"Come on, wake up!"

Miranda groaned and opened her eyes. Marissa was shaking her awake.

"Come on!" Marissa exclaimed still shaking her, "Get up! Santa has brought you an extra special Christmas present. Get up!"

Marissa disappeared from the room as quickly as she came and Miranda was left bewildered. She reluctantly rolled herself out of bed. She looked at the clock, it was almost midnight.

Pulling on her dressing gown Miranda shuffled her sleepy feet out onto the landing. An equally drowsy AJ was waiting at the top of the stairs.

"What's going on?" Miranda asked with a yawn.

"I don't know." AJ muttered, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

Marissa then emerged from Gabby's room with a whiny, half-asleep little girl in her arms.

"Come on." she said excitedly. "Your special present is downstairs."

AJ and Miranda followed behind, sharing confused looks.

Marissa led them to the doorway of the parlour. Miranda peered around the door frame. The lights on the tree were lit, and by the Christmas tree, sat on the couch, was… MOMMY!

Miranda froze to the spot not quiet believing her eyes.

AJ was the first to speak.

"Binks!" he squeaked excitedly.

Bianca smiled and opened her arms wide,

"Isn't anyone going to give me a hug?"

Miranda, finally accepting what she was seeing was real, gave a scream of delight and raced to her mom, climbing over the low coffee table rather than go round it.

"Gently!" Marissa called, but Miranda had already launched herself at her mommy and hugged her tight, crying and laughing at the same time!

After Miranda's scream Gabby looked up from where her sleepy head was resting on her mama's shoulder. At the sight of her mommy she awoke at once. She fought desperately to get free, wriggling as Marissa tried to put her down. As soon as her feet touched the ground Gabby was rushing to her mother's side too.

"Did the angels let you come home for Christmas?" she exclaimed as she scrambled onto her mommy's lap. "I asked them to!"

"I think they must have helped me get here." said Bianca, giving her daughter a kiss.

Marissa turned to AJ. He was still beside her, but looking up wearing a wide smile.

"I'm so happy." he said. "We're a family again!"

He wrapped his arms around his mom's waist and gave her a hug.

"You must be happy too?"

"Oh I am!" said Marissa with a grin and kissing her dear son on the top of his head.

Together Marissa and AJ moved to join the reunion on the couch. They added their arms and lips to the knot of hugs and kisses that welcomed Bianca home.

Miranda was smiling so wide her cheeks hurt.

It would seem Christmas Wishes really do come true... This was the best Christmas present ever!

…

Merry Christmas!

I shall be continuing this tale in the New Year… but until then I hope you have a great Yule-time!

SPOILERS- in the New Year - Families are reunited, presents are exchanged and happiness reigns.

:o)