Note: This is set in a sort of alternative universe where Carla didn't sleep with Robert & instead the wedding went ahead and the couple moved to Devon. At the moment it's only planned to be two chapters but we'll see.
December 2021
'Right, is everyone ready to leave now? I've got all the bags in the boot and I've double checked all the carseats so we're good to go.' Nick says as he leans against the front door.
'Luca is just a little bit concerned that Santa won't know where we've all gone to and will leave all their presents here.' Carla explains causing Nick to close the front door and make his way into the lounge where the little boy is sitting on the sofa while Carla fastens their youngest into her carseat.
'Santa will know we've gone to visit family and he'll bring your presents there. Remember Santa is always watching and knows exactly what is going on.' Nick says sitting down next to the little boy.
'When you were really, really little we went away for Christmas and Santa still knew where to bring your presents. I promise he knows where you are, Luca.' Nick adds wrapping his arm around the little boy.
'Okay.' Luca replies quietly.
'Why don't you come out with me and we'll get you and Isla in the car then mummy can bring Freya out.' Nick suggests and Luca nods his head. He glances at Carla who smiles.
'Isla is just grabbing bunny. I'll bring both girls out, can you just take the nappy bag and put it in the front seat for me?' Carla asks and Nick nods his head. Standing up, he grabs the nappy bag and puts his hand out to Luca.
'Come on then bud.' He says smiling. They make their way out to the car and he places the nappy bag on the passenger seat while Luca climbs into the backseat of the car. Smiling, Nick helps him fasten his seatbelt and gently ruffles his hair.
'You ready for our big long journey, bud?' Nick asks and Luca nods his head.
'How long is it daddy?' The four year old asks.
'A long time. Just over four hours but you'll be able to have a sleep in the car that's why we've got you all in your pyjamas.' Nick replies smiling as Carla makes her way out of the house carrying the infant carseat in one arm and using the other to prop Isla on her hip.
'Let me go help mummy.' Nick says softly. Making his way over to his wife, he takes the carseat from her causing her to smile and adjust Isla on her hip.
'Let's get this show on the road.' She says smiling at him.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Carla can't help but smile as she glances at both Luca and Isla who are fast asleep in the bed. They arrived in Manchester a little over an hour ago and have checked into the hotel for the night. It's been nearly two years since they've been back here, since they've seen family in person and not through a screen. She's not sure how Isla will even be around their family she to the fact the last time she saw them in person she was only eight months old.
'You okay?' Nick asks softly as he places his hand on her hip causing her to smile.
'Mmm... I just can't wait to see everyones faces when we turn up tomorrow and surprise them.' Carla replies quietly as he kisses the top of her head.
'I know and they'll finally get to meet our little Freya.' Nick says glancing over at the nearly five months old who is sleeping in the travel cot.
'I think this is the longest they've gone before meeting one of them, isn't it? Remember with Luca, they'd all been down by the time he was six weeks old and then with Isla she was four weeks by the time she'd met everyone. Poor Freya is nearly five months.' Carla replies and Nick nods his head.
'We needed to keep you both safe though.' He says.
'It's still a big risk coming for Christmas especially with this new variant.' She admits and he nods his head.
'I know but we're all double jabbed, the family are all double jabbed and we'll just be careful with Freya.' He says.
'I know. It's the right decision coming for Christmas. We had to get life back to some kind of normal eventually. The kids needed to see our families; I just don't know how Isla is going to react when we actually come face to face with everyone. She's already so shy as it is around other people I just don't know how it'll be with everyone there. I don't want her to get too overwhelmed.' She replies.
'We'll need to just make sure that she's comfortable at all times, that she always know where one of us is and if she's uncomfortable then we let her know that it's okay for her to have some time out away from everything.' He says causing her to smile as she yawns and leans back into his arms.
'Lets get some sleep, babe. No doubt our tiny bunch will be awake in the early hours.' He says.
'I love you.' She almost whispers.
'I love you too.' He replies.
Even now four years after becoming a mum for the first time as she looks around the hotel room, which is silent aside from occasional noises both Isla and Luca make in their sleep, she can't quite believe this is her life. She can't help but smile as she glances down at Freya who is snuggled up against her chest as she sleepily nurses. She loves moments like this in the middle of the night with a baby snuggled in her arms while the rest of the world sleeps. Growing up she never imagined herself as a mother, after losing her baby girl she didn't imagine that she'd be so lucky to be given that chance again so to be here with three beautiful children makes her heart feel so full.
