Christmas morning
Francesca bounced on the edge of the bed. “Wake up, Aidan. It’s Christmas morning.”
Aidan rolled over with a groan, reaching for her and trying to pull her back to bed. “Not ready yet.”
She laughed and playfully pushed him. “We’ll miss the pancakes. Hurry up.”
Aidan rolled over and sat up, rubbing his bleary eyes. “Maybe if someone hadn’t kept me up all night…”
It was the first time they’d spent the night in her bed, in the main house. Because today was the day they were announcing to her entire family that they were dating. All seven siblings would be together downstairs. Francesca couldn’t wait.
“C’mon, get dressed,” Francesca urged. She’d already dressed in her holiday pajamas as all the siblings still wore a matching set each holiday. It was a tradition started by their parents, that they’d groaned about when their parents were alive. Now that their parents were gone, they decided to keep the tradition alive as a way to honor them. Francesca had gotten a matching pair for Aidan, now that he was joining the family holiday celebration.
Aidan finally stood, currently wearing only boxer briefs. He picked up the plaid pajamas laid out on the foot of the bed and put them on. He looked adorable, not that Francesca would tell him that. He looked like he was going to throw up from nerves. She didn’t find her huge family intimidating, but it seemed like announcing their relationship to her family on Christmas morning, while wearing matching pajamas, was nerve-wracking. Go figure.
They went downstairs to find they were the last ones to arrive. Francesca walked into the family room, Aidan close behind. “Family,” she said, “I have an announcement.”
“Is the announcement standing behind you?” her middle sister Fiona asked. Fiona managed the social media for Chateau Felicity.
Aidan stepped out from around Francesca. “Merry Christmas.”
Seven sets of eyes turned in their direction. Her six siblings plus Zoe. Francesca read shock in each expression, except Felicity’s which seemed resigned.
“Merry Christmas,” a chorus of voices replied. Foster stood up to shake Aidan’s hand. “You got roped into the pajamas too, I see,” he said. Francesca wasn’t sure that the reality of the situation had quite clicked for her oldest brother.
Aidan looked between her and Foster, eyes pleading for help. She took pity on him and decided to make their announcement so Aidan could enjoy his coffee in peace. Or in as much peace as their chaotic household allowed. “Aidan and I are dating,” she said without preamble.
Foster turned shocked eyes to her, then to Felicity. “What’s going on?” he asked the oldest.
Felicity shrugged. “Don’t look at me. This is all her doing.” She gestured to Francesca.
“Aidan and I have gotten to know each other the past few weeks and we’re dating now. That’s all there is to know. And it’s none of anyone’s business except ours,” she added.
“Damn right,” Fiona agreed. “We’re surprised, but who you date is your business.”
“I think it’s great,” Zoe chimed in as she came forward to give Francesca a hug. She turned to Aidan. “Now I won’t be the only newcomer at these family events.”
Aidan returned her smile. “I’m glad for that.”
Foster clapped Aidan on the back. “Welcome to the chaos,” he said. “Do you like pancakes?”
“Of course,” Aidan replied.
“Then you’ll get along in this family just fine,” Foster said. “Let’s eat.”
Francesca took Aidan’s hand and led him to the kitchen where they piled their plates full of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Back in the living room, the family gathered in front of the tree, chatting and laughing.
Francesca thought back on last year’s holiday, which was quiet and somber after their parents’ death. This holiday was different than the family gatherings growing up, but it was theirs. It was joyful and full of love and laughter. Francesca’s heart was full as she gazed at her family, her boyfriend—her future. She couldn’t wait to see what the new year would bring.
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