"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart…filled it, too, with melody that would last forever." - Bess Streeter Aldrich

"But Daaaadddd…"

"What?"

"Those were for Santa!"

Mid-chew, Fitz froze like the guilt-ridden father that he was. The Cookie Police - Addison and Lucas - were staring right back at him, judging.

"I forgot," he confessed.

Addison tisked, while Lucas let out a infectious giggle.

"Oh, Dad. Every year. You forget every year."

Lucas was still laughing, watching his father's face turn red. "I'm going to tell Mommy. This is funny!"

"That's a good idea, Lukey."

As he watched the two skip away, Fitz ate the rest of his "forbidden" snack. He did forget, sort of. He just couldn't resist. The sugar cookies that Olivia made, was just so damn good. As soon as Lucas started to walk, Olivia got this baking bug. Especially for cookies. Cookies baked just right, with enough kick and softness. It was his weakness. He couldn't not eat one. Or three.

If only they knew that he was the jolly visitor who made the cookies disappear every Christmas Eve...

Olivia, sporting a red apron over her sweater and jeans, returned with the kids, smirking. "Fitzgerald, I have two angry customers. They informed me."

"He forgoooottt," Addison mimicked dramatically with rolling eyes. "He should go to timeout or something drastic!"

"Now now, Little Miss, that's a bit harsh. I think everyone is allowed some mercy during this time of the year. Don't you think?"

While Addison was contemplating Fitz's punishment, Lucas tugged at Olivia's hand. "Are you going to make more, Mommy?"

"I guess I could whip up a small batch for us to eat. It's not Daddy's fault that I make good cookies."

The kids clapped. Knowing her father was still not off the hook, Addison narrowed her eyes with a pointed finger. It was always comical to watch her reprimand him.

"Mommy will make a few more for you, but you can't eat any off this plate. It's for Santa. And whoever he brings inside. Okay?"

Crossing his arms, Fitz slowly nodded. "Okay. Yes, ma'am."

"Ma'am!" The incredulous look Addison gave him as her arms extended. "That's what you call Grandmama or Mommy!"

"You're being like her right now.

A little flustered, the first-grader shouted, "Oh, Daddy! Stop!"

Fitz decided to be a smartass, "No, you stop, Addiclaire."

Neither was budging. Olivia gave her husband a quick glare, and he relented.

"Come here."

Addison ran to him; he picked her up, like he always did when she was little. Her hands always found a way to twirl and fiddle with his hair, which was getting a little longer these days. "You're so silly," she said, "But I love you."

"To the moon and back?"

"Mmhmm," she agreed. "To the moon and back."

"That's my baby girl. Will you forgive me?"

"Yes. I forgive you."

Relieved, he thanked her. "I love you. Kiss?"

Addison scrunched her nose, before giving her father a quick peck on the lips. Fitz squeezed her tightly, rocking her back and forth. Then he lowered her down. He caught Olivia watching. It always made her happy when he and Addison reconciled.

She blew her husband a kiss from across the room.

Television off, the tree lights were on, and every room was clean. All four Grants were sitting on the couch, enjoying the view. It would be very busy the next morning, with several friends and their families, coming by for a hearty brunch. So they had to relish the quiet.

Lucas was curled on Fitz's lap, resting after an exciting day. Except for the color of his hair, they were identical. Same eyes, exact charming ways. Lukey was usually more reserved, but could warm a stranger's heart in no time. Only three years old, but he was growing constantly, sure to be tall like his father.

While they cuddled, Addison was twirling along the soft classical and jazz music playing, showing off steps she had been practicing since September. Pliés, pirouettes, balancés, and a tendu!

"Addiclaire, that's beautiful," Olivia praised. "Right, honey?"

Fitz, who usually the one who took Addison to class, was very familiar with the terminology. "Of course. You're getting better every time. So proud of you."

With a curtsy, Addison said, "Thank you. Maybe I can start taking jazz next year? It's like ballet but a little different. I get to wear pants and a t-shirt instead of a pink leotard and tights. I'll have to show you on YouTube or something."

Olivia was tickled by her daughter's enthusiasm, but didn't want to prematurely make any commitments. "We shall see. Let's wait until recital time and then we will all decide if adding another class is right for you."

Observing all of the colorfully wrapped presents, Fitz asked, "What do you think Santa got you guys?"

Lucas started to hop, so excited about what the morning could bring. "If I get a puppy, I'll be a happy clam!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, and a lightsaber, and building blocks. That'd be good too."

