Later on Molly began preparing Christmas dinner; this was something she alone enjoyed to do. She wanted it to be perfect and often she cooked only for her, Peter and Wade, this meant that she would do most of the cooking because the men normally messed it up. But this year was different she had two extra females in the house to help. But she left more of the easier jobs to Adele and I. Molly was busy getting the turkey, ham and dessert ready. She left the salad and trifle to us.

The two females sat at the table, Lea chopped up the salad while Adele placed it into the bowl.

"The salad is so pretty" said Adele.

"Will this get you to eat more vegetables?" I asked tossing the cherry tomatoes in.

"Maybe..." she said innocently.

I smiled as I handed her the dressing, "Squeeze some of this in, please and I'll mix it."

Adele did as she was told.

"Great job" I said.

Wade walked past, coming from the fridge with two beers in his hands. He peered over, "Looks lovely."

"Thanks Daddy" said Adele grinning. Wade winked at her and then went over to the lounge where he and Peter were watching television.

I had this giddy feeling in my stomach like as if we were two teenagers who were dating for the first time but instead we were living together, we kept circling around each other like scared children. We hadn't been what we were for so long that it felt awkward to be around him. But I didn't want it to be, but I had this weird, shy feeling around him. I just forgot how to be around him.

Adele interrupted my thoughts and my eyes flickered from Wade back to her, "Mummy? Can we play with the baby?"

"I'm sorry?"

"The doll I got from Santa... can we play with it please?" she asked.

"Of course" I said, "I'll just put the salad in the fridge, so it stays nice and crisp."

...

Peter peered over his shoulder to watch Molly frenzy over the cooking. He found her beautiful in whatever she was doing. Wade was talking away but the soccer game they were watching on television when he noticed Peter withdrawal from their conversation. He chuckled watching Peter gawking over Molly.

"She's great isn't she?" muttered Wade.

Peter cleared his throat and his eyes flickered back to the television. Wade laughed as he placed an arm around Peter and slapping his back.

"You two are just adorable" said Wade.

Peter blushed as he sipped his beer.

Adele went to grab the doll from under the tree where she had placed it. I stood at the stairs waiting for her.

"We're going to play with my baby, Daddy" said Adele.

Wade glanced at me; I could see the little grit of worry that held on to his expression. I smiled letting him know that I'd be alright. "I'll get you when dinner is done"

She nodded and then took my hand while she held onto the baby tightly as we walked up the stairs. Wade watched on until we disappeared.

"You guys are alright, right?" asked Peter.

"Yeah... it's just been weird because she was so distant from me. I think she feels a little embarrassed but we'll get through it" said Wade, "She's much stronger than she thinks."

...

"Mum?" asked Adele as she laid the doll in her bed.

"Yes Adele."

"Why didn't the baby not want to be with you and Daddy? Why did he want to leave? That's what Nattie told me. Did he not want to be my brother?" she asked sadly.

"No... It's not you at all, my dear" I said placing my hands onto her soft cheeks, "He just went somewhere else, where he is being loved. But one day you will get another brother and sister who will just be so lucky to have you as their big sister."

She grinned, "Maybe after you and Daddy get married. I cannot wait! Can I be a flower girl?"

I hesitated feeling a little overwhelmed, "Um... of course you can. Whenever that day will be..."

Wade was roaring from the bottom of the stairs. "Girls... dinner is ready!"

Adele giggled at him.

We moved downstairs where the table was beautifully decorated with platters of food. Candles and matching tablecloths, turkey and ham... it all looked magical.

I looked at Molly, "It looks amazing."

She smiled at herself, "Thank you."

Everyone sat down comfortably, enjoying the sight of the table. Wade pulled me out a seat and I sat down, "Thank you Wade."

He smiled kindly before pouring everyone a glass of red wine; now that I was without child I was able to drink alcohol again. The six seater tables had one empty seat, one day I hoped that it would have a high chair in place and I would be feeding our baby.

Wade sat across from me at the top and bottom of the table. He stood up holding the glass, "Everyone before we eat this beautiful meal which Molly has put so much time into I just want to say something... I don't think I've ever been this content with life than right now. Sure there have been some hiccups along the way but as the year is drawing to a close. I feel like there's so much that I'm... how should I say... jolly about."

