CHRISTMAS
A month had passed since Tom and Sasha had decided to let fate lead the way on whether they would have a baby or not. Sasha had gotten in to see her doctor a couple of weeks ago to have her birth control removed. In just a couple more weeks, their new beginning would be starting. However, for now, it was Christmas and that meant another special first holiday for Sasha with her new family.
Sasha spent the evening talking to the kids about what traditions they'd shared with their mom and deciding which of them they wanted to continue. She didn't want to replace their mom, but wanted to help them continue their traditions to keep her memory alive. Together, they decided that on Christmas Eve, they would all make Christmas cookies and afterwards read The Christmas Story just like they used to do every year with their mom. Ashley went over to Sasha and gave her a big hug. "Thank you for helping us keep our mom's memory alive. It means so much to us." Sasha smiled at Ashley and replied, "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Christmas Eve morning, Sasha was up before everyone else. She was a little nervous about the day, but decided keeping herself busy was the best idea. She got everything ready for baking the cookies, got a ham in the oven for supper, and peeled some potatoes. As she finished the potatoes, Tom came into the kitchen. With a good morning kiss on the cheek, he asked Sasha "What are you doing up so early?" Sasha replied, "Just getting things ready for the day. What about you?" Tom spun her around and pulled her close. "I just couldn't sleep without you by my side." He stared into her eyes, a smile on his face. This would be the first Christmas since he lost Darien that he felt he would be happy, that his kids would be happy. He leaned in to kiss her tenderly as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ears. Sasha inhaled deeply. "Not now, Tom. You know what your kisses do to me." Sasha pulled back, leaving Tom wanting more. "We will have all the time in the world next week. However, it would be nice if you'd tell me where we were going." "Not a chance!" Tom said as he let her go and walked away. He had kept their honeymoon plans a secret, and he was not letting the secret out now, even if it meant she cut him off until their honeymoon.
That evening, after supper, they all gathered around in the kitchen. Sasha whispered to Tom, "Would you like to enjoy the cookie baking, just you and the kids?" Tom looked at her, a little shocked that she would ask that. "No! Sasha you are a part of this family now. Yes, this is a tradition started by Darien, but you are the one keeping it alive, helping us keep her memory alive. We want you in here with us." "Yes, please stay. We really want you to be apart of this with us." Sam said to Sasha. Ashley spoke next. "Mom wouldn't want us to stop just because she couldn't be here. She would want us to share our memories of her with someone else we love. Sasha, she would be happy you are here with us, just as we are. We love you!" Ashley and Sam both ran to hug Sasha. Ashley's words left Sasha and Tom both in tears. Sasha held them tight as the tears fell. "I love you guys, too!" She said as Tom came and wrapped his arms around them all. The love Tom felt for Sasha in that moment was greater than he'd ever felt. He didn't think he could love her more than he already did. He was wrong.
After the cookies were baked, they got a small plate of cookies and a glass of milk ready for Santa. Another tradition they were sharing with Sasha. After the kids had gone to bed, Tom held Sasha tight and whispered in her ear. "You know, those two really love you. I can't say that I'm surprised, but I am a little amazed at how wonderful you are with them." Sasha smiled at Tom. "Tom, I love those kids so much, but I don't ever want them to think I'm trying to replace their mom. I want them to keep her memory alive forever." "And thanks you they will." Tom cut her off before she could say anything else. "You know, I've got to run and pick up that special gift Danny and Kara were holding for us." Sasha smiled. The thought of the look on the kids faces the next morning when they see what she and Tom had gotten them warmed her heart. "You run and pick her up. I'll wait up for you." Sasha said to Tom. As he left, Sasha called Kara to let them know he was on his way.
The next morning came early. The kids were eager to get to the presents under the tree so they woke with the early morning light, before Tom and Sasha. They ran in and jumped in the bed with them, just as they used to do with their mom and dad. In a shocked surprise, Tom and Sasha woke with a yell. "What's wrong? What time is it?" Sasha exclaimed. Tom and the kids just burst out laughing. She looked at them, crossed her arms, and said, "Just what is so funny?" She knew they were laughing at her. "Guess you better get used to this. It happens every year. Christmas, birthdays, you name it, they'll be jumping into bed with us!" Tom said and the kids curled up with them. "So, I have to get used to this? Well then, two can play at that game!" Sasha pinned Sam down and started tickling him, followed by getting Ashley and tickling her. They all shared in the fun and laughter before getting out of bed. Tom gave Sasha a wink as he whispered in her ear, "I'll meet you guys in the living room. I'm going to go check on the package."
Everyone gathered in the living room around the tree. Tom and Sasha sat together watching the kids open their presents one by one. When all of them had been opened and the trash cleaned up, Sasha said "Wait, Tom, isn't there one more gift for the kids to open?" Tom thought for a moment, "I'm not sure. I'll go check." Tom went out the back door as Ashley and Sam looked around in wonder, talking amongst themselves. Sasha sat with the camera ready. "Look what I found. This big box just sitting on the back porch!" Tom came in carrying a large box.
"What is it?" asked Ashley and Sam. "I'm not sure." Tom replied. "Open it and see." It didn't take but a second for the box to start moving and whimpering. "Get it open!" Sam yelled at Ashley. As soon as she opened the top, out popped the most beautiful, small black and white puppy they had ever seen. "NO WAY!" Exclaimed Ashley, with tears in her eyes. "Are you guys serious? Is she really ours?!" Ashley couldn't hide her excitement. "She's really yours. She won't get very big, so if you train her, we will allow her to stay in the house." Their eyes lit up. They both ran over to Tom and Sasha and hugged them tightly. "This is the greatest Christmas ever!" Sam said, with tears in his eyes.
"I couldn't agree more." Tom said as he looked over at Sasha. "I couldn't agree more. I love you guys. And Sasha… I love you."
Sasha smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I love you, too. All of you."