I never thought that my first time hosting Christmas dinner would turn into such a dramatic affair. And here I find myself. I’ve been married to my husband, Jason, for six months now, and I’m still getting used to his lively and vibrant family. Each person has their unique traditions, whether it’s the number of stockings to hang on the mantel or the specific pie that should be baked for dessert. It seems that the Preston family has celebrated Christmas in the same way for many generations. This year, I’m the “lucky” one who stepped up—quite courageously, if I do say so myself—to host everyone at our place.
I’m Chloe Preston, but I used to be Chloe Harper before I decided to take Jason’s last name. Over the last week, I’ve been busy cleaning, decorating, baking, and planning to ensure that every little detail is just right. I’m feeling really anxious because I just know that one person, Jason’s older sister Savannah, will always find a reason to dislike whatever I do. From the very first time I encountered Savannah, I felt a subtle tension in the air that I just couldn’t identify. Jason mentioned that she’s simply being “protective” of the family. It seems to me that she’s determined to uncover my flaws and make them public for everyone to notice.
At this moment, I’m in the dining room, fiddling with the red and gold tablecloth for what seems like the millionth time. I keep pulling on it to ensure it’s just right in the center. The table is all set with our favorite holiday plates, and right in the center, I’ve placed a festive floral arrangement I put together using pine branches and vibrant berries.
Just then, Jason walks into the room. With a tall and confident stance, he dons a crisp white shirt paired with a green tie that perfectly highlights his bright eyes as he places a tray of glasses down. “Chloe, you’ve been playing with that tablecloth all morning,” he says, resting his hands softly on my shoulders. “I assure you, everything looks incredible.”
I draw in a shaky breath. “I really want this Christmas dinner to be just right, Jase.” Your family really has a lot of expectations, particularly when it comes to your sister.
He bends down and plants a kiss on my cheek. Take a deep breath and unwind. You’re definitely going to nail it with flair. Do you recall the very first day we crossed paths at that office holiday party? You took charge of the whole event, handling everything from the decorations to the catering, and it all went smoothly.”
I can’t help but smile as I think back on that memory. Two years back, I stepped into my role as the new marketing director, and there he was, the CFO who seemed impossible to decipher—reserved, intelligent, and intriguingly attractive. That night, I wowed him by throwing together an amazing office Christmas party in no time at all. He was so taken with me that he asked me out the very next day.
Our courtship was a whirlwind: a year of dating, a romantic proposal on a sunset cruise, and a summer wedding that felt like a fairy-tale come to life. Our future looked promising—until I came to understand just how intricate the Preston family dynamics really were. And that was largely because of Savannah.
I gently place my hand over his. “You keep insisting it’ll be okay, but have you seen the way Savannah looks at me?””
He releases a small sigh. “Savannah’s just so… stuck in her habits. She cares deeply about family traditions. “Chloe, she doesn’t hate you.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Protective is just a nice way of saying controlling.” Remember last month’s disaster? She mentioned to your mom that I was serving ‘hipster food’ for Thanksgiving just because I wanted to include roasted Brussels sprouts on the menu.
He lets out a soft laugh. “Okay, she can be a bit over the top.” I promise I won’t let her ruin your evening. Let’s concentrate on making this Christmas truly wonderful.
Even with his comforting words, I still feel on edge. The turkey is roasting in the oven, the side dishes are all set, and we’ve got just one hour to go before the guests show up. I’m committed to making sure everything goes smoothly.
“Ding-dong!””
The doorbell chimes right at 4:00 p.m. My heart skips a beat. With a mischievous wink, Jason strides over to the door, ready to open it. Daniel and Claire Preston, Jason’s parents, walk in wearing their cozy Christmas sweaters. They welcome me with open arms (thank goodness, it’s nice to know they actually like me).
Claire takes a deep breath, her face lighting up with a smile. “Oh, Chloe, it smells amazing in here!” Is that your famous rosemary stuffing I smell?“
I give a nod. “Yes, I used fresh rosemary from the little garden out back.” I can’t help but smile a bit, hoping I’ve passed the “mom-in-law sniff test.”
Daniel takes off his coat and heads directly to the pitcher of eggnog sitting on the kitchen counter. It seems like he could really use a little holiday cheer right now.
Then, a rush of cousins, nieces, and nephews bursts through the front door, bringing with them a mountain of coats, presents, and lively conversation. The living room quickly fills with the joyful sounds of squealing children. I guide them to a little activity corner I’ve created, filled with crayons, coloring books, and Christmas stickers, allowing the kids to have some fun on their own.
