Page 140 of Light My Fire Three Times
“I’m pretty sure this is the most effort anyone has put into breakfast for me,” she admits, reaching for the coffee.
Karl leans in, pouring a cup for her with a flourish. “It’s because we care. And because Jesse’s a professional cook now. Obviously.”
Jesse rolls his eyes but steps forward, proudly placing a stack of pancakes in front of her. “Hey, I did what I could. At least it’s edible, right?”
“Oh, definitely edible,” Olivia assures him with a wink, spearing a forkful of pancake. “In fact, it’s really good. I might even ask for seconds.”
Karl snickers, “See, Jesse? You just had to step up your game.”
The banter continues, and the table fills with laughter as Olivia digs into her breakfast, clearly enjoying the spread that Jesse, despite his self-deprecating humor, worked hard to prepare.
The atmosphere feels warm and relaxed. This is what Christmas is supposed to be—no perfection required.
After breakfast, the conversation shifts to the inevitable Christmas movies that Karl insists we must watch, because apparently, a Christmas day without Home Alone is a sin in his eyes.
“Alright,” Karl says, with a glint in his eye. “Next step of the grand adventure: Christmas movie marathon. Jesse, your tree might be questionable, but I’m not letting it ruin the spirit.”
“Good luck with that,” Jesse grumbles, moving to grab the remote. “Come on then, let’s get the film started. Afterward, I want to show you all the best Christmas movie of all time.”
Olivia snorts, looking between Karl and Jesse. “I didn’t realize I was in the company of such Christmas movie connoisseurs. Should I be worried?”
“Nope, we’ve got the classics down to a science,” Karl assures her with a dramatic flourish. “Nothing like a little chaos and Christmas cheer.”
“I think you might have it backward,” I say, eyeing Karl’s grin. “Chaos is the Christmas cheer.”
We all settle on the couch, Olivia snuggling in between Karl and me, while Jesse plops down in the chair nearby, his arms crossed in mock disapproval as the movie starts.
There’s something cozy about this moment. The way the fire crackles, the way we’re all close but not crowded, the way everything feels right.
The movie plays in the background, but it’s more about the company, the casual chatter between us as we watch the familiar antics of Kevin McCallister outwit his burglars.
It’s the kind of easy, effortless fun that makes you realize how important these small moments are. How much they matter.
By the time the credits roll, the scent of dinner begins to waft from the kitchen, cutting through the peaceful silence of the room. The day’s still unfolding, but the promise of Christmas dinner looms large.
Jesse’s the first to stand. “Alright, time to get the dinner show on the road.”
He heads toward the kitchen, clearly taking the lead in this next phase.
Olivia, still leaning against me, grins. “What’s on the menu, Chef?”
“Well,” Jesse says, a touch of pride in his voice, “I may have gone a little overboard, but you’re about to experience the Fletcher family Christmas feast. Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and, of course, my secret weapon. My grandmother’s cranberry sauce.”
Karl raises an eyebrow. “Secret weapon? Dude, what are you, saving the world with cranberries?”
Jesse shrugs, looking a little sheepish. “I mean, it’s not that big of a deal. But it’s a family recipe.”
Olivia chuckles, her eyes lighting up with genuine excitement. “I’ll take your word for it. This all sounds incredible.Honestly, I’m just glad I don’t have to cook. I’m a little out of my element in the kitchen.”
“That’s where we come in,” Karl says with a grin. “No cooking allowed. You sit back, relax, and let us spoil you.”
“I’m pretty good at that,” Olivia admits, her smile softening as she glances around the room at all of us.
We all head to the kitchen, and the minutes fly by in a whirlwind of conversation, laughter, and the clinking of dishes as we prepare the meal.
Jesse works his magic in the kitchen, Karl cracks jokes about how the mashed potatoes look “almost as perfect as he is,” and I just take it all in, content to be part of this odd, wonderful little family we’ve all pieced together.
Finally, the food’s ready. We sit down at the table, which is, frankly, a miracle in itself given Jesse’s earlier decorating skills. But somehow, it all comes together.
