting them into the air.
“Girls, let him go. It’s not very nice to meet your guests like that,” Katrina laughed, coming into the view, followed by Thomas. “Sorry, Bean,” she said, ignoring his attempt to object and giving him a kiss on the cheek before warmly hugging Maeve. “I’m so happy my brother finally got the courage and asked you to join us. I was nudging him for weeks,” she said, and Beckett felt how the tip of his ears turned pink, and he mumbled something inaudible.
“Glad you both could make it,” Thomas said, shaking Beckett’s hand and kissing Maeve’s, making both little girls erupt in a fit of giggles.
“Girls, be nice,” Katrina warned them, warmly raising her eyes at her fiancé, the silent dialogue passing between them before she turned back to girls leaning on their level. “Now, go to the kitchen and continue to chop more chili for Pozole. I’ll be back in a moment. I’m sure Beckett and Maeve would appreciate some quiet time in the study room to relax after their drive.” Katrina said to the girls, nudging them gently in the kitchen’s direction, and sending a meaningful look towards Thomas once again.
“It’s another thirty minutes till dinner will be served, and I’m sure you are tired from your journey,” Katrina said, looking after Thomas with a gentle smile before turning back to Beckett and Maeve.
“We can help,” they said in unison but were interrupted by Katrina, who ushered them on the second floor.
“You are our guests, so just relax, and I send girls after you when it will be time for dinner. Beckett, relax. I promise this won’t take long,” Katrina laughed, opening the door and looking at her brother, who shifted uneasily on a threshold before coming inside, followed by Maeve.
When they entered the study Beckett’s eyes widened in awe, landing on a massive oak bookcase along the wall. He had so many questions for Katrina he wanted to ask but before he could she left the study closing the door behind. Leaving the two of them in the privacy of the room lit only by the Christmas lights and the warm glow of the crackling fireplace. They shared an astonished look before Maeve turned her gaze at the books lying on the shelves, starting slowly move along the bookcase. Her attention was completely drawn to the variety of books that Thomas had, trying to ignore the way Beckett’s presence made her feel in the intimate atmosphere. But still feeling him with every bone and cell of her body, feeling the air electrifying in the room. His eyes not leaving her, admiring the way how the lights played in her hairs, bewitched by the way her fingertips gently grazed over the books’ bindings looking for the one that would catch her attention. She could feel him slowly move closer to the bookcase, picking one of the books he noticed from afar, filling the room with the rustling of pages. The books’ smell soothing her nerves, making her heart to calm, and she didn’t realize when the distance between the two of them got shorter.
Finally, after some time, she spotted the book in an old leather binding, stopping for a moment to take it from the shelf before turning around bumping straight into Beckett’s firm chest. His hands wrapped securely around Maeve’s waist, the book falling from his hand. His eyes darkened, locking on hers, and their hearts started to beat faster.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you,” she whispered, feeling how her voice betrayed her, and she raised her eyes, her gaze landing on the mistletoe right above them. The silent ohhhh left her lips, and her eyes widened, meeting Beckett’s. “I think--- you know, so not to break a Christmas tradition we… we must kiss,” she said, pointing him on the mistletoe above them, watching how his face flushed. Feeling how her own cheeks became warmer, and she lowered her eyes, trying to avoid his gaze.
Her heart thundered inside her chest, and her pulse rising, when she felt his knuckle resting under her chin, tilting her head up. His head inclined a little and his eyes meeting hers his blood setting aflame when she nibbled on her lower lip, rolling the pink flesh between her teeth. The air crackling with a tension between them, and he slowly lowered his head, his lips brushing hers in a fleeting kiss before pulling back slightly, murmuring against her lips. Their eyes closed, and their foreheads pressed together.
“If tradition obliges us to do so… who am I to decline,” whispered he, his lips meeting Maeve’s once again, hesitantly at first, breaking the kiss for a moment to look her deep in the eyes. Looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation in her eyes, but meeting none.
His thumb tentatively ran along her jaw before cupping the side of her head. Their eyes locked on each other breathing the same air, and his pulse quickened. He could feel how his head started to spin, intoxicated by her closeness, and he felt this inevitable pull between them. The one he felt every time they were close, the one he tried to resist these past months but this time--- this time he did not want to fight it anymore. Slowly he pulled her closer toward him, and their lips met. His tongue ran along the seam of her lips, silently asking her for permission to enter, feeling how her lips parted invitingly, and he slipped his tongue inside. Their kiss deepened, and his hand slide along the curves of her body, cupping her backside. Her body molding into his perfectly, and he groaned into their kiss, forgetting for a moment where they were. Their kisses growing heated, the fire of passion igniting between them, their tongues dancing together, and their lips move in unison. He groaned bringing her closer to his body, letting her know exactly what she was doing to him. His hand running lower along her body oblivious to the two pair of eyes watching them, until a fit of giggles broke them apart. And they heard a two set of legs running downstairs, cheerful scream following them through the house.
