Page 105 of Playful Kris

Her hands go to his face as he scoops her up, and nuzzles his face in her neck making her giggle. I’m completely entranced by their connection, and it makes me fall for him more each time. I know that when it’s our baby, it’ll hit me even harder.

Cora walks up the sidewalk. “Hi.” She pulls me in for a hug.

“I’ve missed you,” I tell her.

Once Kris and I got married, I moved in with him and left my job in Birchwood. I was lucky enough to transfer to one of the local community centers here, doing the same work I did in Birchwood. The only thing that really sucked, was leaving my best friend.

“I’ve missed you more.” She steps inside. “Can we do presents now?”

“I second that,” Kris shouts, and everyone rears their heads like he’s lost his mind. Kris isn’t normally a big present person, he hates to be the center of attention in moments like this.

“Well, okay,” his mom agrees, and suddenly everyone is shuffling into our living room to find a spot.

“We have to go first,” Kris says, and everyone gives us a strange look.

“Great job, they’re onto us now,” I whisper, playfully smacking him. “Let me go get your gifts.” I grab the five boxes I’ve stashed.

Each one has a personalized ornament of a family of snowmen. Except Cora’s says Aunt with a small snowman that says Baby. Kris’ parents each have one that says Kris, Baby, Titan, Kameron, and either Grandma or Grandpa. My parents has our names and the same, and Kaleb and Ruby’s is the whole family.

I pass them out, then take my seat on Kris’ lap before he blurts the words, “Open already.”

Everyone flips the boxes open, and gasps are heard all through the room as shocked eyes reach ours. A few tears are shed, several squeals, and through it all, Kris has a hand on my belly, holding us both protectively against him.

He’s always been my Playful Kris, but I’m loving the Protective Kris too.

Merry Christmas!

---