Don't Promise (Don't 3)

“So you and Mom are going above and beyond this year, huh?”

“It’s Christmas. We always go above and beyond.” He chuckled.

That was true. But this felt different. My mother was on overdrive. Was she desperate to savor every memory? Did she think onc

e I had my own baby I wouldn’t want to do all these things?

I wanted to tell them. I wanted them to know it was exactly the opposite. This baby made me appreciate everything they had done for Ryan and me even more. I wanted my son or daughter to know what it meant to have a beautiful Christmas. And I wanted it for Cole too. I wanted to replace the sad memories with new ones.

This baby was going to change everything.

I pulled the sweater tightly against my chest and tied the side tie at my hip. I wasn’t used to wearing them again. My main wardrobe staple in South Padre was usually a tank top, and with good reason. It was hot.

The snow was either going to start falling tonight or sometime tomorrow afternoon. The skies were coated with thick gloomy clouds. One big snowfall and the brown yard and trees would be layered in white, glistening snow. It would be beautiful. We didn’t always have white Christmases, but I had had enough to know that they made everything seem extra magical and special. I shoved my hands in my pockets and walked back into the house. I was starting to worry Cole and Grayson were going to miss this.

“Kaitlyn, what are you doing outside in this cold? And that’s not even a coat.” My mother stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips.

“I just wanted to breathe in some cold air.” I smiled and walked in the house. My cheeks were starting to feel numb and they tingled once the heat hit them.

“The grocery store was a madhouse. I think this storm is going to be a big one.” She turned to unload the grocery bags. “I’m just glad we’re all together. Once Ryan, Cole, and Grayson get here I can stop worrying about them flying in this. I hope the snow holds off a little while longer, though.”

I pulled out five pounds of flour and a bag of sugar. “I wouldn’t want to drive in this either.” I handed her the baking goods and then noticed there was a ham in another bag, along with two sacks of potatoes. Was she planning on an army for dinner? “What do you think about the caroling tonight? Will the snow be a problem?” I asked. I had noticed it was marked on the calendar.

“Good thing about being in the neighborhood is that we don’t have to worry about driving anywhere. If you need a coat you can borrow one of mine.”

I laughed. What was it about mothers and coats? “No, I’ve got one, thanks.” I was looking forward to seeing everyone tonight even if we were traipsing through the street in the snow.

My parents hadn’t moved since they bought the house when I was three. I couldn’t remember the apartment we had before. This was home. I grew up with the other kids on the street. Every few years someone would move out and a new kid would move in.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and pulled it out. “Mom, it’s Cole. I’ll be right back.” I turned for my room and answered the phone on the way. “Hey.”

“Hey, what’s happening at your parents’?”

“Not much. Getting ready for the great Christmas blizzard.” I closed the bedroom door behind me.

“They calling for a lot of snow?”

“Yes.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “But it’s not supposed to be here until later. What’s going on with your flight?”

“We made the first flight. We’re waiting to board in Dallas.”

“You are?”

“Should be there in three hours.”

“Oh my God. That’s the best news. Is Grayson ok?”

“I downloaded movies and the flight attendants gave him cookies. So far so good. He’s too excited about the plane to think about anything else.”

I smiled. My Christmas miracle was possibly going to happen. Cole would be here tonight.

“I bet he is. I’m sorry I missed it.”

“I have to go, but I’ll be there soon.”

5

Kaitlyn