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xtremeroswelliaTitle: Holiday Tradition
Authors: NYPDBosco and Xtremeroswellian
Rating: Safe for all. It’s pure fluff
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Faith raked a hand through her hair as she picked Angel up off the ground, kissing her cheek and placing her in the playpen in the living room. "You stay put while Mommy makes breakfast. Hopefully I can do that before Hope wakes--" At that moment a shrill cry pierced the air. "Nevermind." She sighed and headed for the stairs.
Hearing his youngest daughter start to cry Bosco wiped the sleep from his eyes and headed to the nursery which was just across the hall from the master bedroom. He moved swiftly, not only wanting to comfort his baby girl, but also hoping he could get to her before she woke up anyone else. "What's a matter, baby?" He questioned in a soft voice as he entered the room and walked over to the crib. Carefully picking her up he cradled the baby against his chest.
Faith paused in the doorway but kept out of sight as she watched her husband soothe their infant daughter. A smile tugged at her lips and she leaned against the doorway just watching the two of them.
Bosco kissed the baby's head. "Good morning, Hope," he said softly as the little girl looked up at him. He walked her over to the changing table and laid her down gently. "Merry Christmas," he whispered as he went about taking off her onezie so he could change her diaper.
She flailed a small hand, then smiled up at him, happy that she was now receiving some attention.
He chuckled softly and leaned down to kiss her belly. "That's my girl." As he changed her diaper he continued to talk to her softly, surprisingly unaware of Faith's presence in the doorway. "Once we get you dressed we'll go see if mommy and Angel have breakfast ready."
Smiling, Faith tiptoed away from the door and down the stairs, heading into the kitchen. She set about quickly fixing a bottle for Hope, and put some bacon on the stove for the adults. Then she started to mix the batter for pancakes.
A few minutes later Bosco came downstairs still wearing his flannel pajama bottoms that he'd worn to bed, and cradling Hope in a yellow blanket. "Mmm. Smells good down here." Making his way through the living room he stopped at the playpen where Angel was standing. "Good morning, Sweetie. Give daddy some sugar," he said, smiling softly at the toddler as he leaned down for a kiss.
Angel grinned and bounced a little in the playpen before kissing his cheek. "Daddy!"
"How's my girl?" He asked her as he gently ran his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. "Can you tell your little sister Merry Christmas?"
Angel shook her head. "Up please."
Bosco gave her a look, but being unable to say no to his girls he shifted Hope carefully and reached out with his free arm to pick up Angel. He'd become quite the multi-tasker now that they had two little girls.
Grinning, Angel hugged his neck and then rested her head against his as he carried them into the kitchen where Faith was pouring pancake batter into a pan.
"You are the most beautiful mother of four I've ever seen," he commented as he stepped into the kitchen.
Faith smiled a little and glanced over her shoulder. "And you're still the biggest smooth talker I know." She winked at him.
"I do my best." He walked over to her with a smile on his face. "Good morning," he whispered softly as he leaned in to kiss her.
"Merry Christmas," she murmured, kissing him softly.
"Merry Christmas." He rested his forehead against hers for a moment. "Any noise out of the teenagers yet?"
She arched an eyebrow. "It's not noon, so no."
A soft chuckle escaped him. "I kinda like that they sleep in. Only gives us two kids to deal with early in the morning."
"Hey. Charlie might be a kid, but I'm not." Emily smirked from where she stood in the doorway, her arms folded across her chest.
"Pardon me, Miss Yokas." Bosco turned to look at her.
Emily grinned. "Oooh, pancakes. I'll set the table."
Faith smiled at her. "That'd be great, Em. Thanks."
"Okay, so I've got one munchkin who needs a bottle and one who just needs daddy's attention."
"Will attention from big Sis work? Or I could feed Hope," Emily volunteered after she finished putting plates and forks on the table.
"I don't know. Let's ask little Miss Angel." He looked at the toddler. "You wanna go with Emily, sweetie?"
"Emmy!" Angel reached her arms toward her older sister and Emily grinned, her eyes bright as she reached out and took her from Bosco.
"So much for wantin' to spend time with the old man," Bosco chuckled.
"Well who wouldn't rather spend time with their much cooler older sister?" Emily smirked, kissed Angel's cheek and headed out of the kitchen with her little sister in tow.
