A/N: Hello again, everyone!
A shout-out to Quilter1993, fishtrek, AwesomeTai, and Wolfie1965.
Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds.
My apologies if I made any mistakes but enjoy the chapter!
The chapter takes place on Friday morning, December 21st, 2012.
Everyone had their breakfast; Reid and Élise were all dressed for the day, and now, they're spending as much time with their children as they head off to work.
"Here you go, Ziggy," Élise carefully held Isaac. She let him put on an ornament on the decorated Christmas tree. "And…yay!" she clapped her hands. "You're getting good at this, little man."
Isaac babbled; Élise babbled back and smooched his cheeks, making him giggle.
"Mommy…"
Élise saw Séraphine strolling into the great room, dragging the popcorn garland with cranberry behind her.
"Hi, Fifi." Élise took the garland from her and stroked her head. "What do you have there?"
Reid walked into the great room with his satchel across from his chest. "Finally got it done; Fifi couldn't wait to get her tiny little hands on it."
Élise chuckled before she noticed the bandages wrapped around Reid's fingers. "How are your fingers?"
Reid looked at them and wiggled them. "It was worth it. Especially for you, little boy," he tickled his son's belly, making him giggle. "We want to make your first Christmas special."
Élise caressed his arm and gently shook Isaac. "How are you feeling about…?"
Reid sighed, knowing that someone was copying the team's solved crimes. "I'm hanging in there." He began wrapping the garland around the tree.
"You'll get whoever's doing this," Élise whispered after pulling him closer. "It may take days, weeks, maybe even months, but you'll get them. You may lose small battles, but you will ultimately win the big war."
Reid exhaled through his nose, fearing the other way around and knowing that the team had yet to catch certain unsubs and brought them to justice. But then, he perked up when he saw Séraphine playing with Opal and mimicking her movements.
Opal barked.
"Arff-arff!" Séraphine mimicked and panted with her tongue out.
"What do you think of the tree now, Fifi?"
Séraphine barked before she crawled to Reid's side and affectionately cuddled his leg.
"I take it as a yes."
Since arriving at 9:30 AM., the team focused on finishing up their paperwork and investigating the crimes someone's copying.
Reid sighed, resting his hand on his hand with his elbow on his desk, trying to see if there were any differences between the original cases and the copycat crimes.
"No doubt these victims were killed intentionally," said Reid.
"Mm-hmm," Blake agreed. "Not sure about the first victim's difference, so this was the first killing, most likely."
JJ spoke up. "From what Rossi and Hotch told us about the Silencer copycat, I really do see the differences between the two."
Morgan sighed and closed his case file, now having his index finger on his temple. "Let's think about why. I mean, we all know the reasons why."
"Copycats typically mimic another criminal's crimes, M.O.s, and/or victimologies to either find their own style or lack one," Reid mentioned. "For example, Heriberto Seda and Shinichiro Azuma copied the Zodiac Killer; we even had a case in California last year where one unsub copied several of the Zodiac Killer's murders and another one where one unsub attempted to pass off as another and copied his work."
"Mmm." Blake tapped her MontBlanc pen and rested her hand under her chin. "This unsub could possibly be female. Veronica Compton attempted to copycat the Hillside Strangler at the request of one of the killers, Kenneth Bianchi, because she fell in love with him. I mean, have you had female copycats?"
Reid mumbled, "We've had a few." he soon thought about the one case that led to Gideon's resignation and Hotch's unfortunate suspicion.
Morgan opened his file again. "I don't know, but I can't help but have this bad feeling about this one."
"But then again, when do we ever?" JJ questioned back.
Hotch and Rossi walked out of their offices and saw Reid, Morgan, JJ, and Blake still going through the copycat case files just as Garcia strolled in with her tablet.
"Anything?" Hotch asked.
Garcia exhaled. "Still nothing, sir."
"Well, just in case, we made some calls back, and they'll let us know if anything has changed."
