📋 it’s Christmas morning, 2002, and the snow outside has just begun to settle on the quiet streets of New Jersey. the house is warm and filled with the soft glow of the tree lights, and this year feels extra special, it’s your baby girl’s very first Christmas, the first time she gets to see presents and decorations all around her, and the first holiday the three of you are spending together as a family.

you’re curled up on the couch, blanket over your legs, a mug between your hands. the baby’s on the rug in front of the tree, and Christopher’s sitting with her, cross-legged on the floor. he’s not half-awake anymore, he’s all in, focused, the way he gets when he’s trying to make something work.

he picks up a small box wrapped in red paper. “Alright, sweetheart,” he says quietly, holding it out to her. “Let’s see what Santa brought you, huh?”

she smacks her little hands on it, and he laughs under his breath, guiding her fingers to the edge of the paper. she tears off a corner, the sound crisp in the quiet room. he gasps dramatically, making her laugh.

you watch the way he looks at her, his whole face soft, eyes shining a little under the glow of the lights. he helps her pull away the paper until a tiny stuffed penguin appears, and she squeals, grabbing it with both hands.

“Yeah?” he murmurs. “You like him? That’s your buddy now.” he makes the penguin wobble back and forth, bumping its little head against hers. you laugh softly from the couch, and he glances up, catching you smiling. “What?” he says, grinning. “You just gonna sit there starin’ at us?”

you stand, still smiling, and cross the room, kneeling beside them, “You see that, sweetheart? Mommy came to join the party.”

you reach for the next little box and set it in front of her, guiding her hands over it. she tears at the paper, and when it comes apart, there’s a tiny pair of baby shoes, soft white ones with red bows. Chris lets out a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s gonna have more shoes than both of us put together.”

you look at him, still smiling. “Merry Christmas, Chris.” he glances up at you. “Yeah,” he says quietly. “Merry Christmas to you too.”

then he leans forward, kissing you once, before the baby squeals again between you. he laughs, “Guess someone’s jealous,” he murmurs.he looks between you and her, still smiling. “Best Christmas I ever had.”