I am so, so sorry for not posting on December 25, 2017. Just had family visiting and they didn't leave until very, very late. I had tried all day yesterday (December 26, 2017) to submit this chapter and kept getting an error message. Finally sent a message to the site's support team but haven't head back from them and decided to give it another shot this morning and looks like everything is okay now. Yay!
Born2Try prompt: I have a suggestion why not revisit "Held Captive"' so we can see how Beca does Christmas, for Chloe, Emily, and the girls. Maybe it could include Emily seeing Santa for the first time.
Quick recap in case you haven't read "Held Captive": Beca is a detective and Chloe has been missing for two years. Chloe is finally found along with two other girls, Denise and Ashley, and Chloe's 14-month-old daughter, Emily (who was born while Chloe was held captive). Beca falls in love with Chloe and adopts Emily. Ashley's family life before she was captured wasn't good and Beca saves Ashley's 15-year-old sister, Amanda, from the same fate. Beca and Chloe get married and adopt Amanda as their daughter. Denise's only living relative was her grandmother; she had died a few months before Denise was found. Beca welcomed them all into her home and helped them continue their college educations and be a part of a loving family.
Detective Beca Mitchell cannot believe how much her life has changed in the last 7 months. She found and married the love of her life. Adopted not one, but two daughters, and gained three 'sisters', and the greatest in-laws ever. Her youngest daughter, Emily, was just 20 months old and Beca lived for the firsts she was able to do with Emily. She was able to be a part of her first taste of ice cream, her first trip to the zoo, and her first time seeing fireworks on the 4th of July. Her first Halloween was as much fun for Beca as it was for Emily. Emily was dressed as a Cop and Beca dressed as a prisoner and carried Emily from house to house. Now, she was going to have her first Thanksgiving.
Beca woke up smiling every morning, and today was no exception. She kissed her gorgeous wife, Chloe, and quietly climbed out of bed. She showered and threw on some sweats and a hoodie before checking on Emily. She smiled at her as she watched Emily sleeping. She then went downstairs to make breakfast before the kitchen was overtaken by Mama B and the girls to cook Thanksgiving dinner.
Beca was just taking the frittatas out of the oven when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. She got out plates and eating utensils and set everything out on the counter. She poured Chloe's coffee and added cream and sugar. Chloe came in with Emily in her arms. Beca kissed them both and handed Chloe her coffee. Denise and Ashley came in. Ashley was 7 1/2 months pregnant. Her best friend, Jesse, was in love with Ashley and, even though he hadn't said anything, Beca thinks he might propose at Christmas.
Thanksgiving dinner saw the whole family around the table. Emily loved the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. She wasn't a big fan of the sweet potatoes or the green bean casserole. She loved the pumpkin pie and Beca had to give her a bath after she finished eating her dessert. She somehow managed to get it all over herself.
Beca woke the day after Thanksgiving with a bigger smile than usual. She had a team of decorators coming to decorate the entire house for Christmas. This would be Emily's first real Christmas and the first Christmas with Chloe and the girls. Beca was determined to have The. Best. Christmas. Ever.
Beca sent Chloe and all the girls on a Black Friday shopping spree. The decorators showed up 10 minutes after everyone was gone. Beca supervised the decorating but left the tree bare so they could decorate it as a family. It was a somewhat overcast day, which Beca was thankful for because she could see how the outside lights and decorations looked when they were turned on to make sure everything worked. Beca was thrilled with how everything turned out and gave the workers a huge tip as a thank you.
Beca sent Chloe a text asking when they might be home. She received a reply saying they were on their way and would be home in about 10 minutes. Beca got excited and went to the door to wait until Chloe had pulled into the driveway. Beca waited until Chloe got Emily out of the car before she switched on the lights. Beca watched as Emily's face lit up and she clapping and squealing, turning her head and eyes trying to see everything at once.
Beca walked out with a huge smile on her face. Emily reached out for her and Beca took her. She kissed Chloe and started walking Emily around to see all the lights. Chloe, Denise, and Amanda walked with them as Beca showed them everything. Ashley, unfortunately, had to hurry inside to use the bathroom. She came back out a few minutes later.
"You guys need to come see inside," Ashley said with a big smile.
Beca led the way and the others stopped as soon as they stepped inside the door.
"Beca," Chloe said looking around. "This is amazing. How did you do all this?"
"I had some help," Beca said walking over to Chloe. "I left the tree bare so that we could all decorate it together. My grandma used to make us hot chocolate and cookies and we'd always decorate the tree as a family. I want to continue that tradition with my family."
