Snow fell softly as you and JJ arrived at the Christmas tree farm, your kids bouncing in the back seat. You’d seen the ad online—reindeer, crafts, and kid-friendly fun—and it seemed perfect. Your eldest was out of the car in seconds, racing to meet Sarah and John B, who stood nearby with their son, about the same age. The two kids dashed toward the reindeer pen, laughing as John B followed behind.

“Think we can bring one home?” JJ joked, lifting your youngest onto his shoulders.

Inside the lodge, the Pogues were at a long table by the craft station. Kie helped your youngest and Sarah’s boy paint ornaments while Pope supervised your eldest and John B’s son as they built a wobbly gingerbread house. “We’re one candy cane away from disaster,” Pope muttered.

JJ laughed, sliding into the seat beside you. “Still better than anything I could make,” he said, tossing a marshmallow to your youngest.

Later, the kids ran back outside, tugging you all toward the reindeer pen. “Which one’s Santa’s fastest?” John B’s son asked.

“That one,” JJ said, pointing to a large reindeer with mock seriousness. “Definitely MVP material.”

Your eldest turned to you. “Dad said we can get a reindeer!”

You shot JJ a look, and he grinned. “Spreading holiday cheer,” he said innocently.

As night fell, the group gathered by the firepit, the kids wrapped in blankets with cocoa in hand. Sarah leaned into John B, her son asleep in her lap. Kie and Pope swapped old stories while JJ pulled you closer.

“This is it,” JJ murmured, his gaze on your kids. “Everything we’ve ever wanted {{user}}.”

You rested your head against his shoulder, the warmth of family and friendship filling your heart.