“Daaaaaad, uncle Beckett trying to swallow Maeve’s face, as you do sometimes with mum’s,” Luz giggled on the way downstairs, taking two steps at the time. Beckett’s eyes met Maeve’s with horror pooling in them. His cheeks visibly darkened with a blush, watching how unsuccessfully she tried to hide a chuckle behind her arm. And he could hear Thomas stammering voice ringing from the kitchen, followed by Katrina’s laugh.
“Luz, we… I… how? You aren’t supposed to see this,” he spattered, feeling how his face started to burn, turning crimson, looking at Katrina for support but getting met by her laugh.
Beckett and Maeve stood in a study room, looking at each other the silence hanging between them.
“I think we got carried away a little,” Maeve spoke first, a soft blush touching her cheeks and her eyes shining in such a way that left Beckett breathless. He took a step closer to her once again, his heart thundering in his chest, feeling how something changed between them, in this room, the mistletoe still hanging above them.
“I think they came up to let us know that dinner is served,” he whispered. His eyes dropping to Maeve’s lips, and he licked his own, feeling that they became dried out, and he swallowed hard. “We are still standing under it,” he nodded toward a plant. His lips brushed against hers before meeting them in a lingering kiss, not able to stop it even if he would want. It took them another couple of moments before they finally parted, pressing their foreheads together, Beckett’s hands still resting on Maeve’s waist, their eyes closed. “You go first,” Beckett whispered hoarsely, nudging her lightly toward the door.
“Don’t you think they are quite aware of what we were doing here? I bet your sister orchestrated all of this,” she said, rolling her eyes and stepping aside from Beckett to place a book back to the shelf before leaving the room.
A moment later, she felt Beckett catching up with her. His hand brushing hers before they enter the kitchen, blushing slightly when they were met by smirking gazes from Thomas and Katrina. The girls giggled, whispering something to each other before jumping from their seats excitedly, approaching Beckett and Maeve.
“Dinner is ready, may I ask, what took you so long?” Katrina asked. Her eyes met Beckett’s who lowered his gaze. His cheeks flushed, and the glossy pink lipstick was smeared over his lips, noticing the knowing glimpse in Katrina's eyes. But before he could reply anything, he felt two small hands taking his, watching Lydia grabbing Maeve’s hand and pulling them both toward the dining area.
In a moment, they stood in a cozy dining room festively decorated. His eyes widened when he looked around. The Christmas lights were lit around the room, the big Christmas tree stood in the corner, and a pile of wrapped gifts lay under the tree. And in the middle of the room stood table with various bowls and utensils on it emanating a divine smell from it. Not even a minute passed when they heard Katrina and Thomas calling them, bringing the plates of hot meals, and inviting everyone to take their seats around the table.
“You want to say that you made it all by yourself? As--- with your own hands?” Beckett asked, looking incredulously on the table in front of them laid for six persons.
“Why do you look so surprised?” Katrina chuckled, serving to everyone the main course.
“I just guess, I never expected you to become a cook,” Beckett smiled, taking a spoonful of Pozole feeling arresting flavor tickling his taste buds. His eyes closed in pleasure, and he moaned with delight. “Wow, Katrina, when did you become such a great cook?” he asked, raising his eyes to meet his sister's.
“I can’t take all the credit, brother. Say thanks to my little helpers over here and Thomas,” she replied, winking at girls.
“Yes, I and Lydia cut the chili peppers,” Luz said proudly. “And we also made a coo---,” she started to say before cease talking, catching Katrina’s warning gaze.
“What did you do----?” Thomas asked suspiciously, watching girls share conspiratorial smiles.
“Mum asked not to tell you, but you will find out soon,” she said, smiling proudly.
“Wait, did I imagine it, or did she call you mom for the second time today?” Thomas whispered to Katrina, watching her nod. “Where did this come from, not that I mind, even opposite it makes me the happiest person in the world, but she never…”
“We discussed that last week, and after a short talk, we agreed that this what we both want. You know considering---,” her voice trailed off, and she placed a soft peck to Thomas’ lips before adding quickly. “But it doesn’t mean that I am replacing Soledad. It just means that I love Luz just as much as Lydia and that you are my family,” Katrina whispered, raising her eyes and looking around the table. “You all are my family. The family I love and need,” she said, shaking her head when Beckett tried to object. Making it clear to him, that she already considers Maeve as part of their family, even though he stubbornly denies his feelings for her. And the way his eyes changed every time he looked at her thinking that no one sees made her think that he already falling in love with this girl, probably even not realizing it himself yet.