"You really are one of a kind, Beca Mitchell," Chloe said and kissed Beca.
"I just want Emily's first real Christmas to be special," Beca said. "Plus, it's our first Christmas together, and it's our first Christmas with Amanda, Ashley, and Denise."
"It's going to be amazing," Chloe said giving Beca another quick kiss.
"And don't think I forgot about your birthday coming up," Beca said.
"You don't have to do anything extravagant for my birthday," Chloe said. "Just something low key with the family is fine."
"How about a nice dinner party with family and friends?," Beca said.
"That sounds nice," Chloe said. "I'd like that."
"Good," Beca said. "It's already planned. And, we're all dressing up for the occasion. I'm having the caterer who did our reception do the food. Your mom is baking your cake."
"Oh, my gosh," Chloe said with a laugh. "My birthday is a month away and you've already planed all that?"
"Yep," Beca said. "You gotta strike early when your wife's birthday is three days after Christmas. Which also means, it's three days before New Year's."
"Hey, Beca," Denise says. "This is awesome. My grandma had a little artificial tree that we put up every year. That was the only thing we decorated."
"We didn't really decorate," Amanda said. "It was just another day."
Chloe and Ashley both went over to Amanda and gave her a hug.
"Those days are over," Ashley told her and kissed her on the side of her head.
"Hey, girls," Beca said getting everyone's attention. "I'm going to need your Christmas lists ASAP."
"Beca," Denise said. "What do we have left to ask for? You gave us a home, new laptops, new phones, new wardrobes, and new cars. Seriously, what's left?"
"She's right, Beca," Ashley said.
"I'm with them, mom," Amanda said.
"Chlo?," Beca looks to her wife who is just shaking her head.
"Nope," Chloe said. "Can't think of anything either."
"Come on," Beca said looking at each of them. "There's got to be something you've always wanted but never got. Now's your chance to get it."
"Face it, Beca," Denise said and she got up and put her around the Detective. "You've literally given us everything we could need or want. I'm going to go see what I can fix for dinner."
"I'll help," Amanda said and followed Denise into the kitchen.
"And, surprise, surprise," Ashley said. "I have to pee again."
Ashley heads off to the bathroom. Chloe goes over to Beca and wraps her arms around her and Emily. Beca looked sad.
"I'm sorry, babe," Chloe said kissing Beca. "I'll talk to the girls and maybe we can come up with something as a family."
"Well," Beca said. "At least I have Emily to get stuff for. I can't wait to go shopping for her."
"Don't go overboard," Chloe said. "You buy her everything she wants already."
"I can't help it," Beca said with a smile. "I love spoiling my girls."
"I'm going to go see if I can help with dinner," Chloe said taking Emily. "Why don't you go relax for a bit."
"Okay," Beca said.
Chloe went into the kitchen to find the girls discussing what to have for dinner.
"Hey, girls, can I talk to you for a sec?," Chloe asked.
"Sure, Chlo," Denise said. "What's up?"
"Beca's kind of bummed," Chloe said. "She really wants this Christmas to be super special since it's our first together. And, especially since it's Emily's first real Christmas. And I know that no matter what we say, she'll come up with something super amazing for all of us. So, I was hoping we could come up with something special for her."
"Maybe we should ask Jesse," Ashley suggested. "Or Arizona or Stacie for ideas. They've known her longer and may know if there's something she might want."
"That's a good idea," Denise said. "Ashley can ask Jesse. And, Chloe, can you ask Arizona and Stacie?"
"Definitely," Chloe said. "I'll call them tomorrow. We need some time to get this together."
"Can we have leftovers for dinner?," Amanda asks. "I'd love a turkey sandwich and some stuffing."
"That does sound good," Ashley said.
"I'm all for it," Denise said.
"Canby sauce," Emily said and clapped.
"Looks like Emily's in," Chloe said with a laugh. "Can you guys start pulling everything out? I'm going to go get Beca."
Chloe leaves the kitchen and goes looking for Beca. She's not in the living room so she goes up to their room. She's finds her sitting in her chair by the window, staring out. In her hand she has a note pad and pencil.
"Penny for your thoughts," Chloe says as she sits on Beca's lap.
"I have an idea of what to do for your folks for Christmas," Beca said. "Hear me out before you say no."
"Beca," Chloe said. "What are you scheming?"
"Not a scheme," Beca said. "A way to make things easier for them, financially."
"How are you going to do that?," Chloe asked playing with a strand of Beca's hair.
"By paying off their mortgage?," Beca says and scrunches her face, waiting for Chloe's reaction.
