It's the most wonderful time of the year ✨🎁🎄

 

Valentina practically missed Christmas. She came down with Strep. She felt as if she'd missed everything with Matty. Although, she was pretty sure he was worried about something else, neither breathed a word of it. 

Instead, she stayed away from everyone. She had a live chat with Mick and Jools. They were all happy and cheerful. Evidently, they didn't exchange presents but they cooked up all sorts of things and left her a box of sweet treats. It was good to see them so happy. They talked about helping Simon with Chevy's house.

Valentina only smiled more thinking how far Simon had come. And to think they'd dated once while she was a Freshman in high school. She guessed they were still family of some kind since she was dating Matty. 

A text came in from Lizzy about her breakup with Keir.

"It was time to make a clean break. I wanted to wait after Christmas, but he broke up with me first." She'd text. Of course, she didn't sound broken up about it, but Valentina knew Lizzy must have had something in the works with someone new. Of course, that new someone turned out to be Sunny.

Immediately, she texted Matty the news from bed. She couldn't talk, but she could text.

"Are you kidding me?" He texted back. It gave her a laugh. She bit a grin. Mystery solved.

"I don't know if I want you to be friends with her," he then texted.

She winced. He might be right. "Oh, you know, I could never be her." Honestly, she didn't think Lizzy had always been this way. She'd been so sincere when she was with Liam, but Val couldn't blame Liam, who was after all devoted to Emily these days.

"I just hope Keir is OK." She found herself texting and just realized she'd sent the text to Lizzy instead of Matty.

Valentina looked at the text. Maybe it was time to shut off her phone and go back to bed.

Dan felt bad that Valentina was sick. This was the Christmas they'd said they'd be together. Of course, he was busy with Ivy's family. This meant they ended up with Bom and Brian. It just didn't feel right.

"Oh, don't you get mopey on me now," Ivy looked at him as if she'd had enough. He only gave her a nod. Naturally, she put her arms around him and pulled him in. "It's Christmas!"

Her dark eyes looked up at him as if he should know each day was precious. He gave in and she kissed him as if he was hers. Always.

Still, he felt like a jerk. Of course, Matty dropped off the packages to him and Ivy. Evidently, Valentina crocheted like a robot these days. Scarves and hats and even a sweater for the baby. 

It was true, it had been sweet at Brian's too.  This was his family now. didn't he realize this? And it was a joyful one.

 Of course, now it was mainly Christmas leftovers. Bom gave them enough food to snack on for days. 

Jory showed up with a six-pack of beer and Rachel made enchiladas. It was as if the giving wouldn't stop. Dan was glad to have such good friends. He'd heard from Steve and Alfie as well. All seemed to be right in the world.

Yes, there was much to be happy about. Now if Dan could feel this way, every day.