Chapter 2
“Merry Christmas, everyone,” Jake says as he addresses the staff and their significant others at the beginning of the Christmas party he, Amy, and Rosa organized for everyone. “There's food and drinks, so grab a plate and have a good time. After the meal we'll go outside and inflate the tree for the yard.” Everyone goes to get food and goes back to their seats, excited to enjoy each other's company outside of work. Jake goes to visit with some of the staff members he doesn't get a chance to see a whole lot. He sits down next to Cooper and his boyfriend.
“Hey, how's everything going?” Jake asks as he sits down.
“Great,” Cooper says, smiling at Jake. He turns to the young man next to him. “This is my boyfriend, Josh.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jake says, shaking his hand.
“Nice to meet you too,” Josh says. “Cooper has told me so many good things about you, Amy, and Rosa. You three have made the transition so seamless and pleasant. He says you're all great bosses to work for.
“I'm glad,” Jake replies. “Everyone's been so welcoming, the move was easy for us. Being here has been such a blessing for all three of us too. We love it here.”
“I hope your first Michigan winter hasn't been too bad,” Cooper says.
“Having the car buried in snow wasn't ideal, but overall it's been manageable,” Jake says.
“Great,” Cooper replies.
“I'm gonna go see some of the others. It was good to catch up with you,” Jake says, getting up and heading to another table. He sits down with Emma and her husband, smiling at them both.
“The food turned out great,” Jake says. “You made a good choice.”
“Thanks,” the woman says. “I ordered it from a catering company in Holland. I know the owner and they do good work.” She turns to the man across from her. “This is my husband, Billy.”
“Nice to meet you, Billy,” Jake says, shaking the man's hand.
“Emma's raved to me about how you all let her run the kitchen with little interference,” the other man says. “She's so grateful she's able to work with Rosa on ideas she has and is given the greenlight to try things.”
“She's a very talented chef,” Jake says. “It would be foolish of us to try to ignore her abilities in the kitchen.” The evening continues until it's time to head outside to inflate the tree.
“Okay everyone, I have the finest tree America has to offer,” Jake says, standing next to the switch. He hits the on button and the tree begins to inflate. He watches it grow to its full height, Amy coming up next to him, his arm finding its way around her shoulders and his hand resting on her barely visible baby bump. They look at each other and smile, feeling so happy to be able to celebrate with a great group of people who have fully accepted them. After a time, everyone heads back inside.
“Okay everyone, we have gifts for all of you,” Rosa says when they're all seated again.
“There's a gift and an envelope for each couple,” Amy adds. “We tried to get gifts that fit each of your personalities.” Emma stands up.
“I'd like to say something,” she says. “On behalf of all of us, I'd like to say thank you for everything. The three of you have been so pleasant to work for and we all love having you here with us.” The rest of them agree, everyone applauding Jake, Amy, and Rosa. The gifts are distributed as everyone leaves, Jake saying good-bye to each person as they depart. He smiles, happy to have had such a great party.
“Merry Christmas, babe,” Amy says, Jake opening his eyes to his wife looking at him and smiling.
“Merry Christmas,” he says sleepily, rubbing his eyes. He sits up and gets out of bed, heading to his dresser to get clothes. He goes to the bathroom and gets cleaned up, walking out to see Amy finishing getting dressed as well.
“I got a text from Terry,” she says. “The girls have been up for an hour and are bouncing off the walls waiting for us to get there.”
“I'm sure they are,” Jake says, grinning. “Our gifts are already loaded into the car so we can get our coats on and head over there.” The two of them get bundled up and walk outside, the cold December wind cutting through them right away. They hurry to the car, Jake holding onto Amy's hand so she doesn't fall.
“Wheewww,” Jake says after they get in the car. “That wind off the lake is no joke.” He looks over to see Amy shivering. He rubs her arms, trying to help her warm up.
“J-just st-start the car,” she says, still shivering. “I need that fucking heated seat, NOW!”
“Yes ma'am,” Jake says, chuckling as he starts the car. They pull onto the road, getting to the Jeffords’ in a short time. They head to the door, Jake carrying the gifts. Amy rings the doorbell, Terry opening the door soon after.
“Hey guys, Merry Christmas, come on in,” he says.
“Merry Christmas,” Jake and Amy both say. They walk in the house, taking off their coats and boots.
“Uncle Jake!” Cagney and Lacey say, running up to the man and giving him hugs.
“Hey girls, who's the coolest person in the whole wide world?” he asks.
“You are!” they say together. The five of them go to the living room, Sharon and Ava already there.
“Hi you two, Merry Christmas,” Sharon says.
“Merry Christmas,” Jake and Amy respond. Jake takes a seat on the couch, Amy sitting next to him. Ava comes up to Amy, smiling at her.
“Can I sit in your lap?” the little girl asks.
“Of course, sweetie,” Amy says, lifting the girl up onto her lap. Ava snuggles into Amy's chest, Jake smiling at the sweet scene.
“Be careful with Aunt Amy, honey,” Terry says. “She's gonna have a baby so we need to remember to be more careful around her.”
“We'll be okay,” Amy says. “I'm not showing a whole lot yet, so she should be fine.” The rest of the Jeffords family take seats in the living room, everyone taking turns opening presents, Jake appreciative of the thoughtful gifts he receives.
“The Die Hard travel mug is so cool!” he says to Terry. “Where'd you find it?”
“At a novelty shop in South Haven,” Terry replies.
“Noice!” Jake says. They continue opening gifts until everything's been opened and a mountain of wrapping paper has formed on the floor.
“Girls, why don't you put all the wrapping paper in a trash bag while we get breakfast ready,” Sharon says.
“Okay mom,” all three girls say, Ava climbing off of Amy to help Cagney and Lacey. Once breakfast is ready, everyone sits down at the table to eat. Jake and Amy have a wonderful time spending the day with the Jeffords, heading home in the early evening.
“I love you,” Amy says when they get in the car.
“I love you too,” Jake says, smiling at his wife.
“I can't wait until our first Christmas as a family of three next year,” Amy says.
“I can't wait either,” Jake says. “It's gonna be wonderful.”
“It is,” Amy says.
“You were really cute with Ava this morning,” Jake says. “You're gonna be a great mom.”
“Thanks,” Amy says, smiling at him. “You're gonna be a great dad.”
“I hope Rosa and Lucy had a good time with Lucy's family,” Jake says.
“Me too,” Amy says, “Though I'm sure they did. Rosa seems to really like the Mullers, which is so great. She deserves to have a family who loves and accepts her.”
“Yes she does,” Jake says. They get home, going to sit on the couch together, enjoying the quiet of the evening together after a fun day with their friends.