After they finished the Christmas dinner, it was time to unwrap the gifts and girls excitedly ran toward the tree, joined by adults in a moment. They all sat on the soft cushions that were placed around the Christmas tree. Both girls comfortably sitting on Thomas’ laps, when Katrina handed them their gifts, and they eagerly started to unwrap them. Huge excited smiles on their faces, when they got matching t-shirts with a text on them, “Big Sister TO BE”. Thomas looked at them with confusion, but before he could say anything Katrina took another two gifts handing them to her brother and Maeve, biting her lower lip while suppressing a smirk at Beckett’s shocked expression when he unwrapped his gift first. Taking out the baby bottle with a text that said, “Feed me”. His face paled, and he choked on the drink he just drank.
“How do you---” Beckett sputtered, ceasing to speak when he felt Maeve’s hand taking his and squeezing it firmly to attract attention, showing him her gift. A t-shirt that said, “Honorary Auntie”. His eyes widened when a realization hit him, and he looked at Katrina, watching her nod in confirmation. His eyes lighting up, and he smiled at his sister.
“Daddy, now our turn to give you our gift. We made it our self,” Luz said proudly, rushing toward the tree, taking everything on her way. Her body smashing into Beckett’s, sending him toward Maeve, and he wrapped his hands around her instinctively. Her hand pressed to his heart, feeling how it started to thunder inside his chest. The blush instantly creeping up his neck, coloring his cheeks pink. And he sputtered apology while his hand was still wrapped securely around her waist. Their eyes meeting, and they could feel the pull that started to draw them closer before Thomas’ voice pulled them to reality, making them instantly move away from each other. Their faces flustered, and they mumbled something avoiding each other gaze.
“Luz,” Thomas exclaimed before she was back with a gift in her arms. Lydia and she stood side by side, handing him a tin of cookies, their eyes glistening with joy, and they watched him closely. He slowly started to open the lid, saying a silent prayer, that it was not something dangerous, what Luz could consider a cool thing to have. In a moment, his eyes landed on a single gingerbread cookie with icing on it, and his eyes widened when he read the text. Blinking he read it once again. “Daddy to be… again”
He looked at Katrina, a silent question in his eyes, watching her nod in confirmation. And she hesitantly handed him a beautiful silver pen holder, that was engraved with the date that was about 9 months from now. His heart sped up when he opened it, and his eyes landed on the last gift from Katrina, the one that meant everything to him. Throwing a glimpse to the gift, he already guessed was in the box, he moved closer to Katrina wrapping his hands around her tightly. His lips found hers, kissing her passionately, murmuring between their kisses again and again “Thank you.”
The girls both scrunching their noses saying “Ewwwww.” in unison, making everyone laugh. Beckett’s hand hesitantly found Maeve’s, lacing his fingers through hers, giving it a light squeeze, sharing a subtle smile with each other.
“How… how long did you know?” Thomas asked, still holding Katrina in his arms.
“For a week,” she replied, hiding her face on his chest.
“Did… did girls know?”
“They found out the same day, and we came up together with all this plan. This was their idea to reveal this on Christmas Eve when all family will be together,” she clarified, smiling at Beckett and Maeve. Her gaze fleetingly slid to their interlaced fingers.
“Luz KNEW for a week?” Thomas exclaimed in amusement.
“Yes, daddy. You see, I can keep secrets when they are important.” Luz wagged her tongue, and everyone laughed, watching the little one sit with a proud look on her face.
“Are you happy?” Katrina asked hesitantly.
“I couldn’t wish for a better Christmas. The woman I love, amazing children, and family with whom we can share this news.”
“Merry Christmas,” said Katrina.
“Merry Christmas,” everyone replied, looking outside. Watching how the snow was falling to the ground, making it fluffy and white. Snowflakes slowly circled from the sky, the feeling of happiness filling the air.
On the evening of December 23rd the stony lakeside manor in Valtoria is lit from within by a warm golden glow. A fresh layer of snow covers the ground and surrounding trees like sparkling fairy dust. Curling columns of grey smoke rise into the cold, frosty air from the brick chimneys. For the first time in a decade the manor houses a small, but growing, family within its walls. Rooms that were once reserved for the grandest of noble events have been repurposed to reflect a more casual way of living. A rarely used banquet hall has been converted to become the Walker family's great room. The room’s tall western facing windows frame an equally tall Christmas tree. Across the room a hearty fire licks at the logs in the stone fireplace. In the space between hearth and towering tree, a cluster of comfortable sofas and cozy arm chairs frame an oversized soft rug.
