Baby 24: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

A few days ago we arrived at a rental house in Sunlit Tides. I had decided to move the kids here to get used to their new town before starting school after Christmas break. Since our new home wasn't ready yet, Logan allowed us to stay at a vacation home he had built. It was small, but Cara, Amy, and Mackenzie would be moving out today. They were grown and wanted to go out into the world to explore in their words, "everything." We renovated the study into another small nursery (with Logan's permission of course). Before we left, I had discovered I was pregnant with baby 24 (or more!). If you haven't already guessed, I'm pregnant from that night with Matthew many months before. Even though it was unexpected, we are both ecstatic.

The girls have grown into beautiful young adults. All three of them bought a small apartment on the other side of town and will be living together. They haven't found a job yet, but are volunteering at a local animal shelter. They all hope that the owner will hire them soon. I'm sure he will. Both Logan and I were sad to see them grown up so fast.

Meanwhile, Bradley has grown so much. He's sprouted a full head of hair, which I discovered, is the same as his father's. The only visible feature of mine are his eyes. The twins, Jayden and Chase haven't changed much, as with Elle.

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 "Elle! Your grandparents are here! Where are you?!" I shouted down the hallway. My parents had just arrived for my Christmas party and I had wanted Elle to greet them at the door. Looks like that wasn't going to happen. My brothers were supposed to travel here also, but were unable to make it because of work. 

"Elle! Don't make me call you again!" I shouted once more. Seconds later Elle appeared with Bradley in her arms. 

"Gosh Mom, I said I was coming." She stated. 

"Chloe! Your children are absolutely adorable!" My mother exclaimed. Elle's face lit up when she realized she was being talked about. She set Bradley on the floor and gave my mother a hug. 

"Hi, Grandma!" She greeted. "I'm Elle!" She smiled up at my mother and curtsied like she always did. 

"Keep an eye on that one, Mom." I explained. "She may look cute and innocent, but she's got a lot of tricks up her sleeve."

"Nonsense!" My mother answered. She followed Elle into the living room with a now awake Bradley trailing behind. 

"So, Dad, How have you been lately?" I asked him.

"Good, honey, good. It's been lonely at home, despite having your mother there. I still haven't grown accustomed to not having you and your brothers around."

"I can understand, Dad. I don't know what I'll do when I'm finished my challenge and my kids are all grown with families of their own." 

"You'll find something to do, Chloe. I know you will." He smiled.

"Why don't we join the others in the living room? You have yet to meet Matthew and I know you'll approve."

"Sounds good to me."

"Dad, this is Matthew, my boyfriend." I beamed.

"Pleased to meet you, sir. You have a wonderful daughter." Matthew greeted.

My dad shook his hand and I turned to face Alex. "Dad, you remember Alex. It's been quite some time, but he looks very much the same." I laughed.

"Great to see you again, Mr.Moreau." Alex stated.

"You too, son. I've heard you're quite the successful one!" My dad exclaimed.

Alex laughed. "Yes, I guess you could say so." They continued talking while I made my way to the kitchen to continue cooking dinner.

I had decided to make fettuchine alfredo for dinner this Christmas Eve because I was too exhausted to cook a full course meal. My mother had offered her help, but I had politely declined. She was our guest. I didn't want her slaving over a stove for hours.

Matthew quietly slipped into the kitchen and put his arms around my protruding stomach.

"Oh!" I yelped. I had no idea he was even in the room. He had a habit of scaring me that way.

"How are you feeling?" He asked. I could sense the smile in his voice.

"Fine." I replied. I can't wait until this baby is out." I explained. This had been one of my most uncomfortable pregnancies. The worst nausea, back aches, and exhaustion. I couldn't wait until I gave birth. Matthew kissed my cheek.

"Well, your due date is in the next couple of days, so not much longer." He enthused. He was so excited to have another one of his own in our house.

I smiled. "Why don't you go back out into the living room and entertain everyone? I'm almost done with dinner."

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Mhmm." I responded. He let go of my waist and walked back into the living room.

After dinner we all sat in the living room and talked. I brought out a pie I had made the night before and set it on the coffee table. All of them men had a slice, but my mother and I were too full to even consider one. Elle, however, helped herself to three slices. I swear that child has an endless pit for a stomach.

We were discussing our plans for Christmas Day when I heard the doorbell ring.

"I'll get it." I told everyone. I got up off the couch(with a little help from Matthew) and made my way to the door.

I opened the door and was surprised to see my best friend Becks standing in the doorway. Her teeth were chattering and she was shaking.

"Becks!" I pulled her inside and closed the door. Her cheeks were bright red and she looked like she was freezing.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I came to give you this." She replied handing me a small wrapped box.

I smiled. "Thanks! You came all the way out here in the snow to give this to me?" I questioned.

"Well, yea." She responded. "I also wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. I knew you'd be busy tomorrow with the kids and all and I wanted to get this to you soon."

"You're too sweet!" I pulled her in for a hug. "You look cold. How 'bout you come in for a bit and warm up? I made some pie if you want a slice. I'm sure everyone would love to meet you. You have yet to meet my parents."

"I'd love to."

I walked Becks into the living room and got everyone's attention.

"Hey guys, Becks is here! Mom, Dad, this is my best friend." I announced.

My mother turned around in her chair with a warm smile on her face which quickly turned into one of utter shock and terror.

"Mom, are you ok?" I asked concerned. Becks stood there with a confused look on her face.

"Uh, yes, I'm sorry, sweetheart. You just look so much like someone I used to know." She explained to Becks. "Excuse me." She excused herself and went into the bathroom.

"That was strange. I don't know what upset her." I told Becks.

"It's fine." Becks replied. Alex got up from the couch with a smile.

"Becks!" Alex walked over and gave her a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Thanks. How are you? I heard you got a new job here?" She asked.

"Yeah, in journalism. It's great. I work with Matthew in the business towers."

"Speaking of Matthew," Matthew said, "Great to see you, Becks." He gave her a hug. "Sorry, I can't talk more. I have to put the kids to bed before they get wound up again." He stated.

"I understand. I actually have to leave myself. I promised Maggie, Jeanie, and Lourdes I'd be home before bed time." She explained.

"Tell them I said hi! I can't wait to see them again. Oh, and tell Logan I said hi, too." I winked at her and she blushed. "Thanks again for the gift, Becks. I hope to see you soon." I gave her another hug and she was out the door.

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The day after everyone left, I went into labor and gave birth to baby 24, a beautiful baby girl. Matthew and I named her Holly. She was our little Christmas baby.

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I hope you enjoyed this post. I'm happy to have another Smith baby :) I will  continue to write while Chloe lives in this house. I probably won't have any more babies here, but Chloe will still be getting into her regular mischief (with Becks and Logan of course).

Merry Christmas!