We all smiled as we listened on to him.

"This year, I've got my amazing friends Molly and Peter with me. I'm engaged to a very amazing woman and I finally got something that I've wanted for years... my little Adele" he said gazing at her.

She giggled holding up glass of orange juice, mimicking the rest of us.

"I just wanted to say that I know I can be a little difficult to be with, but I love you all very much and glad you are a part of my family" he said.

I clasped my hand to my chest, feeling warm hearted by Wade's words.

"We love you too" said Molly.

"Like you were our own boy" said Peter.

Wade grinned, "Well Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas" we all chimed in clinking our glasses.

"Well enjoy the dinner" said Molly.

"We will" said Adele cheekily, "Enjoy the salad.. That's the best part."

...

I suggested to Molly to enjoy the rest of the night while I would wash up in the kitchen. After I had cleaned up I grinned seeing Molly and Peter so close together, they were enjoying the pudding. I turned the lights dim and went upstairs. I walked into Adele's room where she was gently rocking her doll to sleep. It was sweet to see. "I think it's time for bed for you two."

She jumped into bed and snuggled next to her doll. "This was the best Christmas I ever had."

I smiled, "Mine too... Adele, I heard that for Christmas you wished for me to be happy and to bring a baby."

"Are you happy?"

I kissed her pink cheek, "Very happy, being a Mum to you makes me very happy."

"I love you Mum" she said, "By the way I decided on naming my baby Noah."

"Wow Noah that's a nice name" I said brushing my hand against her forehead, "Goodnight Adele... Goodnight Noah."

"Goodnight" she said closing her eyes.

I closed her bedroom door and headed toward my own bedroom. I opened the door and caught Wade taking his shirt off disclosing his chiselled, muscular body. I blushed in embarrassment as I looked at him, my eyes finding the carpet below. He smirked as he continued. I walked into our bathroom and sighed, staring at myself in the mirror. I couldn't understand why I felt so uneasy, I couldn't even look at his bare body, I had seen him many times with no clothes whatsoever as he had seen me, yet I couldn't change in front of him. I changed into my nightwear and slipped into bed. Wade slid next to me just wearing sweatpants. It was freezing cold not to mention snowing, I was covered head to toe in something warm and he was just wearing sweatpants!

"Aren't you going to wear a jumper?" I asked him as I sat up.

"No... I'm good" he muttered.

I sat up higher, "But it's freezing... you're going to be ill." I got out of bed and walked toward his closet and pulled out a hooded sweater, I pulled it over his head and he doused it over his body.

He looked at me and grinned as he lay down, "That's the first time in a while that you've even noticed me... cared about me."

My cheeks grew red, partly because of embarrassment and also disappointment. "Wade... I'm sorry for how I've been acting. But the thought of losing you or Adele would kill me."

He pulled his arm out and nodded, I moved in toward him as I nestled my head near his chest. "I would never let you lose us, my dear Lea."

I stared up into his green eyes adoringly and took in his perfect features and kissed his lips. I could feel him kissing me back, it was fireworks every time. I pulled away and kissed his cheek, "Wade..."

Wade gazed at me listening carefully.

"You've been the greatest thing to happen to me and I really want to be married to you" I said.

"I feel the same way."

"Could I request something... can we get married before midnight on New Year's Eve?" I asked him.

He smiled, "Of course, you could say get married tomorrow and I'd be ready... but why before Midnight."

I kissed his other cheek, "Because I want to start off 2012 being your wife."

His heart melted and he stole another kiss before he watched me sleep in his arms, where he always loved me to be. He brushed his hand against my hair, "Mr and Mrs Barrett" he whispered happily.

...

There's another chapter for you lovely girls. Thank you for the reviews, please keep them coming. I was reading all of them last night and I just want to thank all of you if you ever read or reviewed this story. I have learned that I have lost readers along the way, but thank you to all who keep reading. It made me wonder who is everyone's favourite character in the story and why? I hope you guys have a great Christmas too. Love you girls, Jess 3