Infinity Chapter 127 - Christmas Bells

[itztigress3]

Chapter 127 –  Christmas Bells
POV: Emily
Word count: 3886


December 25, 2015

November had not been that busy really. Disney had gone well from the band perspective, the shows had been a hit and Taylor even got to use his segway onstage. There had been no problems or concerns when it came to the performances or even the lecture given about the beer.

Our problems came more from the kids. There weren’t a ton of rides that either of our children could get on, but there was a few that were suitable for them both. Alexander had loved about everything we put him on or tried and if animals were included we were guaranteed smiles and super happy son. The only ride he seemed to not like too much was Pirates of the Caribbean, it had been fairly loud.

Isabella on the other hand hadn’t much liked anything. We didn’t bother with any real rides, she was too young for them. She tolerated the cruises and safari rides as long as she was right next to dada or in his arms. What totally shocked us was Minnie Mouse. She had been in her stroller and Alexander had been fine when Minnie spoke to him, but when she went to Isabella, she flipped the fuck out. I had gotten her out but no it was Dada she wanted and she screamed until he took her. Minnie tried one more time but she whined so Zac just shook his head and the actor backed off. Alexander had his picture with most every character we saw, but not her. After she did the same thing with Mickey Mouse we didn’t let any of the others near her. She wouldn’t even let Zac put her down after Minnie.  She did let Cinderella get somewhat close, but not close enough. Given her reaction we asked someone to just keep her at the hotel or we kept her away from the many characters when no one was available.

After Disney we welcomes another niece, Isaac and Nikki welcomed Nina Odette on the 12^th, she hadn’t gone to Disney due to the pregnancy but Monroe and Everett had come with Ike and their parents. Nina was a spitting imagine of her brothers and so adorable.
Thanksgiving had gone very well. Aaron and Christopher shocked us with a double wedding, saying that all four of them agreed and apparently Aaron and Zander were ok with me as their officiate . I never thought I’d be marrying my brothers. Then Taylor and Natalie announced they were expecting baby number 5 in 2016.

Today however was Christmas. I was up super early to assemble one of the gifts for Isabella. Zac had stayed up late assembling a motorized car for Alexander. I promised the little play toys I’d picked out for her that I would assemble. It gave me some quiet time as well as I assembled the walking toy and the riding one.

We had seen Maddi and the others last week and we did Christmas with Zac’s family yesterday because today we were going to Oklahoma City to be at dads wedding and do Christmas. Natalie and Taylor announced they too were having a little girl and it was nice that Penny was getting a little sister.

Craig and Christopher were riding with us but they wouldn’t be over until about 11. Giving us time to do our own Christmas with the kids and them with Jasmine. I finished assembly of the toys and sat them beside the tree and then began breakfast. Taylor taught me how to do a frittata and I was doing that because it was easy. I was sure Alexander would attack toys first anyway. Zac came down about 6 and yawned.

"I woke up to snuggle you and found you gone. Not cool babe.”

"Told you last night I was going to assemble her riding toy and the little walking one.”

"I think I slept walked to the bed.”

"Evidently so.”

I kissed him even though he was still pretty much asleep. But he smiled anyway.

"Kids still snoozing?”

"Alexander will be up soon he was moving a bit more than usual, and I suspect he will wake her up.”

"Probably. Should we open presents first or be mean parents and make them eat first?”

He considered that a moment.

"Honestly they should eat first but hey I want to open that box you got me as badly as he wants the one he’s tried to get into for days”

"I guess presents first then.”

Honestly I wondered what he got me too because I hadn’t seen a single box with my name from him they were all from Alexander or Isabella. I was however certain he’d gotten me something, but the question was what and where did he hide it?!

"You know this is the first Christmas since 09 where we won’t see Casey.”

I was kind of sad about that actually. I really hadn’t realized I would miss that. Zac blinked.

"He’s not coming over?”

"I don’t think so. Did he mention it to you?”

"He hasn’t said that he wasn’t showing up. But um..he kind of has too come over because he has your gift at his house.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Why does Casey have my gift there?”

“Didn’t want you peaking.”

“Well, I assume he knows we’re leaving about 11 right?”

“Yes.”

