Eggnog and Gingerbread
Rifiuto: Non Miriena
Summary: Nothing says Christmas tradition in the Donovan household like eggnog and gingerbread. Fifth in Happy Holidays.
"Let me help, Mom. Please." Tessa Donovan gently smacked Jo's hand away.
"No. I got this. Now go sit and relax, you've had a long day, and spent most of that on a flight with five kids driving you nuts. Go, sit. Have some eggnog and a couple pieces of gingerbread. I'll be out soon." Reluctantly, Jo did as told, and thirty minutes later, Tessa joined them, pulling one of her grandchildren onto her lap. "I'm glad you and Jo could make it for Christmas, Zane. It's been too long." He chuckled softly, sipping his drink. Jo was curled into his side, head resting on his chest. His arm was tight around her, and he rubbed her side, patting her hip.
"We're glad we could come, Mom. We love Eureka, but... there's hardly anyone there come the holidays." Jo said, snatching up her husband's cup and taking a sip.
"I bet. So did Fargo give you the day off or-"
"He gave everyone at GD the week off. Of course, I had to convince a very stubborn Head of Security to take the week off as well, so that we could catch our flight out here." Zane replied, glancing at Jo. She met his eyes.
"You were going to work the week of Christmas, Jo?" Tessa asked, turning to her daughter-in-law. The young mother sat up, tightening her ponytail.
"Why wouldn't I?" Jo asked, slightly confused. Tessa started, surprised. She scoffed, gently.
"Because it's Christmas. You're supposed to spend time with your family, not work all day." Jo bit her lip.
"Oh. I... I've always...worked on Christmas Eve. I've... never not worked on Christmas Eve." Zane rolled his eyes.
"Mom never worked on Christmas."
"It was tradition, Christmas is a time for traditions. Just like eggnog and gingerbread. Just like... the traditions you started when you got married, that you'll pass on to the kids." Jo glanced over, her two oldest were watching the snow fall, a rare sight, this calm, for the Donovan children. She sighed, turning back to her mother-in-law.
"Maybe you're right. Christmas is a time for traditions. And... speaking of... can I have your gingerbread recipe? Please?"