Dinner went well allowing them to celebrate Becky's news.
While the family would have normally gone to church on Christmas, the fact that there was two feet of snow outside, put them off so they all stayed at home.
Once the kids were in bed, the adults enjoyed some eggnog before they all went to bed too knowing they would be up early in the morning.
Danny yawned as he climbed into bed.
"Tired?" Lindsay asked.
"They have a lot of energy even when playing a board game."
"You and Matt should know better than to challenge kids to play Mousetrap and Rudolph monopoly."
"He's a mathematician and although I'm not anywhere is level of genius I'm a pretty smart guy."
"I think a lot of luck was involved it's not like you were playing chess or trivial pursuit."
CSI NY CSI NY
Danny was dozing happily when a jab to his ribs drew him back to consciousness. The bed bounced.
Danny opened his eyes opened slowly to be met by four very blue eyes.
"He's awake." Annie happily announced.
"Santa did come and you have to get up." Faith told him.
"What time is it?" Danny groaned.
"Seven – o – nine." Annie read from the clock.
"Where is your aunt Lindsay?" Danny inquired.
"Here." A mumbled reply came from the bathroom along with a hand waved through the door.
"Grandma says we can't open our presents until everyone has breakfast." Faith informed him.
"She's making pancakes."
"I'll be there in a few minutes." Danny told them. That was enough for the twins who jumped off the bed and ran out the room.
Danny looked up to see Lindsay stood in the bathroom doorway, she was already dressed.
"Why do you look so perky for?" Danny inquired.
"It's a reasonable hour in New York." Lindsay reminded him. "And it's Christmas."
"Right."
"Merry Christmas." She kissed him.
"Minty." Danny replied. "Merry Christmas to you too."
Lindsay caught the glint in his eye.
"They'll be back before you even get to think about it buddy. Get up and get dressed."
"Did Matt at least get the same treatment?" Danny asked.
"The boys woke him. But you're lucky you've been allowed to sleep this late, they've been up since 5.30."
"How long have you been up?" Danny inquired.
"A while." Lindsay replied.
"So what did you buy me?"
"Cooking lessons." She gave him a quick peck and climbed off the bed.
"Seriously?" He looked at her.
"No. You can wait like the kids."
"You don't want to know what I got you?"
"I have patience and if you want pancakes you'll need to be quick the go fast."
"Montana." He groaned as she walked away.
Danny walked up behind Matt who was stood watching the family interact from the kitchen doorway.
"Have you ever seen anything like this before?" Matt asked.
"I'm Italian so I'm used to big family gatherings, but no." Danny had to admit.
"It's something."
"Yeah." Danny agreed.
Lindsay leant and whispered something to Grace. The little girl climbed off her chair and walked over to the two men.
"You want pancakes?" She asked.
"Pancakes would be good." Matt told her.
"Sounds great." Danny added.
"You can share mine, I've got chocolate syrup." Grace told Danny.
"Looks like you've got competition sis." Adam nudged his sister.
"I think I'll survive."
TBC