Hotch declared, staring at a file. "I say we call it a day. We have the paperwork completed, so go home."
"So, we're just giving up?"
"No, we're not giving up; we'll try and start fresh after New Year's," said Hotch before he went through his pants pocket, got his cell phone, and immediately began dialing. "Hopefully, Jack and I can leave for New York in a few days."
"Well, you don't have to tell me twice," Morgan began packing up. "Good thing I got my ticket to Chicago booked and ready to be put into use."
"Speaking of being put into use, want to pack up your luggage for you?" Garcia stroked Morgan's arm when she approached his side.
"Please don't tell me you're going to do that in front of us," JJ remarked on her walking in on Garcia touching Morgan's bandaged stomach. "Maybe perhaps play Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus?" she whispered in Morgan's ear, making him giggle.
Reid packed away the case files and rummaged through his satchel, ensuring he had everything he needed. "Yeah, I don't think I even want to see more of that than what I've seen in a long time."
"Yeah," Garcia giggled. "While my chocolate thunder is visiting my future mother-and-sisters-in-law, how are you all spending your holidays?"
Reid replied, "Élise and I are taking the kids to her parents' place in New Jersey. Maybe we'll go to Las Vegas for New Year."
JJ breathed. "Will and I are going to New Orleans."
"Unfortunately, I'll be spending my holidays videoing with my husband," Blake sighed. "But the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, no matter where they are, so I'll be grateful for that."
Rossi smirked. "That's the spirit. And though I prefer to spend my holidays loving you all from afar, my home is welcomed to you all."
Garcia shuffled her way to Rossi and warmly hugged him. " Merry Christmas to you and to you all, my pretty elves." she strolled out of the bullpen. "I'll be watching you all from my mind."
Hotch shook his head as he pressed the phone to his ear and left for his office. "Remind me to have her drug-tested after the holidays."
Surprisingly enough, Élise got out of work early as well. And even though they worried about being late, they managed to squeeze in an important visit for someone before the official start of the holiday weekend.
"Hello, everyone."
Élise's eyes widened when she saw Dr. Pierce walk into her office and close the door behind her. "Dr. Pierce! It's been so long." she gasped. "Love the new hair color and style."
Dr. Pierce looked at her reflection in the small wall mirror. Her now-shoulder-length bob hair was now a dark brunette shade with some red. "Thought it was time for a new change." smiling again, her eye focused on Séraphine. "Hey, Séraphine. How are you doing?"
"I gad, dak," Séraphine giggled.
Dr. Pierce giggled back before turning her attention to Isaac, who was sitting on Élise's lap. "Hey, little man. How are you these days?"
Isaac babbled, "Ahhb…"
"He says 'hi,'" Reid joked, making everyone laugh.
Dr. Pierce went through her desk and pulled out her pen and clipboard. "So, standard questions: how is Isaac these days, especially since our last visit?"
Élise spoke up, "Typical baby boy: other than being adorable, he's rolling over and sitting up, began teething, babbling, grasping. We're reading to him and introducing him to different music, the latest being classic Christmas songs."
"Aw. Now that he's six months guess what time is it for you, little man," Dr. Pierce semi-baby-talked to Isaac and lightly tapped his nose, making him giggle.
Élise went along with Dr. Pierce, knowing what she meant. "Solids! We still got a bunch of recipes to do for this little guy."
"Great," Dr. Pierce asked again, "Has he started crawling yet?"
Reid answered, "Not yet, but there's no doubt in my mind he'll start soon."
"Excellent," Dr. Pierce finished jotted what she wrote before she motioned her head, wanting to talk to Élise privately. "Élise…" Élise handed Isaac to Reid; he sensed what was happening before taking everyone outside.
Once the room concluded of just the two, she gave her a sheet of paper with some questions and a pen.
Once that was done, the appointment continued with Dr. Pierce checking Isaac's weight; she took his physical and immunization shots.
