I do not own American Horror Story: Freak Show.

And I really want to have fun with this story. :)

And Baby Makes Four

Home for the Holidays

That year, overcome with family happiness and holiday cheer, Jimmy went a little overboard with the Christmas decorations.

To put it mildly.

He wouldn't turn them on or even let his darlings see it until he was completely done.

Then . . .

"Hey, Bette! Dot! You gotta see this!"

"Just a minute, darling . . ."

". . . we're putting the baby down to sleep."

He was standing just outside the door, radiating manly, outdoor decorating pride..

"No, no, bring her too! She'll love it! There's a big Santa on the roof . . ."

"Jimmy," Bette smiled gently. "She can't see past my arm . . ."

". . . she may not appreciate them as much as you hope," Dot concluded kindly hoping not to dampen his spirits.

They needn't have worried.

He was completely unsinkable.

"Naw, it'll be great, she'll love it! Come on . . ."

I don't think I've seen him so excited about Christmas before.

I don't think I've seen so excited about anything before.

Precious man.

Yes, so precious.

So they rose from the rocker with their owlish babe in their arms.

And followed their Jimmy out into the small, now slightly crowded, yard.

"Okay, ready? . . . Ta-da!"

And there they stood, beholding a winter wonderland.

In the mild, seventy-five degree Florida evening.

"Oh wow, Jimmy. It looks like . . ."

Don't say 'a carnival', sister . . .

". . . daylight out here."

Jimmy grinned boyishly, his hooks delicately atop each slim shoulder.

"Yeah, it's great, isn't it?"

As he stood there gazing at the multicolored lights wrapped around wire shaped silhouettes of snowmen and elves and Santas and reindeer, he felt even happier and inwardly warmer than usual.

And he had the thought that if he glanced to the right just then, he'd see Ma standing there with them, smiling her pleased, knowing little smile.

Think you, uh, got enough lights on the place, son?

Naw, he'd grin impishly. Can't see it from space yet.

His darlings were lovely, bathed in the glow of the holiday extravaganza.

"I can't believe you spent so much money on decorations," Bette ventured hesitantly, knowing how consentious Jimmy usually was regarding the family finances.

Jimmy shrugged nonchalantly.

"Well, it's Annabel's first Christmas. And Pat down at the hardware store gave me a good deal for not turning his nephew into the cops when he tried to steal the store's deli slicer."

Bette looked surprised.

"Really? That old thing? It's a beast!"

Jimmy shook his head goodnaturedly a little, still staring at the lights.

"Yeah, on a dare. Nearly gave himself a hernia though. Never moved the slicer an inch. Poor kid. Found him groaning on the floor."

They shared a chuckle among them.

"Hey, what's the baby think of the lights?" he inquired eagerly after a moment. "Does she like them?"

There was a slight pause.

"Well, maybe. She's sort of . . . asleep."

Jimmy glanced down.

Was silent for a second.

Then burst forth once more.

"Naw, she's smiling, she loves it!"

She was indeed, their little milk-drunk babe. Smiling in her sleep.

Though it was likely just gas.

But they didn't tell him that.

It was one of those quiet moments where all the messes and crying bouts and sleep deprivation in the world doesn't hold a candle to the beauty and tranquility of the moment.

The only light in the room emanated from the softly glowing, tinseled and oramented Christmas tree.

The baby lay in her bassinet near them, swaddled securely in her blanket, silken little lids closed deep in sleep over her heterchromiated eyes.

Christmas music played quietly in the background.

Jimmy and his darlings snuggled together on the couch, Bette and Dot reclining against his chest. Half drowsing and conversing quietly as Christmas day drew to a close.

It had been a joyful one, filled with relaxation, good friends and family.

And of course, properly decadent Christmas food and thoughtfully chosen presents.

"It was a good day."

"A good Christmas."

"Good anniversary too."

They all smiled with contentment.

"Kathy and Thomas are throwing a New Year's Eve party," Jimmy commented lightly. "She invited us when she came into the store yesterday."

Bette and Dot were quiet.

"I know you've been stuck in the house a lot lately."

They didn't respond.

"So we could go if you like. Ask Lucy to keep Annabel."

Dot's hand stroked his cheek. Bette's, his knee.

"Would you like to?" Dot asked of him.

He shrugged a little.

"I don't care. It's up to you two."

Bette yawned widely and closed her eyes.

"I think we'd rather just stay in. And sleep."

Jimmy grinned gently.

"How about you, Dot?"

Her reply came in the form of a soft snore.

Bette giggled softly.

"Still," she murmured, her hand gliding up his thigh slowly. "I bet we could work out some sort of celebration festivities to ring in the new year."

Jimmy grinned wider.

"Think so?"

Her fingers drew soft lazy circles on the fabric of his pants.

"Mmmhmm . . ."

And then she too dozed off.

Jimmy sat there, mildly turned on and extremely sleepy.

Good idea, good idea.

He yawned, jaw cracklingly wide.

But maybe just a little nap first.

And he too, the lone familial Yuletide sentry, drifted away.

For about two minutes.

"Waaaaaahhhhhh . . ."

Okay, maybe later.

As per family decision, New Year's was a quiet, homebound affair.

Well, mostly quiet.

"Wow . . . that . . . was . . . great . . ." Jimmy gasped, collapsing prone next to his darlings.

Bette and Dot, shared bosom heaving, murmured breathy agreements.

"Sorry didn't . . . last longer," their spent husband apologized. "It's been a . . . while."

Twin giggles. A dry retort.

"We only had a baby six weeks ago, darling. Longer might not have been better."

This sobered their raging stallion and he rolled back over toward them, concerned.

"Did I hurt you?"

Bette shook her head as Dot answered.

"No, we would have stopped you if it had."

He nodded slowly.

"I hope so."

They reached out and kissed him tenderly.

"You're so sweet, Jimmy . . ."

". . . we've missed being with you like this."

He flashed them his dimples fondly.

"I've missed you two."

A beat of silence.

"Wanna go again?"

Bursts of female laughter, a hopeful grin from the man himself.

"No, not quite yet. Besides, we have to get the baby soon."

He took it in stride.

"Ok. Probably for the best anyway. I might die."

So they curled up together.

"Happy New Year, Dot. Happy New Year, Bette."

More giggles.

"Jimmy, it's only 7:30."

He yawned.

"Yeah, but . . . you know . . ."

And then they all fell asleep together.

Just for a little while.

Peace and joy to everyone, whatever you celebrate.

Thanks to DinahRay, midnightrebellion86, brigid1318, autumnrose2010, and The Cry-Wank Kid for your reviews. You guys are great!