Letting out a breath he turned back toward Faith. "I swear, I don't know what we woulda done without Emily the last few months."
"No kiddin', right?" She shook her head a little. "I can't get over how much she's grown up," she murmured.
"Thank God there's good colleges in the city and she was willin' to stay at home. With workin' and taking care of a toddler and runnin' Charlie back and forth to school activities and then Hope bein' born...I don't know how we woulda done it." Leaning against the counter he gazed out into the living room where Emily was sitting on the sofa with Angel on her lap. "I really hope she likes what we got her this year, cause she really deserves it."
"Oh, she'll like it." There wasn't a hint of doubt in her voice. "I'm just glad we could afford it."
Bosco turned his head to watch as Faith flipped a couple pancakes. He then leaned over and kissed her. "How you feelin' this morning?"
"Good. A little tired." She glanced at him, then up at the clock. "Fred should be here anytime. You wanna feed her?"
"Yeah." He nodded. "Unless you want to?"
"No, I'll finish breakfast."
"Okay." He grabbed the bottle that Faith had prepared for Hope, and leaned into the corner of the counter as he tilted the bottle up for the baby. Leaning down he kissed Hope's forehead.
"Whatcha makin', mom?" Charlie questioned through a yawn as he came into the kitchen.
"Pancakes and bacon," she told him, a little surprised to see him up already. "Is it legal for you to be up this early?" She teased.
"It's Christmas, ma," he commented as he walked over to the refrigerator to get the jug of orange juice.
She bit her lip, worry settling upon her once more. Each year was becoming increasingly difficult to give the kids the Christmas she felt they deserved. They'd saved for months to get Emily the gift they'd agreed upon, and unfortunately that meant Charlie, Angel and Hope weren't going to get an even share of presents. At least Angel and Hope were still a little too young to understand what was going on.
Pressing his lips together Bosco looked at Faith, meeting her gaze and knowing exactly what she was thinking. "He'll understand...right?" he asked in a barely audible whisper.
She nodded a little. She just wished he didn't have to. Faith sighed softly as she flipped the pancakes over.
"We'll make it up to him, Faith. Somehow. I promise."
"I know." She started to say something else when the doorbell rang.
"That must be dad. I'll get it." Charlie set down the glass of orange juice he'd poured and headed for the front door, and quickly pulling it open.
Fred stood on the front porch, holding an armful of presents stacked so high he couldn't see over them. There were bags on his arms, as well.
Charlie's eyebrows furrowed. "Dad?"
"Hey, Chaz. Can you help me out here?"
A short laugh escaped him. "Yeah. Which ones are mine? I'll take those," he teased.
Fred grinned. "All the ones I'm holding."
With a smile on his face Charlie stepped forward to help his father bring in the gifts. "Did you buy out the whole store," he questioned as they carried everything into the living room.
"Nearly. There's more in the car if you wanna go out there." Fred put the bags down under the tree.
The teenager's eyes widened. "You're kidding...right?"
Fred raised an eyebrow. "No. Go on."
"Awesome!" Charlie grabbed the nearest jacket and slipped on a pair of Bosco's shoes which were too big for him before racing out the door.
"Merry Christmas!" Emily stood up, still holding onto Angel, who'd stuck a finger in her mouth, smiling shyly.
Bosco set down the now empty baby bottle and made his way into the living room as he shifted Hope and gently patted her back. His eyes widened at the stack of gifts by the tree, and he looked at the other man. "Hey, Fred. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Fred greeted him, smiling.
"Angel, can you say hi to Fred?" Bosco asked his daughter softly.
She buried her face in Emily's shoulder and whispered "hewwo."
"Somebody's playing shy today," Bosco commented. "And this one here..." He continued to pat Hope's back. "Is a wee bit too young to even act shy."
A small burp escaped the infant's lips and Fred grinned.
"She gets her manners from her mother," he joked.
"I heard that, Bosco." Faith appeared in the doorway and smacked his shoulder lightly. "Merry Christmas, Fred."
"Merry Christmas, Faith." He gave her a quick hug, then glanced toward the door where Charlie was carrying in the rest of the packages from his car.
"Holy crap, dad!" Charlie exclaimed. "You nearly did buy the whole store."
"Several stores, actually."
"Da--" Knowing what word Charlie was going to use, Bosco gave him a stern look and the boy stopped himself. "I didn't say it."