While I’m handing out small plates for appetizers, Jason’s cousin, Mia, casually approaches me. She’s a warm and chatty woman with short, curly hair. “Hey, Chloe, have you heard about Grandma’s big news?”“She leans in, her voice low and secretive, a spark of mischief dancing in her eyes.”
“Is there an announcement?””I’m a bit puzzled, so I ask.”
Mia raises her eyebrows playfully. Absolutely! Grandma Harriet is getting ready to retire from her catering business and has decided to choose one grandchild to take it over. She’s been working on this plan for years, you know. The big question is: which grandchild will she pick?“
All of a sudden, it makes sense. “Oh, that’s true.” Savannah brought up that Grandma Harriet is thinking about stepping down. But I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly.
Mia gives a sly smile. “It’s really going to happen.” Savannah has been trying to win over Grandma Harriet all the time. She has sent gift baskets, arranged lunch dates, and even volunteered to redecorate Grandma’s whole house. <text”You know, just to show Grandma how ‘responsible’ and ‘traditionally minded’ she is.” Mia rolls her eyes so dramatically that I nearly burst out laughing.
At that moment, the doorbell chimes once more. My heart races because I recognize her instantly: Savannah. Jason rushes to open the door for her, and I put on my most neutral smile, trying to keep things calm.
Savannah strides into the house as if she’s the queen of the castle, draped in a chic red coat with a fur trim, and clutching a shiny pie box—clearly from one of those fancy pastry shops in the city. Her bob is perfectly curled, and her makeup is done with meticulous care. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m a bit underdressed in my plain green sweater and apron.
She offers me a couple of quick air-kisses by my cheeks. “Chloe, sweetheart, are you hosting the Christmas gathering this year?” Wow, that’s quite a daring step for someone new to the Preston family traditions.
I hold onto my smile. “I’m truly thrilled to have everyone here.” Thank you for being here.
“Oh, absolutely,” she responds, fluttering her eyelashes playfully. “I definitely couldn’t miss Grandma Harriet’s big announcement, could I?” <text“I really hope your dinner meets the high standards of the Preston family.” She glances meaningfully at the kitchen. “I heard there was a little mishap at the family reunion breakfast last summer.” Are those eggs overcooked or what?”
I clenched my jaw tightly. “Yes, well, that was an accident.” I can still picture the moment when the salt and sugar were mixed up, leading to a breakfast spread that was nothing short of a disaster. I remember having my doubts about Savannah and whether she might have been behind that “accident,” but I could never find any proof.
Savannah walks into the living room. Mia, Jason’s cousin, glides over and offers me a look filled with understanding. “Just overlook her.” We all understand that the whole pancake situation wasn’t on you. She’s simply like that.
I take a deep breath and remind myself, Stay calm, Chloe. Keep your cool around her.
The noise in the house cranks up even more when Grandma Harriet finally shows up. At 82, she presents an impressive sight, standing tall and straight, her silver hair elegantly styled in a sleek bob. Harriet’s Catering & Events has grown into one of the most successful catering companies in the region, all starting from a simple home kitchen four decades ago. As she enters the room, a hush falls over everyone—there’s an undeniable air of respect that surrounds her. Even Savannah seems a bit down for a moment.
“Ah, Chloe,” Grandma Harriet says, wrapping me in a warm embrace. “I could smell that turkey from outside.” It has an amazing aroma. I heard you’re trying out my rosemary-honey glaze recipe?”
Her approval makes my heart soar. “Absolutely, ma’am.” I made sure to follow each step carefully. Thanks for sharing it with me at Thanksgiving; it’s now my favorite recipe!
“Amazing!”She looks around, taking in the decorations, the gathering of family members, and the bowls filled with snacks. Her eyes sparkle with delight. This house is absolutely radiating with Christmas spirit. Well done, my dear.
Savannah clears her throat in a noticeable way. “Grandma Harriet, would you like to come and sit with us?” “I have a few thoughts on your business’s interior design that I believe you’ll really appreciate.” She gives an overly sweet smile.
Grandma Harriet just raises an eyebrow. “Talk to you later, sweetheart.” I want to watch how dinner is prepared first.
Savannah feels a wave of disappointment wash over her, her jaw clenching tightly. With a dramatic flourish, she quickly finishes the rest of her wine, swirling the glass in her hand.
