Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was early morning on Christmas Eve, and Chris and Nova were still fast asleep. Buck, however, had been awake for hours. He sat in his walk-in wardrobe, surrounded by a sea of half-wrapped presents, crumpled scraps of wrapping paper, and tangled strips of tape.

Buck had been stressing about this Christmas Day for at least three months. This year felt bigger, more magical—and far more overwhelming. It was Nova's first Christmas, and for the first time, he was fully involved in making sure Christmas morning was perfect for Chris as well.

Buck had taken on the challenge with his usual determination, meticulously balancing the piles of presents to ensure both kids had an equal number and that each gift would bring a genuine smile. Three hours into wrapping, his hands were cramping, and his back ached, but the thought of their excited faces on Christmas morning kept him going.

He was startled slightly when Eddie slid the door open, momentarily distracted by how good his boyfriend looked straight out of bed—his hair ruffled, his chest bare, and a sleepy softness in his eyes.

Eddie stood in the doorway, looking down at Buck with a fond smile tugging at his lips. He could see how stressed his partner was, hunched over as he tried to tie a bow on an unevenly wrapped gift.

"Buck, baby," Eddie called softly, his voice laced with amusement as he slid down to sit across from him. "You've been at this for hours, and it's barely 8 a.m."

Buck's head snapped up, his blue eyes tired but burning with stubborn determination. "I know, but I'm almost done. I just... I want it to be perfect, Eds. For Chris and Nova."

Eddie's heart softened, but before he could respond, Buck threw his hands up in exasperation, gesturing wildly at the pile of failed attempts around him.

"What am I doing?" he groaned, his tone teetering on the edge of unhinged. "I'm failing Christmas, Eddie! That's what I'm doing!"

Eddie raised an eyebrow, stepping further into the room as he crossed his arms. "I'm gonna need more context."

Buck scrambled to his feet, gesturing wildly at the chaos surrounding him. "Okay, so—look! I made a list of all the presents for Chris and Nova, and it's not enough! Chris has, like, five presents. Is five enough? He's eleven now—what if he's expecting more? He's at that age where Christmas is still magical, but not for much longer, you know? What if this is the last year he truly believes, and I ruin it by not getting him enough presents?"

Eddie blinked, momentarily stunned by the avalanche of words. Before he could respond, Buck's voice dropped slightly, though his panic remained fully intact.

"And Nova!" Buck gestured toward the nursery, where the faint hum of the baby monitor on the dresser gave away her presence. "Nova doesn't even understand Christmas yet, but shouldn't she have something special? What if one day she looks back at pictures of her first Christmas and thinks we didn't love her enough to make it magical? She's not even going to remember this, Eddie, but I will! I'll remember that I didn't do enough!"

Eddie sighed and rested a steadying hand on Buck's shoulder. "Okay, first of all—lower your voice. You'll wake her up."

Buck froze, his mouth snapping shut as if on instinct. He took a deep breath, but the worry in his eyes didn't fade as he looked at Eddie.

"Buck," Eddie said gently, squeezing his shoulder. "It's going to be fine. You're already making it magical just by caring this much. Chris doesn't care about the number of presents he gets. He's not counting them. He cares that we're here, that we're together. And Nova—she's seven months old. Do you know what she's going to love the most about Christmas? The wrapping paper. She's going to spend more time playing with the boxes and ribbons than with the toys inside."

"But what if—"

"Stop," Eddie interrupted gently, squeezing Buck's shoulder. "Listen to me. You've already made Christmas magical. You decorated the house like a Hallmark movie threw up in here—"

"Hey!" Buck protested, though a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"It's a compliment," Eddie said, grinning. "You've been talking about all the stuff we're going to do—baking cookies, watching Christmas movies, going to see the lights. Chris has been counting down the days because he's so excited about all of it. That's what he's going to remember. Not how many presents he gets."

Buck's shoulders sagged, and he let out a long, weary sigh. "I just... I want it to be perfect. For both of them. For you, too."

Eddie's expression softened, his heart twisting at the vulnerability in Buck's voice. He reached up, cupping Buck's face in his hands and gently brushing his thumbs over the tension in Buck's jaw. "It already is, Buck. You're the magic. You always have been."

Buck blinked, his eyes glistening with emotion as a faint smile curved his lips. "Okay," he murmured, nodding slightly. "Okay, maybe you're right."

Eddie's lips twitched into a smirk. "I'm always right."w

That earned him an exaggerated eye roll from Buck, who muttered, "Sure, keep telling yourself that." But the warmth in his gaze gave him away.

Eddie chuckled, leaning in to press a soft, lingering kiss to Buck's lips. It was gentle and grounding, and when Eddie pulled back, Buck looked a little less frazzled and a lot more at ease.

Buck had decided he wanted to start some new Christmas traditions—ones he had always longed for but never truly experienced with his own family. If you could even call them that now. Growing up, his holidays had been marked by an unspoken tension, a coldness he could never quite put into words. The laughter, the warmth, and the sense of togetherness he craved had always felt just out of reach.

He didn't want that for his family. He refused to let his children ever feel the way he had—unwanted like their gifts were given out of obligation rather than love. Buck was determined to create a different kind of holiday, one filled with joy, connection, and memories they'd treasure for years to come.

A couple of hours later, the soft coos and rustling of blankets filtered through the baby monitor on the coffee table. Nova was waking up from her nap, her gentle sounds breaking the comfortable silence in the living room. Eddie started to stand, already in motion to check on her, but Buck placed a hand on his knee, stopping him.

"I've got this one, Papa," Buck said softly, a warm smile spreading across his face as he leaned in to kiss Eddie on the forehead. The gesture was tender, filled with quiet affection and a hint of playfulness.

Eddie hesitated, giving Buck a knowing look. "Just don't let her talk you into skipping a diaper change," he teased lightly, leaning back onto the couch. "You're way too easy to charm."

Buck grinned as he stood, stretching for a moment before heading toward the nursery. "Can you blame me? Look at who her dad is," he quipped, flashing a wink over his shoulder.

Eddie laughed softly, shaking his head as Buck disappeared down the hallway, the warm glow of the Christmas lights reflecting off the walls and guiding him toward their little girl.

Pushing open the nursery door, Buck was greeted by the sight of Nova stretching in her crib, her tiny fists rubbing at her sleepy eyes. Her blonde curls stuck out in every direction, a result of a particularly wiggly nap.

She let out a squeaky yawn before her big, curious eyes locked onto Buck's face, and a wide, gummy smile spread across her face."Good morning, sunshine," Buck whispered, stepping closer and leaning over the crib. Nova babbled something unintelligible but enthusiastic, kicking her chubby legs against the soft mattress.

"Did you have a good nap? Ready to help me save Christmas?"He gently scooped her up, cradling her to his chest. The warmth of her small body and the faint scent of baby lotion melted him instantly. Nova rested her head on his shoulder for a moment, still halfway caught between sleep and wakefulness, her tiny fingers clutching at the fabric of his shirt.

Buck carried her over to the changing table, chatting softly as he went. "Okay, let's see what kind of mess we're working with here. You know, you have this knack for timing your wake-ups perfectly—just as things are about to get interesting. It's almost like you know I need my assistant back." Nova giggled, her sweet laugh filling the room as Buck laid her down and began the delicate process of changing her.

"Oh, wow, you went all out this time, huh?" he teased, wrinkling his nose as he peeled off her onesie. "It's like you were trying to create a masterpiece." Nova kicked her legs in response, a proud little squeal escaping her. Buck couldn't help but laugh, his hands working efficiently to clean her up. "You're lucky you're cute," he joked, tickling her belly lightly. Nova squirmed, her giggles reaching a pitch that made Buck's heart swell.

Once she was cleaned up and changed into a festive red onesie adorned with tiny reindeer, Buck lifted her back into his arms. "There we go! Now you're ready to steal the show. Let's go find your brother and papa —they're probably wondering where their favourite person is."As they stepped out of the nursery, Nova babbled excitedly, pointing a tiny finger at the twinkling lights on the garland draped along the hallway railing.

Buck followed her gaze, nodding seriously. "Yeah, those are pretty great, huh? Your papa did most of that. He's got an eye for these things." Nova responded with a loud, cheerful noise that Buck decided was an agreement.

He pressed a kiss to her soft cheek, marvelling at the simple joy she radiated. "You're going to make Christmas so special, Nova. You already have." By the time they reached the living room, Eddie and Chris were waiting, both looking up as Buck entered with Nova in his arms.

"And here she is! The star of the show," Buck announced dramatically, earning a grin from Eddie and an eager wave from Chris."Morning, Nova," Chris said, bouncing up from the couch to greet her. "Guess what? We're about to make cookies! You're gonna help, right?" Nova clapped her hands, her face lighting up at Chris's enthusiasm.

Eddie chuckled, stepping over to plant a kiss on Buck's temple before pressing one to Nova's head. "She's ready. Aren't you, princesa?"

"Ready and dressed for the part," Buck added, adjusting the reindeer on her onesie with a proud smile. "Alright, team. Let's make this a Christmas to remember."

A couple of hours later, the smell of sugar and cinnamon filled the kitchen, mingling with the soft strains of Christmas music playing in the background.

Buck stood at the counter, wearing a bright red apron that read "Santa's Helper," with a small smudge of flour streaked across his cheek. Chris was perched on the stool next to him, his face lit with excitement as he carefully used a cookie cutter to press stars and snowflakes into the rolled-out dough.