We both heard Alexander upstairs calling for us and Zac went up coming back with two hyper kids who sure enough went straight to the wrapped packages, it was one of the best things about Christmas now, watching them open the presents and seeing their smiles. Alexander went insane over the car and it took coaxing to get him to open the other packages. They had gotten new toys and I’d been smart and cleaned out the old ones already. Zac was thrilled with his new video games, the desktop missile launcher and the host of other items I’d not given to anyone else. The kids had gotten me some of the items I requested and clothes and as they played with the toys Zac went to the tree and plucked a package from inside the tree and then sat beside me on the floor.

“Merry Christmas.”

The paper was green with no tag and bow. “You hid this from me!”

“It’s been hiding in the tree since I put it up.”

I unwrapped the box and opened the ring box to a beautiful ring. It was a simple silver band with two rows of diamonds and inside was two interconnected hearts. It was simple and beautiful, it didn’t need engravings or other fancy stuff.

“I know you have several but this way you can switch them out.”

“I love it.”

It also fit very well and I couldn’t resist just leaving it on. Isabella finally came to me whining and I took that as feed me. So we got them and headed to the kitchen, we were finished with breakfast and just cleaning their hands when Casey called Zac and he then vanished outside.  They came in with the gifts for the kids which just got them all excited again and I let them down so they could open them. Alexander was calling his name over and over again.

“Where is Robert?”

“He’s getting yours out of the car.” Casey said.

He sat down with the kids but Zac sat me down on the sofa, my back to the door and before long Robert was bringing the last of the items and sitting down as well.

“You have to close your eyes, I was terrified to wrap it.” Casey said.

I did as asked and I felt something against my upper thighs, it was a frame and I waited until I could hear Zac breathing into my ear.

“You can open your eyes now.”

I opened them and for a moment I was confused until I took in the whole printed imagine. He’d taken pictures from our first birthday as well as the kids and combined them into a single image, using one of the latest Family pictures as the center.

“I figured we needed a new picture over the mantel. I love Maddi’s three but there a bit old now and Isabella isn’t represented there.”

“It’s amazing. Was this your ultimate top secret project that you kicked me out of the office for?”

“It was. Although, I did some of the editing at work and some here. I then had it printed, stretched and framed but I left it with Casey so you wouldn’t see it.”

I kissed him as I heard wrapping paper being torn apart. “I love it and I love you.”

He smiled and kissed me. “I love you.”

He moved it to a safe place and sat down so we could see them attacking the items they had gotten from Casey and Robert.

“Are you two actually living together now?” Zac asked.

“Yes and no. For the most part I just stay there with him but I still stay at my house sometimes. Although I guess after January I’ll sell mine.”

“Well, yeah, it is weird to be married and have two houses.” Zac said.

“Indeed. Although, I could rent the house out and have it as an income property. Real estate was an interest of mine but with recent
events I just don’t like that field anymore.”

He nodded and got theirs, considering we got Jaw’s towels for Casey we got the Star Wars set for Robert, so they had their own sets.
We also got them new pots and pans and new dishes because we’d realized the last few times that everything they had was mismatched and the pans were horrible. We had gone with solid black plates because they would match any color changes.

“Perfect choice. I have been told the yellow living room must remain yellow but the kitchen I can change” Robert said.

“He sure does love that yellow color.” Zac said.

“Yellow is happy and bright, most places are dark and I don’t ever want dark.”

The last one we gave was a gift card to the local novelty store, something they could use to get whatever they may want. Zac and I knew how depraved Casey could be and to prove it he put the card in his wallet with a twisted little smirk on his face. I was rather glad that he wouldn’t be using the card to purchase anything for Zac and I to be included in. At least, hopefully he didn’t.

“I fear what he finds…” Robert said.

“You probably should be a little worried.” Zac said.

“I think I should listen to your advice as that one he has put up was bought for you..”

Zac smiled and nodded and they handed us our gifts. They also got new dishes, but ours were white with blue swirly designs on the edges, we did need new plates as some had gotten broken. When we opened the gift card to the same novelty shop Zac put it in his wallet.

“What? You don’t trust Emily’s choice?” Robert asked.

“It’s not that, he’s afraid I’ll get a vibrator or something.”

“Dude, those can be fun.” Robert said.

“Not when I am tied to the bed and she’s being evil there not.” Zac said.

“He’s still a bit miffed about that and it’s not like I do it every month, twice since Amanda gifted it to me.”