I quietly express my gratitude that Grandma Harriet appears to be overlooking Savannah’s efforts to redirect the conversation toward the catering business.
With the house bustling, kids laughing, adults mingling, and cheerful music playing softly in the background, I suddenly remember that I haven’t checked on the turkey in about twenty minutes. I take a quick look at the clock—it’s just the right moment for a mid-cook baste. I choose to quietly escape the crowd and make my way to the kitchen. As I walk by, I notice Savannah by the oven, and for a brief moment, I catch a curious, triumphant little smile on her face before she swiftly looks away.
My stomach churns. There’s definitely something not quite right. I push the feeling away, telling myself it’s just my anxious mind at work. Concentrate on the turkey, I remind myself.
I pull open the oven door and grab the baster. Right away, my eyes go wide. A wave of intense heat hits my face, way hotter than the 300 degrees I had it set to. I take a moment to verify the temperature displayed on the digital panel. 475 degrees. That’s almost two hundred degrees higher than what I wanted!
In a panic, I fling the oven door open, and a thick cloud of dark smoke rushes out at me. Coughing, I take a look inside. What was supposed to be a delicious turkey has turned into a dreadful sight, with its skin charred and the drippings reduced to a burnt mess in the pan. The scent of burnt meat turns my stomach.
Tears are welling up in my eyes. I can’t believe this is happening. Just twenty minutes ago, the turkey looked golden and absolutely perfect. How in the world did the temperature end up this high?
Just then, Savannah glides into the kitchen, wine glass in hand, wearing a look of faux sympathy that seems almost rehearsed. “Oh no, Chloe, did you happen to set the temperature incorrectly?”Her voice rings out, and I glance back to find the rest of the family has gathered behind her, lured by the scent of smoke and the palpable tension hanging in the air.
Jason hurries over to me. “Chloe!” What’s going on?”
My throat feels constricted. “I—I had it set right.” It’s at 475 now, but I really didn’t set it to that.
Behind him, I catch sight of Savannah, her hand over her mouth in what could be interpreted as shock—but the sparkle in her eyes tells a different story, one of pure amusement. “I suppose even the best of us make mistakes now and then,” she declares, her voice ringing out to no one in particular. “What a pity.” Setting the family Christmas turkey on fire is definitely a blunder.
A tightness grips my chest. I’m unable to talk. I turn the oven off and take a step back, feeling tears start to gather in my eyes. Everything I put my effort into, all the careful planning—destroyed in a cloud of bitter smoke.
Out of nowhere, Grandma Harriet’s strong voice breaks through the whispers. “Oh dear, we should probably crack a few windows to let the smoke escape.” However, we shouldn’t rush to conclusions about how the oven reached that temperature.
Savannah tosses her hair with a graceful flick. “It’s clear, Grandma.” Chloe isn’t really accustomed to preparing meals for big gatherings. She must have cranked the dial up and then just forgot about it.
A tense silence falls over the group. Jason wraps an arm around me and whispers, “It’s going to be okay.” Yet, I can’t shake the feeling of my cheeks flushing, a mix of embarrassment and the overwhelming heat radiating from the oven.
As the conversation grows increasingly uncomfortable, Grandma Harriet takes a step forward. It’s as if the whole room goes silent, just like when a teacher rises to address the class.
“Well,” she says, her hands coming together in a thoughtful gesture. “It seems that dinner might be postponed or altered.” “I think this could be the perfect time for me to share my announcement.”
Savannah’s attitude changes in an instant. She adjusts her dress, raises her chin, and makes an effort to look composed. I can see her expression shift, a mix of greed and eagerness lighting up her face, as if she’s already envisioning Harriet’s Catering & Events in her grasp.
Grandma Harriet scans the room, her eyes briefly resting on Savannah, then shifting to me, and finally landing on Jason. “As you all know, I’ve spent the last forty years building my catering business.” I’ve been clear about my desire to pass it on to one of my grandchildren—someone who truly understands its mission and values.
The crowd moves in tighter. I notice a few of the cousins watching with wide eyes, but everyone knows that Savannah and Jason are the real competitors here. It seems like everyone thinks Grandma Harriet will pick Savannah. After all, Savannah has been campaigning for this for months.
Grandma Harriet takes a deep breath. “But there’s something else that really matters to me: character.” I hope the person who takes over my company is honest, has a generous spirit, and uses the business to spread joy instead of causing harm.
