His Miracle

Disappointment & Anger.

"Merry Christmas Pops," I smile warmly at him before embracing him in a tight hug.

"Merry Christmas Elly!" He responds, his eyes shining brightly. He's dressed smart, wearing a crisp white shirt and black trousers. I can't help but think he's the only family I have left as he squeezes me tightly. His scent is so comforting, instantly taking me back to my fond childhood memories when my father was still alive.

Not my crazy psychotic kidnapping sperm donor. My loving father who may not be biologically related to me but will forever be my father.

"I miss dad so much."

Pops nods at my words, his own smile shrinking at the mention of his son-in-law.

"I miss him too Elly, he was a good man."

I nod in agreement. A warm arm drapes around my shoulders and I find myself being pressed into Jake's firm frame. He places a soft kiss at the top of my head before turning to face Pops —

"Merry Christmas Mr Wentworth." Jake holds out his hand and Pops takes a hold of it, shaking it firmly. I grin between my two favourite men in this world and feel so lucky to have them both in my life.

"Merry Christmas Jake. You've been treating Emily good, I hope?" Pops says firmly but playfully. He likes to do this thing where he acts like he's overly protective of me to make Jake nervous. . . It works.

"Yes Sir, only the best for your favourite granddaughter." Jake says nervously, his eyes flickering down to my stomach. I chuckle nervously and take a step back from him as if he's suddenly gained the ability to sniff out pregnancy like a trained wolf.

I clear my throat and plaster on a fake smile, wishing that Pops wouldn't notice my suspicious behaviour.

"Shall we go sit at the table? Dinner is almost ready." I say, my voice a little higher than usual. Jake immediately nods, his head bouncing up and down resembling a bobble head.

"Yeah that sounds good, I'm starving!" He responds eagerly, practically dragging me away from Pops and towards the table. He leans down until his mouth reaches my ear —

"I'm guessing he doesn't know about the baby considering I still have two working legs?" Jake whispers quietly and I nod, biting down on my lip nervously.

"He doesn't know, we should keep it that way." I whisper in response, pulling a chair back and taking a seat. Jake blows out a sigh of relief and takes the seat next to me. The table laid in front of us looks amazing. A rich red tablecloth decorated with the fanciest silverware I've ever seen. Everyone has their own champagne glass and a beautiful floral centrepiece in the middle finishes off the table's design.

"This looks amazing." I say truthfully, smiling at Jane and Tobias who are sat opposite me. Jane is Tobias' girlfriend and one that he didn't have to steal from Jake. She's a bubbly girl with short dark hair and green eyes. She appears too sweet and innocent for someone as rugged as Tobias yet the two seem to work well together.

"Auntie Myra has been stressed out about this dinner for what seems like forever." Jane chuckles. Myra is Tobias and Ivory's mother and she shares their crazy behaviour.

"I asked if she wanted me to help out with the food and she almost bit my head off." Ben chimes in from across the table. He's holding Ivory's hand and I can't help but notice how cute the couple are together. Ben is tall and shy whereas Ivory is petite and feisty.

"Are you bad mouthing my favourite aunt, Benny Boy?" Jake teases, holding up his fist. Ben laughs nervously but chooses not to respond. Around Tobias and Jake, he's definitely a lot quieter. The boys don't exactly go easy on him due to the fact he's Ivory's boyfriend.