The Family

84

Talia's POV

"Here we are." I say when we get to our destination.

I hold open the door to Benjamin Steakhouse and let Julie, Julie's parents, Julie's sister, Julie's brother-in-law, and Lanie walk in then I follow them to the hostess.

"Hi Welcome to Benjamin Steakhouse how may I help you?" The hostess asks as my daughter grabs my hand.

"Reservation for Martin." I say as Julie holds onto my elbow

"Right this way please."

All 7 of us follow the hostess to our table then we sit down with Lanie sitting in-between Julie and myself.

"Was that you guys' normal church?" Melanie asks.

We just came from an early Christmas Eve service.

"It's the one we try to go to as often as possible, but it's a bit difficult to go during the season." Julie says.

"Are they nice to you guys?" Kristi asks.

"Mhmm." I say and nod. "They've got a young pastor who doesn't care who you love. All he cares about is that you come to church."

"How are you with everything?" David asks.

"I'm getting better with it, but still struggling with some doubts." I admit. "Julie's helping though."

"Good."

"Mama." Lanie says and tugs on my Navy blue suit jacket.

"Yes baby?" I say and look at my daughter.

"Can we split this?" Lanie asks and points to the New York Sirloin Steak on the menu.

"Sure Munchkin." I say. "Do you want to get a side or salad to split?"

Lanie nods then she looks at the menu.

"This?" Lanie asks and points to the Benjamin Home Fries.

"Sounds good babygirl." I say then kiss my daughter's head.

A couple minutes later a waiter arrives and takes everyone's order the he disappears and gets our drinks

"Mommy." Lanie says after our drinks arrive.

"Yes Princess?" Julie says.

"I need to go bathroom." Lanie says.

Julie nods then my two girls leave the table and head to the bathroom.

"How's Lanie doing?" Kristi asks.

"She's doing a lot better." I say. "She only has to go to therapy once a month now so that's good."

"Good." David says and smiles as my girls walk back to the table.

A few minutes later the food arrives so we all eat our food while continuing to talk. After we've finished eating I pay then we grab our left overs and leave.

"Gramps?" Lanie says when we get out side.

"Yes sweetie?" David says.

"Can you carry me?"

"Of course." Julie's Dad says then he picks up my daughter

Once Lanie is in her grandfathers arms she swiftly falls asleep.

"How cute." Kristi says as we walk to the car.

After we get to the car we all get in then I drive back to our house. When we get to the house Lanie wakes up when she hears Mr. Waffles barking. Julie's Dad sets Lanie down as I open the door then Mr. Waffles comes out and licks Lanie's face then the two best friends disappear into the house.

"Those two are like peas in a pod." Julie says as Lanie and Mr. Waffles chase each other around the house.

"Lanie." I say causing my daughter to stop running as well as stopping Mr. Waffles' movements.

"Yes Mama?"

"Why don't you get your pajama's on then you and Mr. Waffles can open one present each before bedtime."

"Really?" Lanie questions with a smile then she looks at Julie.

"Go get changed babygirl." Julie says.

"Let's go Mr. Waffles." Lanie says then they run up stairs.

The rest of us head up to our individual bedrooms then Julie and I change into our pajamas

"You know you look good in my clothes." I say as Julie puts on one of my old Florida State sweatshirts.

"It's comfy." Julie says as she puts on her sweats. 

Julie and I finish putting on our sleep clothes then we head down stairs and sit in the living room with everyone else.

"Alright Lanie." I say. "Pick a present."

Lanie nods then she grabs one of the biggest presents she has. Lanie then unwraps the present and she squeals when she see's its one of the things she wanted.

"Thank you." Lanie says the she hugs Julie's sister and Brother-in-law.

"Your welcome Sweetie." Melanie says.

After hugging the two people Lanie opens one of Mr. Waffles' presents which is a new bone. Mr. Waffles then immediately grabs the bone and starts chewing. Once the trash is picked up all of us get comfy in front of the fire and the tv then we watch some Christmas movie's until bed time.

When bedtime hit's Julie and I carry Lanie to bed as Mr. Waffles follows then we tuck Lanie into her bed. Once Lanie is tucked into bed Mr. Waffles gets on her bed then he lays next to her and they both swiftly fall asleep.

My soulmate and I then slowly walk out of the room and close the door before we head to our room. Once in our room Julie and I strip then I get in bed while Julie gets a bottle water from the mini fridge in the room. After Julie has her water she gets under the covers with me so I pull her into me, put my front to her back, wrap an arm around her, the grab a handful of boob.

"That's nice." I say and smile into Julie's back.

"Definitely a boob girl." Julie mumbles then I kiss her head moment before I fall asleep.

Hours later Julie and I are woken up by yelling.

"MOMMY MAMA IT'S CHRISTMAS." Lanie yells then she jumps onto Julie and I.

"Alright princess." I say. "Go take a shower and let Mommy and I get up then we'll eat and open up presents."

Lanie nods then she bolts out of the room.

Julie and I lay in bed a few more minutes then we get up, shower, and get dressed before we head down to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen I start on breakfast while Julie feeds Mr. Waffles.

As I'm cooking breakfast Lanie pulls on my pants so I turn around then squat down to her height.

"Bye Mama." Lanie says and pecks my lips.

"Where are you going?" I question.

"Mommy and I are gonna go walk Mr. Waffles while you cook breakfast then we open presents."

"Alright baby." I say.

"Ready Lanie?" Julie questions and holds her hand out to our daughter. 

Our daughter nods so she grabs Mr. Waffles' leash then they leave the house.

"Kristi and David can I speak with you two in private?"

"Of course." Kristi says then we head into the room their staying in.

"What's up Talia?" David questions.

"Well...."