"Can you believe it's almost Christmas?" Mike asks, looking over as AJ puts another bulb on the tree. "Time's flying."
"It is," she agrees. "At least we have most of the kids' gifts bought." She roots around a bit more, adjusting the garland and lights and everything else on her side of the tree.
"Always a good thing," he says, putting another couple of ornaments on branches in front of him. "I hope you also have my gifts." He nudges her lightly with his foot, and she giggles, slapping at his ankle.
"Right back at you, husband," she responds before clapping her hands against her thighs and standing up. "Well, this tree is about as good as we're going to get it, I think." She steps back to look at it and Mike joins her after putting another glittery bulb in place.
"We're forgetting one thing," he teases her. She hums curiously and he guides her in front, pointing up to the very top.
"Ugh, my least favorite part," she sighs. "The star."
"Damn right," he laughs. "The star. Do you want me to lift you up there to put it in place?"
She scoffs at him. "You think you can hold me up long enough?"
"Always," he says, kissing her nose. "I'll get a chair."
She nods, watching him go before turning to look back up at the tree, her hands on her hips. Once he returns, she hops up and takes the star when he hands it up, careful as she puts it in place. "How's that look?"
"Great," he says, lingering by the chair in case she needs a quick catch. "Here, come down and we'll turn it on and see the whole picture."
"Sir, yes sir," she teases, resting her hand in his and allowing him to help her hop down. Once she's steady on the ground, he moves over to the switch and flips it, the two of them turning to look at the tree as it gleams and glitters over the walls and furniture. "Nice job done as always," she says, wrapping an arm around Mike and squeezing him.
"Same to you," he says with a smile, leaning in to kiss the top of her head. "Should we go wake the kids up from their naps and show them?"
"in a minute," AJ says, leaning up to kiss him.
He hums and runs his fingers through her hair, content to remain in this moment for a little longer. "Maybe two," he murmurs, making her laugh as they press closer together, enjoying the rare bit of quiet.