Chapter 37

When the photographer was done taking their pictures, they stood up and followed her to the front.

" So, you wanted the family bundle with the 8 by 10 ," she said.

"Yes," Tyree said, nodding his head.

"Thanks for working with us," she said. "Your package should arrive around Sunday or Monday," she added.

"Thanks for taking us without an appointment," Tyree said, as he paid her. Everything and everyone were in the car and heading home ten minutes later.

Tyree parked the car in the garage when they got back home and helped get the kids inside the warm house.

"When will we put up the tree, Daddy?" Alicia asked.

"We can invite Grandpa and Uncle Thomas over to help," Tyree said.

"Can we invite everyone?" she asked.

"Grandpa Ken and Uncle Thomas for now," Tyree said. "We don't want to overwhelm momma Luca," he said. "I'll contact them later," Tyree added.

Everyone was tired and wanted to unwind. Elena was changed, and Luca put her down for a nap. Alicia entertained herself quietly in her bedroom. Luca and Tyree settled in for an afternoon nap with the baby monitor nearby. Tyree sighed, relieved that Luca's mind wasn't overthinking things. The Christmas shopping trip was beneficial. They stayed under the covers because it was 50 degrees outside. That evening, Tyree woke up and found Luca sitting up and rubbing his stomach.

"Are they kicking again?" he asked. Luca frowned and nodded his head. "Just three more months, babe," Tyree said.

After the kicking had subsided, Tyree and Luca prepared dinner. "If you're up for it," he said, "I was thinking of inviting the family over to help set up and decorate the tree." Luca let out a soft sigh and nodded. "Are you aware that Adam is not him?" Tyree inquired.

"Yes," confirmed Luca. He apologized, "I'm sorry for ruining the holiday."

"It's just your PTSD," Tyree explained.

"PTSD?" Luca inquired, puzzled.

"I told the doctor about your breakdown," Tyree confirmed. "She said you might be suffering from it," he explained. "You're not destroying anything," he added.

With the topic ended, they resumed fixing dinner. "Well, what did Alicia ask Santa for?" Luca asked.

"A dollhouse and for you to be happy," Tyree said.

"I am happy," Luca said. "I just have a bad feeling though," he said.

"Focus on our babies that are inside of you," Tyree said. "And our first Christmas together," he added.

"Tell them they can all come," Luca said. "Including Adam," he said.

"I'll tell them tomorrow," Tyree said.

12/19/2041

Luca checked on his art blog while Tyree contacted Ken and the others. Tyree hung up and said, "They'll come over this afternoon,"

"I never asked," Luca said. "When do you usually open presents?" he asked.

"Christmas Day," Tyree said.

"Another question," Luca said. "Are you the one that posted the photo on my blog of me and Elena?" he asked.

"It was so cute, I couldn't resist," Tyree said. "Are you mad?" he asked.

"No," Luca said, shaking his head. "My blog gained 1000 more views," he said.

Ken and the others showed up around 2 that afternoon. "I brought an angel for your tree," Ken said.

"Thanks," Luca said.

"Let's get this tree up and decorated," Thomas said. They all went into the sitting room with the box. While Thomas and Ken helped put together the tree, Adrian sat with Luca.

"Angel sure is growing," Luca said.

"So is Elena," Luca said. opened

"Okay, you two, come and help us decorate," Carl said.

Adrian, Alicia, and Luca helped put the tinsel, garland, and ornaments on. "This goes on top," Carl said, going up the ladder and putting the angel on top.

"I know this is early, but I want to add this to our tree," Tyree said, placing the ornament that he bought on the front of the tree.

"Your first present," he said, kissing Luca on the cheek.

"I love it," he said. An hour later, as they rested and listened to holiday music, everyone admired the beautiful tree. "I want to celebrate Christmas here," Luca said.

"It's getting late, and the youngsters are tired," Ken said. "We'll see you on Christmas morning," he said. Everyone hugged Luca and Tyree and said their goodbyes.

They sat in front of the fireplace to watch Christmas films.

"Rudolph!" Alicia exclaimed, squealing with delight as the movie began. Luca and Tyree exchanged glances, first at Alicia, then at each other.

"Thank you for today," Luca stated through the link.

"You made today so special for us," Tyree said as he kissed him on the lips. Instead of eating in the kitchen, they ate in the living room. Elena and Alicia were snoozing on the floor by the time it got to 8 p.m.

12/21/2041

The door to Luca and Tyree's bedroom opened, and Alicia bounced onto the bed.

"Daddy, mommy, it's snowing," she said, gleefully. Luca rubbed his eyes, turned his head, and noticed that the window was iced over. He rose from the bed and made his way to the window.

"Ty, it is snowing like crazy outside," he said. Tyree joined them and looked out the window at the snow that covered the ground.

"Can I play outside?" Alicia asked.

"After you eat and get dressed in warm clothes," Tyree explained.

"All right," she said, "Momma, will you play too?" Alicia asked, as they ate.

"For a little while," Luca explained. "I can't move around as much anymore," he explained.

Tyree dressed Alicia in her winter clothes and put her in her blue parka. Alicia's hands were covered by the pink gloves from the previous year. Luca doubled up on his clothes and grabbed one of Tyree's coats. It was the only thing that fit him because of the belly.

"I can't believe I'm doing this while pregnant," he thought to himself. Before he went out into the chilly air, Luca grabbed the baby monitor and put it into the pocket. Luca smiled as Alicia lay in the snow and made a snow angel.

After playing outside, they all warmed up in front of the fireplace. Luca sat on the couch beside Tyree and held Elena in his arms.

"Can we leave Santa cookies and milk?" Alicia asked.

"We can do that," they said. "Remember, he won't come unless you're asleep," Tyree said.

"Okay," she said, nodding her head. "Can I help make the cookies?" Alicia asked.

"Sure you can," Luca said, nodding his head. "But you must do what we say," he said.

"Okay, momma," she said.