Chloe stops playing with Beca's hair and doesn't say anything. She looks at Beca and opens her mouth to say something, but then closes it without uttering a word.
"Your mom was talking about how your dad wants to retire but can't," Beca explained. "They have the mortgage and Charlotte's tuition took all their savings, so things have really been tight. They lost money when they sold their house in Tampa to move here. They are like my parents and I want to do whatever it takes to make their lives easier. And I have the means, so why not? Right?"
Chloe was still having a hard time processing what Beca is saying. She knows that Beca has a kind heart and she never ceases to surprise her.
"Chlo?," Beca says quietly. "Can you say something? Please."
Chloe doesn't say anything. She looks at Beca and cups her cheek. She leans down and captures Beca's lips in a loving kiss.
"You are amazing," Chloe whispers as she pulls back from the kiss. "I can't think of a better gift. Just be prepared for some pushback from my dad. He is a proud man and wants to provide for his family."
"I know," Beca said. "That's why I'm going to ask them to let me do it instead of just doing it."
"Then yes," Chloe said. "Let's do it."
Beca smiled and kissed Chloe again.
"Thank you," Beca said.
"We're having leftovers for dinner," Chloe said standing up and holding out her hand for Beca to take. "Come on."
Beca takes Chloe's hand and they go down to the kitchen. It takes two weeks to convince Mr. Beale to let Beca pay off the mortgage for him. She told him she would take care of it before the New Year and he seemed reluctantly okay with it. Beca thinks Mama B had a lot to do with his change of heart and accepting the gift.
Two weeks before Christmas, Beca was sitting in her travel agent's office scheduling a trip to Disney World for the whole family. She had thought of the perfect gift. While there she is also scheduling a trip for her and Chloe to Hawaii as a belated honeymoon/birthday present for Chloe. This really was going to be the best Christmas ever.
Beca hurried home from the travel agent's office because she had promised Emily and Amanda they would go see Santa Claus. She couldn't wait to see Emily's reaction when she sat on Santa's lap. Beca parked her Mustang in the garage and entered the house.
"Chloe?," Beca called out. "I'm home. Are you and the girls ready? Chlo?"
"Hey, babe," Chloe said as she met Beca coming out of the kitchen.
"You girls ready for Santa?," Beca asked after giving Chloe a kiss hello.
"We are," Chloe said. "Let me get Emily and Amanda."
Chloe hurried upstairs to get the girls. Beca was humming "Silent Night" while waiting for them. She got big smile on her face when she saw her daughters. Emily was dressed in a red velvet dress with white tights, and Amanda was in red dress slacks and a white shirt.
"Well, don't you two look festive," Beca said hugging Amanda and giving Emily a kiss on the cheek. "Ready to go see Santa?"
"Yes," Emily says and giggles.
"Let's go," Beca said and led the way to the garage.
They were at the mall and Beca was looking for a place to park. She finally opted to drop the girls at the entrance to the mall and go park.
"I'll meet you in the line for Santa," Beca said as Chloe got out of the car.
Beca drove to the far edges of the mall and parked. She hurried inside and finally found Santa's Workshop and got in line with Chloe, Emily, and Amanda. The line wasn't as long as Beca expected it to be. Even with the short line, Emily got bored after only five minutes of waiting. Chloe hands off Emily to Beca. Beca talks to Emily about Santa and getting her picture taken.
"Sing, mommy," Emily said.
"Mommy can't sing now," Beca said looking around at all the people standing in line. "Too many people."
"Please," Emily said. "Sing."
Emily pulled out the big guns and pouted and gave Beca the puppy dog eyes. Chloe tried to hide her smile behind her hand.
"I blame you for this," Beca said glaring at Chloe. "Fine. I'll sing."
Emily squealed and clapped her hands. Amanda and Chloe stood silently by, smiling. Beca decided to go with a Christmas classic. She took a breath and started singing "Silent Night." The line moved a bit and she kept singing. By the time she finished they have moved up more. The people around her applauded and Beca blushed bright red.
"How about we let mommy take a break," Chloe said and took Emily from Beca. "Want mama to sing to you?"
"No, mommy," Emily said.
"How about mommy and mama sing, together?" Beca said.
"Yes," Emily said and smiled.
"I know just the song," Chloe said to Beca. "Follow my lead."
"Okay," Beca said.
Chloe handed Emily to Amanda and stood next to Beca. Beca rolled her eyes as soon as Chloe started to sing.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true oh
All I want for Christmas is you
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need,
and I Don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
Chloe and Beca both pointed at Emily and Chloe danced around Beca. Beca was smiling as she continued singing.
