The week was flying by and before i knew it Big Gerry and Fitz were home for the holiday's. As much as i was excited for Avery's first christmas with us the holiday's were always hard for me. I sat on the kitchen chair early in the morning before everyone was awake looking at the view with a cup of coffee. I missed my dad, i was pulled out of my thoughts as i felt someone pull up a chair beside me. I looked over to see Fitz. His hair was ruffled but tamed in a way and he had this look of exhaustion over his face.

"Merry Christmas" he whispered. He was dressed in plaid sweats and a grey t-shirt with a navy symbol on it.

"Merry Christmas" i nodded

"Why are you up so early?" He asked

"I miss my dad" i answered honestly

He put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently.

"What'd you get Avery?"

I smiled "just about everything she asked for to santa and more"

"Woah"

"It's our first christmas together, i want her to remember it"

"You're a good mom Liv, not that i would think anything else"

I smiled as i felt a little hand on my bare thigh. I looked down to see Avery rubbing her eyes. She was dressed in a onesie and her hair in a messy bun.

"Merry Christmas little bugs" i lifted her up and she cuddled into me

"Merry christmas momma" she looked over towards Fitz "and Fitz!"

"Merry christmas sweetheart"

"Mason said he is sleeping by the tree why?"

"Probably to open his presents quicker" Fitz said

"Do i get presents too?" Avery looked up at me. "I didn't at my old house"

I looked down at her with sad eyes.

"Santa got you lots of presents, mommy did too and nana em. You get lots of presents baby"

"Really?"

"Yep, but i'll wake you up when everyone gets up"

"Can you rock me pwease?" I nodded and laid her down in my arms with her legs draped over mine as i swung her back and forth slowly. I stared at her as she fell asleep and i found myself completely absorbed with her until Fitz shifted.

"Sorry" i laughed "She talks me into holding her.

"You two are very close" he smiled "how long has it been?"

"Two months" I looked down at Avery and rocked her "she's my whole world already" i smiled

"You know if you ever needed me i'm here for you both"

"I know" i lied not knowing if i could trust him or not.

"I know you doubt me because i hurt you before but i'm here to stay and i'll prove it to you Livvie, if it's the last thing i do" he whispered. Suddenly the light flickered on revealing Emily and Big Gerry.

"Merry Christmas babies" Emily kissed us both. Christmas was her favourite holiday and she always made sure to made me feel included.

"I am a grown man, not a baby" Fitz groaned standing to get the coffee started.

"You four will always be my babies, just like Avery will always be yours right Liv"

"I have to agree" i looked down at Avery.

"Women" Fitz teased earning a hard slap from Kate as she walked into the room. Within the hour everyone was awake except Teddy was awake. I climbed the stairs and slammed open his door as i poured the glass of cold water on his face he groaned loudly. Every year i did the same thing and he always forgot

"LIBBY!" He sighed "you're a real-"

"Watch your mouth Theadore!" Lex called from the bathroom. She came out in her pyjamas. Her hair in a small ponytail since she had also just cut it.

"Merry Christmas Liv" she hugged me "i'll leave you two to your chat" she smiled closing the door behind her. There had been a few years where we struggled because she had a hard time understanding when Teddy would check up on me in the middle of the night or spend holiday's with me but after she asked me to be Mason's godmother we had formed this bond and we were closer than ever. I sat beside Teddy and watched him wake up.

"You doing okay?" He whispered

"So far, so good" i nodded

"One step at a time okay?"

"Kay"

"Mommy! unca Teddy! present time!" Avery called as Teddy rolled out of the bed.

Avery stationed herself in my lap and i watched as she opened all of her barbies dolls, craft sets and reading books she asked for from Santa. Teddy, Lex and Mason had gotten her some clothes and toys. Katie and Matthew had gotten her some french books and a diamond earring set. Adults usually exchanged gifts in the night time.

"Well, this is a picture of your present" Emily said as she handed Avery a small wrapped frame.

"A picture? It didn't fly here like Poppy does?" She tilted her head

"It's too big to fit on the plane"

I snapped my head up "tell me you didn't-"

"A PONY?! MOMMY LOOK! I GOTS MY OWN PONY!" Avery shrieked and ran around showing Mason.

"Well, it's a baby right now but one day it will be big" Big Gerry chuckled

"You got her a horse?"

"Everyone in the family has had a horse or has a horse at the ranch" Emily scoffed "She deserves one"

"What do you say bug?"

She ran over to Emily and hugged her

"Thank you much much Nana Em and Poppy!" She squealed as Big Gerry pretended to eat her up.

"Here Aves, one from mommy" Kate handed her one. I watched as she carefully unwrapped the box revealing a small pair of soft pink ballerina flats and a tutu and onesie to match. She had been going on and on about how much she loved ballerinas and i finally enrolled her in a beginners class.

"I be ballerina mommy?"

"Yes" i smiled as she hugged me

"There's one more from mom and one from Fitz"

"Pretty heart mommy" Avery smiled as i helped her unhook the golden heart locket revealing a picture of the two of us. "Can i wear it now?"

"Sure" i smiled kissing her head. She leaned back and reached out of the last box. I watched as she unwrapped the only thing on her list i couldn't find.

"Merican girl doll mommy! Look!"

"I see" i smiled at her and at Fitz. The doll was the newest edition coming out just three days ago. They were sold out everywhere. She had millions of clothes he bought her, hair products even ballet outfits. She stood quickly and hugged Fitz surprising us all.

"Thank you Fitz!"

"You're welcome sweetheart" She smiled shyly and walked back over to my lap. Through out the day she started drifting towards Fitz and eventually never left his side. I found them in the study. His legs were propped up on the desk, crossed at his ankles as he answered a business call. Avery sat against him in her dress for church. Kate had straightened her hair and i watched Fitz smooth it back as her headband fell.

"See you after the break Cy" Fitz ended the call and looked up at me.

"I hope Aves wasn't loud"

"She was perfect" he smiled as Avery nodded.

"Time for church bug"

"What's church again mommy? Where we pray?"

"Exactly"

"Uncle Teddy going too?"

"Everyone's going" Fitz stood with her and held her in one arm easily.

"Pictures first!" Emily called as we stood getting our coats on. She had us all squished with Lex holding Mason and Fitz holding Avery we grinned at the camera.