Drake Walker settles back against the cushions of the sofa with a contented sigh. “I’ve never wrapped so many presents in my life.”
Next to him his wife Kate arranges a soft and fluffy throw blanket around herself and her swollen belly. She's six months pregnant with their first child. Kate rubs her belly gently and smiles, “Hey now, we helped too.”
Drake chuckles softly and wraps his arm around her shoulders, drawing her closer to him. “Oh I wasn't complaining, I'm just not used to celebrating Christmas on such a grand scale.”
“But you grew up living in a Palace. Surely you played some part in the Royal family's festivities.”
Drake shakes his head, “Not really. Whatever the Royals had going on was more for show and photo opportunities.
Family and festive didn't really have any kind of connection. Sure I saw the giant Christmas tree they had the servants put up, and Nicholas and I would exchange gifts privately but my family kept our celebrations to ourselves. My Dad always worked Christmas day so we'd do our family stuff together the day after.”
“So even as adults you didn't really get together with your Noble friends to do anything over the holidays?” Kate asks, a look of concern wrinkling her forehead.
“It doesn't snow in the Capital so the nobles would travel to Lythikos for the winter festival in December, but it wasn't really a Christmas thing and I didn't always go.”
Kate cuddles in closer to Drake, her baby belly pressing up against him. He shifts his position slightly so that he can place his hand on her belly and rubs it gently. They both smile when they feel the baby move. Kate places her hand over his, and leans in to kiss Drake on the cheek.
“Well this year I'm so happy things will be different. You're a Duke now and a Daddy to be. Our friends are coming to spend Christmas with us, so we have new traditions to make.”
Drake nods, “And old ones to include. Are you and Hana still going to bake cookies tomorrow?”
Kate smiles and giggles, “Yes, and don't worry we won't let Maxwell anywhere near your Mom's famous gingerbread recipe.”
He breathes a sigh of relief, “Oh thank God. One year he insisted on helping Savannah and I bake and it was a disaster.”
“I'm still trying to picture you in an apron baking cookies. The image in my head keeps getting replaced by one that's so sexy, and naked.”
Drake drops his head back and laughs, his hand covering his face. “Please tell me that's just the hormones talking. Because memories of baking my Mom's cookies with my sister are so not sexy.”
Drake's laughter stirs the two sleeping corgis on the rug. They both get up and approach the sofa, jumping up on Drake and Kate's legs, wiggling happily and whining for attention. Kate tries to shoo them away, but they won't settle down.
Drake sighs and sits up, trying to nudge Mr. Fluffers away with his shin. “Get down you two, this isn't play time.”
Kate giggles, drawing her legs up onto the sofa to escape Princess Gracie's licking of her ankles. “I think the fur babies need to go out.”
Drake sucks in a deep breath to call for Gladys, Valtoria's Major domo/Butler and then lets it back out again with a groan. He and Kate have given Gladys time off to visit her own family in the UK for Christmas.
Getting up from the sofa he bends down to ruffle both of the dogs heads.
“Ok fine, come on you two let's go outside.”
As he walks across the room with both wiggling, happy corgis trying to catch up, he shouts over his shoulder to Kate. “And you little Momma, stay put with those sexy thoughts of yours til I get back.”
Kate leans over to grab her mug of eggnog from the side table, giving Drake a wave and a wink as he goes. “Ok we'll stay right here.”
---
Drake pulls his winter hat down over his ears and wraps his scarf around his neck as the dogs dance happily around his feet. “So impatient you two. Hold your horses. I gotta put my stuff on. It's cold outside.”
As he pushes his arms into his winter jacket and shoves his feet down into his boots the dogs go skittering across the front hall to the door. Drake shuffles along after them, zipping his coat, “Ok, ok. I'm coming.”
When he pulls the heavy door open the dogs bolt outside like furry torpedoes out of a submarine. Drake shouts after them as he steps outside and closes the door. “Hey now, wait for Daddy!”
Drake laughs at himself, his warm breath swirling around his head like a cloud.
Daddy, it sounds so odd coming out of my mouth. Just a dog Daddy for now, but a baby Daddy in the spring? I can't wait to hold my son or daughter for the first time, it's terrifying and exciting at the same time. Me, a Dad? The thought never crossed my mind a year ago, but now here I am and I couldn't be happier.
Following the dog tracks in the snow he frowns, now where did they get off to? Mr. Fluffers and Princess Gracie. Seriously Kate did you have to give our pets such prissy names? To this day I refuse to call either of them Mr. or Princess anything.
Drake blows into his hands to warm them, and then shoves them into his pockets. Damn why did I forget my gloves?