"Addison?"

Pursed lips, she refused to talk. Olivia and Fitz were slightly confused, but played along.

"What's going on?"

She whispered, "I think if I mention this, I could ruin everything. So I'll just wait."

Olivia appreciated Addison's logic. "That's an interesting view. I like that."

"Mommy, can we have hot chocolate before bedtime?"

It was only 8:30. During winter break, Olivia and Fitz allowed the kids to stay up until 9:30. Enough time to wind down from a traditional early dinner, already washed up and in pajamas, so they could still participate in any planned activities. Olivia looked over to Fitz, who winked back in approval.

"Sure."

Addison clasped her hands, batting her eyelashes, "Can we make it ourselves? We won't mess up."

Fitz shrugged, as Lucas wiggled away, aware of what was going on. "I guess. But I'll need to keep my eyes on you."

"Christmas is so much fun," Addison told her brother, draping her arm over his shoulder. "Mommy and Dad are so relaxed. They usually never say no."

The statement made both of them laugh.

"Is that so? Is that our M.O. now?"

"Sometimes," Olivia teased. "We're such softies. We just can't help it."

"I'm in the holiday spirit. It's certainly fine to switch it up every now and then. We both can be the good guys."

"Did you finish wrapping?"

Fitz asked for her hands, so he could massage them. She had been working extremely hard the last few days, preparing for the holiday. "Damn skippy. I went to Nordstrom's and had them take care of everything. Thank God for the staff there. Because I am no good."

"So that means we'll have time to watch a movie before bed," she sighed.

"That's right. Just you and me."

Olivia took the liberty to scoot back, so she could rest against Fitz. A soft hum escaped her lips as she tilted back to receive a wonderful kiss from him. Careful enough to not get interrupted, they just relaxed for a few minutes. Then, her ears perked. It was too quiet.

"Let me check on those two before I have a mess in the kitchen."

Fitz followed her to find Addison and Lucas scooping the premade mix into four mugs. Working together, which was a rarity.

"What are these two for," he asked.

"You!" Lucas exclaimed, "That would be shell-fish if we didn't make any for you."

Olivia kissed his forehead. "You're a sweet boy. Thank you."

"Daddy, will you heat up the milk, please," Addison inquired.

"Of course, baby."

"I have some whipped cream, if you want some," Olivia opened the refrigerator.

Lucas squealed. "My favorite!"

Ten minutes later, they were back in the living room, sipping on their individual hot chocolates. Addison always took more whipped cream, while Lucas preferred his cocoa to be extra rich and creamy. Fitz added a little bourbon to his and Liv's.

"Mmhmm."

Fitz snorted at the sight of his son, thoroughly enjoying himself. Feet wiggling, eyes closed, Lucas couldn't be bothered. When he finished, a drank brown line of sugary goodness formed into a mustache.

"Look at you, Lucas Fitzgerald!

His cheery reply, "That's me!"

Olivia retrieved his mug, eyes wide in amusement. "Since you're done now, I need you to wash your face."

Little Lukey frowned. Before he could swipe the back of his hand across his mouth, Olivia made a corrective sound.

"Uh-huh! Please go wash your face."

"But Mommy..."

Addison simply handed her brother a towel. "Just use this, Lukey. No worries."

"Okay."

Fitz covered his mouth, refraining from laughing, while Olivia raised her eyebrow at Lucas, who realized it didn't take much to follow directions.

"Thank you, Bubba. Good job."

When "The Christmas Song" began to play, Fitz could feel his heart beat faster. It reminded him of a cold December Twenty-Fourth, eight years prior, when someone turned on the classic, and he could feel the ring box inside of his pocket, waiting for the right moment to ask.

Olivia had her eyes closed, with a blissful smile, probably thinking about the same thing.

Fitz stood and asked her to dance with him. As they found some space closer to the window, Lucas and Addison were already showing off their interpretative moves.

"I love ya," she said, before lifting her eyebrows. Fitz leaned in so their noses could touch; Olivia loved to give Eskimo kisses, especially in the presence of the babies.

"This is great," he said, as she looked at him, so lovingly. The lights shining on her face, like she was an angel. Perfection in so many ways. "Christmas Eve with you will always be my favorite moment of the year."

Hope you like! Over at Doux Bebe Archives (on Tumblr), we're doing a holiday challenge ("Olitz For The Holidays"), with featured Christmas stories and one-shots - check it out!