~Chapter Nine~

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Melanie sighed. She knew she needed to make the phone call to David, but she was fighting it. It was the first weekend in December and she and the kids had spent the morning decorating the house for Christmas. The kids were now watching a Christmas special on ABC Family happily munching on popcorn while Melanie sat on her bed building up her courage. She thought back to her conversation with Patty earlier that day.

"So you don't think I'm crazy?" Melanie asked for the hundredth time to her best friend.

"No, you're not crazy. Kind hearted, too forgiving, loving, but not crazy," Patty replied laughing. "Seriously Melanie. Just call and ask him. What's the worst he can say, no? It's not like your doing this to spite him or something. You want to do something for your kids. There's no crime in that."

"But,"Melanie began, "What if he says yes?"

"Well, then you invite Tammy and Chris to join y'all so you're not alone," Patty replied matter of factly as if having them there would solve everything.

"Chris?" Melanie responded slightly flabbergasted. "Why would I invite Chris?"

Patty actually laughed at her. "Um, I don't know!  Maybe because he's cute.  Maybe because he's crazy about you and the kids. Maybe because it's Christmas and he'll want a free breakfast. Maybe because you're crazy about him and afraid to admit it!  Or, maybe it's because he told you he can handle messy! Besides, what's messier than a Christmas breakfast with your ex husband and his pregnant fiancée?"

"Okay," Melanie said laughing a little, "If David says yes, then I'll call Chris too."  After that the topic drifted to meeting for Christmas shopping the next weekend.

Melanie's attention was brought back to the present and she grabbed the phone from her lap and dialed the familiar number. After a few moments, Sara answered.

"Um, hi Sara, it's Melanie. Is David available?" Melanie spoke quickly before she lost her nerve.

"No, he's not here right now. What do you need?" Sara responded not rudely but not overly friendly either.

"Well," Melanie began not sure if she should say anything to Sara or not. "I was just wondering if you and David would want to join the kids and I for our annual Grinchmas breakfast on Christmas morning?" Melanie waited for Sara to respond. When she said nothing, Melanie continued, "I'll do all the cooking, I just don't want the kids to not see David on their first Christmas after the divorce. Oh, and you too of course." Melanie added hastily. The silence was almost unbearable and Melanie began to think that Sara had hung up.

"Um, what time?" Sara finally responded.

"I'm not sure, let's say 9:30 or so to give y'all time to spend your morning together," Melanie replied thankful they were having this conversation over the phone and not in person so Sara couldn't see Melanie grimace at her statement.

"Yeah, ummmm, ok, that would work I guess." Sara replied. "I'll have to check with David of course, but I know he wants to see Thomas and Jessica on Christmas morning."

"Okay," Melanie replied, "Just have him text me to let me know. I won't tell the kids until y'all confirm." And with that Sara said good bye and hung up. Melanie let out the breath she didn't know she was holding and picked up the phone to call Tammy. Of course the older woman was overjoyed at the thought of seeing her grandchildren on Christmas morning and readily agreed. She even offered to help cook, but Melanie insisted that she had everything under control. An hour later she got a text message from David. It simply read,

We will be there. Thanks.

Melanie smiled sadly. She didn't really expect anything more from her ex, but she was hoping he would've at least offered to bring something. After reading the message she began to fix supper for her and the kids. Christmas music was playing while Thomas and Jessica colored at the table while Melanie puttered around the kitchen. Suddenly there was a knock at the front door. Glancing at the meatloaf in the oven and turning down the stove, Melanie went to find Chris standing on her front steps.

"Hey," Melanie greeted Chris with a small, "What brings you by?"

Chris grinned at her, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. She was wearing an outrageous Christmas sweater and jeans with her hair flowing down her back. Almost without her realizing it her eyes sparkled brightly when she found him standing on her porch.

"Well, I was wondering if you and the kids wanted to join me at Pizza Palace. This past week has been crazy at the ER, and I need to get away for a little while." Chris answered not telling her just how bad his day had been. He had lost a two year old baby that day in the ER and he just needed a distraction from his horrible day. Loosing a patient was hard but loosing the little one was harder on Chris then he realized. Melanie stared at him closely, seeing the sorrow in his eyes even though there was a light smile on his face.

"Actually, I've got meatloaf in the oven with mashed potatoes and green beans simmering. Why don't you join us for supper here?" Melanie answered opening the door wider to let him in.

"Oh, ok,"'Chris went to respond when a little head peeked around Melanie's legs.

"Hey Chris!" Thomas exclaimed seeing the doctor standing at his door. "Want to color with me and Sister?"

"Sure," Chris smiled at Thomas and followed him into the kitchen.

"Hi ya Chris," Jessica greeted him with a smile. Thomas sat next to his sister and handed Chris a coloring book that had some famous Christmas characters in it. Jessica smiled at Chris and handed him a few crayons. The trio sat at the table coloring, the only noise was Thomas humming some of the Christmas carols that were playing in the background.