Off to the right he can hear the sound of happy growls and snorts. There they are. Rolling around in the snow. At least somebody's getting some enjoyment out of this frosty night.
“Ok you two, wrap up the foolishness and get down to business. Cuz I have Mommy and a glass of spiked eggnog waiting for me inside to warm me back up.”
Summary: it’s raining, and Thomas expects his day to be ruined, but who knew that the bad weather on his wedding was good luck.
Authors Note: So I was going to write an Open Heart for today but pushing back for tomorrow (it fills it better). Instead it’s mother of the year story in honor of the book ending. I wish it wasn’t and I’m pretty sure I’ll do a couple of more with this book (especially Luz and Thomas).
Also wondering if anyone would be interested in seeing a story with Guy’s point of view? Like how he’s alone and his ex has this new life and catches a sweet moment kind of thing? Let me know. For the 41 days of cheer day 13: weather. Happy reading.
Thomas looked down at the weather report his eyes wide before silently cursing under his breath. No. No. Nooooo, he thought desperate at the weather forecast. It was going to rain on today of all days. That meant that he had to move the party inside and that wasn’t going to be nearly as fun if they couldn’t grill anything. Dang it, he just wanted today to go over well.
Frowning he rubbed his head for a moment. Too bad he couldn’t call Gloriana about it, because one she was with Alma. Two she didn’t even know about the surprise party afterward anyway.
“Dad!” called Luz from down the hall. She threw open his door before flying over and landing on top of the bed. “It’s Friday! You have to get ready the wedding is at noon. Woo, we get to miss school for the wedding!” With each word she was bouncing little by little.
“Luz come on, I have to braid your hair!” called Lucia down the hall. He glanced at the clock and surprised to see that it was ten already. Oh no. Ok not only was the weather going to ruin his wedding day but he was going to be late too.
Shooing her out the door Thomas found his favorite green tie and the rest of his nice clothes. Making sure he looked okay did he check his watch and start toward Luz’s room. To think the one next to hers would be Lucia’s.
From the door he stopped and smiled watching them for a minute. Lucia had done some sort of double French braid before combining it into one. Luz making sure that their dresses were okay before slowly putting everything on. They looked beautiful dressed in knee length gowns perfect for the courthouse and everyday wear.
Stomach flip flopping he went into the room and sat down at the edge of the bed.
“You girls look great,” said Thomas rubbing his leg a little. “Luz do you care if I talk to Lucia alone for a minute?”
His daughter smiled at him before turning to the door.
“I’m going to wait in the car,” she said before tapping a finger on her wrist, pretending she was wearing a watch. “Don’t be late, we can’t have everyone waiting.”
With that he was left alone with Lucia who had finished putting her hair supplies up. Smiling shyly at him Lucia sat down next to Thomas on the bed. It was quiet before he took her hand and adjusted so he could sit directly in front of her.
“Today is a big day for your mom and I, but I know that it’s going to be a big day for you too. You’ll have another dad in your life and a sister,” he said taking a breath watching for her reaction. Lucia just nodded solemnly but didn’t say anything. “I know we talked about it before and I just wanted to check in with you. Do I still have your blessing to marry your mom?”
Lucia’s eyes grew wide before breaking out into a laugh and nodded her head up and down empathetically.
“Of course, Thomas, you’re great and you really make mom happy. I can’t imagine you not being with her. I don’t think that you need my permission, but it’s still a yes.”
A bit relieved that she said he just pulled her into a hug before kissing the top of her head. Lucia grinned before kissing his cheek back.
“You’re pretty strong Lucia Day and I would’ve hated to hear you say no,” said Thomas before pulling her off the bed and then down to the car.
Luz was impatiently waiting before waving for them to hurry. That was just a short talk, but they must get there on time. Gloriana was going to be waiting and he couldn’t wait to see her walk down that aisle. Even if it was just at the courthouse.
To his dismay it was starting to rain as they pulled into a parking spot. Producing umbrella’s, he headed inside to find that Alma was already there looking for them.
“Come on lover boy, nearly everyone is here the only person that’s not here yet is Eiko and she told us that she would be. Did you leave the key so that Marcus could get in to start setting up for the party?”
She wheeled over as they started down the hall. He nodded filling her in on that they would have to move everything inside. Lucia had taken one of his hands as he smiled at her Luz had ran ahead to get the front row seats.
“Thomas,” said Lucia as they stood just outside the doors of the courthouse wedding room. It was a pretty sweet set up if it wasn’t raining the stain glass would be beautiful. Plenty of light and could seat up to twenty even though they only had ten. “Congratulations, I can’t wait to move in with you and Luz next week.”
