The Secret About Christmas (9 page)

Hayden

Waking up on Christmas morning was something different entirely this year. My parents came into town, and what I thought would be a completely awkward holiday, turned out to be one of the best Christmas’ I have ever had. Once my father and me talked things out, I somehow convinced Vanessa to bring Lexie-May over and have the both of them spend Christmas with us. Although we had so many things to work out, today was about being thankful, and I was far beyond thankful for
everything
and
everyone
in my life.

Lexie-May warmed right up to me and her new grandparents, and there was no doubt in my mind that after spending time with her, that my parents would be moving out here full-time. I watched as my mother’s face lit up like the fourth of July as she danced around the living room with her granddaughter. Even my dad was laughing and smiling far more than I had ever seen in my twenty-five years. They even made Vanessa feel like part of the family, and I know that was important to her.

I sat back against the counter sipping my coffee as I watched my family fill my new house with love and laughter, when the doorbell rang. “I’ll grab it.” I shouted, but nobody even heard me. When I opened the door the last person I expected to see was Nora.

“I’m sorry to bother you. You have a minute?” I could tell by the look on her face that this conversation wasn’t going to be a pleasant one.

I reached for my coat, and pulled it on as I stepped out onto the porch. “I swear I’m going to see her today.” I held up my hands in surrender so Nora wouldn’t beat my ass as she had promised.

“Good…but that’s not why I’m here. I mean I am here because of her, but not because of that.” I could tell she was getting flustered so I placed my hands on her shoulders to steady her. “Her mom died yesterday. I didn’t think it would hit her as hard as it did, but she was in pretty bad shape, Hayden. I had to call the fire department and have them bust her door down because she wouldn’t answer. They found her on the floor in her kitchen, practically lifeless.”

“Holy shit, Nora. Is she okay?”

“She’s fine, Hayden. She’s fine, physically. Emotionally, I’m not so sure. She’s laying her mom to rest today, but she asked me not to go. She told me she needed to do it on her own. I don’t think she…”

“I just need to get dressed, and I’ll be on my way.”

“Are you sure? Hayden you have your daughter and your family here.”

“I do, but my family will understand. I’ll call you with an update in just a bit.”

“Thank you, Hayden.”

“You’re welcome, Nora.” She started walking down the steps, but stopped midway down.

“Merry Christmas, Hayden.”

“Merry Christmas, Nora.”

I ran upstairs, and threw on one of my nice suits. I wasn’t exactly sure how this was going to go down with everyone or even Noel, but I had to try. This was my chance to prove to her just how much I cared about her and needed her in my life. When I got downstairs everyone was still in the living room, playing with Lexie-May’s gifts, and when I walked in wearing a suit, the room fell silent.

“Mom, can I talk to you for a second?”

“Sure, honey.”

“Actually, I need to speak to you as well.” My father stood and I was shocked.

The three of us walked into the kitchen, and I opened my mouth to speak, but my father cut me off. “Go to her Luca. Go get your happily ever after.” He wrapped his arm around my mother and placed a loving kiss to her temple. “Trust me, the best ones are worth fighting for.”

“Thanks Dad. I’ll be back.” I ran out into the living room to let Vanessa know what was going on. “Lexie honey, I’ll be back as soon as I can. Okay?”

“Okay, Daddy.”

“Tell her I’m so sorry for her loss, Luca.”

“I will.”

I stopped and grabbed a handful of flowers that were growing between the snow patches on my way out to the car, and then I gunned it to the outskirts of town. The snow began to lightly fall as I pulled up to the cemetery. I spotted her right away, given the fact that she was the only one here on Christmas Day. I pulled my coat on and quietly exited my car. My heart sank when I saw the heartbroken look on her face. I never wanted to see her that sad…ever.

I slowly made my way over to her, and when I stepped up next to her, she didn’t make a single move. She looked beautiful in her black dress, and matching black jacket, and I couldn’t help but want to hold her. I wanted to comfort her, and let her know that I would forever be here for her, as long as she wanted me. I stepped forward and placed the flowers on her mother’s freshly covered grave, and caught sight of a stray tear falling from the corner of her eye. I stepped back next to her, my hands crossed in front of me, and I softly began to speak.

“I’m so sorry, Noel. I wish I would’ve known sooner.”

“Thank you for coming.”

Her words were ice cold, and I could tell that she didn’t want me here. “I’m sorry Noel, for everything. I wish I could go back and change it all, but then I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you like I did.”

“Do you still love me?”

Her words shocked me, and I had a hard time finding the right words to say. “I will love you til the day I die. I’m sorry, that was insensitive given the current situation. Yes…yes I do.”

She turned towards me, looking me directly in the eyes, and I had never seen a more beautiful woman in my entire life. “If you love me that much, then you will leave me alone.”