"Good thing." Faith gave him a look. "Breakfast or presents first?"
"Do you even have to ask?" Charlie settled down on the floor by the tree.
Emily grinned and sat down on the couch with Angel once more.
Knowing Faith had put effort into making breakfast, Bosco was a little disappointed by Charlie's answer, but understood his eagerness seeing as Fred had brought so many gifts. "How 'bout we have breakfast at the same time? We don't want the food getting cold."
Faith smiled at him and headed into the kitchen, returning a few moments later, balancing several plates with pancakes and bacon on them.
"Thanks, mom." Charlie took a plate from her and within seconds had already eaten a strip of bacon.
"Fred, you want coffee?" Bosco asked.
"Had some on the way over, but thanks." He ate a piece of bacon as well, smiling as Emily fed a piece to Angel.
"What about you, Faith? Coffee?"
She shook her head. "No thanks, Boz." She kissed his cheek. "Charlie, why don't you find a gift under there to open?"
"Not a problem." He quickly, but carefully pushed his plate aside and grabbed a box, giving it a quick shake before tearing into the wrapping paper.
Within moments over half the gifts under the tree were opened and Charlie sat in the middle of the floor, listening to his new IPod Nano.
Bosco sat with Faith on the loveseat, Hope still cradled in his arms. "This little one is fast asleep, so I guess she'll get to open her gifts later."
She smiled a little and nodded toward the playpen. "I think it's time for..."
"Oh. Yeah." He nodded his head. "You wanna do the honors?"
Faith slowly stood up, looking at her daughter. "Em, we've got one more for you."
Charlie's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't see one under the tree though."
"It's not under the tree."
"Really? There's another one?" She looked from Fred to Faith then Bosco. "I don't need anything else. What I got is great. Really."
Faith walked over and hugged her. "Come on." She led her toward the door.
"Charlie, grab Angel," she told her brother.
Charlie picked up Angel and followed them toward the door.
With a smile on his face Bosco followed the rest of his family, tucking the blanket more securely around the baby.
Fred was the last in line as Faith led them toward the garage.
Holding her breath, Faith raised the garage door and waited for Emily's reaction.
Seeing a car other than Bosco's parked in the garage her eyes widened slightly then furrowed. "Mom?"
"Merry Christmas."
The air left her lungs and she quickly looked at her mother then back at the car. "What? No way!"
She held out a set of car keys, a smile on her face.
"No way. You're kidding right?" She looked over at Bosco who just smiled. "Right? You're kidding."
"We're not kidding, Em. You deserve this," Faith said softly, kissing her daughter's temple.
"You got me a car!" She hugged her mother and took the keys before hurrying into the garage.
Faith leaned against Bosco and smiled as she watched her daughter.
Bosco wrapped his arm around Faith and kissed her temple. "This was a brilliant idea you had."
"Thank you," she murmured.
"Charlie, get in," Emily called out to her brother as she got into the driver's side.
Wasting no time the teenager moved around to the passenger side of the car with Angel, and the two climbed in.
"I think she likes it."
"She loves it," Fred told her.
"Yeah. She definitely loves it," Bosco agreed.
"Good," she whispered, a smile on her face.
"Okay, come on you guys. Your parents are freezing their asses off. Let's go back inside," Bosco hollered so that Emily and Charlie could hear them over the radio which Emily had promptly switched on.
"Let's let her and Charlie go for a ride."
He nodded his head. "Okay. I'll go get Angel since there's no carseat for her." Bosco walked over to the passenger side and opened the door. "Okay, come here munchkin while Em and Chuck go for a ride."
Angel held her arms out and let him pick her up.
"Wear your seatbelts," Faith said quickly, smiling when she saw Emily already had hers on.
"We'll be back in a day or two," Charlie commented with a grin as he put on his seatbelt.
"Drive careful, Em. The roads are a little slick."
Faith slipped her arms around Bosco's waist and leaned her chin on his shoulder.
He rested his head against hers as Emily slowly backed out of the garage, waving at them.
She let out a soft sigh and watched their oldest kids drive off down the road.
"How much you wanna bet Charlie asks if he can drive?" He asked with a chuckle as the three adults and two little girls headed back into the house.
"I bet you're right. She'll say no."
"Absolutely. Wonder if she'll go through the whole tank of gas?"
