Page 47 of Fire in Cabin 27
“Is that what I think it is?” Azure asked. “Wish we would’ve thought of that.”
Somehow, someway, Kyson had managed to reconstruct each of the twin’s eggs. The cracks were still there, outlining each piece, but inside the shadowboxes he made above the eggs were a series of pictures of the babies as they emerged, along with one of Kyson and me both holding them.
“Kyson,” I shakily gasped. “This is…I don’t have words.”
“I hope you like them?” So unsure of this amazing tribute to our babies. How could that be? Silly man.
“These are beyond amazing. I thought you were tossing the pieces when you first took them and that they were long gone. Now you have brought me these perfect memories. I absolutely love them. Your talents blow me away.”
Perfectly imperfect was the best way to describe them.
“I thought I could mount them to the wall over by the shelves where the stockings will hang. They’re kinda bulky and there they’ll be out of the way yet still visible.”
“I love that.” His dad helped him get them hung but my eyes never strayed far. The memories of our babies entering the world will never be forgotten and these works of art will serve to remind us of that day our family doubled right along with our hearts.
After everyone funneled out and the twins were down for their nap, I started unpacking the holiday decorations I’d ordered.
“Sweetheart, you have more décor than home.”
“So not true. Besides, we have to decorate inside and out, and the tree, and it’s our first Christmas together.”
“Where do you want the tree?”
“On the other side of the potbelly stove opposite the shelves.” With an outlet already there it was the ideal spot. Kyson strung the lights around it while I put the ornaments on hooks and strategically placed each one on the tree. “The stockings and the holders are on the coffee table if you want to put them up.” He’d mentioned how excited he was to see them on the shelf and I custom ordered them with our names on each one.
“Juni, these are perfect.” All four were in a green and red holiday plaid print with our names at the top in silver lettering. Simple yet elegant.
“I have some custom ornaments too.” I handed that box to him and he kissed me.
“Kael’s first Christmas 2025, Kalliope’s first Christmas 2025, Our first Christmas, Kyson & Juni, est. 2025.”
“Ours matches the plaque you made that hangs outside the front door.”
“Jesus, Juni. You never cease to take my breath away. Your heart is limitless and I’m glad it found mine.”
“Me too, my love. Me too.”
Christmas morning
“You get the kids changed and I’ll fill the stockings,” Kyson rattled off as I took off toward the stairs until he stopped me. “Oh yeah,” he kissed me, “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, my love.”
Good thing the kids didn’t understand what Christmas meant given we’d forgotten to fill the stockings last night. Shoot, and put the presents out too.
Don’t forget the presents.
On it!
Mate bond communication was the best.
“Merry Christmas, my loves,” I greeted them both with sweet kisses and hugs, then dressed the twins in the adorable Santa and Mrs. Clause baby outfits I found online. They came with matching hats, but they weren’t having any of that and yanked them right off. With a baby on each hip, I carefully maneuvered the stairs and met Kyson in the living room.
“Merry Christmas Kael & Kalliope!” Kyson kissed their cheeks. “Let’s feed them and eat then let the festivities begin!” I had one seriously excited mate.
After breakfast, Kyson and I grabbed our stockings along with one of the babies and sat with them on the floor to sift through them. We had filled them with silly things, teething rings and toys for the babies and candy, toothbrushes, stuff of like that for us. Though when I got to the bottom of mine there was a box in there.
“What’s this?” I shook it. “I thought we weren’t exchanging gifts?”
