Invisible String

42

"Let's do a sleigh photo," I said suddenly, already veering in that direction.

Travis groaned but followed me. "You know she's gonna make this our Christmas card."

"Exactly."

Lily clambered into the sleigh like it was a jungle gym while Travis hoisted Mira and sat down, adjusting her to sit upright on his lap. I stood beside them, Selena grabbing my phone. "Everyone look here-okay, Lily, stop licking the candy cane prop-yes, perfect, smile!"

Flash.

"Okay," I said, scrolling. "That one. I don't care if Travis's eyes are half closed and Mira is drooling, that one's perfect."

"You say that every time," Travis mumbled, but he was smiling too.

As we started to head back, Selena lagged behind for a second. When I turned to look, she was staring up at the snowflakes, her expression a little wistful.

"Hey," I said softly, "you okay?"

She blinked, then smiled. "Yeah. Just... this is really beautiful, you know? You guys. The kids. Everything."

I nudged her. "You'll get your own version. Probably with more eyeliner and less marshmallow foam, but it'll happen."

She linked her arm with mine. "I hope so."

Back at the parking lot, Lily was melting down about not wanting to leave. Travis scooped her up like a sack of potatoes and tossed her gently into her car seat with exaggerated grunts. Mira was already asleep on my chest, her breath warm and steady.

As I buckled her in, I glanced at Travis, who was humming some ridiculous holiday song off-key while strapping in Lily.

He caught me looking and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

I smiled. "Just thinking how lucky we are."

He leaned across the car and kissed my forehead. "Me too, baby."

And as we drove home with the heater blasting, snow still falling softly outside, I reached for his hand across the center console and didn't let go.

I pulled my phone out and typed : "so you no showed because I didn't have any hot boys for you?:

Sabrina's reply came in almost immediately, as expected:

Sabrina: "Guilty 😇 You know I only show up if there's eye candy or spiked cider. You had neither. Plus, I saw the family-friendly invite and figured my crop tops weren't welcome."

I grinned at her phone and typed back quickly:

"Lily asked if you were coming. I told her you were too busy being dramatic and single."

Sabrina: "Excuse me, I'm festively single. There's a difference. Tell Lily I'll send her a glittery apology and that I expect to be on the cookie invite list next time. Also, next event = shirtless carolers or I'm out."

I rolled my eyes and sent a voice message:
"Love you, but you're unhinged. I'll save you some cocoa and slap a beard on Travis next time. Close enough?"

Another bubble popped up instantly.
Sabrina: "Only if he sings 'Santa Baby.' Slowly. With a wink."

I snorted out loud, earning a confused glance from Travis as he drove. I leaned over and whispered, "Remind me to never let Sabrina host a holiday party."

He raised a brow. "Was she asking for shirtless Santa again?"

"Always."

Travis stretched out on the couch, one arm around me, the other holding the remote. Lily was curled up at our feet in her jammies, already singing along to "Last Christmas" like she'd lived through some tragic heartbreak at the ripe age of almost four. Mira was in her bouncer, kicking her feet in rhythm, clearly vibing.