Fred chuckled softly. "I'm willing to bet once she realizes she hasn't put on her makeup she'll come back, make herself presentable and then go drain the gas tank."
Faith grinned, and took Hope from Bosco, kissing her forehead as she waited for Emily and Charlie to return. This was definitely going to be a memorable Christmas.
When they got back inside Bosco headed for the kitchen to get a garbage bag to start cleaning up all the wrapping paper. It didn't take much to talk Angel into helping him out once he made it into a little game. "Man, look at this mess."
"I hope you two didn't mind all the stuff I got for Charlie. I just thought that since things have been a little tight for everyone money-wise..." Fred's voice trailed off.
"Actually..." Bosco glanced at Faith then looked back at Fred. "I'm glad you did."
"We appreciate it, Fred."
"Yeah." Bosco nodded. "The last couple months have been crazy, and we didn't get much chance to get him anything. This morning we were trying to figure out how to make it up to him."
"And money is tight," Faith admitted, tucking some hair behind her ear.
"Took nearly all we had to get her that car," Bosco said softly.
"Well, she loves it. You made her year."
"Your daughter's an amazing young lady, Fred. She's been a huge help."
"Well, she takes after her mother." Fred smiled fondly at Faith.
Bosco looked at Faith as well. "Yeah, they're both pretty special, huh?"
"You're a lucky man, Bosco."
He nodded his head and when Angel came over to him he scooped her up and carried her over to where Faith and Hope were sitting. Settling down beside them Bosco kissed his three ladies. "Very lucky."
"That car is awesome!" Charlie announced as he came in through the front door, grinning.
"Of course it is. Where's your sister?"
"Right behind me."
"Did she let you drive?"
"Of course not," Emily said, making a face. "I'd like to live to see next Christmas." She smirked at her brother's indignant look.
Bosco laughed. "So...you like the car?"
"I love the car! I bet I'm the only one at school who has my own car." She grinned and sat down between Bosco and her mom.
"We appreciate everything you've been doin' around her, Em. Your mom and I just wanted you to know that."
"I do." Emily kissed his cheek, then hugged Faith. "I love you guys. Thank you so much."
"Merry Christmas, Em," Faith whispered.
"So, when do I get a car," Charlie asked with a smile.
Faith lifted an eyebrow. "Well first you have to have your license."
"I figured," he sighed. "Oh well, at least I've got Emily to drive me everywhere."
Emily smirked. "Which means you have to be nice to me."
"It'll be tough, but I'll see what I can do," he kidded.
Angel slouched back against Bosco and yawned. "Chuck, hand me the blanket out of the playpen would ya?"
"Sure." He grabbed the blanket and brought it over to Bosco who draped it over Angel. Charlie then walked over to the Christmas tree and picked up the new teddy bear Angel had gotten then handed it to his little sister who took it in her arms, hugging it tight.
"I'll put her down for a nap," Faith said softly, handing Hope off to Emily.
"She's okay here," Bosco told her.
"You sure?" When he nodded, she settled back on the sofa once more, smiling around at her family.
"I could take off if you guys want," Fred told them. "Looks like just about everyone's already ready for a nap."
"No. You're family." Her voice was soft and she met his eyes, offering him a warm smile.
"Yeah, Fred. Stick around. Once the kids are asleep we'll go hot roddin' in Emily's car."
"I'm not taking a nap," Emily said quickly.
Faith chuckled.
"And if anybody goes hot roddin' I'm going with," Charlie informed them from where he was laying on the floor by the tree.
Angel curled up against Bosco and he kissed the top of her head. "'night, sweetie."
"Night night," she murmured, her eyes drifting shut.
Bosco smiled at his little girl's words then carefully leaned over to kiss Emily's temple, and reached out to touch Hope's foot. Never had he imagined having four women in his life at the same time and having there be such a harmony and balance to it.
Faith leaned her head against Emily's, her own eyes closing.
"Chaz, why don't you put in one of those movies that I got you and Emily?" Fred suggested figuring now was a good time for everyone to just sit and relax.
Nodding, Charlie popped a copy of Dr. Doolittle into the DVD player.
Fred settled into the recliner, a smile on his face. When Faith and Bosco had gotten married and started to make their own family he'd never expected to be spending time with them on Christmas. Last year was a pleasant surprise, and this year was the continuation of what he thought was going to be a nice tradition.