In an instant, her eyes lock onto Savannah, holding her firmly in place. “I’ve been keeping an eye on that for quite some time, Savannah.” I’ve seen you act in a manipulative and unkind way, particularly towards your new sister-in-law, Chloe. That’s just not what I believe in.
Savannah’s complexion turns ashen. “Grandma, that’s not— I mean, I only push so hard because I really care about our traditions!””
Grandma Harriet lets out a sigh and shakes her head, clearly disappointed. “So, is that the reason you snuck in here and turned up the oven temperature?” Is it because you value traditions?“
The group is struck by a wave of disbelief. It’s as if a collective gasp echoes through the crowd. Jason’s mother, Claire, appears utterly shocked. Jason’s father, Daniel, places his eggnog down with a noticeable thud.
Savannah begins to stammer, “Hold on, that’s not— You can’t just blame me for—”
Grandma Harriet carries on, her voice unwavering. “You were so caught up fiddling with the controls that you completely missed me sitting quietly on the window seat.” I arrived earlier to look for a spot to relax. I witnessed everything, Savannah. You turned up the heat, shut the oven door, and walked away with a smile on your face.
Silence falls over the scene. My chest tightens as I shift my gaze from Savannah’s shocked face to Grandma Harriet’s fiery glare. Everything feels so unreal. Jason’s parents look at their daughter in shock, their faces filled with disbelief.
Savannah’s cheeks turn a deep shade of red, her meticulously styled bob bobbing slightly as she struggles to defend herself. “I… I just wanted to ensure it was hot enough so the turkey wouldn’t end up undercooked. This was an accident!”
Grandma Harriet squints her eyes. “Oh, I’ve seen more than enough.” Let me be clear: Harriet’s Catering & Events was never founded on sabotage or cruelty. So, the business isn’t coming your way, Savannah.
I notice some of the cousins across the room exchanging surprised looks. One of them leans in and whispers, “Wow, I never thought I’d see the day Grandma called out Savannah in front of everyone!””
At the same time, Savannah’s lips quiver. “But Grandma—”
“No, that’s final,” Grandma Harriet interrupts her. She looks at Jason and me and says, “I’ve made my decision: the business will go to Jason.”
My husband’s eyes go wide, and I can feel the ground shifting beneath me. Beside me, Savannah lets out a choking noise before darting out of the kitchen. We catch a final glimpse of her red coat as it vanishes through the front door, the sound of it slamming shut lingering in the air.
A buzz of murmurs spreads through the family members. Claire is wiping her eyes with a tissue, while Daniel shakes his head in disbelief at what just occurred. Jason and I look at one another, both taken aback. We had discussed the chance that Grandma Harriet might eventually select one of us to take the reins, but never in our wildest dreams did we imagine she’d choose Jason—especially with Savannah’s constant pushing for her own case.
Grandma Harriet gently presses her lips together, a warm smile lighting up her face. “Jason, my dear, the decision has been made. I recognize your fairness, and I admire the way you and Chloe tackle challenges with such poise. That’s the kind of attitude essential for running this business.
Jason nods, his voice trembling with feeling. “Thanks, Grandma.” That’s a really big honor. Honestly, I’m not quite sure if we can go along with it.
The whole family leans in, clearly taken by surprise. <text”My heart races, yet I find myself repeating Jason’s words.” “We discussed this.” If it ever came our way, we had another idea in mind.
Grandma Harriet raises her gray eyebrows in surprise. “Oh?””
Jason grabs my hand. “We’ve talked about the idea of you selling the company instead and sharing the profits with all the grandchildren’s families—perhaps for college funds, mortgages, or to help them start their own small businesses.” Your legacy should benefit everyone, not just a single individual.
Silence descends. Grandma Harriet’s face is a canvas of emotions—surprise, pride, and relief all swirling together. Then her lips curl up into a smile. “Well, isn’t that interesting.” You both are really something extraordinary. I have to admit, I was a bit concerned about tradition. Perhaps it’s time for tradition to adapt and change. That idea is fantastic!
The family bursts into a lively conversation. Mia lets out a joyful squeal, “That’s wonderful!”Another cousin adds, “This really changes everything.” I’m so excited to say that I can finally pay off my student loans!“The kitchen is alive with laughter and tears of relief.”
Grandma Harriet leans in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You know, I wasn’t even in the window seat when Savannah decided to mess with the turkey.”
My jaw drops. “Really? You weren’t?””