He just looked at me and the other two laughed. Casey held up the last envelope.

“This is for you to use in your new office.”

He handed me the envelope and inside was a voucher for a custom made desk.

“Any size, any configuration, you choose something that will work for you in that office. That way you can still be effective and be able to watch them.”

“So spoiled.”  I said.

“Hey, we spent way more on them.” Robert said.

“As you should.”

They were playing with the host of new toys already and Isabella seemed a little overwhelmed really.

“Where in the hell are you going to put all these toys? You told everyone to get them educational toys or something that moves, DVD’s.”

I smiled at him. “There not all staying here. The ones that we bought for them will stay here along with some from each side the rest will go to the play room at the studio. It’s why I asked because they have limited toys there now. This gives them many options and it allowed people freedom to get whatever they wanted. Even if they get two, we can leave one here and one there.”

“Smart.”

“Always.” Zac said.

“So…do you two mind watching them while we get dressed? We’re all still in pajamas.” I said.

“I’ll do you one better, if you’ll tell us what they’re wearing for the day we’ll get them ready.”

“Ace sent them a suit for today. Little three piece tux for Alexander and Isabella has this adorable little gold dress. There colors are white, gold and red. They’re not going to want to put all that on.”

“In that case, we’ll sit here and let them play.”

We got up and headed up-stairs, it was cold up in Tulsa and I did not want to wear a dress but I told Ace I would for him, my dress would be identical to Eliza’s. Zac had to zip it and I was glad Dad had remembered I was more top heavy, the dress fit very well and flowed to my ankles where the gold strapped shoes were. There was a gold belt that went with the dress which was all white with a lace overlay with like floral patterns. There was a small tear drop at the neckline which I liked, I didn’t like it was sleeveless but we would be inside. Zac was in his black tuxedo and I know he’d hate it but I would love it. We got the kids clothes and went back downstairs where they were still playing.

Robert blinked when Zac came down and I swore to god he shifted in the seat too! Why was Zac in a full tuxedo so arousing to so many? I mean, it was me and Casey and now Robert too? Casey was kind of stared too.

“Wow…” Robert said.

“He cleans up really nice doesn’t he?” I asked.

“Um..Hell yeah.” Robert said.

Casey punched his arm lightly. “Kids dude, watch the cussing.”

Casey had cleaned up the wrapping paper for us and even put some of the toys aside so it was easy to get them to come to us. I laid her down on the couch and did a diaper change first and removed the pajamas. The leggings were easy to get on her and she let me put the little gold shoes on too. The dress however she was fussy with. The dress itself was white with gold embroidered swirls and stars, there was a single gold bow in the center and she had a little white sweater to put on, the dress itself was sleeveless. I glance up when Zac called Alexander’s full name. He was not cooperating at all. His full name calmed him some but what he wanted was to be playing and not getting ready to leave.

I sat her in my lap and brushed her hair out, got the few mild tangles out, her hair was down to her shoulders and fairly thick so I left it down. I looked at Zac and Alexander and he was still not anywhere near dressed.

“Is he just not wanting clothes?”

“Basically. He won’t even sit still to get the suit off.”

Casey and Robert were wisely choosing to remain quiet. I sat her down and she went to Robert who had her toy and he handed it to her.

“She’s so cute.”

“Takes after her mom, babe you want me to try?”

I took that as a yes when he got up, I was sure his patients was wearing a bit thin and I moved over to the love seat, when I went to unbutton the suit he said no.

“We have to get dressed now, it’s almost time to see paw paw.”

Sure, Zac had already tried that without success but I figured I could try it too. He kept moving away until I popped his butt.

“We are getting dressed now Alexander.”

He then fully cooperated with me, but I did leave the bow off for the moment. I sat him in my lap to brush out his hair too. By the time Christopher and Craig arrived at 11 we had the presents loaded in the car and it took Christopher a few minutes to put her car seat in the van. Jasmine’s dress was solid red with gold accents around the top and she had white tights also.  They let her run for a little bit while we said our byes to Casey and Robert. Getting them in the van was a chore, Jasmine was no problem and was delighted to be going bye bye. Isabella was quick also and was in her car seat and ready before Zac could even get him to the door. It took both of us to get Alexander wrangled and he kicked and cried all the way to the car and didn’t want to be in the car seat either.