I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow, and I
I just wanna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
Chloe gives Beca a quick kiss on the cheek, causing Emily to giggle.
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake
To hear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Oh, Baby all I want for Christmas is you
All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me
The one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me quickly
I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just wanna see my baby
Standing right outside my door
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
Emily clapped and giggled when her mothers finished their song. The others in line joined in. Chloe thanked everyone and Beca blushed over everyone making such a fuss, although the smile never left her face.
They were finally at the front of the line and Beca was holding Emily. Amanda pointed to Santa to get Emily to turn around and look. Her eyes got big and her little mouth formed an O. She looked at Chloe and Chloe smiled at her.
"Santa," Emily said and giggled.
"Yes, Em," Chloe said. "That's Santa. You're going to get your picture taken with Santa and Amanda."
"Manda?," Emily asked looking at her.
"Yep," Amanda said. "You and me, kid."
It was finally their turn and Amanda carried Emily over to Santa, while Beca and Chloe stood back near the photographer. Emily was fine until Santa gave a throaty 'Ho Ho Ho'. Her eyes teared up and her bottom lip quivered.
"It's okay, Emily," Amanda said. "That's just how Santa says hello."
Emily sniffled a little and then looked at Santa. Santa looked back at her and smiled.
"Hello, Emily," Stanta said. "Who's this with you?"
"Manda," Emily said and buried her head in Amanda's shoulder.
"Emily," Amanda said getting Emily to look up at her. "Let's sit on Santa's lap and get our picture taken. Okay?"
"No," Emily said and tried to get down.
"Come on, Em," Beca said walking closer to Emily. "Just sit here for a minute and the we can go. Okay?"
"No," Emily said again tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Please, Em," Beca said looking back at the line. "Other kids want to see Santa."
"Do Olaf," Chloe told Beca walking up next to her.
"What?," Beca asked.
"Olaf, from Frozen," Chloe said. "Do some weird dance steps and be Olaf. She'll love it."
Beca sighs and get's Emily's attention.
"Will you do it for Olaf?," Beca asked.
"Kay," Emily said.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," Beca mumbled.
Beca did a few silly dance steps and sang.
Bees will buzz
Kids will blow dandelion fuzz
And I'll be doing whatever snow does
In summer
Emily claps and giggles and let's Amanda put her on Santa's knee. Amanda sat on Santa's other knee and the picture was taken. Chloe was of course taping the whole thing. She had her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing at Beca doing Olaf for Emily. Chloe had tears in her eyes seeing how far Beca would go just to make Emily happy. She still can't believe she gets to call Beca hers. She loves that woman so much. Chloe wiped a tear that fell and smiled.
Beca grabbed Emily off of Stanta's lap and went over to check out the picture. Chloe ordered a few more copies for all the girls and her parents. They waited while they were printed and then went for ice cream before heading home.
It was finally Christmas Eve and Beca was more excited than anyone. She and the girls had been putting presents under the tree for the past week. Beca and Chloe had wrapped Emily's gifts as they got them so they could have an easy Christmas Eve. Mama B, Mr. B., and Charlotte were spending the night and Denise had cooked up a small Mexican feast for dinner.
Beca was up early and in the kitchen by the time the rest of the house had stirred. She had pulled out the baby monitors and was listening for when Emily woke up. She wanted to bring her downstairs to see Emily's face when she saw all the presents under the tree.
Mama B was in the kitchen to help Beca and they were laughing and talking as they made breakfast together. Beca heard Emily through the monitors.
"I gotta go," Beca said excitedly. "Emily's waking up."
Beca rushed out of the kitchen and up the stairs to find Chloe changing Emily.
"Merry Christmas, my loves," Beca said kissing each one.
"Merry Christmas, babe," Chloe said grabbing Beca in another kiss.
"Kissmas, mommy," Emily said.
"Ready to see what Santa brought you?," Beca asked picking Emily up.
"Yes," Emily said smiling.
"Wait until I get down there," Chloe said. "I want to get pictures of when she first sees everything."
Chloe hurries and leaves to get her phone. She runs downstairs and sees everyone else is already down there.
"Okay," Chloe calls up to Beca. "Bring her down."
Chloe turns on the video as Beca comes down holding Emily. Mama B, Denise, and Ashley all have their cameras ready. Emily sees Mama B.
"Ganma," Emily squeals.
"Hi, baby," Mama B says.
Emily looks at everyone else and then over to the tree. Her eyes get wide and she squirms to get down. Beca holds tight.
