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Everything was perfect

"COME ON, EVERYONE It’s tis" Julia herded all her children and grandchildren closer to the tree Across the fireplace ly hand-knit by their Grandma Alexander, Mark’s mother

Ridley took a seat on the couch Jackson sat next to her as Chris and Jase estion, they’d started allowing the kids to open one present on Christs They usually hid candy and treats for the kids ahs of the Christmas tree as well

It was a lovely tradition, one that Ridley looked forward to continuing for years to coo first?" Jackson called out He squeezed her hand and winked at her He seemed just as anxious for her mother-in-law to find their surprise as she was

"I would love to" Julia unhooked the stocking labeled "MOM" and rooted around in the botto she pulled out was a sli in his favorite comfy leather chair near the fireplace

"Mark, you didn’t?" She popped open the case and let out a sht as she lifted the delicate bracelet out of the box

"You alanted one of those charrumbled He looked abashed at all the attention

"But we couldn’t afford it back then," Julia whispered Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she walked over and draped herself across his lap "It’s never too late Thank you, honey" She kissed hi noises

"Ew, they’re kissing again," Chris whispered Laughter broke out as his loud whisper broke the silence

"You’ll understand one day" Nick pulled Chris into a hug "I proh of that," Jackson called out to his parents ere still snuggling "What else have you got?"

"What more do I need?" Julia wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and then reached into the stocking again She pulled out a small piece of blue fabric Her brow furrowed as she stared at it "It’s a baby’s hat How did this get in lanced over at Nick and Raina who both looked just as puzzled as she did Then she swung around to look at Jackson and Ridley

"Oh! Oh! Does this mean what I think it means?" Julia jumped up and held out her arms to Ridley