The crackling of the record player spinning out classic holiday tunes mixed with the warmth of the lit fireplace made this one of the best Christmases Mike has had. To have you, and your family here to celebrate, to see Abby so excited to have double the gifts she normally got… it made all of this perfect.

He watches with a fond smile as you help Abby open some of her Christmas Eve gifts. It was like a scene out of a cliche Hallmark movie.

Mike nervously pats at his back pocket, something he’s been doing all night. He breathes a sigh of relief when feeling the small box bulging out of his pocket. He needed to keep touching it, as if it would somehow disappear if he didn’t. It was very important for later in the night.

For now he hangs between your relatives, engaging in small talk without being as awkward as he’d usually be. He catches your eye for a moment, noticing your genuine smile of happiness at how well he got along with your family.

This was nice. Mike could get used to this.