“I apologize, he should calm once we’re riding.”

“Not a problem, she’s done it before.” Craig said.

Alexander did calm down once he had his cup and we were on the way, he was actually asleep before we even reached the expressway. By the time we were on the expressway Jasmine and Isabella had joined him.

“She never falls asleep with us.” Christopher said.

“It’s Uncle Zac and Daddy’s driving.” Zac quipped.

We all laughed but it could have been that. So many said his driving was bad but it really wasn’t, he was a great driver and the ride was always smooth. We chatted lightly on future plans, what we were doing in 2016 and just general chats on the drive, the children all slept snug in their car seats. Although they were beginning to wake up by the time we arrived. It was after lunch and I was pleased to see a snack table had been set up, so once we had the presents unloaded and things inside we fixed them and ourselves a little plate. Official Christmas dinner was going to be after the ceremony and family pictures.

“My god they’ve gotten so big.” Aunt Delilah said.

She was referring to Alexander and Isabella, whom she hadn’t seen in several months but had seen pictures.

“They have been, Alexander is daytime potty trained now.”

“Wow, you’re getting to be a big boy!”

He smiled for her but Isabella was still somewhat sketchy on the crowd. I’d grown to really love her and my cousins, they were vastly different that what I’d experienced as a child and Eliza had never had outside family. Although, it was still an adjustment to realize there were two of us and not one. Brionna loved Isabella’s dress and Trevor and Zac got along great.

“Is this where the ceremony is too?”

“It’s the same building but this is the gathering area, ceremony is through there and reception will be in the rear, there all set up.
They even moved the presents to the back.” She said.

I hadn’t even noticed but then again I was trying to keep them clean. By 2 pm, everyone was here and I noticed a clothing theme. All of us ladies had on white dresses with gold accents, the men had the traditional black with gold vests. The male children had the same suit as Alexander and two of the girls had red dresses with accents. Mackenzie’s little dress was just adorable. A mini Santa suit with sequins across the top and white accents.  Isabella was the only one in a golden dress, I wondered why until they said she was the flower girl as the oldest girl and Sheppard was the ring bearer. The ceremony room was so elegantly done.

The ceremony room had light hard wood floors and the walls were painted a light beige color, it felt warm and inviting.  The seats were arranged in a semi-circle around what I assumed was the alter. The seats were covered with gold cloth and most had golden color bows but several had bright red ones. We took our seats and no matter where you sat you had a great view of the alter. The alter area had a large arbor decorated with red poinsettias with white and gold flowers poking out here and there. The wall behind them had a white cloth dropped down with swirls of gold and some red hints here and there. It was very nice and elegant, totally fit them. They had chosen to do their own vows and they were touching and sweet, hearing how they saved one another that faithful Christmas 15 years ago. The actual ceremony vows were vastly different but the meaning was the same. No one in the room seemed grossed out by them kissing either, which was good.

Following the ceremony were official family photos. I had suggested Maddi but Ace said no, because they had the twins and it was their first Christmas, he’d hired someone and ensured us privacy. There was the first ever grandchild photos with them all and I was so glad that both of ours cooperated. Alexander and Sheppard actually held the youngest two babies without problems!

We sat down about 4:30 to eat and it was during dinner that Christopher and Craig stood up to do a toast and announced that Jacey was in fact pregnant and she would be having their second child, a boy,  in 2016. I was glad they would have their princess and their prince. It was different to not have so many people here at once, there were a lot but not as many as normal. Isabella was a little jealous of us holding the two new members but she was ok once she got to sit with us too.

Presents was a very active experience with the older children tearing into paper and the younger ones wondering what was going on. Most of what we got Ace and Nathanial were home related items they had asked for, so they were happy with new dishes, pots, pans, and other household related items. Overall it was a great experience and I now officially had two fathers. Everyone left at the same time about 7:30 that night. It had been a long day and thankfully the ride home was eventless. The kids watched cartoons and Christopher and Craig slept, we had to wake them up at the house. They just stayed with us and after getting the three kids changed, snacked since it was early when we ate and in bed. Zac and I cleaned up a bit and then we too went to bed. The end of December was going to be busy and then with two weddings the first two months, it was going to be crazy.


*Wedding Attire*


**This would also be what Alexander & Isabella look like!**