On the highchair nearby, Nova sat babbling away, her chubby hands slapping at the tiny pile of dough Buck had given her to "help" with. Most of it had ended up on her tray, and her cheeks were smeared with flour and traces of dough she'd attempted to taste. Eddie, leaning against the doorway, held up his phone to snap a quick picture of the scene.

Buck turned toward the counter, pulling out the assortment of cookie cutters he'd spent far too much time picking out the week before. "Alright, Chris, we've got stars, snowflakes, reindeer, Christmas trees, and... oh, look, a gingerbread man! Your pick, buddy." He held them up with exaggerated flair, wiggling his eyebrows to make Chris laugh.

Chris giggled, his eyes darting over the shapes. "Reindeer first! Then the tree." He grabbed the reindeer cutter, his small hands steady as he carefully pressed it into the dough. "This one's for Santa's team," he declared proudly.

"Solid choice," Buck said, nodding approvingly. "You know, reindeer need cookies too. Flying all night is tough work."

Chris grinned up at him. "What kind of cookies do you think they like?" Buck tapped his chin, pretending to ponder the question seriously. "Hmm, probably the oatmeal kind. They've got to keep their energy up. Or maybe they're into sugar cookies like us. Who could blame them?" Chris laughed, grabbing the tree cutter next and carefully placing it next to his reindeer. "Okay, now this one's for Santa. He needs a tree cookie."

"Good thinking," Buck said as he leaned over to roll out more dough. He glanced at Nova, who had decided her dough was more fun as a toy than a treat. She smacked it with her little hands, giggling as the sticky bits clung to her fingers. "Nova, you're killing it over there. That's some advanced-level baking."

"She's a natural," Eddie chimed in as he stepped closer, wiping his hands on a dish towel. He bent down to kiss Nova's cheek, smirking when he pulled back to find a dab of dough stuck to his nose. "You're a messy chef, princesa."

"The messier, the better," Buck said, laughing as Nova squealed and waved her arms excitedly. "Alright, Chris, you ready for the sprinkles stage?" Chris's eyes widened.

"Yes! Can I do the red ones?" Buck reached for the bowls of icing and sprinkles he'd prepared earlier, setting them down in front of Chris with a flourish.

"You can do all the colours you want. Go crazy. This is your masterpiece, Picasso." Chris dove into the decorating with gusto, carefully spreading green icing on a tree-shaped cookie before sprinkling red and white sugar on top.

Buck leaned over to help Nova, guiding her tiny hands as she clumsily stuck a few sprinkles onto a star cookie.

Most of them ended up on the tray or the floor, but Buck didn't mind. Her happy babbles made the mess worth it. Eddie grabbed a piping bag and squeezed out a shaky outline of a snowflake, smirking at his handiwork. "Not bad, right?"Chris burst into laughter.

"Dad, it looks like it's melting!"

"Abstract art," Eddie replied, feigning indignation as he nudged Chris playfully. "You'll learn to appreciate it someday." Nova smacked her tray again, sending a small cloud of flour into the air.

Buck grinned as he leaned over to wipe her face. "You're committing to the chaos theme, huh?" By the time they finished, the kitchen was a glorious mess.

Sprinkles were scattered across the counter, icing smudged on their faces and clothes, and the cookies... well, they were colourful, if not exactly professional. Buck stood back to admire their work, his heart full.

"Alright, team. These are some next-level Christmas cookies. Great job, everyone." Eddie wrapped an arm around Buck's waist, pulling him close as Chris held up his favourite cookie—a reindeer covered in red sprinkles.

Nova clapped her hands, her laughter bubbling up as Eddie leaned in to kiss Buck's cheek. "Best Christmas ever," Eddie murmured. Buck smiled, his chest swelling with warmth. "And it's only just beginning."

Once the cookies were safely tucked into the oven, filling the house with the sweet, cozy scent of sugar and cinnamon. The kitchen was still a mess—sprinkles scattered across the counter, bits of dough clinging to the floor, and icing smudges on their clothes—but none of them cared. The chaos was all part of the fun.

"Alright, team," Buck declared, clapping his hands together as he looked at the clock. "We've got about twenty minutes before these masterpieces are ready. Time to burn some energy."

Chris perked up immediately, practically leaping off his stool. "Snowball fight?"

"Snowball fight," Buck confirmed, earning a cheer from Chris.

Eddie chuckled as he folded a dish towel over the back of a chair and grabbed his coat from the hook near the door. "Let's try not to freeze out there, alright? Someone still has to frost those cookies."

Chris was already bouncing on his toes as Buck wrangled Nova into her tiny snow jacket. It was a bright red puffer coat, making her look even more like a little marshmallow when Buck zipped it up. Her matching red hat—complete with a pom-pom on top—slipped slightly askew as she wiggled with excitement, but Buck adjusted it with a smile.

"Looking good, princesa," Eddie said, handing over her mittens as he helped Chris tug on his gloves.

Buck slid his arms into his coat and grinned down at Nova. "You ready to take on the snow, Nova? Think you've got what it takes to join the winning team?"

Nova giggled in response, clapping her hands together. Buck took that as a resounding yes.

"Let's go!" Chris shouted, already racing toward the front door. Eddie laughed, catching his arm before he could fling it open without anyone else being ready.

"Hold up, champ. Let's all go out together."

Chris danced from foot to foot, clearly impatient, while Buck slipped on his boots and pulled Nova's tiny ones over her wiggling feet. Once they were all bundled up and ready, Eddie opened the door, letting in a crisp rush of cold air that made their cheeks tingle.

The front yard was blanketed in fresh, untouched snow, glistening under the soft winter morning light. Chris was the first to leap off the porch, his boots crunching into the powder as he threw his arms out like he was trying to embrace the entire yard.

"It's perfect!" he exclaimed, immediately dropping to his knees to scoop up a handful of snow.

"Looks like prime snowball weather," Eddie said, stepping out and letting the door click shut behind him. He bent down, testing the snow's texture between his gloved hands, then turned to Buck with a glint of mischief in his eye.

"Oh no," Buck said, holding up a hand. "I know that look, Eddie. Don't even—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Eddie packed the snow into a quick ball and lobbed it at him. It hit Buck's shoulder with a soft thump, leaving a spray of powder behind.

"Rude!" Buck gasped, clutching his chest in mock betrayal.

Chris laughed so hard he nearly tipped over into the snow. "Dad always wins snowball fights," he declared, clearly delighted.

"Not this time," Buck said, crouching down to gather some snow of his own. He turned to Chris with a conspiratorial grin. "You're on my team. We're taking Eddie down."

Chris's eyes lit up. "Really? Okay!"

"You'll regret that," Eddie warned, already forming another snowball.

As the battle broke out, Nova sat safely in her spot near the porch, bundled so tightly in her puffy jacket that she looked like a tiny, adorable snowman herself. She babbled happily, smacking at the snow with her mittened hands and sending tiny clouds of powder into the air.

Eddie dodged behind a tree, barely avoiding the flurry of snowballs that Buck and Chris were hurling his way. "Is that all you've got?" he called out, peeking around the trunk with a grin.

"Chris, cover me!" Buck shouted, pretending to dive for cover behind the bush.

Chris took his role very seriously, crouching low and packing his snowballs with surprising precision. "I got him!" he yelled, launching one that hit Eddie square in the leg.

Eddie stumbled back dramatically, falling into the snow with an exaggerated groan. "You got me!" he cried, holding his hands up in surrender.

"Victory!" Buck cheered, scooping up Chris and spinning him around.

"Unfair team advantage," Eddie grumbled, sitting up and brushing snow off his coat.

Chris ran over, giggling as he offered his dad a hand. "You should've hidden better, Dad."

"I'll remember that for next time," Eddie said, ruffling Chris's hair before pulling him into a warm hug.

They spent the next hour building the world's most chaotic snowman. It was lopsided and slightly leaning to one side, but Chris insisted that gave it character. Buck sacrificed his scarf to give the snowman a little extra flair, and Eddie contributed two sticks for arms. Nova babbled in approval as she smacked at the snow around her, occasionally squealing in delight when Buck or Chris made funny faces at her.

By the time they trudged back inside, their cheeks were pink from the cold, and Chris's laughter was still echoing through the air. Eddie helped Buck peel Nova out of her puffy jacket while Chris stomped the snow off his boots.

"Hot chocolate?" Chris asked, looking up at Buck with hopeful eyes.

"You read my mind," Buck replied, already heading for the kitchen.

As Eddie gathered their wet coats and hung them by the door, he took a moment to glance at his family. Chris was climbing onto a stool by the counter, eagerly waiting for Buck to start making cocoa. Nova was in her high chair, babbling happily as she played with the corner of her blanket. And Buck—flour still smudged on his cheek from earlier—looked up at Eddie with a grin that made his heart ache in the best way.

This was home. This was happiness.

The warmth of the house was a welcome contrast to the chilly winter air outside, and the lingering scent of cookies baking in the oven wrapped around them like a comforting hug. Chris kicked off his snow-covered boots, grinning as he peeled off his gloves. His cheeks were still flushed from the cold, and his hair was slightly damp from where snowflakes had melted into it.

"Alright, champ," Eddie said, giving Chris a nudge toward the hallway. "Go grab a quick shower and get into your Christmas PJs. I'll bring you some fresh socks in a minute."

"Can I wear the reindeer ones?" Chris asked, his eyes lighting up.

Eddie chuckled. "Of course. It's Christmas Eve—you've gotta be festive."

Chris darted off toward the bathroom, leaving a small trail of melted snow in his wake. Buck, who was in the middle of unzipping Nova's snow jacket, called after him, "Don't forget to hang up your wet clothes!"