She lets out a soft laugh. “Oh no, I had a feeling.” Savannah has been quite transparent in her efforts to undermine you. I asked Mia to keep an eye on the hall, and she quietly filled me in on everything that went down. I kind of tricked Savannah into showing her real self in front of everyone.
I feel a mix of shock and admiration. “Grandma Harriet, you really know how to plan things out!”“
She simply gives a wink. “At times, it’s best to allow people’s actions to reveal their true character.” It’s the most effective way to uncover the truth.
Now that the turkey is ruined, it’s clear that dinner plans are in complete disarray. To my surprise, it seems like no one is bothered at all. The whole family appears to be brought together by the drama that has just taken place. Actually, Claire is the one who speaks up first. “Chloe, Jason—there’s no need to stress about the turkey.” How about we just get some takeout? <text”I’m really in the mood for some dumplings.”
Mia brings her hands together in applause. “That’s a fantastic idea!” Is it really Christmas without some Chinese takeout? That’s a story we’ll be chuckling over for years to come!“
Just like that, the younger cousins burst out cheering, “Chinese takeout, woohoo!”They’re likely more thrilled at the thought of egg rolls and lo mein than they ever were about roasted turkey.
Jason pulls out his phone, dials our go-to Chinese restaurant, and in just 45 minutes, a handful of bags filled with delicious aromas shows up at our door. We laid out containers of sweet-and-sour chicken, fried rice, vegetable chow mein, and dumplings across the beautifully decorated dining table. It’s pretty funny when you think about it: after all that careful planning, we’re ending up with a stack of takeout boxes for Christmas dinner.
But you know what? It’s truly amazing. The atmosphere becomes cheerful and laid-back, as if the earlier chaos somehow united everyone even more. The tension I felt earlier in the day has vanished. Instead, we come together with paper plates in hand (because why not at this stage?), sharing crab rangoon and sizzling beef with one another. Giggles dance around the table.
At one point, Jason’s mom glances my way and says, “You know, Chloe, my first Christmas dinner after marrying Daniel was a disaster too.” I completely forgot to thaw the turkey! We found ourselves munching on grilled cheese sandwiches at 10 p.m. There’s no need to feel bad.
His father adds, “That was actually my favorite holiday meal.” It spared me from the hassle of pretending to enjoy turkey.
Everyone at the table bursts into laughter. Grandma Harriet is laughing as she shares stories from the early days of her catering business, recalling the time she accidentally burned a wedding cake and had to whip up a replacement in just an hour. In that moment, it hit me: mistakes can bring people closer together, especially when you take responsibility for them—and when the truth about the sabotage comes to light.
Once we’ve indulged in dumplings and sweet-and-sour pork, the kids wander through the house, excitedly playing with their new Christmas toys and giggling at the cat as it sneaks around in search of leftovers. Parents are excitedly discussing their upcoming vacations and how they plan to use the future proceeds from Harriet’s Catering & Events once it’s sold.
Savannah is noticeably missing. She left in a rush of embarrassment, and while I do feel a twinge of guilt for how exposed she was, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief that the truth finally came out. For a long time, I felt like I was in her shadow, constantly facing her criticisms and her never-ending hints that I didn’t fit in. Now, the whole family realizes just how far she was ready to go to undermine me.
Jason walks over to me as I’m tidying up some containers on the table. He wraps his arms around me, whispering softly in my ear, “I’m really sorry about Savannah.” I never imagined she would take it that far.
I lean my cheek against his shoulder, breathing in the soothing aroma of his cologne. “You didn’t mess anything up.” She really did. But everything is alright now. Perhaps she will gain some insight from this experience.
He gives a nod. “Fingers crossed.” She is, after all, my sister. I can’t shake the feeling that I have some responsibility for what she did.
Softly, I rest my hand on his cheek. “Please don’t.” She’s grown up now and has to face the repercussions of her actions. In the meantime, let’s savor the rest of our Christmas together.
He offers me a gentle smile. “I love you, Chloe.” Whether there’s drama or not, this is our very first Christmas together as a married couple.
I gently lean in and press my lips against his. “I love you as well, Jase.”
Before long, everyone begins to grab their coats and share warm hugs as they say their goodbyes. Some people hang back to lend a hand with the cleanup. Grandma Harriet plants a gentle kiss on my cheek and softly says, “I’m so proud of you for managing everything with such grace, my dear.” If you and Jason ever choose to embark on a new venture, I believe you’ll make a fantastic partner in the future.