"It's okay, little man," Reid tried to soothe Isaac with gentle circles and bounces as he was still fussing over Dr. Pierce's shots. "It's alright."
Dr. Pierce nodded her head and handed Sweetie Pops to them. "He still doesn't like getting his shots; that's okay. Completely understandable."
"Here you go, love," Élise unwrapped a pink one for Séraphine and gave it to her. "Thank you so much for taking us last minute, doc."
"Of course. And Merry Christmas to you all, and have a Happy New Year!" Dr. Pierce smiled.
"Ho-ho-ho!" Séraphine rubbed her small belly. "Ho-ho-ho!"
Dr. Pierce laughed. "Someone's getting into the holiday spirit."
"Hey, babe," Élise placed Séraphine's hand into Reid's free one. "I need to talk to the doctor alone."
"Okay," Reid shook his head and took the children outside with him, leaving Élise and Dr. Pierce alone again. "Happy Holidays." Élise took a seat from across from the doctor as she went over the results, placed her bag on her lap, and took deep breaths.
"Looking at your score, it was a low one, but there's no shame…"
"I know." Élise scratched her cheek and hung her head, fiddling and picking her fingernails. "I know."
Dr. Pierce pulled out a sheet for Élise again. "You know I'm always available, but just in case you want to talk to someone else."
Élise looked at the paper before neatly folding it and placing it in her bag. "Thank you."
"Of course," said Dr. Pierce with compassion. "Let's re-screen in two-four weeks, just to see if there's any change, okay?"
Élise sighed through her nose and got up from her seat, fixing herself a bit. "Okay."
Élise was in Isaac's nursery, reading a child version of A Christmas Carol to him before bedtime and rocking him in the rocking chair.
"Christmas morning had arrived. Scrooge promised himself to help people and take care of them from now on, including Tiny Tim. He invited everyone over for a Christmas party with presents at his house, leaving everyone shocked and having the greatest Christmas party ever. The End, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all."
Élise closed the book and stared at Isaac sheepishly babbling. Setting the book aside, she was ready to tuck him in when she heard a creak. Hastily turning around and clutching to Isaac tighter than ever before, it was Reid who entered the nursery.
Élise sighed. "Fifi asleep?"
"Mmm-hmm," Reid shook his head and smiled at the sight of his sleepy son. "Hey, little man? Ready for beddy-bye?"
Isaac yawned as Élise kissed him and gently laid him on his back.
"Good night, sweet prince." Élise blew a kiss at him; Reid escorted them out of the nursey and closed the door. Élise creakingly opened Fifi's nursery door and smirked at her sleeping before closing the door again. Élise breathed heavily and leaned her body against the door before Reid took her hand and led her to the bedroom.
"So, tomorrow morning, we officially start our holiday season?" Élise asked as they crawled under the comforters.
"Mmm-hmm," Reid shook his head. "When do you want to start packing up?"
Élise tilted her head and tapped her chin. "As soon as we get back." shrugging her shoulders. "Might take us a couple of days, but I think we'll be able to get it done. We still have some last-minute paperwork to get done."
"And we'll get it done," Reid took her hand and patted her palm. "But right now, starting at the stroke of midnight, we focus on our holiday trip to New Jersey."
"And possibly go to Las Vegas for the New Year?"
Reid smirked. "Yup." he gave Élise a peck on the cheek and decided to get some rest.
Élise opened her eyes, turned her head to face Reid, and said, "You know, the Mayans said that the world was going to end yesterday."
"Well, I'm glad it didn't." Reid chuckled.
Élise merrily hummed Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You as she cooked breakfast over the stove. She placed the last pancake on the stack before she noticed Reid walking in, carrying Séraphine's hand while holding Isaac; Opal followed.
"Moring, mommy!" Séraphine hugged Élise's legs.
Élise set her spatula down and stroked Séraphine's head. "Morning, love." she had Reid escort her to her seat and began giving everyone two pancakes on their plate, minus Isaac and Opal.
