I chuckle, shaking my head. “Don’t worry. It’s not your fault. It just made our holiday photos more interesting.” I turn my dad’s phone and swipe through the images as we all share a laugh.
Andrew gives a sheepish grin then slowly approaches Angus. “Drop it.”
The mischievous puppy darts under the dining table, easily evading Andrew’s grasp.
“Come on, it’s Christmas,” I chime in, trying to diffuse the tension. “You don’t want to end up on Santa’s naughty list.”
Angus drops the candy cane and proudly trots out from under the table.
But Andrew is not amused. He emerges from under the table with the candy cane in hand. “That’s it, you’re definitely getting coal in your stocking this year.”
Unfazed by Andrew’s threats, Angus darts back towards him with lightning speed and snatches the treat out of his hand, proudly wagging his tail in victory.
I can’t help but laugh at the comical scene playing out in front of me. “You know, for a seasoned detective,you certainly have a lot to learn about dealing with a mischievous Scottish terrier.”
Realizing we need to burn off some of Angus’ boundless energy, Andrew suggests, “Let’s take him outside for a run.”
After some coaxing and playful chasing, we manage to retrieve the candy cane from Angus’ clutches and make our way outside into the crisp winter air.
A light dusting of snow covers the backyard. The cold doesn’t seem to faze Angus as he runs around, kicking up flurries of snow with each excited leap.
“Thank you for having me here today. Not only is it nice to be with your family, I’m glad I get to spend Christmas with you.”
“Mom and Dad are happy to have you here. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Andrew smiles, his dimples sinking into his cheeks. “Well then, I guess it’s a merry Christmas for both of us.”
“But you know what makes it feel even more like Christmas?” I playfully ask.
Before he can answer, I quickly scoop up a handful of snow and hurl it at him. His eyes widen in shock as the snowball explodes against his chest, leaving a fresh dusting on his ugly Christmas sweater.
Then his lips split into a wide grin. “Oh, you’re going to pay for that.”
With a loud burst of laughter, I take off running through the yard, my boots crunching against the pristine snow. He chases after me, and soon, my back is hit by a well-aimed snowball, causing me to stumble forward.
Beside us, Angus barks excitedly and jumps around, trying to catch the flying snowballs in his mouth. Even Mom and Dad join in on the fun. Dad and I against Mom and Andrew.
“Jane, behind you!” Dad hollers just as a snowball hits me squarely on the back.
I whip around to see my mom grinning, her hands dusted with snow. “Never underestimate your old mom,” she warns, wagging a finger at me.
And she is right; Andrew and my mom are triumphant.
Dad pats Andrew on the back with a grin. “Good game.”
“I’ll get you next time.” I give Andrew a side glance.
“In your dreams.” Andrew winks then we all saunter towards the fireplace.
It truly is the perfect Christmas day. Between silly sweaters, near Christmas tree disasters, and an epic snowball fight, I can’t imagine it any other way. The bestpart is that Andrew is here with us, sharing in our family traditions. Today has been nothing short of magical.
The last few weeks with Andrew have been like living in a beautiful dream. And as I sit there, watching the firelight play off his features, cocoa in hand and a puppy draped across his lap, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace.
One thing is for certain, I eagerly await the day when I can proudly introduce myself at Mrs. Harrington.
Epilogue
Andrew