She hummed going forward and sat on her mother’s side of the church. Thomas just walked down the aisle first reaching the justice of the peace. The girls had stood together talking to themselves. His parents had made it in and waved to him. Eiko had slipped to an empty seat near them. Levi had taken a seat on Gloriana’s side of the room. Thomas had to frown as he saw Guy sitting there. Probably because his days with Lucia technically started when school let out. Whatever the reason he was there, he wasn’t going to push it.
Despite the rain thundering down and he could hear the excited chatter from behind the door. Finally, the doors in the back had opened at precisely noon sharp.
Gloriana walked down the aisle holding her dad’s arm. A gorgeous lace white gown showed off her every curve. The gown simple to wear anywhere as it reached midcalf length and her hair thrown up into intricate braids.
“Ahh don’t you two look nice,” teased the justice of the peace, Bernadette who had met them after jogging one day.
Gloriana had smiled at him nice and wide twirling ever so slightly to where the dress fanned out. Her brown eyes bright and wide as they met each other’s.
“Thomas and Gloriana, today you enter as individuals, but you will leave here as husband and wife, blending your lives, expanding your family ties, and embarking upon the grandest adventure of human interaction,” said Bernadette.
Taking each other’s hands Thomas squeezed hers as the final I dos were said.
His lips had found hers at the words you may kiss the bride his arms encircling her waist. Now this, this was the best part of his day. Gloriana had cupper chis cheek before parting. Lucia and Luz cheering from the sidelines.
“I love you Thomas and I can’t imagine not having you in my life,” she said softly. “You know they say it’s good luck to have rain on your wedding day.”
They heard the thumping again from above as he shook his head. “Huh, you think I should have known that,” he said teasing her keeping her close to him.
Straightening up they stayed close together just smiling nonstop.
“Wait, before everyone leaves, we do have something that I want to say,” said Thomas as Lucia and Luz stood up. “Girls?”
“Our surprise is that we have something waiting at home mom.” Lucia paused for a moment not sure what to call Thomas’s house now. After all she was moving in with them next week.
“It’s party time mom,” said Luz cheerfully as Gloriana pulled her into a hug from behind. “Everyone here is invited except…” She paused and seemed to catch herself before playfully turning around. “Unless you are free Bernadette.”
The adults just laughed as Thomas was relieved that she didn’t say Guy. Although he did like how his face slacked at hearing Luz call Gloriana mom in front of everyone. Forgetting about that situation Gloriana had laced her fingers through his.
“You planned a party?” she asked, “well that is great gift.”
“And it’s gets better,” he whispered kissing her cheek softly. There was nothing that could get in their way. “Alma said that she would watch Luz. We could…”
“It’s perfect,” she said grinning. “Who know we might get a baby of our own.”
He flushed and started to stammer before just shaking his head. They were still young enough to have another baby. Who knows? Maybe he would have a third beautiful daughter come along. Still holding hands, they walked out of the courthouse hand in hands ready to party.
Summary: Gloriana has her baby and everyone seems to bring the same gift.
Authors Note: while I decide what to write my next story based on, I’m going to do another Mother of the Year. I might do D&D tomorrow or try to write something I haven’t before. I guess we’ll see! Enjoy I have plenty of stories to go around for the month.
Gloriana Mendez (nee Day) wasn’t sure which was worse carrying a baby during the summer or the winter. On one hand it was hot in the summer and everything was just uncomfortable. On the other hand, at least the roads might not be closed. Which they were last night when they came in because of a near whiteout.
That didn’t matter as she held her son in her arms. Brown eyes blinked up at her and whimpered. The green baby blanket around him was wrapped around him and pressed to her chest. Tiny fingers wrapped around her pointer finger. Her own eyes not leaving the tiny face.
“Gloriana,” said Thomas as he snapped her out of staring. “You did a great job bringing him into the world.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers pulling her as close as he can. She kissed back eager before separating and rested their foreheads pressed against each other.
“He looks like you, He has your smile,” she said exhausted and laid back on the pillows around her. “We should let everyone in to meet him. Or at least get Lucia and Luz in here.”
“Well we have to give him a name first,” said Thomas looking down at the infant. They had several names in mind of what to pick. Including the kind that would work in English and Spanish since they agreed on having a name that was part of their heritages. Since his family was from Mexico and hers from Honduras it seemed natural to have a Spanish like name. “He’s not a Lucas or a Luis like we thought….”
She smiled at him and shook her head agreeing. Adjusting on the bed she moved for him to hold the infant. Thomas picked him up and grinned he was so handsome and pressed a kiss on his small head. Lucia had dozed off next to him some drool escaping her lips as he wiped it off for her.
“He looks like a Nicolas,” she mumbled and curled up next to her husband.