"I won't!" Chris shouted back, his voice echoing down the hallway.

Nova squirmed in Buck's arms, letting out an excited squeal as he finally freed her from her layers of puffy fabric. Her curls were slightly mussed from her hat, and her cheeks were rosy from the cold.

"There we go," Buck said, lifting her high above his head with a grin. "You're free! How does it feel, princesa?"

Nova giggled, her tiny hands reaching for Buck's face. She managed to grab his nose, which made him laugh as he brought her back down and kissed her forehead.

Eddie leaned against the wall, watching them with a soft smile. "Think she's ready for a bath? She's got flour, cookie dough, and at least one sprinkle stuck to her somewhere."

Buck held Nova out at arm's length, pretending to inspect her. "Yeah, she's a mess. But a cute one."

"Come on," Eddie said, pushing off the wall and leading the way to the bathroom. "Let's get her cleaned up before she decides to add more chaos to her résumé."

They passed Chris, who had just turned on the shower and was carefully hanging his coat and scarf on the hooks by the door. "You okay in there, buddy?" Eddie asked.

"Yep!" Chris called, flashing them a thumbs-up before disappearing behind the shower curtain.

The master bathroom was already warm and inviting, with soft white tiles and a small collection of bath toys lined up along the edge of the tub. Eddie crouched down to start filling the tub with warm water, adding a small scoop of lavender-scented bubble bath. The water began to froth almost immediately, creating fluffy bubbles that Nova was already reaching for from Buck's arms.

"Hold on, kiddo," Buck said, laughing as she wiggled excitedly. "We've gotta get you undressed first."

Working together, they managed to peel off Nova's tiny sweater, leggings, and socks, revealing her chubby little legs and soft baby skin. She kicked her feet happily, clearly thrilled by the idea of a bath.

"Alright, princesa," Eddie said, carefully lowering her into the tub. She squealed with delight as the warm water enveloped her, her hands immediately slapping at the bubbles.

"She's gonna flood the whole bathroom," Buck joked, rolling up his sleeves as he knelt beside the tub.

"That's what towels are for," Eddie replied, grabbing a washcloth and dipping it into the water. "Alright, Novie, let's get you sparkling clean."

Nova babbled happily as Eddie gently wiped her face and neck, while Buck worked on rinsing her hands and feet. She kicked her legs now and then, sending small waves splashing over the edge of the tub.

"You've got some serious energy, huh?" Buck said, laughing as he tried to shield himself from one of her splashes.

"She gets it from you," Eddie teased, nudging Buck with his elbow.

Nova responded with a loud giggle as if she knew they were talking about her. She grabbed one of the floating bath toys—a little rubber duck—and started chewing on it, earning an affectionate laugh from Eddie.

By the time they were finished, Nova was squeaky clean and wrapped snugly in a soft, hooded towel that had little bear ears on it. Buck carried her back to the nursery, drying her hair with gentle pats while Eddie rummaged through her drawer for her Christmas pyjamas.

"How about these?" Eddie held up a red onesie with white snowflakes and a matching pair of fuzzy socks.

"Perfect," Buck said, laying Nova down on the changing table. "She's gonna look like a tiny holiday postcard."

Nova babbled in agreement, her eyes bright as Eddie dressed her in the festive onesie. Once fully dressed, Buck picked her up and kissed her cheek, earning another happy squeal.

"Think Chris is out of the shower yet?" Buck asked.

As if on cue, they heard Chris's voice from down the hall. "Dad! Can you help me with my socks?"

Eddie laughed, handing Nova over to Buck. "I've got this. You two stay here and make sure she doesn't get into trouble."

Chris was waiting in his bedroom, already dressed in his favourite reindeer pyjamas. His hair was damp and neatly combed, and he had a big grin on his face as Eddie helped him tug on his fuzzy socks.

"There," Eddie said, ruffling his hair affectionately. "All set."

"Can we check on the cookies now?" Chris asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"Let's do it," Eddie said, leading him back to the living room where Buck was sitting on the couch with Nova in his lap.

"Everything okay?" Buck asked, looking up with a smile.

"Everything's perfect," Eddie replied, his heart swelling as he took in the sight of his family.

Chris hopped onto the couch beside them, snuggling up close to Buck while Nova clapped her hands excitedly. "Cookies, then movie night?" Chris suggested.

Buck grinned. "You've got yourself a deal, buddy. Let's check on those cookies."

As they all made their way back to the kitchen, Eddie couldn't help but think that this was what Christmas was all about—warmth, love, and moments like these.

The living room was awash with the warm, multicoloured glow of the Christmas tree, its lights casting soft reflections onto the frosted windows. The scent of peppermint and cocoa lingered in the air as Buck carried a tray of steaming mugs into the room, setting them carefully on the coffee table.

"Hot chocolate, complete with marshmallows, whipped cream, and a little sprinkle of magic," Buck announced with a grin, plopping down onto the couch next to Eddie and Chris.

Chris beamed, reaching eagerly for his mug. "Thanks, Buck! This is the best hot chocolate ever."

Buck ruffled Chris's hair. "Only the best for my favourite kiddo."

Nova, perched on Eddie's lap, reached out with a curious babble, her tiny hand waving toward the mugs. Eddie chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Don't worry, princesa. You'll get your special treat when you're older. For now, you've got Daddy's hugs."

Buck grabbed his mug and leaned back, nudging Eddie with his shoulder. "Movie's queued up. Chris picked The Polar Express this year, right?"

"Yup!" Chris said enthusiastically, already cuddled under a soft blanket adorned with snowflakes. "It's my favourite Christmas movie."

"Well, then," Eddie said, settling Nova more securely in his arms, "let's get this party started."

Buck hit play, and the familiar opening notes of the film filled the room. Chris's eyes lit up as the train appeared on screen, his attention completely captivated.

Eddie glanced down at Nova, who was staring at the screen with wide, curious eyes. She let out an occasional squeal, her little legs kicking in excitement.

"She's really into it," Buck observed, his tone warm as he sipped from his mug.

"Future movie buff," Eddie replied, bouncing her gently on his knee. "I think she's just happy to be part of the action."

As the movie continued, the three of them shared quiet laughs and a steady stream of commentary. Chris giggled at the antics of the children on the train, leaning against Buck, who enthusiastically echoed his reactions.

When the Hot Chocolate song began, Buck couldn't help but get into it, mimicking the dance moves as best as he could from the couch.

"Look at this guy," Eddie said with a smirk, gesturing toward Buck as he pretended to juggle an invisible tray of mugs. "You missed your calling as a dancer."

Chris laughed so hard he almost spilled his drink. "You're so funny, Buck!"

Nova waved her arms in delight as if cheering Buck on, her babbles loud and insistent.

"See?" Buck said, pointing at her. "Nova gets it. She's got taste."

Eventually, the sugar and excitement began to catch up with Chris. By the time the train reached the North Pole, he was snuggled deep into his blanket, his head resting against Buck's arm. His blinks became slower, his eyelids drooping as he fought valiantly to stay awake.

Eddie caught Buck's eye and nodded toward Chris. "Think he's about done."

Buck smiled down at the boy, gently brushing a hand over his hair. "He's been a trooper. All the snow, the cookies—it's a lot for one day."

Chris murmured something softly, his words lost to the pull of sleep. Buck adjusted the blanket around him, his movements slow and deliberate.

"He fought it hard, though," Eddie said, his voice soft with affection.

Buck chuckled quietly, careful not to disturb Chris. "Yeah, but Christmas magic always wins in the end."

Gently, Buck slipped an arm around Chris, lifting him as smoothly as possible. Chris stirred slightly, muttering something incoherent before settling back into Buck's chest, his arms limp at his sides.

"I'll get him to bed," Buck whispered, standing and adjusting Chris to rest more comfortably in his arms.

Eddie nodded. "I'll grab Nova's bottle and meet you in the nursery."

Buck carried Chris down the hall, his steps light as he maneuvered through the familiar path to his room. He eased the door open with his shoulder, the faint glow of the nightlight casting soft shadows across the room.

Chris stirred again as Buck lowered him onto the bed, his eyes cracking open just enough to register Buck's face. "Mmm, Santa's coming, right?" Chris mumbled sleepily.

"Of course," Buck whispered, pulling the blanket up over him and tucking it snugly around his small frame. "You did your part—cookies are out, reindeer tracks are set. Santa's gonna love it."

Chris's lips twitched into a faint smile, his eyes already sliding shut again. "Okay... 'night, Buck..."

"Goodnight, buddy," Buck said softly, brushing a hand over Chris's hair. He stayed for a moment longer, watching Chris's breathing even out before quietly slipping out of the room.

In the kitchen, Eddie was warming a bottle for Nova, humming quietly under his breath. When Buck entered, Eddie glanced up with a smile.

"Chris out?"

"Completely," Buck confirmed. "Didn't even argue about Santa. Just mumbled something and went back to sleep."

Eddie chuckled, turning off the stove and testing the bottle's temperature against his wrist. Satisfied, he handed it to Buck. "Here. I'll grab a book for Nova."

Buck took the bottle and headed to the nursery, where Nova was already showing signs of weariness. Her eyes were heavy, and her babbling had softened to faint murmurs as she clung to the edge of her blanket.

"Hey there, princesa," Buck said softly, lowering himself into the rocking chair and cradling her against his chest. "You ready for your bedtime snack?"

Nova reached for the bottle instinctively, her tiny hands gripping it as Buck guided it to her mouth. She drank eagerly, her gaze fixed on Buck's face as he rocked her gently.