"Oh, what pancakes did you do this time?" Reid noticed
Élise had a seat after giving Opal her breakfast. "Red velvet pancakes with a cream cheese glaze."
"Yummy!" Séraphine babbled.
Reid had a bite. "Tasty."
"Ready to go back to New Jersey and see Grandma Geneva and Grandpa Micha, Auntie Bea, and Uncle Arthur?"
"Yay!"
Isaac babbled as Élise was feeding him; Opal barked.
"Eat up; we'll be leaving soon, okay?"
"KK!"
An hour after everyone ate, Reid and Élise got the children and Opal ready.
"Okay," Élise ogled on her Samsung, going over the itinerary. "We got everything we need? Luggage, presents, supplies, etcetera, etcetera?"
Reid helped zip up Séraphine's rose-pink coat with faux fur collar and cuffs. "Yup. We got everything we need and in the car." he fixed her matching beret. "Don't you look so adorable, Fifi?"
Élise grabbed her tote bag, strolling through the apps. "Is everyone ready?"
"Eady!" Séraphine bounced.
Isaac babbled in his car seat.
"To New Jersey we go!"
Reid opened the door for everyone locked and closed the door behind him as they walked to the car; he and Élise helped get the children and Opal in their seats. Élise clicked on the home security app on her phone and turned on the security alarm. They turned around to see Séraphine and Isaac comfortably in their car seat, and Opal buckled and in her seat.
The family drove for nearly an hour to Baltimore and stayed for over half an hour before stopping in Maryland, staying for another thirty minutes. They made it to drive to Wilmington, Delaware, for forty-five minutes and stay for twenty minutes. They stopped in Philadelphia before finally making it to New Jersey.
When they made it to Élise's parents' house, it was mid-afternoon, just as Reid estimated. He and Élise got out of their car, took the children and Opal, and made their way to the front door. Élise knocked on the door and waited for an answer.
Someone answered.
"Hey, pop!"
Élise's father, Mr. Micha, opened the door and smiled.
"Hey-hey-hey, everybody," he allowed the family to enter the house. Opal wiped her feet on the mat, dashed into the living room, chased her tail for a couple of seconds before she took a nap in the other corner.
"How ya doin', dad?" Élise gave her father a warm hug.
"Mmm…I'm good."
Séraphine hugged his legs. "Granpa!"
"Heeyyy," Mr. Micha lifted Séraphine. "How's my favorite granddaughter?"
"Miikke…" a voice echoed to the small foyer. It was Élise's mother, Ms. Geneva.
"Hey, ma!" Élise waved.
Ms. Geneva made her way to the group and started hugging everyone. "How's everyone doing?"
Isaac babbled, "Ahhab…"
"Ooh, look at you, little man," Mr. Micha goofily mimicked his grandson. "You so big, little man."
"Do you want something to eat?" Ms. Geneva back pointed to the kitchen. "I reheated some leftover pasta."
Reid answered, "Yes, please."
After everyone got settled in the guest bedroom, the Bastien-Reid family relaxed and had a quick dinner, and before anyone knew it, it was already time for bed.
Reid and Élise tucked in and kissed their children good night; Isaac in his portable crib and Séraphine gently on her back between the two of them.
"Ready for the start of tomorrow?" Reid whispered.
Élise replied, "Most definitely. Tomorrow, we're going to go see Santa, attend a holiday event at Rutgers, visit a shelter and volunteer, and more to come until the end."
"Oh, I can't wait."
Élise smirked. "Nor can I."
Élise yawned, covering her mouth with her balled fist, as she strolled into the kitchen, where she saw Séraphine help her dad make breakfast.
"Morning, everyone," she waved to everyone.
Séraphine flapped her hand as she helped her maternal grandfather stir the bowl. "Moring, mom…"
"Morning," Mr. Micha stood behind Séraphine and secured her hand while helping her stir. "Careful now…there you go."
