The house was filled with Christmas warmth, the scent of pine and cinnamon lingering in the air. The tree glowed softly in the corner, its twinkling lights reflecting off the ornaments, casting a gentle warmth across the room. You sat on the couch, wrapped in a cozy blanket, watching the flicker of the fireplace dance along the walls.

Mike walked over, the sound of his footsteps soft against the carpet, carrying two mugs of hot chocolate. The rich, sweet aroma filled the air as he handed you a mug, the steam curling up into the cozy atmosphere.

“Here, extra marshmallows,” he said with a small grin, his eyes warm with affection.

He settled down beside you, the cushions sinking under his weight as the two of you sat in comfortable silence, watching the Christmas tree together. The soft hum of holiday music played in the background, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly still—just the quiet peace of the holiday surrounding you both.

After a few moments, Mike broke the silence, his voice gentle, as if he had been holding back the thought for a while.

“You know, when I married your mom, I didn’t know how this would go,” he said, glancing at you, his expression thoughtful. “Being a stepdad isn’t always easy. But you… you’ve made it feel right. Like I’ve been part of this family forever.”

He smiled softly, his hand resting on his mug as he looked at you. “I know I’m not your dad, but I hope you know how much you mean to me. It’s not just about your mom and me—it’s about us, too.”