Jason catches a snippet of conversation and raises an eyebrow in curiosity. “Hold on, Grandma, can you explain what you mean by that?””
She gives a little shrug and a smile that hints at something deeper. “I just have this sense that you both are meant for something greater.” Even if you’re not taking over Harriet’s Catering & Events, it doesn’t mean you can’t carve out your own journey in the culinary or event industry.
We express our gratitude once more, and she makes her way out, accompanied by Mia. The house falls into a hush as the last of the relatives leave. Before long, it’s just Jason and me in our living room, which now resembles a whirlwind of wrapping paper, leftover treats, and scattered plastic cups.
Jason flops down onto the sofa with a sigh. “What a day it has been.”
I plop down next to him. “You’re telling me.” I look over at the coffee table, where the fortune cookies from our Chinese feast are still sitting. I reach over and pop one open. The note says: “Family isn’t just about blood relations; it’s about those who are there to hold your hand when you need it the most.”
I share it with Jason, and he breaks into a grin. “Just right.”
I nod, considering the thoughts swirling in my mind. “I can’t believe how everything has unfolded.” The turkey disaster, the betrayal, Grandma Harriet’s big news, that unforgettable showdown. It feels like it’s straight out of a soap opera.
He chuckles gently. “Well, at least nobody kicked the bucket during it, which is more than I can say for some soap opera plots.”
I can’t help but shake my head at his sense of humor, but I find myself cuddling closer. “You know, even with all the chaos, I feel…” strangely content. It feels like we narrowly escaped a close call. If Savannah had remained in the shadows, she could have continued to undermine me.
He gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Yeah, now the family understands the reality.” I really hope Savannah can learn from this and find her way back eventually. She is my sister. I really don’t want this to cause a lasting divide between us.
“We can get in touch with her later,” I say softly. “Once she’s calmed down.” Perhaps she will find a way to accept her mistakes.
We linger for a moment, our hands intertwined, allowing the events of the evening to wash over us. It’s still Christmas night, with the lights on the tree gently twinkling in the corner. The snow is beginning to dance in gentle spirals beneath the glow of the streetlights. It really is quite lovely—so calm and serene.
“What do you think about keeping things simpler next Christmas?”“I suggest, with a hint of humor.” “Similar to a potluck or perhaps a volunteer gathering at a shelter.” It’s really about generosity, not about trying to outdo each other.
Jason lets out a laugh. “That’s amazing!” Looks like we’re going for a potluck! “Let’s find out if your incredible roasted Brussels sprouts can make an appearance once more, especially now that we’ve uncovered the true saboteur.”
I chuckle softly, resting my head against his shoulder. “It’s a deal.”
We linger in a cozy silence, savoring the aftermath of a strange yet strangely uplifting Christmas, comforted by the gentle glow of fairy lights. Deep down, I realize that although Savannah’s betrayal hurt, it also created a newfound bond among the rest of the family. Thanks to Grandma Harriet’s kindness and our idea to share the sale proceeds, the future looks bright for all the Preston grandchildren. It seems like the ideal way to wrap up a day that began with so much stress.
As we get up to go to bed, we walk by the kitchen table, which is messy with leftover egg rolls and containers of tangy sauce. It’s a big departure from the classic turkey dinner I had in mind. I’ve realized that often, the most cherished memories come about when things don’t go as planned. We’ve got plenty of leftover Chinese food to keep us going for a few days—who knows, we might even throw together a leftover stir-fry tomorrow.
Before I turn off the Christmas tree lights, I take a moment to admire the ornaments I’ve hung—each one a cherished memory from our brief but meaningful marriage so far. There’s one that looks like a tiny whisk, reminding me of the day I showed Jason how to bake cookies. There’s one that looks like a little house, symbolizing the purchase of the home we now call ours. Every ornament has its own tale, and tonight, we’ve just penned a new chapter: the Christmas sabotage that unexpectedly became a blessing in disguise.
At last, I grasp Jason’s hand, and together we ascend the stairs to our bedroom. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, relief, and a newfound, profound sense of belonging. Absolutely, our day was filled with chaos, unexpected twists, and even some painful moments. But the Preston family has become my family now. Sometimes families clash, undermine each other, and have differing opinions—but ultimately, love, honesty, and forgiveness prevail.
I slide under the covers next to Jason, and as I start to drift off, I can’t help but wonder where we’ll be by next Christmas.
