Chapter Eight
Hark, now hear the angels sing,
A king was born today.
And man will live for evermore,
Because of Christmas Day.
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ,
Was born on Christmas Day.
Boney M – Mary's Boy Child.
Tony was wondering what Pepper was hiding.
Two days before Christmas, she had come home from work surprisingly happy. It was not as though she did not like working but since having the twins, she had been increasingly exhausted.
The response to him asking her why she was so happy was, "Got all the paperwork done so I don't have a massive pile to deal with after the holidays."
"Really?"
"Yes. Am I not allowed to be happy?"
"Of course you are. I just thought you would be tired after a long day."
"I am tired and I want a bath."
"Okay, if you say so." Pepper gave him a quick peck on the lips before leaving. "Your mom is acting weird."
"You always say that," Jack commented.
"I mean she is hiding something."
"You say that a lot too," said Daniel.
"Why did they have to inherit my smart mouth?" he thought.
-o-
"Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here."
"What are you watching?" Tony asked sitting on the bed.
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," Pepper answered writing some notes on a reporter's pad. "Boys asleep?"
"Eventually. I think we need to have a word with the nanny about them napping late. What are you writing?"
"Nothing, just a to-do list for Christmas Day."
"Cook turkey."
"Thank you Captain Obvious, now I know how I married you."
"Do you want me to check anything that you have missed off?"
"No, it is fine. I think I am done."
"So, where are the presents?"
"I am not telling you where they are Tony."
"It's just so I can put them by the tree."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"I'm not saying anything," Pepper smiled before putting the reporter's pad into the draw before locking it. Pepper snuggled up to Tony and rested her head on his chest. He smiled and while she had fallen sleep he continued watching the movie until the end.
However as Pepper had fallen asleep, Tony's curiosity was increasing. Pepper would usually allow him to put the gifts under the tree, so why not this year? However it was half eleven, he was tired. He had to keep two two-year-old boys busy the next day to tire them out. Sleep was more important at the moment.
-o-
Christmas morning dawned and Pepper had organised Tony's gifts in the order she wanted him to open.
While the twins were playing with their new toys, Pepper and Tony were opening their presents to each other. By the time Tony finished, he found a box that seemed very light.
"Pepper what is this?"
"Open it and you will find out." Tony squinted his eyes in confusion. Opening the box he found it full of straw and a small yellow egg decorated with white polka dots. If he was confused before he was now utterly bewildered. Underneath the egg there was a white sheet but he wondered what was in the egg before reading it. "You have to crack the egg open."
Doing what she said, he pushed his thumb firmly so the egg would crack. Inside there was a small piece of paper rolled up. Tony sighed and unrolled the paper. Then Tony's eyes became as wide as saucers. Pepper could only nod in confirmation.
"I…I…"
"Tony?"
"This is… fantastic."
"You are at least taking it much better than last time. For obvious reasons." Tony did not say much else and just kissed her. "There is actually a letter. I just thought since the last time was far from perfect, I thought I would try to make this as perfect as possible."
Tony unfolded the sheet and found a typed letter 'from' their baby,
Dear Daddy
I would like to announce my impending long-term stay in your residence. Although my anticipated arrival is in September, my actual arrival may be unannounced, so please get ready for my visit ahead of time by preparing a comfy home with all the amenities, including bottles, diapers, plush toys and blankets. I look forward to being delivered on the expected date.
Please take extra care of Mommy, Do whatever she says and never leave her hungry. When she's hungry, I am hungry.
It's so cosy in Mommy's tummy but keep patting it and talking to me every day. I like hearing Daddy's voice.
Yours truly,
Baby Stark