Élise sat down at the table in the dining room and asked, "So, what's for breakfast?"
"Buttermilk pancakes."
Reid walked into the kitchen, carrying Isaac in his arms. "Morning, everyone."
"Morning."
Reid rested Isaac on his lap as he sat by Élise at the table. Sniffing his nose, "Are we having pancakes for breakfast?"
"Yes, we are," answered Mr. Micha as he and Séraphine finished stirring the bowl and gently poured some of the batter into the small black skillet.
"You know, I saw a recipe online where you shape the head and ears into Rudolph's and the bacon stripes as his antlers."
Séraphine gasped and her eyes beamed. "Yay!"
"You want us to do that, Fifi?" Reid asked as he bounced Isaac on his knee.
"Yah, peaze!"
After the family had their breakfast, Reid and Élise decided to take their children to the Short Hill Mall to pick up some last-minute Christmas shopping done and to take them to see Santa Claus.
"Fifi, over here!" Reid exclaimed as he and Élise caught Séraphine's attention and waved to her as she met Santa Claus and asked her what she wanted for Christmas. Reid laughed as he waved back at her.
Élise proudly smiled as she sprung Isaac in her arms after his visit with Santa. "You know, I wanted to wait in line with her, but she said she wanted to do it herself." she felt a tear and her voice cracking a bit, placing her hand on her heart. "She's growing up so fast."
Reid sighed reflectively. "Yeah."
"Next year, she'll be two." Élise now had her hand over her mouth. "Soon, she'll be three, then four, then eight, eighteen; already having a life of her own."
Reid was now starting to feel the headrush. "Oh, man…"
Élise was far from finished, already envisioning Séraphine older. "Then she'll be married and have children, our grandchildren..."
Reid started to have that queasy feeling in his stomach. "Élise, she's still in pullup diapers."
Élise exhaled, fanning herself to ease the chills running through her body. "Still, Spence…this year has been full of surprises." she looked at Isaac and adjusted his candy cane themed beanie. "You were the biggest surprise of them all."
"Yeah," Reid reflected on what Élise was trying. Other than the birth of his son, this year has been full of surprises.
There was Prentiss leaving the team to accept a job offer at Interpol, and he knew part of the reason she accepted it was because of Ian Doyle.
At least Alex Blake joined the team and already had good relations with them.
His cousins Anna got married, making Nathan his cousin-in-law; John and Melissa had another child; making Ethel and Gordon grandparents again.
He helped the FBI win against the Secret Service.
But now, hearing someone's replicating the team's past crime, it was a lot to handle and hear.
Yet he and Élise managed to get through that.
"What do you think next year would bring?" Reid wondered.
Élise replied, "I'm just trying to take one step of the time." Especially since whoever was stalking her stopped, she just doesn't know yet. Nevertheless, this is not the time to think about it. "But every day, I'm grateful and thankful for what I have."
Reid took Élise's arm and pulled her closer to him. "Yeah." he kissed her head before kissing Isaac's face, making him coo and yawn. Tapping her shoulder again, he pointed to Séraphine getting off Santa's lap and being escorted by a female elf.
"How'd it good, princess?"
Séraphine giggled. "Gah."
Élise squatted a bit. "What'd you wish you?"
"I can't say," Séraphine giggled.
"Your daughter's adorable," the female elf said.
"Thank you," Reid picked Séraphine up and began carrying her, leaving with Élise and Isaac by their side. They made a few more stops at some stores before leaving.
After the children had their naps and relaxed a bit, Reid and Élise decided to take them to Arthur and Brenda's place.
"Here comes the train, little guy," Élise attempted to feed Isaac his first taste of pureed sweet potato; Reid started filming on his phone. "Choo-choo." putting the spoon in his mouth, everyone at the table, including Séraphine, watched with interest.
"The train's gone smoothly." Reid pumped his fist.
"Good job, Ziggy," Brenda clapped.
Arthur smirked. "You like it?"