Eddie appeared in the doorway moments later, a small board book in hand. He leaned against the frame, watching Buck with a soft smile.

"You've got the magic touch," Eddie murmured.

Buck smirked, his voice low. "You mean I've got the food. She's all about priorities."

Once Nova had finished her bottle, Buck passed her to Eddie, who settled into the rocking chair with her. Nova curled into his chest, her thumb finding its way to her mouth as Eddie opened the book.

"Okay, Nova, tonight's story is Goodnight Moon. Let's say goodnight to everything, alright?"

Eddie read softly, his voice steady and soothing as he turned the pages. Nova's eyelids fluttered, her grip on his shirt loosening as sleep claimed her. By the time Eddie reached the final "Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere," she was completely still, her tiny body warm and relaxed against his.

Eddie stood slowly, careful not to jostle her, and placed her gently into her crib. He adjusted her blanket, tucking it securely around her before brushing a kiss against her forehead.

Buck was standing by the door, his arms crossed as he watched with a tender expression.

"She's out," Eddie whispered, stepping back to join Buck.

Buck nodded, glancing from Nova to Eddie. "And so are we, I think."

Eddie chuckled, wrapping an arm around Buck's waist as they left the nursery together. The house was peaceful, the only sound was the faint hum of the tree lights in the living room.

"Another successful Christmas Eve," Eddie said as they headed to bed, their hearts full and their home wrapped in the quiet magic of the holiday.

With the kids asleep and the house cloaked in a cozy, festive calm, Eddie and Buck lingered in the living room, savouring the quiet magic of Christmas Eve. The tree's twinkling lights reflected off the window, casting soft, colourful shadows across the walls. Outside, the snow had begun to fall again, a light dusting covering the footprints from their earlier adventure.

Eddie stretched, his arm draping across the back of the couch as Buck nestled into his side, holding a half-empty mug of lukewarm hot chocolate. The warmth of the fireplace flickered nearby, the faint crackle adding to the serene ambience.

"Think Chris will wake up at dawn, or earlier?" Buck asked, his voice low to avoid disturbing the peace.

"Earlier," Eddie replied with a chuckle, his fingers idly playing with the hem of Buck's shirt. "He's too excited about Santa. I give it until six at the latest."

Buck laughed softly. "I'd better enjoy the calm while it lasts then." He tilted his head to look up at Eddie. "You good?"

Eddie hummed in agreement, his gaze fixed on the plate of cookies and the neatly arranged carrots by the tree. "Yeah. I mean, this... this is everything. Watching the kids light up, seeing Nova babble her way through cookie-making, Chris getting excited over every little thing—it's perfect."

Buck's smile softened. "It is. You're a good dad, you know that?"

Eddie glanced down at him, his expression fond. "And you're pretty great yourself. Took you long enough to make those cookies perfect, but it was worth it."

Buck groaned playfully, setting his mug down on the coffee table. "Hey, those cookies were a labour of love. Besides, did you see Chris's face when we finished? Worth the mess."

Eddie pressed a kiss to Buck's temple, murmuring, "Totally."

Buck pulled away just enough to nudge Eddie with his shoulder. "Alright, Mr. Sentimental, we've got Santa duty. If we sit here too long, one of us is gonna fall asleep."

"Fair point," Eddie admitted with a smirk, standing and stretching. "Let's get to it."

They moved quietly, careful not to make a sound that might wake Chris or Nova. Buck headed to the hall closet, retrieving the carefully wrapped presents they'd hidden there earlier in the week.

The wrapping paper shimmered with red and gold patterns, and each package was labelled with care—"To Chris, From Santa" in Eddie's neat handwriting, and "To Nova, From Santa" in Buck's slightly sloppier scrawl.

"Alright, where do we start?" Buck asked, balancing a stack of boxes in his arms.

Eddie surveyed the living room like a man on a mission. "Big ones in the back, smaller ones up front. Chris is going to dive in first thing, so we need to make sure the order's perfect."

"Perfect?" Buck echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Eds, he's going to rip through them like a tornado. Does the order really matter?"

"Yes," Eddie said, grinning as he grabbed a couple of the larger packages and crouched by the tree. "Trust me, it'll look better this way in the morning."

Buck shook his head fondly but followed Eddie's instructions, arranging the gifts with precision. When they were finished, the base of the tree was filled with brightly wrapped packages, creating a picture-perfect scene that looked straight out of a Christmas movie.

"Alright, gifts are done," Buck said, brushing his hands together as he stood. "What's next?"

Eddie pointed to the stockings hanging over the fireplace. "Stockings. Chris is all about them. Remember to leave the little toy car on top—he's been talking about it for weeks."

Buck nodded, heading over to grab the stockings. He filled Chris's with an assortment of small gifts: candy canes, a pack of markers, a tiny puzzle, and, of course, the coveted toy car. Nova's stocking was simpler—a teething ring, a plush snowman, and a few other age-appropriate surprises.

"Done," Buck announced, stepping back to admire their handiwork. "I think Santa would be proud."

Eddie joined him, slipping an arm around Buck's waist. "Santa's got nothing on us."

They stood there for a moment, taking it all in—the twinkling lights, the neatly arranged gifts, the plate of cookies waiting patiently for its part in the story. It was simple, but it was magic, and Eddie couldn't help but feel grateful for the life they'd built together.

Eddie knelt by the coffee table, scrutinizing the setup Chris had proudly arranged before bed. The plate of cookies sat slightly askew, accompanied by a small glass of milk and a neatly written note in Chris's handwriting:

For Santa. Don't forget to leave the presents! Love, Chris.

Eddie smiled as he adjusted the plate, taking care to make it look as though Santa had already stopped by. He crumbled one cookie into smaller pieces and strategically scattered a few crumbs on the table, letting some fall to the floor for authenticity.

He glanced over at Buck, who was carefully placing a shiny new toy truck and a small book on the top of Chris's stocking. Nova's stocking, smaller and adorned with glittery snowflakes, was being filled with baby-safe surprises: a soft rattle, a teething ring shaped like a candy cane, and a tiny plush snowman.

Buck looked up and caught Eddie's eye, grinning. "Think we're nailing this Santa gig?"

Eddie snorted softly. "If we don't win 'Parents of the Year' after this, I'll be shocked."

Buck chuckled, pulling a small burlap bag out of the closet. "Alright, time for my pièce de résistance."

Eddie raised an eyebrow, leaning against the couch as Buck knelt by the fireplace. From the bag, Buck pulled out a set of cardboard reindeer footprints he'd cut earlier and arranged them carefully on the floor.

Then, with a jar of powdered sugar in hand, he lightly dusted over the templates, creating a trail of snowy hoofprints leading from the fireplace to the tree. When he lifted the cardboard, perfectly shaped reindeer prints remained on the floor, shimmering faintly in the glow of the Christmas lights.

Eddie crossed his arms, clearly impressed. "You're outdoing yourself this year."

Buck smirked, brushing sugar off his hands. "Go big or go home, right? Chris is gonna lose his mind when he sees this. Worth it."

Eddie stepped closer, taking Buck's hand to pull him to his feet. "He's lucky to have you, you know."

Buck's smirk softened into a smile, and he gave Eddie's hand a quick squeeze. "He's lucky to have us. And so is Nova."

They stood there for a moment, side by side, taking in the scene they'd created. The tree glowed softly, its lights reflecting off the ornaments Chris had insisted on hanging himself. The gifts beneath were arranged with care, each one perfectly positioned to maximize the kids' excitement in the morning.

"Alright," Eddie said, breaking the silence. "What's next?"

Buck tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Cookies. Santa's gotta leave some evidence."

Eddie rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin as he grabbed the plate of cookies. He took a bite out of one, leaving just enough behind to make it look convincing, while Buck drained half the glass of milk.

As they cleaned up the stray crumbs and adjusted the stockings one final time, Buck suddenly straightened, his eyes lighting up. "Oh, almost forgot!" He hurried to the closet and returned with a Santa hat, which he carefully placed on the back of the couch. "Now it looks like Santa left in a hurry."

Eddie shook his head, laughing softly. "You're unbelievable."

"Unbelievably good at this," Buck corrected, flashing a grin.

With everything in place, they took a step back to admire their work. The living room looked like something out of a Christmas card—warm, inviting, and brimming with holiday magic.

"You ready to call it a night?" Eddie asked softly, his thumb tracing small circles on Buck's hip.

Buck nodded, leaning into him. "Yeah, but I'm almost too happy to sleep. This... it's the kind of Christmas I always wanted when I was a kid."

Eddie's heart squeezed at the admission, and he kissed Buck's forehead. "You're making it happen now, for you and them. That's what matters."

Buck glanced toward the hallway. "Think we should check on them first?"

Eddie nodded, following Buck down the hall. They peeked into Chris's room, where he was sprawled out under his blanket, one arm dangling off the bed. His mouth was slightly open, and his face was peaceful, the excitement of the day finally giving way to sleep.

In the nursery, Nova was tucked into her crib, clutching a tiny stuffed reindeer. Her chest rose and fell in steady breaths, her cheeks still pink from the cold air earlier.

"She's out like a light," Eddie whispered, leaning over to brush a kiss against her forehead.

"Chris, too," Buck murmured. "We've got a good couple of hours before the chaos starts."

With one last look at the living room, they turned off the lights, leaving only the glow of the Christmas tree to illuminate the space. Buck paused to make sure the fireplace was safely out, then followed Eddie down the hallway to their bedroom.

As they climbed into bed, Eddie reached for Buck's hand, their fingers intertwining beneath the covers.

"You know," Buck said softly, his voice warm with contentment, "this might be the best Christmas yet."