Authors: NYPDBosco and Xtremeroswellian
Rating: Safe for all. It’s pure fluff
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Faith raked a hand through her hair as she picked Angel up off the ground, kissing her cheek and placing her in the playpen in the living room. "You stay put while Mommy makes breakfast. Hopefully I can do that before Hope wakes--" At that moment a shrill cry pierced the air. "Nevermind." She sighed and headed for the stairs.
Hearing his youngest daughter start to cry Bosco wiped the sleep from his eyes and headed to the nursery which was just across the hall from the master bedroom. He moved swiftly, not only wanting to comfort his baby girl, but also hoping he could get to her before she woke up anyone else. "What's a matter, baby?" He questioned in a soft voice as he entered the room and walked over to the crib. Carefully picking her up he cradled the baby against his chest.
Faith paused in the doorway but kept out of sight as she watched her husband soothe their infant daughter. A smile tugged at her lips and she leaned against the doorway just watching the two of them.
Bosco kissed the baby's head. "Good morning, Hope," he said softly as the little girl looked up at him. He walked her over to the changing table and laid her down gently. "Merry Christmas," he whispered as he went about taking off her onezie so he could change her diaper.
She flailed a small hand, then smiled up at him, happy that she was now receiving some attention.
He chuckled softly and leaned down to kiss her belly. "That's my girl." As he changed her diaper he continued to talk to her softly, surprisingly unaware of Faith's presence in the doorway. "Once we get you dressed we'll go see if mommy and Angel have breakfast ready."
Smiling, Faith tiptoed away from the door and down the stairs, heading into the kitchen. She set about quickly fixing a bottle for Hope, and put some bacon on the stove for the adults. Then she started to mix the batter for pancakes.
A few minutes later Bosco came downstairs still wearing his flannel pajama bottoms that he'd worn to bed, and cradling Hope in a yellow blanket. "Mmm. Smells good down here." Making his way through the living room he stopped at the playpen where Angel was standing. "Good morning, Sweetie. Give daddy some sugar," he said, smiling softly at the toddler as he leaned down for a kiss.
Angel grinned and bounced a little in the playpen before kissing his cheek. "Daddy!"
"How's my girl?" He asked her as he gently ran his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. "Can you tell your little sister Merry Christmas?"
Angel shook her head. "Up please."
Bosco gave her a look, but being unable to say no to his girls he shifted Hope carefully and reached out with his free arm to pick up Angel. He'd become quite the multi-tasker now that they had two little girls.
Grinning, Angel hugged his neck and then rested her head against his as he carried them into the kitchen where Faith was pouring pancake batter into a pan.
"You are the most beautiful mother of four I've ever seen," he commented as he stepped into the kitchen.
Faith smiled a little and glanced over her shoulder. "And you're still the biggest smooth talker I know." She winked at him.
"I do my best." He walked over to her with a smile on his face. "Good morning," he whispered softly as he leaned in to kiss her.
"Merry Christmas," she murmured, kissing him softly.
"Merry Christmas." He rested his forehead against hers for a moment. "Any noise out of the teenagers yet?"
She arched an eyebrow. "It's not noon, so no."
A soft chuckle escaped him. "I kinda like that they sleep in. Only gives us two kids to deal with early in the morning."
"Hey. Charlie might be a kid, but I'm not." Emily smirked from where she stood in the doorway, her arms folded across her chest.
"Pardon me, Miss Yokas." Bosco turned to look at her.
Emily grinned. "Oooh, pancakes. I'll set the table."
Faith smiled at her. "That'd be great, Em. Thanks."
"Okay, so I've got one munchkin who needs a bottle and one who just needs daddy's attention."
"Will attention from big Sis work? Or I could feed Hope," Emily volunteered after she finished putting plates and forks on the table.
"I don't know. Let's ask little Miss Angel." He looked at the toddler. "You wanna go with Emily, sweetie?"
"Emmy!" Angel reached her arms toward her older sister and Emily grinned, her eyes bright as she reached out and took her from Bosco.
"So much for wantin' to spend time with the old man," Bosco chuckled.
"Well who wouldn't rather spend time with their much cooler older sister?" Emily smirked, kissed Angel's cheek and headed out of the kitchen with her little sister in tow.
Letting out a breath he turned back toward Faith. "I swear, I don't know what we woulda done without Emily the last few months."
