Chapter 40

After nearly a month, Anelise’s nerves finally started to settle. The high-tech security system they’d installed helped, as did the positive ultrasound results. But she knew she wasn’t in the clear yet. She was still at risk of a miscarriage, and she was counting down the days until she reached the twelve-week mark, when the odds would be more in her favor.

Michael was relieved to see the bruises on her face and chest start to fade. They’d been a constant reminder of the attack, a painful purple and green that made her wince whenever she moved too quickly.

Ollie was gentle with her, drawing her pictures every day at school. Anelise offered to keep him home with her instead of sending him to daycare, but Michael insisted she needed rest.

Thanksgiving was a success, with Naomi cooking a delicious meal at their house. Michael and Anelise had planned to travel to Iowa, but after the attack, Michael didn’t want Anelise to risk the journey. So they stayed put, planning to host Susan and Dennis for Christmas. The couple would arrive on Christmas night and stay for a few days to celebrate.

Anelise didn’t want to share the news of her pregnancy yet, just in case, and Michael agreed. He wanted her to feel comfortable, and if that meant keeping their secret a little longer, he was okay with it. As far as he knew, only Johnathan and Naomi were in the know.

Anelise had taken the rest of the year off from the library, with their full support. They felt terrible about what had happened and implemented new safety measures, including designated parking for staff and a rule that no one should leave alone.

Being home gave Anelise the chance to go all out with the Christmas decorations. She was feeling up to it and was transforming their home into a winter wonderland. Ollie loved coming home each day to see what new touches Anelise had added.

Ollie also loved baking and decorating cookies, and Anelise was more than happy to indulge him. Every Saturday, she’d have a new recipe for them to try. The more frosting and candy Ollie could stick on a cookie, the happier he was. And he always made sure to save some of his extra-decorated cookies for his uncles. Anelise was pretty sure that JJ, Christopher, and Craig were all going to end up with diabetes by the New Year.

The news of Craig and Leslie’s relationship was well-received, and on December 1, Leslie moved into Craig’s townhouse. They were clearly in love, and Anelise was thrilled to see her two best friends so happy. No one deserved it more than they did.

On Christmas Eve, Ollie was a bundle of energy, and Michael wasn’t sure how they were going to get through church and dinner before Ollie could open his presents from his aunts, uncles, and grandparents. But somehow, they managed.

Anelise was relieved when Naomi and Johnathan heeded their request to not go overboard with gifts for Ollie. They wanted to keep him humble, even though they knew he was going to be spoiled for a long time.

Ollie was running around in his new pajamas, playing with his new “Paw Patrol” figures, and his uncles were happily playing along. Anelise watched the scene unfold, her heart full of joy.

She thought back to the lukewarm card she’d received from her parents, thanking her for the cashmere blanket she’d sent them. She’d cried when she’d read it, hoping they would have come around by now and accepted her new life. But they hadn’t budged. Her Aunt Peg had told her to give them more time and promised to talk to them.

“I can see the sadness in your eyes,” Michael said, kissing her temple and handing her a glass of the eggnog she’d been craving.

She smiled at him. “I was just thinking about my parents. It’s sad how much they’re missing out on.”

“I know, love, but remember, it’s their choice,” he said.

“I know, but I just can’t understand how you can do that to a child you claim to love. I would ~never~ do that to Ollie or this baby,” Anelise said.

“I know. But fear and pride can be powerful. We just have to let them figure it out on their own and hope they haven’t missed too much,” he said.

“I love you, Michael,” she said, kissing him softly.

“I love you too, Ani,” he replied, taking her hand in his.

Anelise came back downstairs and sat on the couch with her husband. “Well, I only had to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ twice before he was out. Did you get all his gifts out, Santa?”

“Yep! Take a look, Santa has come. I ate one of the cookies, and I think my pancreas is shutting down from all the frosting. Next year, can we go easy on the frosting? Please?” Michael asked.

She giggled. “I’ll see what I can do! He really loves the whole process. Maybe he’ll be a pastry chef one day!”

“As long as he cleans up the kitchen, he can do whatever he wants! Now, let’s just relax for a bit,” Michael said, pulling her close as they watched the gas fireplace glow and listened to the holiday music.

They sat there for a while before Michael stood up, took her hand, and led her to the middle of the room.

“What are we doing?” Anelise asked.

“Just wait a second, and I’ll tell you,” he said. He turned off the radio and fiddled with his phone. “Do you remember what we were doing a year ago?”

She laughed. “Unpacking boxes?”

He grinned at her. “No! We were doing this.” He pressed a button on his phone, took her in his arms, and they started dancing as Frank Sinatra’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” filled the room.

“We were?” Anelise asked.

“Yes, last year, we danced to this song at midnight after putting Ollie to bed. I think it should be our tradition. Just us, no interruptions, no excuses.”

“We have to do this every year so I can look into your beautiful eyes and remember how much I love you,” Michael said as they swayed to the music in the glow of the Christmas lights.

Anelise felt her heart swell with love for the man in her arms. “I think that sounds perfect.”

His hand drifted down to her still-flat stomach. “I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled I am about this baby. He or she is going to be amazing, because you’re the mom.”

“Michael, it’s too early to be sure!” she protested.

“No, Ani. I just know our baby will be born in July. I can feel it. Everything’s going to be just fine. And next Christmas, when we’re dancing like this, we’ll have tucked our two kids into bed, and Santa will have brought them everything they wished for,” Michael said with conviction.

“And come Wednesday, when we go to court to finalize your adoption of Ollie, everything will be perfect for the New Year.”

Tears welled up in Anelise’s eyes as she heard the love and sincerity in his voice. She kissed him deeply. He pulled her closer, and they swayed to the rhythm of Frank’s crooning two more times before they retired to bed and made love—slowly, tenderly.