The cold of the floor tickles the tips of her toes as she creeps into the living room. She's unsure of the time, but considering the silence, it must be too early for her to be awake. But she's always found comfort in the quiet of morning, and today she finds beauty.
The glow of the Christmas tree is what catches her attention first, makes the soft curves of her lips upturn at the sight of it covered in fragrant colors, twinkling lights, and a full belly of presents stacked at the base. It makes her feel like a kid again, and those same butterflies are fluttering now, animated in their excitement about the innocence and magical possibilities of the holiday.
Heavy snow is falling from the sky, floating down from the clouds like feathers from pillows, and the view captures her happiness. Her mouth opens, jaw hitting the floor as she slides up to the window.
This is their first white Christmas. And it's beautiful.
All the building are covered in snow, the window ledges filled with white tears, the streets completely vacant of people or cars, nothing but piles of unblemished powder. It's almost hypnotic.
She wants to be out there. She wants to play.
Her bottom lip slips its way between her teeth, trying to contain this anxious excitement woven through her veins.
Looking at her watch, she realizes it's too early to wake anyone, but how astounding would it be if she were the first one to walk the impeccable snow? Even better, if they were to do it together? The four of them.
This overwhelming her and she doesn't know why. She just knows that she needs him to see this, needs him to be here with her to watch how profound is it to track the snowfall.
But when she turns, he's already there. A smirk lining his unshaven face, hands folded across his chest as he leans against the door frame.
"Come join us," she murmurs, holding her hand out for him. She listens as the soft pads of his feet near her until his arms eventually wrap around her waist, hands coming to caress her swollen belly. "It's her first white Christmas."
"Hmm," he says, kissing her neck. "James's too."
They are both are gazing at her stomach, her hands coming to rest atop his gentle ones, and together they rub soothing circles for their child.
She leans back against him, head curling into his neck, but eyes still forward.
"I want to go outside," she says, a laugh bubbling up her throat.
"It's cold."
"Fresh snow is never cold. Just… delicate."
They watch it fall together, as the snow gets higher and higher, brighter and thicker. Almost four feet now.
"We'll go when James is up," he finally says, voice still deep and gruff from just waking. He kisses her neck again, making her neck tingle from the fine hairs on his chin. He tightens his embrace around her waist, hands splayed wide across her stomach, and it makes her feel warm, safe. "We can have some hot chocolate for now."
She's nodding before he can finish speaking.
"That sounds perfect."