After the birth of their daughter, Camilla, new parents Natalie and Maura are looking forward to their first Christmas as a real family. But obligations are fierce -- when both girls are guilted into attending family functions, Christmas looks like it’s going to be split, busy, and no fun for anyone.<br><br>Maura’s dad is overtly resentful of the life Maura’s built, but Natalie’s passive-aggressive parents may be even worse. The relationships are worth saving, and Natalie hopes, at the end of it all, she can keep her promise to Maura and Camilla that together they will live happily ever after. Can the two women defend their new family from ... the rest of their relatives?

And We Will Live Happily

“Hi, Dad. We’re about to sit down for dinner,” she said immediately as she picked up the phone, trying to head him off. “Can we make it quick?”


“Just wanted to tell you that Daphne and I expect you down in Mississippi for Christmas.”


What was with parents and Christmas this year? No one since college had been this insistent about holidays. Maura rolled her eyes and prepared to make her excuses. “Sorry, Dad, but Nat and I were just planning on having a quiet family event, alone, you kno—”


“Maura, love!” Natalie shouted from the other room, loudly enough that Maura’s dad grunted in recognition. “My mom and dad want to know what days we’re going to visit for Christmas.”


Chapter 2