Eddie smiled, squeezing Buck's hand. "Definitely. And tomorrow? It's gonna be even better."

Buck chuckled, closing his eyes as he rested his head against the pillow. "Assuming we survive the 6 a.m. wake-up call."

Eddie laughed quietly, leaning over to kiss Buck's temple. "We've got this. Merry Christmas, Buck."

"Merry Christmas, Eds," Buck murmured, already drifting off to sleep.

Outside, the snow continued to fall gently, blanketing the world in white. Inside, the house was warm and filled with love, ready for the magic of Christmas morning to unfold.

As soon as the sun filtered through the windows in Chris's room, he was awake. He rubbed his eyes, squinting at the glowing numbers on his clock. 6:07 a.m. It wasn't the crack of dawn, but he knew his dads wouldn't be awake yet.

Grinning, Chris pushed back his blanket, swung his legs out of bed, and reached for his crutches. His new superhero pyjamas hung loose around his legs as he carefully made his way down the hall, taking extra care not to make too much noise.

When he reached Nova's room, he pushed open the door and peeked inside. His baby sister was lying on her back, tiny fists waving in the air, giggling at the mobile spinning above her crib.

"Hey, Nova," Chris whispered, stepping closer. Nova turned her head toward him, her face lighting up as she let out an excited squeal, her legs kicking like crazy.

Chris leaned his crutches against the wall and carefully reached into the crib. Nova was heavier than he expected, but he cradled her tightly against his chest, just like Buck had shown him. "Shh, we gotta be quiet, okay?"

Nova, naturally, ignored him, babbling loudly and slapping her hands against Chris's shirt. He giggled, pressing his cheek against her warm, soft head. "You're really bad at secrets, you know that?"

Balancing Nova carefully, Chris made his way to his dads' room. He paused outside the door, nudging it open with his foot. Inside, Buck was sprawled on his back, one arm flung over his head, the other draped across Eddie's waist. Eddie was curled on his side, face buried in his pillow, snoring softly.

Chris grinned mischievously. "Time to wake up, sleepyheads," he announced softly, leaning forward with Nova in his arms.

Before Chris could carry out his plan, Eddie's groggy voice came from the bed. "Chris," he mumbled, still half-asleep, "what are you doing?"

Chris froze, caught in the act. "Uh...nothing."

Eddie cracked one eye open, his brows knitting when he saw Nova perched in Chris's arms. "Mijo," he groaned, pushing himself up on one elbow, "what have we said about picking her up by yourself?"

Chris ducked his head, trying to look innocent. "But I was careful, Dad! I promise!"

Eddie sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Careful or not, you should've woken me or Buck up first. She's heavier than you think, and what if you tripped?"

Buck stirred then, mumbling something unintelligible as Nova let out a happy squeal and smacked Chris's chest.

"See? She's fine!" Chris argued, grinning down at his sister. "Aren't you, Nova?"

Eddie shook his head, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. "Fine, but next time, you wait for us, got it?"

Chris nodded quickly. "Got it."

With that settled, Chris grinned mischievously and leaned down toward Buck's face. "Go get him, Nova."

Nova shrieked with delight and smacked Buck's cheek with her tiny hand.

Buck startled awake with a loud gasp, his arms flailing before he realized what was happening. "What—Nova?" He blinked, rubbing his face, then looked up to see Chris grinning like a troublemaker and Eddie looking exasperated.

"Merry Christmas!" Chris announced, laughing as Buck sat up and gently took Nova from his arms.

Eddie groaned, flopping back onto his pillow. "It's too early for Christmas," he mumbled.

"Too early?" Buck repeated, bouncing Nova on his lap as she babbled happily. "It's Christmas, Eddie. There's no such thing as too early!"

Chris climbed onto the bed, settling next to Buck. "Come on, Dad," he said, nudging Eddie's arm. "You always say we have to enjoy every moment."

Eddie sighed dramatically but finally cracked open one eye to see his two kids and Buck grinning at him. Chris was already tickling Nova, who squirmed in delight. Eddie couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips.

"All right," Eddie said, sitting up and running a hand through his messy hair. "I'm up. But if there's no coffee, I'm going back to bed."

"I'll handle the coffee," Buck offered, sliding out of bed with Nova still in his arms. "You guys head to the living room. No peeking at the presents until I'm there!"

Chris hopped off the bed and grabbed his crutches, eagerly leading the way. Eddie followed, By the time Buck joined them, coffee mug in hand.

The living room was alive with the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights, the flickering of the fire in the hearth, and the distant hum of the coffee maker working its magic. The presents, carefully arranged the night before, now lay scattered across the floor, begging to be unwrapped.

Chris sat cross-legged on the rug, his crutches leaning against the couch, as he eagerly eyed the pile of gifts beneath the tree. Nova was on the floor beside him, playing with a new stuffed animal—a soft, plush reindeer—while Eddie sat on the couch, a mug of coffee in his hands, watching his kids with fondness. Buck, too, was seated on the floor, a bit behind Chris, trying to hide the grin that had been permanently etched on his face since he woke up.

"You sure you're ready?" Buck teased, nudging Chris with his foot.

Chris's eyes were wide with excitement. "I've been ready for hours, Buck," he said, barely able to contain himself. "Can we start already?"

Eddie, leaning back and kicking his feet up on the couch, chuckled. "Give it a second, kid. Let's make sure Nova's awake enough for the chaos."

Nova, who had been happily playing with her new toy, looked up at her brother, then back at the presents, her face lighting up when she saw the colourful wrapping paper. She let out a little gurgle of excitement, her tiny hands reaching out for whatever she could grab.

Buck laughed softly. "Looks like she's ready." He reached over to the nearest present and handed it to Chris. "Go ahead, buddy. You've earned it."

Chris grinned from ear to ear, tearing off the paper with unrestrained enthusiasm. As soon as the wrapping fell away, he held up the gift—a shiny new video game for his console. "YES!" he shouted, his voice full of excitement. "Thanks, Dad! Thanks, Buck!"

Buck smiled at the sight of Chris's joy. "You're welcome, kiddo. Now you'll have something to keep you busy over the holidays."

Eddie leaned forward, his eyes soft as he watched the two of them. "You deserve it. But don't forget to take breaks and spend time with your family, okay?"

Chris rolled his eyes playfully, but the grin on his face didn't fade. "I'll play later. Let's see what else I got first!" He grabbed another present, this one a smaller box wrapped in gold foil, and began tearing into it with glee. Inside, he found a new set of headphones, the kind he'd been eyeing for months.

"Sweet!" Chris exclaimed, pulling them out and immediately adjusting them on his head. "These are perfect, thanks, Dad."

Eddie laughed. "Glad you like them, buddy."

Chris glanced at Buck, his face full of curiosity. "You gonna open your gifts, too, Buck? Or are you just gonna sit there and watch me?"

Buck's grin widened. "I'm just waiting for the right moment," he said, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

Nova, now more than awake, grabbed another toy from the pile, a soft, plush snowman, and giggled as she shook it in her hands. Her tiny fingers fumbled to pull at the fabric, her delight evident in every wiggle of her little arms.

"Nova, you're gonna love that," Buck said with a chuckle, reaching over to tickle her under the chin.

Eddie picked up a small package from the pile and handed it to Buck. "Here, open this one."

Buck raised an eyebrow but took the gift. "For me?"

Eddie just smiled. "It's from both of us."

Buck unwrapped it quickly, revealing a sleek leather wallet with a small, engraved plaque that read "Family First." His throat tightened for a moment, and he looked up at Eddie, surprised. "Eddie... this is..."

"Open it," Eddie urged softly.

Buck carefully unzipped the wallet and found a picture of him and Eddie—one of their favourites, taken during a trip to the beach last summer. The photo was tucked into the clear sleeve, and next to it was a small note that read: No matter what, we're all in this together.

Buck's chest tightened, and for a moment, he just sat there, holding the wallet. "I... I love it, Eddie. Thank you."

Eddie's smile grew, and he reached out to squeeze Buck's hand. "Merry Christmas, Buck."

Chris, who had been watching with an amused grin, looked at Eddie. "You guys are way too sappy," he said, but there was warmth in his voice.

Buck laughed, wiping his eyes quickly. "Yeah, yeah. You're right." He glanced over at Nova, who was now chewing on the corner of her snowman. "Alright, alright. Let's get back to the presents."

Chris grabbed another one, a big rectangular box wrapped in red paper with a sparkly bow on top. He held it up to Eddie. "This one's for you, Dad."

Eddie smiled as Chris handed him the gift. "Thanks, kiddo." He carefully tore the paper off, revealing a new set of tools—a high-quality drill and an assortment of drill bits. Eddie's eyes lit up. "Chris, this is perfect. How'd you know?"

Chris shrugged nonchalantly, but the proud look on his face said everything. "I remember you saying you needed one when we were fixing the sink last month."

Eddie chuckled, clearly touched by Chris's thoughtfulness. "You're a good kid. I'm gonna put this to good use."

Nova, who had been happily distracted by the snowman, looked up and let out a squeal as Buck picked up another present from under the tree—this one a soft, pink teddy bear that matched her pyjamas. Buck held it up for her to see, and her eyes lit up as she reached for it, giggling in delight.

"I think she likes it," Buck said, handing Nova the bear.

Eddie, sitting back and taking it all in, couldn't help but smile. The room was filled with the warm glow of the Christmas tree, the sounds of wrapping paper crinkling, and the laughter of his kids.

"Merry Christmas," Eddie whispered, his voice full of love as he glanced at Buck, his heart swelling.

