Scott walks up behind her with the warmest smile on his face.
“Merry Christmas, Kat,” he greets me.
“Merry Christmas,” I respond, feeling overwhelmed and exposed because he knows that I’mme.
We follow them inside, and I set Muffin down, who runs straight into Nancy’s arms.
Noelle and I walk into the living room, Scott, Nancy, and Muffin right behind us. When I catch sight of the fireplace, I see the stockings hanging on the mantel. I remember Noelle saying that her mom had a custom Kate stocking made to match the rest of theirs.
My eyes search for the name, and then I spot one that says Kat. You can see where anEwould fit, but it’s somehow gone. But that’s okay because it’s still perfect and it’s all mine.
My eyes well up with tears, seeing my name on a stocking hanging with the rest. I finally have the family I always wanted.
Nancy walks up and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “We are so happy that you are here with us, Kat. Don’t worry; we will have a proper one for you next year.”
Turning into her arm, I pull her into a hug. I fight back tears as I whisper, “You don’t need to do that. This one is perfect. Thank you.”
She whispers just loud enough for me to hear, “You are very welcome, sweetie.”
“Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!” Ben shouts from the top of the stairs.
Pulling out of the hug, I find Ben dressed up in a Santa costume, and I burst out laughing, everyone joining along with me.
“Are you guys still pretending Kat is Katy? Or are we done with that?” Ben asks, and my eyes widen.
“Did anyonenotknow?!” Noelle shouts.
Everyone awkwardly looks away.
Nancy looks apologetic. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have told your dad. He has such a big mouth.”
“It’s okay. But it would have been nice if you guys had shared with us that you all knew.” She laughs.
“Sorry.” Ben shrugs. “It was kind of fun, knowing you didn’t know.”
“You’re a jerk,” Noelle growls at him with eyes of joy and laughter.
“Now, stop ruining our moment,” Ben scoffs.
“Even though you were the one who made the comment,” Noelle whisper-shouts.
Nancy glares at them both, and Abby looks like she is about to burst from keeping the surprise inside.
She is wearing a red dress that fits her perfectly. “We want to give everyone their Christmas present at the same time.” They are smiling so hard that I think it might hurt their cheeks. “Should I tell them? Or do you want to tell them?” Abby asks.
“You,” Ben happily answers.
Abby looks at all of us with tears in her eyes. Her voice cracks as she says, “I’m pregnant!”
Cheers explode through the room as everyone moves toward them to give hugs and congratulations.
When I hug Ben, he says, “Welcome to the family, Kat.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
We all find seats in the living room, and Noelle passes out gifts to everyone from underneath the tree, including their stocking.
“I have a funny story to tell you,” Noelle says mysteriously. “That day at The Bristle, I paid all your clients to leave when you were in the back room so that I could have you to myself.”
