Page 95 of Under the Mistletoe

“Uncle Bobby indulges me, you know that.” She leans into me, and I feel her bone-weary. She acts tough, but I know she’s tired, this new baby taking it out of her already.

While her aunt and uncle haven’t left her side, her bio parents, we don’t really hear from. We haven’t seen them since that horrible Thanksgiving last year, and I’m not even sure they know were having a baby.

“I got something for them today.” I help her to sit down as I rush for my bag and pull out the ‘World’s Best Grandparents’ t-shirts and matching mug. “I got great uncle and aunt ones for Mabel and Bentley too.”

She grins, laughing as I sit beside her, wondering how I got so lucky.

After everything that happened, she has pulled through remarkably well. She still has a few night terrors about the night Jimmy grabbed her, but for the most part she is okay. Both Jimmy and Marcus were convicted and are serving jail time. York Enterprises was able to swoop in and buy up most of Jasper Textiles, offering new jobs and contracts to his employees and facilitating an honest expansion into Asia that has put York Enterprises ahead of any other fashion textiles company in the world. My dad would be proud.

“Mabel will love it.”

Mabel and Bentley have been dating. The two of them getting close with the new museum, which is going so well. We’ve had to install a ticketing system so people can move through effortlessly. Mabel is loving interacting with the tourists and visitors alike. Bentley tells me that Mabel’s lemon slice was what made him smitten. Not as good as his wife’s, but almost as sweet.

“Ahhh, this baby is really pushing on my bladder today.”

I can tell she’s uncomfortable so I stand, pulling her up with me.

“Let’s dance.” I put on some slow music, a Christmas carol, knowing that movement will help ease her pain.

“Come here.”

Her belly squishes against my own as I slowly move us side to side.

“Better?” I ask her as I glide her toward the kitchen, our little mistletoe still hanging like it has all year.

“No… Ow.” She pauses, holding her belly, and my heart rate spikes.

“Jessica?” I’m confused for a beat, not knowing what to do before I feel water and look down.

“Oh my God, my water broke!” She looks at me in panic.

“Under the mistletoe!” I tell her, the words falling from me, shocked at what’s just happened.

“Are you ready to have a baby?” she asks, and I pause. Fuck, I’m about to have a baby. Get your shit together, York.

“How are you so calm when a literal flood just came out of your…” I wave my hand around her, unsure if I need to call an ambulance or Gordon.

“I've run the data. On average, seventy percent of women give birth within twenty-four hours after their water breaks,” she says, stepping to the side closet and grabbing her hospital bag like she’s popping out to do a spot of shopping, not about to go have a fucking baby. “So we need to go!”

Her words jolt me into action.

“I’m ready. Let’s go meet our boy.” I grab her hand and walk her out slowly, calling Gordon, then her aunt and uncle, ensuring everyone knows we’re on our way to the hospital. Excitement mixed with a healthy dose of fear skirts around my body, knowing this little baby is going to be more loved and wanted than anyone could ever imagine.