The warmth of the bedsheets and the house was in contrast to the frigid weather outside. Outside, it snowed, the temperatures way below freezing. Meanwhile, inside the nice, cozy farmhouse, the fire was stoked and the bedsheets covering bodies.

Specifically yours and Hayden’s. Definitely yours. You both had spent the night wrapping last minute presents for your kids. That, and stuffing stockings, arranging the gifts for the kids and each other… It was a little last minute this year. Normally you were both planned months in advance, but life catches up way too fast.

Hoping to get another hour in, you stay in your bed. That is, until the door to your room opens, and onto your bed tumbles two kids. They chatter, both over one another, jumping about. “Wake up!” They said, “It’s Christmas!”

One of them unfortunately jumps right on Hayden’s stomach, causing him to groan out. He didn’t get too upset, but he did grab the child's leg. He had a small, pained smile on his face as he began to tickle the kid. “Hey, who said you could come in here, rascal?”