"No kiddin', right?" She shook her head a little. "I can't get over how much she's grown up," she murmured.
"Thank God there's good colleges in the city and she was willin' to stay at home. With workin' and taking care of a toddler and runnin' Charlie back and forth to school activities and then Hope bein' born...I don't know how we woulda done it." Leaning against the counter he gazed out into the living room where Emily was sitting on the sofa with Angel on her lap. "I really hope she likes what we got her this year, cause she really deserves it."
"Oh, she'll like it." There wasn't a hint of doubt in her voice. "I'm just glad we could afford it."
Bosco turned his head to watch as Faith flipped a couple pancakes. He then leaned over and kissed her. "How you feelin' this morning?"
"Good. A little tired." She glanced at him, then up at the clock. "Fred should be here anytime. You wanna feed her?"
"Yeah." He nodded. "Unless you want to?"
"No, I'll finish breakfast."
"Okay." He grabbed the bottle that Faith had prepared for Hope, and leaned into the corner of the counter as he tilted the bottle up for the baby. Leaning down he kissed Hope's forehead.
"Whatcha makin', mom?" Charlie questioned through a yawn as he came into the kitchen.
"Pancakes and bacon," she told him, a little surprised to see him up already. "Is it legal for you to be up this early?" She teased.
"It's Christmas, ma," he commented as he walked over to the refrigerator to get the jug of orange juice.
She bit her lip, worry settling upon her once more. Each year was becoming increasingly difficult to give the kids the Christmas she felt they deserved. They'd saved for months to get Emily the gift they'd agreed upon, and unfortunately that meant Charlie, Angel and Hope weren't going to get an even share of presents. At least Angel and Hope were still a little too young to understand what was going on.
Pressing his lips together Bosco looked at Faith, meeting her gaze and knowing exactly what she was thinking. "He'll understand...right?" he asked in a barely audible whisper.
She nodded a little. She just wished he didn't have to. Faith sighed softly as she flipped the pancakes over.
"We'll make it up to him, Faith. Somehow. I promise."
"I know." She started to say something else when the doorbell rang.
"That must be dad. I'll get it." Charlie set down the glass of orange juice he'd poured and headed for the front door, and quickly pulling it open.
Fred stood on the front porch, holding an armful of presents stacked so high he couldn't see over them. There were bags on his arms, as well.
Charlie's eyebrows furrowed. "Dad?"
"Hey, Chaz. Can you help me out here?"
A short laugh escaped him. "Yeah. Which ones are mine? I'll take those," he teased.
Fred grinned. "All the ones I'm holding."
With a smile on his face Charlie stepped forward to help his father bring in the gifts. "Did you buy out the whole store," he questioned as they carried everything into the living room.
"Nearly. There's more in the car if you wanna go out there." Fred put the bags down under the tree.
The teenager's eyes widened. "You're kidding...right?"
Fred raised an eyebrow. "No. Go on."
"Awesome!" Charlie grabbed the nearest jacket and slipped on a pair of Bosco's shoes which were too big for him before racing out the door.
"Merry Christmas!" Emily stood up, still holding onto Angel, who'd stuck a finger in her mouth, smiling shyly.
Bosco set down the now empty baby bottle and made his way into the living room as he shifted Hope and gently patted her back. His eyes widened at the stack of gifts by the tree, and he looked at the other man. "Hey, Fred. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Fred greeted him, smiling.
"Angel, can you say hi to Fred?" Bosco asked his daughter softly.
She buried her face in Emily's shoulder and whispered "hewwo."
"Somebody's playing shy today," Bosco commented. "And this one here..." He continued to pat Hope's back. "Is a wee bit too young to even act shy."
A small burp escaped the infant's lips and Fred grinned.
"She gets her manners from her mother," he joked.
"I heard that, Bosco." Faith appeared in the doorway and smacked his shoulder lightly. "Merry Christmas, Fred."
"Merry Christmas, Faith." He gave her a quick hug, then glanced toward the door where Charlie was carrying in the rest of the packages from his car.
"Holy crap, dad!" Charlie exclaimed. "You nearly did buy the whole store."
"Several stores, actually."
"Da--" Knowing what word Charlie was going to use, Bosco gave him a stern look and the boy stopped himself. "I didn't say it."