Isaac babbled. "Ahhab," he soon blew a raspberry while sticking his tongue out, making everyone laugh.
"So, what are your New Year Resolutions?" asked Élise before she had a small bite of her prime rib.
"Mmm…" Arthur cocked his mouth. "I don't know."
"Same, so who knows?" Brenda shrugged. "Just taking every day a step at a time."
"Exactly what I said," Élise scooped a small spoonful. "Want a small taste of mommy's puree carrots?"
"Abb…ab" Isaac babbled, opening his mouth and allowing Élise to the small drop of food in his mouth before he slowly drooled it out.
"I take it he doesn't like puree carrots yet," Reid nodded.
After everyone had their lunch and the children had their naps, everyone regrouped to the living room.
"Okay, everyone," Élise sat next to Reid on the plush brown couch and had Isaac on her lap. "Since today's Christmas Eve, we each get to open one present."
"Yay!" sitting crisscrossed on the carpeted floor, Séraphine cheered.
Élise handed out holiday gift bags to her parents, Arthur and Brenda, and pulled out red-and-green wrapped presents for herself, Reid, Isaac, and Séraphine. Everyone unwrapped their gifts and showed them off.
It was a black cotton shirt with red checkered pants.
"Matching Christmas pajamas?" Arthur observed it. "These actually look cool."
Ms. Geneva replied while playing with the long-sleeves, "I'll admit, I'm usually not into long-sleeve, but this looks comfortable."
"You want us to wear these right now?" Brenda asked.
Élise shrugged. "Why not? And maybe we can take a selfie." she waved her phone.
"This ought to be fun," Reid commented.
Everybody changed into the matching Christmas pajamas and posed for a few selfies.
Élise danced to some Rocking Around the Christmas Tree on the holiday playlist on her phone while cooking a surprise breakfast feast for her family.
She pulled some fresh baked goods from the oven when she noticed someone walking in the kitchen.
It was her parents, Reid, Séraphine, and Isaac.
"Morning, Lisey," Mr. Micha opened his arms, stretched, and smiled.
Reid exclaimed, bouncing Isaac. "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, everyone," Élise gave her parents loving hugs before she gave them clean white porcelain plates. "I've been up for nearly an hour getting all this done."
All this was crescent rolls, bacon strips, triple berry French toast, fruit salad, Christmas tree shaped waffles and pancakes, freshly squeezed orange juice, and cranberry juice.
"Wow," Reid helped Séraphine to her seat and sat down with a cooing Isaac on his lap. "You went all out."
"Yup," Élise took a waffle, a pancake, a couple pieces of bacon, a roll, and a French toast for her and the same for Reid and Séraphine.
Ms. Geneva fixed a plate for herself and Mr. Micha. "Well, thank you so much for this."
After breakfast, the families relaxed for a while before Arthur and Brenda arrived.
Soon came the exchanging of the Christmas presents opening.
Ms. Geneva gave Reid and Élise a small Christmas tree wrapped papered box with a matching bow. "This gift's for Séraphine, and it's from all of us."
Reid sat down next to her and helped Séraphine unwrapped her gift. Gasping, "It's a piggy bank." he dug into his pockets and reached for a penny. "What you do; when you find money, like this penny, you tuck it in its slot." Reid dropped the penny into the pink plastic pig toy. "And in the future, when you save up your money, you can take it out of its belly." he pointed to the pig's covered belly hole.
"Tank you," Séraphine hugged her grandparents.
Ms. Geneva gushed. "Aw, you're welcome."
"And we got this present for little Ziggy," Mr. Micha presented a long candy cane themed wrapped present.
Élise gently took the gift from her father, opened it for Isaac, and gasped. "It's a little piano." she smoothly placed Isaac on the floor and the piano in front of him and allowed him to play with it, making him laugh and giggle.
"Aw, look at him!" Brenda prattled, waving to him. "Give him some black sunglasses, and he's Stevie Wonder."
