Christmas Advent
Chapter 25-December 25th
Mike smiled early the next morning. Light was just beginning to stream through the windows but Christine cuddled close. They had talked until the wee hours of the morning, made love and then fell asleep in each other's arms. She knew about Andrea and seemed more upset that he had lost someone he cared about. He kissed her forehead and smiled as she opened her eyes.
"Figured I would wake you up before the twins did. They are likely to be hitting the door pretty soon." Mike said. Christine stretched and gave a sleepy yawn.
"I need to get that casserole in the oven too." Christine said as she sat up. They had both put their pajamas back on hours before. Mike gave her a kiss before they both stood up.
"Last night was wonderful. Thank you." Mike said.
"You're welcome. Since I wouldn't let you buy me a present; that was your present to me." Christine answered with a laugh.
"Well; about that, I got a feeling that whoever was leaving the packages was a woman; so I got a gift. Here, you go." Mike said. He opened his nightstand drawer and pulled out a jewelry box. He handed it to Christine and she opened it and gasped.
"Oh, Mike." Christine said as she looked at the simple diamond necklace. Mike gently took it out of the box, moved her hair out of the way and put it on for Christine. He kissed the back of her head before she turned around and gave him a long kiss. "It's beautiful. Thank you." Christine said. Just then; they heard Max and Ella in the hallway, looking for Christine. Mike opened the door and smiled as Max jumped into his arms.
"Did you sleep good?" Mike asked the little boy who had already wormed his way into his heart. He just wished Ella was as accepting.
"Yeah. Our bed was warm." Ella said shyly. She was admiring Christine's new necklace.
"I'm glad." Mike said. Christine gave Ella her hand and they all walked out of the bedroom. Mike was a bit surprised to find Katie and Hannah waiting on them.
"I put the casserole in the oven and Hannah separated the gifts out." Katie said.
"Oh, pretty; Mom!" Hannah exclaimed as she saw the necklace.
"Your dad had it for me." Christine said. Mike didn't miss the happy look on Ella's face. He had figured out one thing; Ella loved Christine.
"Do you kids want to open presents?" Mike asked. Max nodded and they all began the trek downstairs.
"Okay; Max; you on this chair. Ella; you here. Katie; you have the other chair. Mom and Daddy; on the couch." Hannah said.
"Yes; ma'am. I knew the wrapping paper meant something." Mike said. Christine had gotten coffee and settled next to him.
"I had wondered if you had figured that out." Christine said. She squeezed his knee before smiling at Max. "Go!" Christine said and all four kids began opening presents. The next several minutes was a whirlwind but Mike loved every second of it. Aside from a few gifts for him; there weren't many for him or Christine; but neither minded because they were together and their kids were happy. Mike would be thrilled if all Christmas's were just like this one.
His house was filled with laughter and teasing. They ate breakfast and then Christine and Katie began cooking their Christmas dinner. Mike and Hannah kept Max and Ella occupied; which was a bit easier with new toys and games. Throughout the day; he received many texts from his crew and friends; wishing him and his family a Merry Christmas; telling Mike a lot of people had been involved in the 'Advent' game. And he didn't mind in the least.