"Good thing." Faith gave him a look. "Breakfast or presents first?"
"Do you even have to ask?" Charlie settled down on the floor by the tree.
Emily grinned and sat down on the couch with Angel once more.
Knowing Faith had put effort into making breakfast, Bosco was a little disappointed by Charlie's answer, but understood his eagerness seeing as Fred had brought so many gifts. "How 'bout we have breakfast at the same time? We don't want the food getting cold."
Faith smiled at him and headed into the kitchen, returning a few moments later, balancing several plates with pancakes and bacon on them.
"Thanks, mom." Charlie took a plate from her and within seconds had already eaten a strip of bacon.
"Fred, you want coffee?" Bosco asked.
"Had some on the way over, but thanks." He ate a piece of bacon as well, smiling as Emily fed a piece to Angel.
"What about you, Faith? Coffee?"
She shook her head. "No thanks, Boz." She kissed his cheek. "Charlie, why don't you find a gift under there to open?"
"Not a problem." He quickly, but carefully pushed his plate aside and grabbed a box, giving it a quick shake before tearing into the wrapping paper.
Within moments over half the gifts under the tree were opened and Charlie sat in the middle of the floor, listening to his new IPod Nano.
Bosco sat with Faith on the loveseat, Hope still cradled in his arms. "This little one is fast asleep, so I guess she'll get to open her gifts later."
She smiled a little and nodded toward the playpen. "I think it's time for..."
"Oh. Yeah." He nodded his head. "You wanna do the honors?"
Faith slowly stood up, looking at her daughter. "Em, we've got one more for you."
Charlie's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't see one under the tree though."
"It's not under the tree."
"Really? There's another one?" She looked from Fred to Faith then Bosco. "I don't need anything else. What I got is great. Really."
Faith walked over and hugged her. "Come on." She led her toward the door.
"Charlie, grab Angel," she told her brother.
Charlie picked up Angel and followed them toward the door.
With a smile on his face Bosco followed the rest of his family, tucking the blanket more securely around the baby.
Fred was the last in line as Faith led them toward the garage.
Holding her breath, Faith raised the garage door and waited for Emily's reaction.
Seeing a car other than Bosco's parked in the garage her eyes widened slightly then furrowed. "Mom?"
"Merry Christmas."
The air left her lungs and she quickly looked at her mother then back at the car. "What? No way!"
She held out a set of car keys, a smile on her face.
"No way. You're kidding right?" She looked over at Bosco who just smiled. "Right? You're kidding."
"We're not kidding, Em. You deserve this," Faith said softly, kissing her daughter's temple.
"You got me a car!" She hugged her mother and took the keys before hurrying into the garage.
Faith leaned against Bosco and smiled as she watched her daughter.
Bosco wrapped his arm around Faith and kissed her temple. "This was a brilliant idea you had."
"Thank you," she murmured.
"Charlie, get in," Emily called out to her brother as she got into the driver's side.
Wasting no time the teenager moved around to the passenger side of the car with Angel, and the two climbed in.
"I think she likes it."
"She loves it," Fred told her.
"Yeah. She definitely loves it," Bosco agreed.
"Good," she whispered, a smile on her face.
"Okay, come on you guys. Your parents are freezing their asses off. Let's go back inside," Bosco hollered so that Emily and Charlie could hear them over the radio which Emily had promptly switched on.
"Let's let her and Charlie go for a ride."
He nodded his head. "Okay. I'll go get Angel since there's no carseat for her." Bosco walked over to the passenger side and opened the door. "Okay, come here munchkin while Em and Chuck go for a ride."
Angel held her arms out and let him pick her up.
"Wear your seatbelts," Faith said quickly, smiling when she saw Emily already had hers on.
"We'll be back in a day or two," Charlie commented with a grin as he put on his seatbelt.
"Drive careful, Em. The roads are a little slick."
Faith slipped her arms around Bosco's waist and leaned her chin on his shoulder.
He rested his head against hers as Emily slowly backed out of the garage, waving at them.
She let out a soft sigh and watched their oldest kids drive off down the road.
"How much you wanna bet Charlie asks if he can drive?" He asked with a chuckle as the three adults and two little girls headed back into the house.
"I bet you're right. She'll say no."
"Absolutely. Wonder if she'll go through the whole tank of gas?"
