Belle grabbed his and Corey’s hands. “The boys were right. This is the best Christmas ever.”
“Damn right it is, sweetheart.” Corey touched their wife’s cheek. “Because you’re here with us.”
Damn right, indeed.
After all the gifts were passed out, his excitement exploded when he saw Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Patrick the elf walk over to Juan and Jake.
He leaned over to Belle and Corey. “It’s time.”
Tears welled in her eyes and a smile crossed Corey’s face.
The Christmas trio walked their boys over to them.
Santa leaned down to Juan and Jake and said, “We have one last present for you.”
“For me?” Jake clapped his hands together.
“Yes, Jake. For you and Juan.” Sam smiled. “Take it away, Mrs. Claus.”
Ethel got down to the boys’ level, holding paperwork in her hand. “Boys, this present isn’t from me or Santa. It’s from your mommy and daddies. Remember when I talked with you about them? You told me how much you loved them.”
Juan nodded, his eyes welling up just like Belle’s.
“I do love them, Mrs. Santa.” Jake’s words melted all their hearts. “I love them very much.”
A single tear ran down Ethel’s cheek. “And they love you so very much, too.” She turned to him, Belle, and Corey. “I would like to present to you Juan and Jake Blue.”
Jake shook his head. “But my last name is Flores, Mrs. Santa.”
“Not anymore, little brother.” Juan wiped his eyes.
“Jake, you and Juan are officially brothers, and sons of
Belle, Shane, and Corey. That’s why your last name is Blue.”
“Really? You can do that? Right now?”
“I’m a judge,” Ethel said with a smile. “Yes. I can do that right now.”
Jake turned to Belle. “Am I really yours, Mommy? For always?”
Belle pulled him and Jake into a hug. “Yes, baby. You and Juan are mine.”
“And mine,” Corey said. “For always.”
“Now and forever.” Shane had never felt such joy in all his life. “You are our sons.”
He and Corey wrapped their arms around their family. The best Christmas ever!
* * * *
Belle walked out to the back lawn with the rest of the Christmas crowd. “A sleigh with real reindeer. I know I shouldn’t be shocked, but all I can say is ‘wow.’”
“Corey and I are going to help the Stone brothers line up the boys for the sleigh rides from Santa, but before we go, we want to ask you something.”
She grinned. “We’re already married, guys. You can’t propose again.”
Corey laughed. “If we did, I would expect another ‘yes.’”