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I reach for Avery's hand, the warmth from her skin seeping into mine. The glow of the Christmas lights dances across her face, casting shadows that play upon her features, softening them even more. I squeeze her hand lightly, finding courage in her touch.
"Can I tell you something?" My voice is barely above a whisper, as if speaking any louder might shatter the serenity of the moment.
"Of course," she whispers back, her thumb tracing small circles on the back of my hand.
"This... all of this." I gesture vaguely at the room—the tree, the stockings hung with care, the remnants of our breakfast still on the table. "It feels like some dream. Like any second, I'll wake up and..." I shake my head, not wanting to finish the thought.
Avery tilts her head, studying me with those deep, understanding eyes. "But you're not dreaming, Victor."
"I just hope I never wake up from it," I continue, ignoring the lump forming in my throat. "I love you. And Olivia... You've both made me the happiest guy alive."
For a moment, there's silence. It's as if the entire world has paused, holding its breath, waiting for herresponse. Then, Avery leans closer, her breath warm against my cheek.
"I love you too." Her words are simple, but they punch straight through to my core, lighting a fire in my chest that burns brighter than the Christmas lights could ever hope to. Avery smiles, squeezes my hand, and in that instant, the fire crackles to life, warming every inch of me from the inside out.
The stairs creak and my head swivels towards the sound. Olivia’s sleepy face peeks around the corner, her hair a wild tangle of Christmas morning excitement. Avery's eyes light up, the same spark I've come to adore reflected in her daughter.
"Morning, sleepyhead," I chuckle, watching as Olivia rubs the sleep from her eyes before she spots the tree, suddenly wide awake.
"Did Santa come?" she asks, more a statement than a question as her gaze falls upon the mound of gifts.
"Looks like he did." I can't help but grin at her enthusiasm.
"Let's see what you got," Avery encourages, and I nod in agreement.
Olivia bounces over, snatching the first gift with her name on it. Avery's wrapping is always impeccable, neat folds and crisp edges. She tears into it, revealing a set of watercolor paints that make her squeal with delight.
"Thanks, Mommy!" She wraps her arms aroundAvery, then turns to me with eager eyes. "And this one’s from Victor?"
"Go ahead." I gesture to the package I wrapped myself—corners not quite as sharp, tape visible here and there.
She unwraps a book, the cover showing a young girl skating on a frozen pond. The title reads, "The Ice Princess" and Olivia's already thumbing through the pages.
"Wow, it's about a girl who learns to skate! Can we read it together?" She looks up at me, her smile infectious.
"Of course," I say, my heart swelling. "Whenever you want."
"Your turn, Chestnut." I shift my gaze to her, pushing a small, neatly-wrapped box across the carpet.
"Victor, what is this?" Her voice carries a note of playful suspicion as she picks up the gift.
"Open it and see."
Avery peels back the paper to reveal a small wooden box. She lifts the lid and inside, nestled on a velvety cushion, is a tiny ice skate charm made of silver, so detailed you could almost lace it up.
"Victor..." She breathes out, her fingers tracing the delicate craftsmanship.
"It's because of you... I found my way back to the ice, to something that once brought me joy. You and Oliviabrought that back to me." My words feel raw and sincere as I watch her reaction.
"Victor, it’s beautiful. Thank you." She reaches out, finding my hand and giving it a squeeze.
"Hey, I figured every artist needs a muse, right? And you're mine. Both of you." I nod towards Olivia, who's now admiring her new paints.
"Best Christmas ever," Avery murmurs, leaning against me with the kind of trust I never knew I'd earn. But here she is, and here we are—a family, and somehow, it's all real.
"Alright, Victor, now it's your turn," Avery announces, her eyes shining with a mix of mischief and excitement. She doesn't reach for the tree but stands up, brushing pine needles off her pajama pants. "But you'll have to come with me."
"Okay..." I say, my curiosity piqued as I follow her lead. Olivia jumps up too, a knowing grin on her face.