Buck looked at him, his smile soft and sincere. "Merry Christmas, Eddie."

The excitement of Christmas morning had barely begun to wear off when Eddie and Buck found themselves scrambling to get both Chris and Nova ready for Christmas mass. It wasn't even eight o'clock yet, but the clock was ticking, and they needed to leave soon if they didn't want to be late.

In the bedroom, Buck was crouched down in front of Nova's crib, trying to figure out how to put a dress on her without causing a meltdown. The little girl, barely old enough to understand what was going on, was already squirming and babbling, her hands trying to grab everything in sight—especially the shiny fabric of her new dress.

"You're being very stubborn today, huh?" Buck said softly, laughing as Nova wiggled and kicked. Her tiny feet were kicking in the air, and she squealed when he gently tried to pull the dress over her head.

Eddie walked into the room, fresh out of the shower, a towel around his waist. His hair was still wet, but he had the same determined look on his face as he approached the chaos that was unfolding in front of him.

"Need some help?" Eddie asked, grinning.

"Maybe... this little one has decided that dressing up is overrated," Buck replied, holding Nova's arms out to her sides as she flailed. "Can you talk to her? Maybe she'll listen to you."

Eddie raised an eyebrow, his voice amused but calm. "Maybe she just knows that wearing a dress isn't as much fun as playing with toys." He leaned down, brushing Nova's hair out of her face. "Hey, Nova. Can you be a good girl for Papa and let Daddy get you dressed?"

Nova giggled a high-pitched sound that made Eddie's heart melt. She wasn't listening, but the way her little face lit up when he spoke to her made it clear that Eddie was the one she wanted. She reached for him, her hands tugging at his shirt.

"I think she just wants you, papa," Buck said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Eddie chuckled and swooped Nova up into his arms, cradling her against his chest. "Alright, alright. We'll do it the easy way," he said, nuzzling her cheek. "Let's get you all dressed up and looking cute for church, huh?"

Buck stood up, brushing his hands off. "I'll go get Chris ready then. At least he can dress himself—most of the time."

Eddie nodded, giving Buck a look of gratitude. "Yeah, we've got this."

In the hallway, Chris was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his new sweater and looking a little unsure of himself. It was a soft, dark green knit sweater with a snowman on the front, and he was trying to figure out how to make it look "cool," even though he secretly loved it. He turned left and right, checking the fit in the mirror.

"You okay there, Chris?" Buck asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Chris turned to him, a little sheepish. "I don't know... Do you think this is too much? It's Christmas, but I don't want to look like a little kid." He pulled at the sweater, clearly feeling self-conscious. "Maybe I should wear something else?"

Buck smiled and walked over to him, ruffling his hair. "You look great, buddy. It's Christmas, and you're allowed to wear something fun." He patted him on the shoulder. "Plus, I bet that sweater will make you the coolest kid at church."

Chris rolled his eyes but smiled. "You're just saying that."

"I'm serious," Buck said, with a playful grin. "You've got style, I swear. Now, let's just get you into your shoes and grab your jacket. It's freezing outside, and I don't want you catching a cold."

Chris pulled on his shoes, trying to tie them as quickly as possible. He was in a rush now, especially after hearing that it was nearly time to go.

Back in the bedroom, Eddie was finishing dressing Nova in a little red sweater dress with white tights and tiny black shoes. As he straightened the dress, he caught sight of Buck coming back down the hall, looking a little flustered but holding up a matching red jacket for Nova.

"You're dressed, right?" Eddie asked, grinning at Buck's slightly frantic look.

Buck nodded quickly. "Yeah, yeah, I just need to get my coat and then we'll be ready."

Eddie stood up with Nova in his arms, adjusting the dress one last time. He smiled as he looked down at her. "You look perfect, little one. Ready to go see everyone at church?"

Nova gave a little squeal and clapped her hands as if she understood, causing Eddie to laugh.

"Alright," Buck said, returning to the room. "I'm ready, I swear. Just need to make sure we've got everything." He grabbed his jacket from the chair, pulling it on and checking his phone for the time. "If we don't leave now, we're going to be late."

"Let's go then," Eddie said, holding Nova close to him. "We'll be on time, I promise."

The whole family was finally dressed, with Chris in his sweater and jeans, his sneakers perfectly tied, and Nova in her dress, her tiny shoes slipping around a bit as Eddie cradled her in his arms. Buck grabbed the diaper bag, making sure it was packed with everything they might need for the service. Eddie grabbed the car keys, and they all headed out the door.

As they walked out into the crisp morning air, Eddie stopped for a moment, taking in the sight of his family. Buck stood beside him, one hand on his shoulder, the other holding Chris's crutches as he leaned against the car.

"This feels pretty perfect, doesn't it?" Eddie said, smiling.

Buck grinned, his eyes warm as he looked at Eddie and the kids. "Yeah, it does."

They piled into the car, Eddie driving as Chris and Buck chatted excitedly about all the Christmas plans after mass. Nova, now content and cozy in Eddie's arms, smiled quietly, her tiny fingers gripping at his shirt.

As the car rolled down the street, the warmth of the holiday, the love between them, and the peace of the morning filled the space. Despite the chaos of getting everyone ready, they were exactly where they needed to be—together.

When they returned home from church the late morning sun was streaming through the window. Eddie carried Nova in her car seat, her tiny red dress bunched up around her legs, while Chris maneuvered his crutches with practised ease, chatting animatedly with Buck.

"She was so good during the service," Buck said, unlocking the front door. "Did you see her just staring at the priest? I think she's a fan.

Eddie chuckled as he set the car seat down in the living room. "She's a baby, Buck. She stares at everything."

Chris grinned. "She's probably trying to figure out if she can eat it."

Nova let out a happy babble from her seat, as if in agreement. Buck swooped down to unbuckle her, lifting her into his arms and giving her a soft kiss on her cheek. "Well, I think she's a genius. Aren't you, Nova?"

Nova giggled, tugging at Buck's tie. Eddie shook his head, taking the tie from her tiny hands before she could shove it in her mouth. "Why don't we get her into something more comfortable? She's been in that dress long enough."

"I'll do it," Buck volunteered, already heading toward the nursery.

"Make sure you grab her reindeer onesie!" Chris called after him.

While Buck handled Nova, Eddie and Chris set about tidying up the living room. The coffee table was still covered with wrapping paper scraps and discarded ribbons from the morning's earlier chaos. Chris worked slower than usual, a small box tucked away in the pocket of his hoodie weighing heavily on his mind.

"Something on your mind, mijo?" Eddie asked, watching Chris fidget with a strand of tinsel.

Chris looked up, a nervous smile on his face. "No. Well...maybe. It's nothing bad, I promise."

Eddie raised an eyebrow but let it go. "All right. Let me know if you need anything."

Before long, Buck reappeared with Nova, now dressed in the soft red onesie with reindeer antlers on the hood. She was chewing determinedly on one of her plush blocks as Buck set her down on the blanket spread out by the tree.

"Okay," Buck said, collapsing onto the couch beside Eddie. "Reindeer Nova is ready for action."

Chris laughed, watching Nova crawl toward a set of brightly coloured stacking rings. She grabbed the first one and immediately waved it around like a trophy before attempting to shove it into her mouth.

"She's going to eat everything one day," Chris said, settling onto the couch next to Buck.

"Probably," Buck agreed, grinning. "Hopefully not these toys, though. These are way less digestible than baby food."

Eddie chuckled, leaning back against the cushions. "She's just exploring. At least she's entertained."

Chris glanced between his dads, his heart thudding in his chest. This was the moment. He reached into his pocket, his hand shaking slightly as he pulled out the small, wrapped box.

"Uh, Buck?" Chris said, holding it out to him.

Buck blinked in surprise. "What's this? I thought we were done with presents this morning."

"This one's just from me," Chris said quickly. "I wanted to save it for now."

Eddie sat up straighter, his brows knitting in curiosity, but he stayed silent, watching as Buck took the box.

Buck carefully unwrapped it, revealing a small velvet jewellery box. He shot Chris a confused look before opening it. Inside was a simple gold pin engraved with the words, "Best Dad Ever." Beneath the pin was a folded piece of paper.

Buck's throat bobbed as he swallowed, his hands slightly unsteady as he unfolded the paper. His eyes scanned the words, and his breath hitched audibly.

Chris spoke before Buck could. "It's, um, an adoption form. I talked to Dad about it, and he said it was okay, but only if you wanted to. I just...I already think of you as my dad. So, I thought maybe we could make it official."

Eddie's hand found Chris's shoulder, squeezing gently as Buck stared at the paper, his blue eyes welling up with tears.

"Chris," Buck said, his voice thick with emotion. "You—you want me to adopt you?"

Chris nodded, his cheeks turning pink. "Yeah. You already do all the dad stuff. You go to my soccer games, you help with my homework, you make the best pancakes, and you're always there. So...yeah. I want you to be my dad. For real."

Buck let out a watery laugh, swiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. He looked over at Eddie, who nodded, his own eyes glistening.

"You've been his dad in every way that counts, Buck," Eddie said softly. "This just makes it official."

Buck turned back to Chris, his smile wide and trembling. "Of course, I want to adopt you, Chris. I'd be honoured."

Chris grinned, his eyes bright with relief and joy. Buck pulled him into a tight hug, careful not to jostle him too much.

"I love you, Chris," Buck murmured.

“Love you too,” Chris whispered back. Chris smiled as Eddie wrapped an arm around Buck’s shoulders. Their little family felt complete, and he couldn’t wait to see what the future held.

