But the good times and teasing resumed, and after they polished off the light breakfast, Holly announced that it was time to open presents.
“I want to be Santa!” Callie exclaimed.
“You can’t be Santa. That’s the dads’ job,” Dillon protested.
Callie glared at her brother. “Says who? I want to pass out presents this year.”
“Of course you can, baby,” Holly said.
“Mama’s baby,” Dillon mouthed at her.
Callie shot him a smug smile and then scrambled up to start passing out the gifts.
The living room was soon covered in torn wrapping paper, pieces of ribbons, and bows strewn from one end to the other. Everyone oohed and ahhed over each gift, but it was Lily’s gift that stole the show.
After everything had been opened, Dillon and his brothers rose, conspiratorial smiles on their faces.
“We have one last gift for Lily,” Michael said. “We’ll be right back with it.”
Lily watched them go, her brow furrowed in confusion. A moment later, they tromped back into the house from outside, shaking the snow from their boots and pajamas.
They carried a blanket-covered object into the living room and placed it front of Lily, and then Dillon carefully pulled the covering away.
Lily gasped as she stared in wonder at the magnificent handcrafted cradle. She knew immediately that Dillon had done this. Probably with his brothers’ help.
Her fingers slid over the stained finish with reverence, taking in all the intricate lines and designs that had been carved. But when she got to the end, her vision blurred and she swallowed hard to keep the emotion at bay.
There at the head of the cradle, at the top of the curve, was a simple rose. A gentle remembrance. Letting her know that they hadn’t forgotten, that they understood.
She touched it, running her finger over it again and again, so choked up and filled with overwhelming love for her husbands that she couldn’t have spoken if she wanted to.
“Thank you,” she finally managed to whisper. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Everyone beamed at her, though Holly sniffled and Callie hastily dabbed at her eyes. Even the dads’ eyes were suspiciously wet.
“It’s a fine piece,” Adam proclaimed. “You boys did good.”
His declaration lightened the mood and everyone returned to sorting the gifts, collecting the paper, and stacking boxes in a corner.
When all was done, Holly pushed herself up from between Ethan and Adam. “I have an announcement of my own to make.”
She stood before her family, a serene smile sliding across her pretty features. Holly Colter reminded Lauren of an angel. The very best kind of angel.
“I’m cooking Christmas dinner today.”
There was a series of chokes and wheezes. Spasms crossed the faces of the rest of the Colter family as they tried very hard not to react to her announcement.
Lauren watched them all in puzzlement, not understanding why such an announcement was not only odd but greeted by such an arresting array of responses.
There were even groans. Ryan’s face whitened. Ethan looked panicked. The Colter offspring just dissolved into raucous laughter.
Holly glared at them all, hands on her hips.
“You aren’t cooking,” Adam said sternly. “You just got out of the hospital.”
“Not to mention we don’t want her to put us in the hospital,” Ryan muttered.
Holly scowled at her husband. “I heard that.”
“She’s a wonderful cook,” Lily said, rising to throw her glare in with Holly’s.
Holly slid her arm around Lily’s waist and beamed at her daughter-in-law. “Thank you, baby.”
Ethan sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. Everyone looked like they were preparing to face their executioner.
“Anyone want to hear the menu or shall I just surprise you all?” Holly asked, her eyes brimming with excitement.
Another series of groans echoed over the room.