some presents already unwrapped

Rox was still in the state of shock. It just didn't feel like Christmas even if the Christmas tree was up, and it their first official Christmas together. But still, it was the Christmas without Amanda.

She made Christmas cookies with the kids. They made gingerbread houses. It felt as if she were going through the motions. It was hard to be happy, and yet she was thankful for every little thing. Jai was excited that his Daddy was coming for Christmas.

"I bet he'll get me something big!" Jai was excited, running around. Rosie watched, but she was rather quiet. Rox told him not to expect too much.

"You need to settle down. Just be glad he's here to see you. OK?" But he was dancing a jig, quick as lightening, around the tree, kissing Rosie on the cheek.

"My Daddy's coming!" He grabbed Rosie, almost tackled her to the floor.

"Watch it!" Rox snapped. "Am I going to have send you to your room?" She pointed the way.

"It wasn't a fight." Jai stomped to his room.

Rox rolled her eyes wondering if she were going to survive Christmas. She went to see if Rosie was all right.

"He really loves his Dad." Rosie shrugged and went back to her coloring book.

"He sure does." Before she could ask if Rosie was OK. If she needed to talk or if she'd rather Jai not bother her, the doorbell rang. She looked at her watch. Kyle wasn't even home. She didn't expect anyone over for another hour.

She answered the door. To her surprise it was Jasmine and Jared. She looked at both of them thinking how unusual. Didn't her sister despise him? Rox gave them a quick smile.

"Where's my boy?" Jared carried a basket full of presents.

"I sent him to his room." Rox sighed still staring at the both of them.

Jared went to find Jai.

"What are you doing?" She asked Jasmine when they were alone.

"What does it look like?" Jasmine looked a little hurt that Rox would even ask.

"You tell me?" Rox glared at her sister.

"J thought he'd warn out his welcome with Leon and Tyra. He didn't feel exactly a part of that house. You know, with Roger." Jasmine shook her head.

"When did you start calling him J?" Rox needed answers.

"Must you be so nosy?" Jasmine fumed as she went to say hello to Rosie. She gave her a hug.

"Jaz, he's a married man." Rox clarified.

"Unhappily married." Jasmine refreshed her memory. She went to check on Rox's Christmas Eve dinner. Naturally, she needed a taste of the spring rolls. Their mother's family secret.

Rox expected a houseful. Kyle's parents, his brother, Leon and Tyra and even Ellie and her bunch.