Buck pressed a kiss to the top of Chris’s head before ruffling his hair. “Alright, buddy. Go enjoy your toys for a little bit. We’ve got some work to do before we head out.”

Chris grinned, but instead of running off immediately, he looked up at Buck with a mischievous sparkle in his eye. “We’re going to Bobby’s, right? That means more presents!”

Buck chuckled and shook his head. “That means spending time with your family,” he corrected, giving Chris’s hair another playful ruffle.

“See? You’re already boring like Dad,” Chris teased with a wide grin, darting out of Buck’s reach.

Eddie folded his arms, raising an eyebrow as he watched the exchange. “Careful, kiddo,” he called, his tone light. “That ‘boring dad’ just might keep all the good Christmas cookies for himself.”

Chris laughed, unfazed by the threat. “You wouldn’t do that!”

Buck smirked. “Oh, I totally would.”

Chris stuck out his tongue before finally making his way toward the living room. “Don’t wake up your sister!” Eddie called after him, his voice firm but affectionate.

“I won’t!” Chris called back over his shoulder, his laughter echoing down the hallway as he disappeared.

Buck turned to Eddie with a soft smile, leaning into him as Eddie wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Alright, we better get started getting everything ready for Bobby’s so that when Nova wakes up, we’re ready to go,” Eddie said, pulling Buck gently toward the kitchen.

Eddie rolled his eyes with a smirk, then glanced at the dishes Buck had already started packing up for lunch. “We’re really bringing the whole kitchen, huh?”

Buck grinned. “You know me. I can’t do things halfway.”

Eddie didn’t reply immediately, instead watching as Buck carefully placed lids on containers. Buck was already in his element, fussing over the presentation of the charcuterie board as if it were a competition. Eddie could feel the warmth of the moment settling over him, soft and steady.

“Speaking of family,” Buck said after a pause, resting his head lightly on Eddie’s shoulder, his voice softer now. “Are we seeing yours?”

Eddie frowned slightly, turning to look at him. “What do you mean? I’ve spent all morning with my family.”

Buck blinked, caught off guard by the statement, and then his face broke into a smile that tugged at his heart.

“I mean…” Eddie continued, his expression growing serious but still warm. “This is my family. You, Chris, Nova. I’m not missing anything by not going anywhere else today, Buck. My parents, my sisters—they’re important, yeah. But this right here?” He gestured vaguely at the space around them. “This is where I want to be. This is my home.”

Buck swallowed hard, his heart skipping a beat. He had always known how deeply Eddie cared for him, but hearing those words out loud? It was something else entirely.

“You really mean that?” Buck asked, his voice just above a whisper.

Eddie turned fully to him now, resting a hand on Buck’s chest. “I mean it. I don’t need anything else. You’re more than enough.”

Buck blinked rapidly, trying to clear the sudden wetness in his eyes. He laughed shakily, leaning his forehead against Eddie’s. “You really know how to make a guy emotional before lunch, huh?”

Eddie smirked. “Just telling the truth.”

The quiet moment lingered between them until Chris’s voice called from the living room.

“Daaaaad! Buck! You’re being boring again!”

They both laughed, pulling apart reluctantly. “Alright, we better get moving,” Eddie said, nudging Buck toward the counter. “The sooner we’re ready, the sooner we can get to Bobby’s.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Buck muttered, grabbing the containers. “But don’t think I’m not going to bring this up later.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Eddie replied, a soft smile playing on his lips.

And as they moved about the kitchen, working side by side to pack up for lunch, Buck couldn’t help but feel like he was exactly where he was meant to be—with the family he had always dreamed of, the one they had built together.

“Alright, that’s my cue,” Buck said, tilting his head toward the soft stirrings coming through the baby monitor. The faint sound of Nova shifting in her crib carried through the living room.

“Let me, baby,” Eddie said, placing a hand on Buck’s arm and leaning in to give him a quick, tender peck on the lips. “You just make sure Chris and the food are ready,” he added with a warm smile.

Buck chuckled, his hands lingering briefly on Eddie’s waist before letting him go. “Alright, Papa. You win this one.”

Eddie headed toward Nova’s room with practiced ease, the sound of his footsteps soft as he disappeared down the hallway.

Buck turned back to find Chris by the table, half-dressed with his scarf hanging haphazardly around his neck and his shoes still untied. “Chris,” Buck called, crossing his arms with an amused grin. “What’s going on here? We’ve got places to be!”

Chris looked up from where he was admiring one of his new toys. “I’m ready, Buck!” he declared, even as his coat hung off one arm and his gloves were nowhere to be seen.

“Uh-huh,” Buck teased, walking over to help. “Stand still so I can fix this.” He knelt down, tying Chris’s shoes quickly before straightening out his coat and scarf.

“Thanks,” Chris said, his tone filled with excitement as he grabbed the bag of presents they’d packed for Bobby and Athena. “Are we taking everything? Even the dessert?”

“Of course,” Buck replied, heading into the kitchen to check on the containers of food. He opened the oven to confirm the dish they’d kept warm was still in perfect condition. “Gotta make sure Bobby doesn’t call me out for slacking, right?”

Chris giggled. “You’d never hear the end of it.”

Meanwhile the sunlight streamed softly through the curtains as Eddie walked into Nova’s nursery. The room was peaceful, the faint hum of the baby monitor the only sound breaking the stillness.

Nova was snuggled under her blanket, her little fists resting by her face as she slept soundly in her crib.

Eddie smiled as he leaned over the railing, brushing a gentle hand over her soft curls. “Hey, baby girl,” he whispered, his voice warm and soothing. “Time to wake up, sweetheart.”

Nova stirred, her little face scrunching up as she stretched, her tiny legs kicking against the blanket. Her eyes fluttered open, and when they landed on Eddie, she let out a soft, happy coo.

“Good morning, Novie,” Eddie murmured, scooping her up into his arms. She snuggled against his chest, her hands gripping the fabric of his sweater as she let out a tiny yawn.

Nova blinked up at him, her face breaking into a wide, sleepy smile as she let out a small giggle. Eddie’s heart melted, as it did every time he saw her.

“Let’s get you all dressed up, huh?” Eddie whispered, cradling her close as he carried her to the changing table. He worked quickly, dressing her in a warm holiday outfit complete with a tiny red dress and matching leggings. Nova kicked her feet happily as Eddie slid her into her little coat and hat.

“You’re ready to go see everyone, aren’t you?” Eddie cooed as he lifted her into his arms. She babbled in response, her tiny hands tugging at the edge of his sweater.

When Eddie returned to the living room with Nova in his arms, Buck turned from the kitchen, his face lighting up at the sight of them.

“There’s my girl!” Buck grinned, stepping over to take Nova from Eddie’s arms. “And look at you, all dressed up. You’re going to be the star of the show, aren’t you?”

Nova giggled, her hands reaching out to pat Buck’s face.

“Ready to go?” Eddie asked, bouncing Nova lightly in his arms.

“Almost,” Buck replied, glancing up with a smile. His eyes softened when they landed on Nova. “Hey, there’s our sleepy girl. Did Papa wake you up, huh?”

Nova babbled something incoherent, her face lighting up when Buck reached out to tickle her side. She giggled, her tiny hand reaching for his finger.

“Alright, let’s get her bundled up,” Eddie said, setting Nova down on the couch. He pulled out her little coat, complete with matching mittens and a hat, while Buck crouched beside him to help.

“Chris, don’t forget your scarf,” Eddie reminded, nodding toward the hook by the door.

Chris groaned but grabbed it anyway, wrapping it loosely around his neck. “I don’t know why we have to wear so much stuff. It’s not even that cold.”

Buck smirked as he slipped Nova’s mittens onto her tiny hands. “Spoken like someone who’s never had to shovel snow. You’ll thank us when you’re warm later, buddy.”

Nova, now fully bundled in her coat and hat, looked like a tiny puffball. She let out a delighted squeal as Eddie lifted her into his arms again, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Alright,” Eddie said, glancing around the room. “Do we have everything? Food, presents, diaper bag?”

Buck nodded, grabbing the last of the containers from the kitchen. “All packed and ready to go. Let’s do this.”

The drive to Bobby and Athena’s was filled with laughter and chatter. Chris kept pointing out decorations in the neighborhoods they passed, from inflatable snowmen to entire houses wrapped in twinkling lights.

“Look at that one!” Chris exclaimed, his nose pressed against the window. “They’ve got Santa on the roof!”

Nova babbled in response, her tiny hands clapping together as if she understood her brother’s excitement.

“Maybe we should step up our game next year,” Buck said, glancing at Eddie with a grin.

Eddie smirked. “You want to climb on the roof to put Santa up there? Be my guest.”

Chris laughed. “I think Buck would fall off.”

“Hey!” Buck protested, feigning offense. “I’m very coordinated, thank you very much.”

“Sure you are,” Eddie teased, his voice warm with affection.

When they arrived at Bobby and Athena’s, the front yard was already buzzing with holiday cheer. Bobby had outdone himself with the decorations, and the front porch was lined with twinkling lights and garlands of greenery.

As they unloaded the car, Bobby came out to greet them, his face lighting up when he saw the family. “Merry Christmas!” he called, wrapping his arms around Buck in a quick hug before pulling Eddie into one as well.

“Merry Christmas, Bobby!” Buck replied, grinning as he handed over a tray of food.

Athena appeared behind him, her smile radiant as she reached for Nova. “And there’s my girl,” she cooed, taking Nova from Eddie’s arms. “Look at you, all bundled up. Aren’t you the cutest thing?”