Looking down Thomas could see it too. He kissed her head and took him completely from her arms. He was so tiny and vulnerable. Gloriana nodded off completely as he held the infant close to him this time. Nicolas shifted but didn’t really cry out. He had a son and that same fuzzy feeling as holding Luz for the first time returned.
“I love you,” he whispered his finger being wrapped around by his small hand. “Yea I already like being your dad.”
The knock on the door startled him out of the moment and went over to Gloriana waking her up. After making herself a little presentable did they let in their first guests. Lucia and Luz peered over to the baby in her arms. They could only see the girl’s anxious faces turn to an excited one. Brown eyes sparkling and whispering between them.
“We pulled our money together and got him a gift,” said Luz proudly. “Tada!”
Lucia had handed Thomas a small bag and pulled out a blue hat. It was tiny with golden stars decorating it and a pouf at the top.
“We couldn’t get the whole set, but I think it works,” said Lucia. “See it has stars on it and it’s really tiny.”
“Or if it’s still too big he can grow into it,” added Luz.
“You girls want to look at your brother?” asked Gloriana this time now fully alert and more awake then before.
Cautiously they stepped forward and looked at Nicolas. Luz had made a face with smile on the infant’s face. Lucia had hugged Thomas and peered over at him waving softly as if he’d see her.
“Hi,’ said Lucia her voice small. “I’m your sister Lucia and this is your other sister Luz.”
The small family gathered around and watched him for a moment before having to give him to a nurse for any farther testing and the birth certificate information.
About an hour passed before finally, other friends could enter the room next. Not all at once of course since they didn’t want to overwhelm the baby. Levi rushed in first since he just came in by himself. This time holding a small gift of his own.
“I have a gift it’s small, but weather inspired. His first snow hat,” said Levi adjusted to look at the baby. Gloriana laughed seeing the bright red hat that looked a little like Santa’s. “He’s an adorable kid. You call me when he’s old enough to learn tools or guitar. Oh, who am I kidding? I might already be there.”
“You can show me tools,” said Luz nodding at him.
The two shared a fist bumped before Alma and her husband came in next. She had married her long-time boyfriend last year and it was nice to see them happy together. Levi even had a spring in his step it seemed.
Next the duo came in and Alma rolled in clapping when she saw them.
“He’s so cute and tiny. You enjoy this before he learns how to say no trust me on that my nephew loves saying it,” said Marcus.
“I know you have a lot of clothes already but since he’s born during a snow storm, I figured why not get a hat? His head is probably cold and I’m glad got here first because Eiko has one too I’m told,” said Alma pressing the gift to them. “Let me see the baby!”
Giggling she only passed him over for the two to take turns holding. Gloriana had a feeling that others would have that mind set and they would need space for hats. There was three all in one day with more coming. That didn’t seem to matter though as she pulled Luz and Lucia close to her. They had the present first.
“You girls are going to be great big sisters, your is better.”
Gloriana kissed their heads and pulled them close watching everyone around them. Now was the moment that she loved.
“Oh, I know we are,” said Luz proudly. “And nobody could say otherwise.”
“And he’ll never go hatless in winter,” said Lucia giggling.
Together she and Thomas laughed alongside the girls. The snow day had to inspire the gift for the day. She just shook her and nodded along, if they knew it then there was nothing left to say. They were going to enjoy being a family together.
Summary: It has been two years since Thomas and Gloriana had married and have a solid routine
Authors Note: For the 41 Days of Cheer Day 34 – for the prompt Routine. The timeline I’ve sorted out was that, they married when Luz was about 11 and Nicolas born when she was 12. By this point Luz is 13 and Nicolas is 1. Hopefully this turned out well and I hope that you enjoy the story!
Thomas Mendez hit the alarm clock before it went off and laid in his bed for a moment. Next to him Gloriana was sleeping soundly her breathing heavy while he watched her. He was wearing his old college tee shirt that she looked beautiful in. Very softly he leaned over and kissed her cheek as she stirred.
“Glori,” he muttered into her ear before pressing a kiss just underneath her ear as she squirmed. “It’s time to get up.”
“Five minutes,” she muttered as he smiled and nodded all while rolling his eyes. It was like clockwork before scurrying over to the closet. His work suit and pulled out something for Gloriana to wear. Her favorite loose black pants and a simple blouse.
Then tossed it to her after the five minutes had passed. She had headed to the bathroom while he headed down the hall knocking on his daughter’s bedroom doors. Luz had thrown something, hopefully a spare pillow, at the door. He’d try again in five minutes.
Next, he headed to Lucia’s room. She was already up and read a book while she was brushing her teeth sitting on her purple moon chair. Gently he tapped his watch reminding her of the time. To his amusement she was already dressed in her skirt and socks already. She was in middle school and had a good sense of time management already.