Reid picked him up real quick to have his grandparents, uncle, and aunt a hug. "Say 'thank you.'"
Isaac babbled.
"And our gifts to you both…" Élise handed her parents, brother, and sister-in-law two white envelopes.
Their mouths dropped when they opened their envelopes.
"Cool!" Brenda pulled out two tickets and a small colorful mini brochure. "First-class roundtrip tickets to Jamaica! And hotel reservations to the Sandals Royal Plantation. Sounds fancy." she smirked and raised her eyebrows.
Élise explained. "I checked it out online, and it sounds great. Two-tiered whirlpool, spa, two tennis courts, and white sand-covered beaches. Even scuba diving."
"Scuba diving?" Arthur asked in disbelief before he pursed his mouth to think. "Sounds cool." he hugged Élise. "Thanks, sis."
"Anytime, bro."
Her parents opened their envelopes. "Wow. Tickets to St. Croix. Exactly what we needed."
Élise twisted her mouth as she coaxed Isaac into her arms. "What do you mean?"
"Remember when you won the lottery?" Ms. Geneva reminisced. "And one of the first things you bought me was that big property in St. Croix?"
"Yeah?"
Ms. Geneva pulled out her phone and showed Élise a photo gallery.
It was a large yellow-painted villa-style house on acres on land, surrounded by tropical trees. Strolling through the gallery, Élise saw pictures of the house's bedrooms, bathrooms, decked-out kitchen, and a pool.
"Wow," an amazed Élise said. She remembers when she first bought the property years ago; it was a small little home, and she looked at it now. "The place looks amazing."
Élise gave her mother back her phone. "How long have you've been renovating the place?"
"For some time now," Ms. Geneva replied. "After you had Séraphine, I decided to knock down some walls and renovate the place. Added a few square feet, a pool."
"Interesting."
Ms. Geneva sighed. "Plus, we plan on moving."
"Where?" Arthur wondered.
"St. Croix."
Arthur, Élise, and even Reid and Brenda felt chills going down their bodies and blinked hard.
Élise breathed, "You're leaving the States?"
"Not right now," said Ms. Geneva. "Maybe in a few years or sooner than that."
"You two are grown and have your own families here," Mr. Micha shrugged. "We've had great times in the States, but now, we felt it was time to move on."
"So, what about this house?" Arthur asked.
"Either you or Élise can have it," Ms. Geneva answered as she was given a present by Arthur and Brenda. "Maybe share, renovate the house yourselves or sell it when the time's right."
Élise perked a small smile. "Well, thanks for raising two great people."
"We did our best," Ms. Geneva finished unwrapping her present, and it was a lightweight cashmere cardigan. "Ooh, this is nice."
"Ooh, I like this," Mr. Micha observed the blue fleece hoodie and sweatpants before looking at the size tag. "Oh, so I'm really this size now."
"Well, you have been losing the weight, minus the semi-small belly," Arthur joked and pointed to his father's small beer gut, making everyone snicker.
Before Arthur and Brenda left, the family spent the rest of Christmas Day receiving and opening more presents and had a Christmas dinner. Reid and Élise watched classic Christmas movies and specials with Séraphine and Isaac, cooked and ate cookies with milk.
Élise sighed as she organized the Bastien-Reid family album. She finished scrapbooking the section she entitled Christmas of 2012. She picked up the book and immediately smiled.
Reid walked out of the bathroom with Séraphine, already sleeping with her head on his shoulder. He noted Élise looking at the album book. Standing over her shoulders, he chuckled at Isaac playing with his piano toy and guitar Mr. Micha gave him.
"Look at this one," Élise pointed to the picture of Séraphine playing with the xylophone toy Séraphine got and one of their two children playing their toy instruments together.
Reid breathed. "Yawn." Kissing his daughter on her temple and watching Isaac sleep in his portable crib. "I say we made this Christmas day a success."
"Merry Christmas, baby."
The two adults engaged in a passionate kiss.