Nova gave a happy squeal, her little hand reaching up to tug at Athena’s scarf.

Chris, already bouncing with excitement, held out his bag of presents. “I brought something for you and Bobby!”

“You’re too sweet, Chris,” Athena said, bending down to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, baby.”

As the family made their way inside, the warmth of Bobby and Athena’s home wrapped around them like a hug. The scent of roasted turkey and spiced cider filled the air, and the sound of soft holiday music played in the background.

Eddie glanced at Buck, who was helping Chris place the presents under the tree, and felt his heart swell with gratitude. This was what Christmas was all about—the love they shared, the family they’d built, and the moments they’d carry with them forever.

“Alright,” Athena said, her voice cutting through the cheerful buzz. “Everyone get comfortable. Lunch will be ready soon!”

Eddie carried Nova in her car seat, while Chris maneuvered his crutches like a pro, his face lighting up as he spotted Denny and Nia playing near the couch. Behind them, Buck balanced a casserole dish in one hand and a bag of presents in the other.

"You sure you don't need help with that?" Eddie teased.

"I've got it," Buck replied confidently, though he nearly bumped the edge of the doorframe on his way in.

Inside, the house was full of familiar faces. Maddie was on the couch with Chim, helping Jee stack colourful plastic cups into a wobbly tower. Karen and Hen stood near the dining table, sorting through desserts, while Albert was deep in conversation with Ravi near the tree.

"Merry Christmas!" Karen called, waving them over.

"Merry Christmas!" Chris replied, his excitement bubbling over. He beelined for Denny, already eager to dive into whatever game they were playing.

Athena swooped in to take Nova from Eddie's hands, her face lighting up as the baby babbled and waved her tiny fists. "There's my favourite little reindeer," Athena cooed, adjusting the antler hood on Nova's onesie.

"She's all yours for now," Eddie joked, stretching his arms. "But be warned, she's been practising her squeals."

"Oh, I can handle it," Athena replied, bouncing Nova gently. "She's an angel compared to some of the troublemakers in this house."

"Hey!" Chris called from the living room, pretending to be offended.

Buck laughed as he set the casserole on the kitchen counter. "He knows it's true."

Maddie looked up from Jee's tower of cups, her smile warm. "Okay, who brought the green bean casserole? I'm guessing Buck?"

"Guilty," Buck admitted, raising his hand.

"It smells great," Hen said, sneaking a peek at the dish. "You're getting better at this whole holiday cooking thing."

"Thanks, Hen. I had a good teacher." Buck nodded toward Bobby, who was busy checking the oven timer.

"Don't let him get too confident," Bobby teased. "He still overcooked the potatoes last year."

"Hey, I'm a work in progress!" Buck protested, laughing as Maddie rolled her eyes in mock exasperation.

Soon, everyone had settled into their roles—Bobby and Athena finalizing the meal, Hen and Karen arranging desserts, and the kids darting between the living room and the kitchen, laughing and teasing each other. Even Ravi got roped into helping set the table, though he spent half the time dodging Albert's jokes about his questionable decorating skills.

Chris, meanwhile, was keeping an eye on a small box tucked into his pocket, the same nervous energy from earlier creeping back. He caught Buck's eye across the room, and Buck gave him a reassuring smile before returning to his task of pouring drinks.

"Okay, everyone," Bobby announced as he brought the carved turkey to the table. "Time to eat!"

The dining table was a sight to behold, piled high with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, rolls, and an assortment of sauces and sides. The adults squeezed around the table while the kids took over a smaller table nearby, their plates already filled to the brim.

"Before we dig in," Bobby said, raising his glass, "I just want to say how grateful I am to have all of you here today. This year hasn't always been easy, but moments like this remind me how lucky we are to have each other. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas!" everyone echoed, clinking their glasses together.

The meal was lively and chaotic, filled with overlapping conversations and bursts of laughter. Jee and Nova provided the entertainment, with Jee proudly showing off her ability to stack her rolls like blocks, and Nova squealing every time someone handed her a new toy.

"Maddie, your daughter's an architect in the making," Karen said, watching Jee's impressive tower wobble dangerously.

"Or a demolition expert," Chim joked as Jee knocked the stack over and burst into giggles.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with warmth, laughter, and plans for the adoption process. By the time dessert plates were cleared and the kids were sprawled on the living room floor playing games, the adults sat back, enjoying the glow of a perfect Christmas.

Eddie leaned over to Buck, their hands brushing together. "Told you this was going to be a special day."

Buck smiled, his gaze fixed on Chris, who was showing Jee and Denny his new LEGO set. "Yeah," he said softly. "I don't think it gets better than this."

The sun was setting as Buck steered the truck into the driveway, the warm glow of the Christmas lights Eddie had strung along the porch welcoming them home. The ride back from Bobby and Athena's had been quiet, everyone full and happy after a day of laughter and love. Chris was the first to hop out, carefully balancing his crutches, his face still glowing from the excitement of the day.

Buck parked the truck, glancing back at Nova in her car seat. She was blinking sleepily, her little fist clutching a soft reindeer toy she'd been inseparable from all day. Eddie leaned over to unbuckle her, his gentle movements barely stirring her.

"She's on her last leg," Eddie said softly, scooping Nova into his arms.

"She powered through like a champ," Buck replied, shutting the car door. "First Christmas in the books, and she nailed it."

Chris waited patiently at the door, holding it open as Buck and Eddie followed him inside. The house was warm, the tree still glowing softly in the corner of the living room. Some of the ornaments were slightly crooked from Nova's earlier attempts at pulling them off, a testament to her curious little hands.

"Hot cocoa before bed?" Chris asked as he plopped onto the couch.

Eddie raised an eyebrow. "One cup, small marshmallows, and you promise to brush your teeth properly after."

"Deal," Chris said with a grin.

Buck set down the casserole dish he'd brought back from Bobby's, his gaze softening as he watched Eddie settle Nova into her playpen. The baby immediately reached for her reindeer toy again, chewing on its soft ear.

"She's going to crash hard tonight," Buck said, sitting on the arm of the couch.

Chris chuckled. "She's not the only one."

Just then, a knock came at the door, and Buck stood up, brushing his hands on his jeans. "That'll be Taylor."

Eddie nodded, watching as Buck crossed the room. "Right on time."

When Buck opened the door, Taylor was standing there, bundled in a long coat and scarf, her cheeks pink from the cold. She gave him a warm smile, her eyes darting past him to where Nova was babbling in her playpen.

"Hey," Taylor said, stepping inside as Buck held the door open. "How was her first Christmas?"

"Exhausting, but she loved it," Buck said, shutting the door behind her. "She's been the star of the show all day."

Taylor's gaze softened as she walked over to Nova, crouching down to pick her up. Nova squealed happily, recognizing her mom, and immediately tugged at Taylor's scarf.

"Hey, sweet girl," Taylor cooed, pressing a kiss to Nova's forehead. "Did you have a good day with your dads and big brother?"

"She's been spoiled," Eddie said, coming over with a bag of Nova's things. "But I think that's what first Christmases are for."

"Absolutely," Taylor agreed, shifting Nova on her hip. She looked at Chris, who was still sipping his cocoa on the couch. "Did you have a good day too, Chris?"

Chris nodded enthusiastically. "The best. But it's weird when Nova's not here—it's too quiet."

Taylor laughed. "Don't worry, you'll have her back soon enough."

Buck handed Taylor Nova's bag, his fingers brushing hers briefly. "She's been fed, changed, and should be ready for bed soon. Just... don't be surprised if she fights it. She's been a little ball of energy today."

"Got it," Taylor said, adjusting Nova's blanket. "Thanks, Buck. And Eddie, Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Taylor," Eddie replied, his voice warm.

Nova gave one last babble, her tiny hand waving in the air as Taylor headed for the door. Buck followed to see them out, lingering in the doorway as Taylor buckled Nova into her car seat.

"You good?" Taylor asked, glancing up at him.

"Yeah," Buck said softly. "It's just always weird saying goodbye."

Taylor's expression softened. "She's lucky to have you, Buck. Both of you."

He nodded, stepping back as Taylor climbed into her car. "Drive safe."

"Always," she said, waving as she pulled out of the driveway.

When Buck closed the door and turned back to the living room, Eddie was already sitting beside Chris, who had finished his cocoa and was half-asleep on the couch.

"Feels too quiet already," Buck said, sinking onto the couch beside Eddie.

"Yeah," Eddie agreed, reaching over to rest a hand on Buck's knee. "But it's good for her to have this time with Taylor. We all made it work today."

Buck smiled, leaning back and letting out a contented sigh. "It was a good day."

Chris stirred slightly, his voice muffled as he mumbled, "Best Christmas ever."

Eddie chuckled, ruffling Chris's hair. "Let's get you to bed, bud."

Together, they helped Chris upstairs, the bedtime routine quick and easy as Chris was already half-asleep. Once he was tucked in, Eddie kissed his forehead, and Buck whispered a quiet goodnight before turning off the lights.

Downstairs, the house was peaceful, the soft glow of the Christmas lights the only illumination. Buck stretched out on the couch, Eddie settling beside him, their hands brushing as they sat in comfortable silence.

"You think she'll be okay tonight?" Buck asked, his voice low.

"She's got her mom," Eddie replied, leaning into him. "For now, let's enjoy the quiet."

Buck nodded, his lips curling into a small smile. "Merry Christmas, Eds."

"Merry Christmas, Buck."

And with that, the two of them sat together, basking in the warmth of their home, the perfect end to a Christmas filled with love, family, and the promise of more beautiful moments to come.