I was taken aback. “What? Why? But I was going to come to you, and beg for your forgiveness. I…”

“That’s the thing, Hayden. It’s always all about you, and your timing. Sometimes I need it to be about me, and what
I
need.”

“I know that. I do. Please, just give me the chance to prove it to you.”

“I’m sure you have your family to get back to. Please go.”

I turned to walk away. I wanted to give her exactly what she wanted. I didn’t want to push her into something she didn’t want, but then I remembered what Nora had told me. “No! I won’t go, and I won’t stop fighting for you. You are
who
I want, and I will stop at nothing until I have you. Do you hear me?”

She turned towards me, a small smile starting to form on her face. “Are you sure? What about Vanessa, and Lex?”

I closed the distance between us, and took her hands in mine. “We will work it out. They both love you just as much as I do, and I’m willing to make it work if you are.” I stood there staring into her beautiful eyes, just hoping she’d say yes.

“I am. I want to.”

Without another word, I sealed my lips over hers, and my arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her up to me as I spun her around. My entire world stopped for those few minutes that our lips moved in synch, and I was grateful for the woman in my arms. In that very moment, I knew that I would never let her feel unloved ever again, not for a single minute of a single day.

Noel

“All right y’all, dinner is ready.” I sat the bowl of mashed potatoes down as I took my seat next to my handsome husband. “I just want to say a little thank you to each and every one of you. This past year has been one of trials and tribulations, but we’ve all made it work. I can’t imagine having a more loving and caring family, and I’m thankful for each and every one of you. Thank you for being part of
our
family.”

“Cheers.” Everyone clanked glasses and took a sip of their drinks.

“I would like to say a few words if that’s okay.” Hayden stood, but held tightly onto my hand. “I know it took some getting used to, but we all made it. Lexie-May I am so thankful for you. You have brought so much joy and happiness to my life, and I love you more than words could say.”

“Thanks Daddy.”

Everyone laughed as she stood to say it, and Hayden gave her a sly little wink. “Vanessa, thank you for being such a kind and caring person. Thank you for being part of this amazing blended family. Mom and Dad, thanks for helping me grow into the man I am today. We are so thankful to have you both so close now, and I know Lexie loves having you both around so much. Nora, thank you for being the best friend my wife could ask for. You have helped beyond words, and we love you so much. Lastly, to my beautiful wife, thank you for loving me despite my flaws. Since the first day I met you, you’ve made me a better person, and I’m so thankful that you agreed to marry me.” Hayden bent over and kissed me and whispered I love you before he continued. “To my family,” we all raised our glasses, “I love each and every one of you. Merry Christmas.”

Everyone said a resounding “Merry Christmas,” and then went to eating. After we were all stuffed and happy, we made our way out to the living room. “Alright, I know we already opened gifts this morning, but I have a gift for Lexie-May and my darling husband.” I reached behind the tree and retrieved the two gifts I had been waiting the entire month to give out, and I handed them to Lex and Hayden. “Okay, open them up.”

Lexie-May got hers open first, but I don’t think she quite understood what it was. “I don’t get it.”

“What is it, Lex?” Vanessa reached out for the small silver frame, as she pulled Lexie towards her. “Do you know what this word is?” She whispered to Lexie.

“Uh-huh, it says sister.”

The room went quiet as Hayden finished opening his, and I could tell they were all on the edge of their seats with anticipation. Hayden looked up at me with unshed tears in his eyes. “Is this for real?” I nodded my head yes as tears began to fall down my face. He came running over to me and pulled me flush against him.

“What’s going on? I think we’re all a little confused.” His mother was starting to get agitated.

“We’re having a baby!” Hayden and I announced in unison.

“Oh my god, are you serious?” His mother came running over to us, wrapping us up in her tiny arms. “Oh my, another grandbaby. This is amazing.”

“I’m going to be a big sister?” Lexie-May screeched.

“Yes you are, lil miss.” I pulled her into our little family hug, and everybody else came over to join.

Once everybody set me free, I stood and made my way into the kitchen to grab some water. Not shortly after, Hayden came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my tiny belly. “Merry Christmas, Daddy.” I whispered.

“Seriously, the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for. I love you, Noel Darrington.”

“I love you, Luca Hayden Darrington.” He pressed his lips tightly against mine, and ran into the living room, picking up Lexie-May and swinging her around as she giggled with delight.

I stood back in the kitchen looking out at our little family. It may not be the conventional family that people were used to, but it was ours. I loved each and every one of these people as if they were my own, and I was thankful, especially at this time of year, that I even had a family. I picked up my mom’s picture that I kept on the desk just inside the living room, and I looked at it with a bright smile upon my face. I knew she was looking down on us, and though she couldn’t be here in her physical form, I knew that she was here with us in spirit. It was this time of year that reaffirmed my belief in magic, and all it took was a boy, and a girl named Christmas.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas….