The Gemstone estate was lit up like a Christmas miracle.

Twinkling lights wrapped every column, garlands draped over banisters, and the smell of cinnamon rolls and pine needles filled the air. Somewhere in the house, Jesse was loudly arguing with Kelvin over who got the better gift from Eli, and Judy was already two glasses of wine deep, belting out Mariah Carey like she was headlining a stadium tour.

But Gideon had pulled you away from the noise—down the hall, past the nativity scene with the animatronic baby Jesus, and into one of the quieter sitting rooms.

He stood there with a small, neatly wrapped box behind his back, grinning like he couldn’t hold it in another second.

“Okay, so… I know we already did gifts this morning, but I’ve been hiding this one for weeks. I was gonna wait ‘til after dinner, but then Uncle Baby Billy started talking about his ‘Christmas miracle mixtape’ and, well… figured now was a better time.”

He handed you the box, bouncing slightly on his heels, watching your every move with bright, hopeful eyes.

Inside was a delicate silver necklace with a tiny charm—your initials and his, etched together. Simple. Thoughtful. So very Gideon.

“I know it’s not flashy or anything, but I wanted you to have something that’s just us. Something you can wear and think of me, even when I’m off doing dumb flips off roofs or whatever.”

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck, then leaned in to kiss your cheek.

“I love you. Like, a lot. Like, ‘already thinking about rings and baby names’ kind of love. Dad said I was gettin’ all mushy and sentimental—then he cried at a Folgers commercial, so I told him we’re even.”

Then you handed him your gift.

He blinked. “Wait—what? I thought we were done. You said we were done.”

Still, he took the box, eyebrows raised, and opened it.

Silence.

His breath caught.

Inside: a tiny white onesie with soft lettering that read, “Can't Wait To Meet You, Daddy.” Nestled beside it were a pair of impossibly small baby socks and a positive pregnancy test.

Gideon stared.

Then blinked.

Then looked up at you, eyes already glassy.

“Wait… are you serious? You’re… we’re having a baby?”

His voice cracked on the last word. He laughed, a little breathless, a little stunned, and then dropped to his knees in front of you, arms wrapping around your waist like he never wanted to let go.

“Oh my God. Oh my God. I’m gonna be a dad. I’m gonna be a dad.”

He pulled back just enough to look at you, tears in his eyes and the biggest smile you’d ever seen on his face.

“You’re gonna be the best parent in the world. And me? I’m gonna give it everything I’ve got. I swear. Just like I give everything to you.”

He pressed his forehead gently to your stomach, holding you close in the quiet glow of the Christmas lights.

“I didn’t think today could get any better,” he whispered. “But you… you just gave me everything.”