Then to try again to get Luz awake and now was not the time to knock.
“Luz get up,” he said throwing the lights on as the dog, Bandit, bounded out of her room and jumped on him. Thomas sighed before Lucia peered out and helped settle down their pet.
“Luz come on,” said Lucia as they headed into the room.
Sharing a look with Lucia, Thomas nodded at her and counted down with his fingers. Three. Two. One. The younger girl had thrown herself on top of her step-sister and Thomas started to tickle his daughter awake. Luz had started to howl with laughter at the sudden onslaught.
She shook her head and blinked her eyes up at her not wanting to get up.
“Not now,” she said moaning before Lucia had found her uniform for her to put on.
Begrudgingly she got up as Thomas headed down to the kitchen after seeing that Gloriana had gotten up herself. Bandit had a toy in his mouth sitting at the kitchen door. Gloriana had turned the page of a textbook sitting on the counter while frying some sausage. Sitting in his high chair their son Nicolas was picking up cheerios one by one.
Stealing a piece of sausage, Gloriana shot him a look that said you know better. Shrugging playfully, he turned to look at her chapter in the book she was reading.
“Quick, administration is…”
“Stop,” she said holding her hand up. “I’m not done studying this chapter.” She had laughed before kissing his cheek softly. “I want to pass and be able to get the aid position at the pet hospital.”
Right, he was very proud to see her finishing her education that she had to leave behind. As much as she wanted to be a veterinarian, it was going to be simpler to start with an assistant job and then move up when the time was right. Never the less everyone was extremely happy to support her dreams.
Next his kissed his sons head and gave him some more cheerios to eat. He blew a bubble in his face before clapping his hands together. “Dada,” he said blubbering on pointing to him.
“Yea, I’m dada.” Then Thomas pointed to Gloriana looking at her from his angle. “And mommy.”
“Mama,” he said giggling and the one-year-old went back to looking at his cheerios rather seriously.
“I always say that he looks more and more like you every day,” said Gloriana breaking up his moment with him. “Just wait, soon enough he’ll be as successful as his dad.”
“Or as charming as his mother.”
With that she had passed him a plate of scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage, and toast with jelly on it. Sometimes he wondered just how he was able get her to fall in love with him. Seriously his wife had a baby, going back to school, had a job, and be able to be a good parent. She was a beautiful walking miracle and he didn’t deserve her.
Behind them Luz and Lucia had bounded down the steps dressed and ready to seize the day. Lucia had successfully French braided Luz’s hair into twin braids. Both girls talking about what they were doing for their history project. Bandit had rushed over to his food bowl to see it filled.
“Here you go girls,” said Gloriana passing them a plate of food. “I sent a check to the school, so you have lunch money on your cards. Please refrain from buying extra snacks this time otherwise I’ll be packing your lunches.”
“I told you that lunch lady would squeal,” said Luz to Lucia as she looked down at her food. “Don’t worry mom we’ll stop buying extra stuff.”
“It won’t happen again mom,” said Lucia carefully.
“Good you know I trust you girls.” With that Gloriana had filled up the dog bowl with fresh water and sat it down patting Bandit’s head before washing her hands to eat herself. Silence enveloped them while they scrapped last of their food off from their plates.
Thomas looked down at the clock on his phone and sighed.
“Well it looks like I have to head out. I have this client that’s suing some snack company,” he said, “I get the details this morning after I finish with the Shuster case.”
“Kick some butt dad!” said Luz as she gave him a side hug before helping herself to extra food.
“Good luck Thomas,” said Lucia pushing her plate aside and hugged him properly.
“Don’t forget to be nice to your dad,” he said reminding her how to treat Guy.
Since it was a Friday, she would be spending time with him over the weekend. However, she was mad at him when he said that Luz couldn’t come with her. Lucia had rolled her eyes but nodded all the same. They were going to have to soon especially since his step-daughter was going to start having weekend plans.
He just chuckled softly to himself before kissing the top of Nicolas’s head once more as he threw a cheerio at him. Bandit had rushed over and licked off the floor the food. Oh boy. Then he turned to Gloriana before gently kissing her lips that tasted sweet like maple syrup. He had pulled her close to him his hands around her waist as the girls turned away pretending, they weren’t watching this.
Gloriana had reached over to him and straightened the tie. This one was his lucky one as she treated it with great care.
“Thank you for saying something,” said Gloriana after putting the empty plates in the dishwasher. “Good luck.”
Then the nudge of their puppy at his ankles whining up at him. Leaning down he gave him a nice back rub before grabbing the eyes from the rack and heading out the door. Just like clockwork this was his morning routine as whistled heading out to his car.