Fred chuckled softly. "I'm willing to bet once she realizes she hasn't put on her makeup she'll come back, make herself presentable and then go drain the gas tank."
Faith grinned, and took Hope from Bosco, kissing her forehead as she waited for Emily and Charlie to return. This was definitely going to be a memorable Christmas.
When they got back inside Bosco headed for the kitchen to get a garbage bag to start cleaning up all the wrapping paper. It didn't take much to talk Angel into helping him out once he made it into a little game. "Man, look at this mess."
"I hope you two didn't mind all the stuff I got for Charlie. I just thought that since things have been a little tight for everyone money-wise..." Fred's voice trailed off.
"Actually..." Bosco glanced at Faith then looked back at Fred. "I'm glad you did."
"We appreciate it, Fred."
"Yeah." Bosco nodded. "The last couple months have been crazy, and we didn't get much chance to get him anything. This morning we were trying to figure out how to make it up to him."
"And money is tight," Faith admitted, tucking some hair behind her ear.
"Took nearly all we had to get her that car," Bosco said softly.
"Well, she loves it. You made her year."
"Your daughter's an amazing young lady, Fred. She's been a huge help."
"Well, she takes after her mother." Fred smiled fondly at Faith.
Bosco looked at Faith as well. "Yeah, they're both pretty special, huh?"
"You're a lucky man, Bosco."
He nodded his head and when Angel came over to him he scooped her up and carried her over to where Faith and Hope were sitting. Settling down beside them Bosco kissed his three ladies. "Very lucky."
"That car is awesome!" Charlie announced as he came in through the front door, grinning.
"Of course it is. Where's your sister?"
"Right behind me."
"Did she let you drive?"
"Of course not," Emily said, making a face. "I'd like to live to see next Christmas." She smirked at her brother's indignant look.
Bosco laughed. "So...you like the car?"
"I love the car! I bet I'm the only one at school who has my own car." She grinned and sat down between Bosco and her mom.
"We appreciate everything you've been doin' around her, Em. Your mom and I just wanted you to know that."
"I do." Emily kissed his cheek, then hugged Faith. "I love you guys. Thank you so much."
"Merry Christmas, Em," Faith whispered.
"So, when do I get a car," Charlie asked with a smile.
Faith lifted an eyebrow. "Well first you have to have your license."
"I figured," he sighed. "Oh well, at least I've got Emily to drive me everywhere."
Emily smirked. "Which means you have to be nice to me."
"It'll be tough, but I'll see what I can do," he kidded.
Angel slouched back against Bosco and yawned. "Chuck, hand me the blanket out of the playpen would ya?"
"Sure." He grabbed the blanket and brought it over to Bosco who draped it over Angel. Charlie then walked over to the Christmas tree and picked up the new teddy bear Angel had gotten then handed it to his little sister who took it in her arms, hugging it tight.
"I'll put her down for a nap," Faith said softly, handing Hope off to Emily.
"She's okay here," Bosco told her.
"You sure?" When he nodded, she settled back on the sofa once more, smiling around at her family.
"I could take off if you guys want," Fred told them. "Looks like just about everyone's already ready for a nap."
"No. You're family." Her voice was soft and she met his eyes, offering him a warm smile.
"Yeah, Fred. Stick around. Once the kids are asleep we'll go hot roddin' in Emily's car."
"I'm not taking a nap," Emily said quickly.
Faith chuckled.
"And if anybody goes hot roddin' I'm going with," Charlie informed them from where he was laying on the floor by the tree.
Angel curled up against Bosco and he kissed the top of her head. "'night, sweetie."
"Night night," she murmured, her eyes drifting shut.
Bosco smiled at his little girl's words then carefully leaned over to kiss Emily's temple, and reached out to touch Hope's foot. Never had he imagined having four women in his life at the same time and having there be such a harmony and balance to it.
Faith leaned her head against Emily's, her own eyes closing.
"Chaz, why don't you put in one of those movies that I got you and Emily?" Fred suggested figuring now was a good time for everyone to just sit and relax.
Nodding, Charlie popped a copy of Dr. Doolittle into the DVD player.
Fred settled into the recliner, a smile on his face. When Faith and Bosco had gotten married and started to make their own family he'd never expected to be spending time with them on Christmas. Last year was a pleasant surprise, and this year was the continuation of what he thought was going to be a nice tradition.
