Part Five

Through the years
We all will be together
If the Fates allow.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Wanda looked at the Christmas tree and was shocked at the number of gifts that her daughter had been given by everyone. It was Caitlyn Maryam Rogers's first Christmas and it seemed that their friends wanted to ensure that the three-month-old was spoilt as much as possible. Yet Wanda felt bless that Caitlyn was loved by the whole team, who were the best extended family she could have. The baby was snoozing softly on Steve's chest as Wanda put down a cup of coffee in front of him and she sat down with her own cup of peppermint tea.

"Do you reckon she'll sleep through the night?" she asked gently stroking the fluff of dark hair on her head.

"Maybe. She's been pretty good the last few nights," Steve replied.

Wanda gave him a look. "She was up twice last night. She definitely possesses your appetite."

"You make me sound like a pig."

"I was not suggesting anything. To think this time last year, she was just a little peanut in my stomach."

"I know right. How long until midnight?"

Wanda looked at the clock on the mantelpiece. "About five hours. You going to Mass?"

"Yes. I was thinking of bringing Caty with me."

"You really sure about that?"

"Well, if I take a bottle, she'll be okay."

"True. I'd best come with you."

"Really?"

"Well, we're a family now and we need to do things together."

Understanding her logic, Steve smiled and pressed a kiss to her lips. Later, Caitlyn was dressed in her little snowsuit and put into the car seat ready to leave. It was a very cold night as Wanda pushed the stroller to the nearby church with Steve walking beside them with his arm around her. All the other churchgoers saw that they had a new parent glow about them and the older ladies came up to coo over Caitlyn.

"She's a little heartbreaker," one commented.

"She's the double of you pet."

Wanda smiled. There really were many similarities between her and her daughter. The most notable exceptions were her eyes, which were blue, and her lips, which were bright pink. Once inside the church, Wanda put the stroller at the back and gently took Caitlyn out. Wanda knew that Caitlyn would be due a feed in an hour but for a moment, she was calm. Steve and Wanda sat in the middle pews though Steve was at the end in case he needed to settle Caitlyn. Wanda smiled as the first carol was sung. She gently rocked a sleeping Caitlyn back and forth and sang along. Six years ago, Wanda was not sure she could have ever have had something like this but with her husband by her side and her daughter in her arms, Wanda had never felt so blessed.

The End