"Wait until we get all the way down," Beca said.
As soon as they got to the bottom of the steps, Beca put Emily down and she went running over to the tree. She was looking at everything and giggling and clapping her hands. Beca had the biggest smile on her face watching Emily. Chloe kept her camera on Beca before panning over to Emily. She wanted to get it all.
"Santa," Emily squealed.
"That's right," Amanda said going over to Emily. "Santa came and left all these presents for us."
"Okay, baby girl," Beca said walking over to Emily. "Breakfast first and then presents."
"Pesents," Emily said with a pout.
"Nope," Beca said picking her up. "Breakfast and then presents. I made pancakes."
"Pancakes!," Emily squealed.
Beca put Emily down and she ran off to the kitchen. Everyone else following close behind except Beca and Chloe. Chloe grabbed Beca's arm and pulled her into a heated kiss.
"Wow," Beca said. "Merry Christmas to you, too."
"I love you," Chloe said.
"I love you, too," Beca said and gave Chloe a warm, tender kiss. "And, I always will."
After breakfast, it was time for presents. Emily started tearing into her gifts and everyone laughed at how she would hug each one to her before moving on to the next. The rest of the group started opening theirs and were thanking each other.
"I have something for everyone," Beca said getting their attention. "We, as in all of us, during the girls' Spring Break, will be going to Disney World. One week of family fun at the happiest place on Earth."
Everyone else excited and started talking about what they wanted to do.
"I told you she'd come up with something special," Chloe told the girls.
"Amanda," Beca said. "I have a special gift just for you. Follow me please."
Amanda got up and followed Beca. Chloe picked up Emily and motioned for the others to follow as well.
Beca went into the kitchen and stopped at the door leading out the back porch.
"Chloe and I know how much your art means to you," Beca said. "So, we did this. . ."
Beca opens the door and motions Amanda to go through. Amanda's eyes widen. There in front of her was an art studio. There were blank canvasses, paints, brushes, easels, smocks, everything you could imagine an artist would need. Tears fell down Amanda's face as she looked at and touched everything.
Chloe wiped tears from her own eyes as she watched her older daughter. When Beca first mentioned turning the back porch into a studio for Amanda, Chloe knew she would love it.
"Manda paint?," Emily asked from Chloe's arms.
"Yes, baby," Chloe said. "Amanda paint."
Amanda turned and ran to Beca grabbing her in a hug. Beca put her arms around the girl and hugged her back.
"So," Beca said. "I'm guessing we did okay?"
"Thank you," Amanda mumbled into Beca's shoulder.
"You're welcome," Beca said. "And I'd like to commission your first project. But, we can talk about that later."
Amanda nodded and then went over to Chloe to thank her as well.
"You are so welcome, sweetheart," Chloe said.
"Okay," Beca said wiping her face. "Let's go do something that won't make me cry."
Everyone laughed and went back to the living room. Once everyone was settled down again, Chloe grabbed a gift from under the tree and walked over to Beca.
"Babe," Chloe said standing in front of Beca. "This is for you, from all of us."
Beca took the gift and ripped the paper off. It was a large photo album. She opened it up and tears immediately sprung to her eyes. The first picture was of her grandparents on their wedding day. Tears fell heavily as she turned the pages.
"How did you-," Beca said through her tears. "These pictures were damaged. How did you do this?"
"Well," Chloe said wiping her own tears. "We asked Jesse, Arizona, and Stacie, and they all mentioned how upset you were when some of the pictures of your grandparents got damaged when the roof leaked. We took them to a photo lab and had them repair what they could. There were a lot they couldn't fix. These are the ones they could. Near the back we also added more recent pictures of all of us."
"After you guys," Beca said through her tears. "This is the best thing I have ever received. Thank you all."
Beca set the album on the table and got up to hug everyone. She grabbed Chloe last and gave her kiss as well as a hug.
"Thank you," Beca said. "I wanted this to be a memorable Christmas and it truly is."
"I love you," Chloe said. "We all love you."
"I love you, too," Beca said.
She held onto Chloe and smiled as she looked around her. At her family all gathered together. Yep, this is what Christmas is all about.
This is the 25th installment of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases. Thanks for sticking with me and keep an eye out for a bonus New Year's Eve oneshot.
Songs used: All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey; In Summer from the movie Frozen. I don't own anything regarding either song, the movie, or Mariah Carey.
I hope that everyone who celebrates had a wonderful and joyous Christmas. To everyone else, I hope you had wonderful and joyous day. Until next time.
