“It’s Christmas, baby.” Mark whispers into my ear. I slowly open my eyes and turn my face to him. His warm breath blows on my neck as he kisses my bare shoulder. I feel so safe.

“Baby, we should maybe put something on before the kids or Jenny wakes up. I don’t think we want to be found with so little clothing on, even though I just want to keep my hands on your body and let my lips follow them.”

There’s a knock on the door. I close my eyes, pretending I’m asleep.

“Hey, Connor,” Mark says.

“Hi, can I have a quick word?” he asks, walking towards the bed and sitting on the edge of Mark’s side.

“Of course, what’s wrong?”

“Kate.” He pauses. “She was awake all night telling me about her teddy. How her teddy is away from her mummy, how she misses her own mum and wants Megan to be her mum.”

“What?” Mark asks with concern in his voice.

“She wants Megan to be her mum.”

“That’s not going to happen.” He stops to think. “Is Kate christened?”

“No, we never had it done. What are you thinking?”

“If you want and everyone agrees, why not have her christened and get Megan to be one of the godparents? Then, Kate will have the bond with her that she kind of wants. Does that make sense?”

“That’s a great idea. Would Megan agree to it?” he asks.

“I think she would. We can ask her later.”

“Will you be Megan’s godfather?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll have a talk with Megan later. I would love for her to help me out. She could make it special, maybe help organise the little things with Kate so she has that bond. I think she really wants a mother figure around.”

“Good idea,” Mark says.

“Right, I’m going to wake up Kate. I want to see her face as she opens her presents.”

As Connor leaves the room, I roll over to see Mark but I don’t say a word. Mark hugs me close. “I’m sorry,” he says barely above a whisper.

“For what?” I question, pulling back so I can see his face.

“Suggesting the christening thing.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s a good idea. I was just shocked that Kate would want me as her mum,” I reply, taking a deep breath.

“Let’s get dressed, baby. He’s gone to wake her.”

“Okay, jammies time.” I wink at him. I sit on the side of the bed and reach underneath, pulling out some pink pyjamas with little hearts scattered on them. Since I don’t plan to change clothes until after breakfast, these are child friendly for me to wear in front of everyone. I slip on the bottoms and stand up. As I begin to pull them up, I feel Mark’s hand tap my bum. I turn around, eyeing him accusingly.

“Behave yourself.” I bend down and kiss him, making sure that my breasts are on show. Mark takes hold of one of them and sucks the nipple. I stand there, looking down at him.

“Now, get dressed, or I will have you lock the door.”

“I’m getting dressed. You can have me later.” I smirk, slipping on my top and slowly buttoning it. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Mark glance over at me, following my hands.

“Megan,” Kate calls as she comes running into the room.

“Good morning, baby,” I say as I bend down and pick her up and sit her on my hip.

“Mark, come here,” Kate says.

Mark does as he is told, while wearing only his black boxers. He comes and stands in front of me.

“Yes, little miss?”

“Merry Christmas,” she says, jumping from my arms into his.

“Merry Christmas, Kate. Shall we go and see what is downstairs?” he asks with a hint in his voice.

Connor stands in the doorway, watching from afar. “Merry Christmas, Connor.”

“Merry Christmas, Megan.”

“Right, I’m going to get Lucy,” I say, walking towards the door.

“I’ll come, too,” Kate says, running along and taking my hand. I look down at her to see her gazing up at me and smiling in admiration.

Connor moves to the side as we leave the room. I hear him talking to Mark, but I can’t quite make out what they are saying. I walk into Lucy’s room to find her awake. I love Lucy; she is my world. I love the way she wakes up but doesn’t wake me up. She just lies there giggling.

“Morning, princess,” I say, taking her out of the cot.

“Lucy,” Kate says. “Merry Christmas.” She reaches into the cot and gets Lucy’s new teddy out.

“Let’s get you sorted and then go downstairs.” I walk over to the drawers and pull out a clean nappy and Christmas baby grow. She has so many different ones. This one is from Jenny. It has “My First Christmas 2013” with candy canes around it.

“I’ll help,” Kate says.

“Can you get me a bag from over there?” I ask, pointing at the drawers.

I quickly get Lucy cleaned up and changed into her new outfit. Kate stands on the chair, watching everything I do while singing Christmas songs to Lucy.

“Right, let’s go downstairs and give Lucy some milk. Would you like some milk?” I ask.

“I love milk, but I’m only allowed it as a treat,” she says.

“You can have it anytime you want while you’re here.”

Holding on to both teddies, Kate runs down the stairs and into the kitchen. She places them on their sides and gets me one of the bottles out of the cupboard.

“Aw, thank you, Kate.”

I get milk for both of them and hear everyone chatting next door. Jenny has already gotten down before me. I can’t wait for the fun to start.