Melanie stood in the doorway of the kitchen, a smile on her face at the sight before her. She could tell Chris had a bad day at work. She also saw that while sitting there with her kids, coloring a picture of Frosty the Snowman, was causing his shoulders to relax somewhat. Pushing away from the door, Melanie padded towards the stove just as the oven timer went off. Shutting everything off, Melanie began to help the plates so they could cool off for everyone.

"All right guys, put everything away, it's time for supper." Melanie told the coloring gang. Jessica and Thomas immediately began to put their crayons away. Of course Chris helped and both kids thanked him. After the table was set, Melanie served everyone and sat down to enjoy the meal. Glancing at Chris who was chatting with Thomas while Jessica interjected every few seconds, Melanie's breath caught in her throat. The scene looked like something a family would do. Watching Chris, Melanie finally admitted to herself that she was indeed attracted to the handsome doctor and didn't want moments like this to end.

Chris glanced up and saw Melanie watching him with her children. He saw her eyes soften as she looked at the three of them and he couldn't help the feeling of love that exploded in his chest. He wanted this every night. He wanted to come home from good days and bad days to sit at the table with Thomas and Jessica while Melanie cooked. He wanted to talk about silly cartoons and games with the children while Melanie watched. Chris wanted a family, specifically he wanted this family, he just wasn't sure how to broach the subject with Melanie. While she was softening toward him, he could tell she was still guarded and cautious about some things. Chris smiled across the table at her and once again found his breath catch in his throat at her smile.

After the meal Chris and the kids headed into the living room to watch the Peanuts Christmas special. Chris relaxed even more as he watched the lights flickering on the tree that Melanie and the children had decorated earlier that day.  Laying his head back against the couch, it wasn't long before Chris fell asleep. Coming into the room from cleaning the kitchen, Melanie's breath caught in her throat. Watching Chris sleep brought a smile to her face. She realized then just how strong her feelings for him were. Telling Jessica and Thomas to head to their room to get changed for bed, Melanie switched the tv off and began to straighten up the house.

At 8:00, Chris woke up to just the lights of the Christmas tree shining in the room. At first he was startled, not quite sure where he was, then he heard Melanie reading the kids a bedtime story and he smiled. Stretching lightly he shifted waiting on Melanie to come back into the room. Watching her round the corner from the kitchen  he patted the seat next to him needing to be close to her for just a minute.

"Rough day?" Melanie questioned as she handed him a glass of tea.

"Yeah," he acknowledged. "I lost a two year old baby today. He had swallowed some quarters.  We weren't able to save him." Chris finished with a sigh.

"Oh Chris," Melanie gasped, tears in her eyes at the thought of that precious baby and its poor parents. "I'm so sorry," she finished wrapping Chris in a hug. The two sat for a few moments just watching the lights flicker on the tree, no need for words.

Melanie shifted and looked up at Chris. "I know this isn't the best time," she started causing Chris to raise his eyebrows waiting on her to continue,"but I invited David and Sara to come over for our Grinchmas breakfast Christmas morning. I was hoping you'd join us."

"Grinchmas breakfast?" Chris questioned a slight smile on his face.

"Yeah," Melanie blushed slightly. "I started the tradition when Jessica was born. We watch 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' and then eat who hash with eggs, who pudding, and Grinch punch"

"Awe," Chris smiled at her still holding her close. "That's my favorite Christmas movie. What time is this Christmas feast?" 

"I told David, Sara, and Tammy 9:30.  Do you think you can come?"  Melanie smiled. The movie was a favorite for her too but she didn't tell him that.

"Yeah, I'm off Christmas Eve and Christmas Day since I worked Thanksgiving. I'd love to come. Should I bring anything?"

"Nope," Melanie smiled and settled back against the couch, "I've got it covered."

Smiling Chris just nodded. Turning his attention to the flickering lights he sighed. Just being here with Melanie and the kids had made his night so much better. Glancing at the clock he stood.

"I need to get going," Chris said, "my shift starts at 6:00 tomorrow morning."

"Okay," Melanie smiled standing up to walk him to the door.

"Thanks for everything Mel," Chris said as they walked to the porch. "Being with you and the kids really did make my day a lot better"

Melanie smiled and nodded, "Glad we could help.  Oh hang on, I've got some leftovers for you to take for work tomorrow."  With that she turned and hurried to the kitchen. Returning she handed the container to Chris, a smile on her face.

Chris loved that she had made him a container of leftovers. It was such a caring gesture, one that someone only does for a person they really care for. Chris stood and  watched her closely for a few moments before bending over and brushing his lips against hers. Melanie was shocked for a second but surprised Chris by kissing him back. Smiling up  at Chris as he stood watching her for a reaction, she shifted with a slight blush tint her cheeks. Seeing her smile, Chris couldn't help but smile back.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay Mel?" Chris asked brushing her cheek before turning to walk out the door.

"Yeah, sounds great." Melanie responded watching him head to his car. After closing and locking the door, Melanie fell against it with a thud. Chris had kissed her. More than that, she had wanted him to kiss her and she'd enjoyed it. Brushing her fingers across her lips she turned the lights off and headed to bed. For the first time since her divorce, Melanie fell into a deep and restful sleep, a smile on her face.

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