Ugly Sweater Weather

"I guess we can count ourselves lucky that I have a less than perfect mother who canceled on me last minute, huh?" I asked, sliding my legs over his lap. It seemed that now that I had permission to touch him as much as I wanted, I couldn't get enough of it.

"I owe her something shiny and expensive," Crosby agreed, wrapping his arms around me.

"Her two favorite things," I agreed. And, for once, I didn't feel bitterness over that fact. I had understood for many years that I would never be anywhere near the top of my mother's priority list.

But, I was starting to realize that I was very close to the top of Crosby's list. And that, well, that was more than good enough for me.

"What?" Crosby asked, running his finger next to my lips where a small smile had settled seemingly perfectly.

"I just realized that we are in our very own Christmas movie," I told him, feeling my heart swell even bigger in my chest.

"Christmas pajamas, check," he agreed, waving toward our bodies.

"Over the top Christmas presents, check," I played along.

"Loving family to spend the day with, check."

"And sweet puppies to come home to, check."

"And maybe most importantly," he said, leaning forward slightly, pressing his lips sweetly to mine.

"A happily-ever-after of our very own."