The Best Christmas Gift Ever

Author's Notes: Christmas is coming so I had to write a story. I'm pretty satisfied with it, but there's always room for improvement. Have fun reading!

Chapter 1

It was Christmas Eve and Serena was sitting at the kitchen table looking distressed while Darien was running a quick errand. She looked over all the bills and notices that had come in the mail and sighed heavily. She wasn't sure how she and Darien were going to get everything paid off especially with their family expanding, but she had hope that everything would work out in the end. She put the bills away and finished cooking breakfast. She set it aside and took a seat rubbing her big round belly unconsciously. She smiled as she thought about how much her and Darien's marriage remained so strong despite the unexpected circumstances they faced.

Serena was a little nervous about this pregnancy because of what happened the first time early in her and Darien's marriage. She and Darien were both heartbroken when they delivered a stillborn in the 7th month and Serena naturally took it the hardest. Darien's constant love and support helped her through that tough time and he insisted that she didn't work promising that he would take care of them both. Now one year later Serena was 8 months pregnant with twins and so far everything was going well. Darien continued to work hard for the family, but things at his job presented their own challenges. He made pretty good money at the business company he worked for and was about to be promoted, but financial trouble came and changed everything. Workers had to be laid off and Darien was included, but thankfully he had prior experience working on cars and found a job as a mechanic. He didn't make as much money as before and it had been a struggle trying to make ends meet over the last few months.

"Serena, I'm home!" Darien called from the front door interrupting Serena's thoughts. She got up and was met with a surprise when she walked into the den. "I got us a little Christmas tree," he said proudly setting it upright. "Do you like it?"

It wasn't much of a tree, but it was big enough for the two of them and it was already decorated. "Oh, Darien you didn't have to do that."

"I wanted to," he replied as he hugged her from behind. "I know how much you love Christmas and I had to spread the cheer."

Serena smiled at him. "Well I love it," she said kissing his cheek. "I made you some breakfast."

"Sere, you didn't have to do that," he said following her into the kitchen. "You're having our twins and you need to be careful."

"I know that," Serena said sharply. "Do you think I'm trying to repeat what happened last time when…" She stopped short and hid her face in her hands.

Darien mentally kicked himself and went to hug her. He knew how sensitive she was about having the babies and hated that he made her upset about it. "I didn't mean it like that," he said softly. "I'm sorry I brought it up."

"No, I'm sorry for going off on you," Serena said with a sniffle. "I'm just a little scared."

"You have nothing to fear, love." He kissed her forehead. "We're already in the 8th month and the doctor said the babies are as healthy as can be. You have to stop blaming yourself for what happened."

"I know," she said picking up two plates of pancakes. "Let's sit down and enjoy our meal before it gets cold." Darien pulled out a chair for her after she set the plates down. He smiled when he saw the pancakes shaped like a heart and held Serena's hands in his across the table. "Would you like to say the blessing or should I?"

"I'll do it," Darien said bowing his head. "Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for a new day to live and for all of the blessings you have provided for us. Bless this food to our bodies and protect us throughout the day. Amen."

"Amen. What would you like for Christmas this year?"

"I keep telling you I don't need anything," Darien said with his mouth full. "As long as I have you by my side, I'll be the happiest man alive. What about you?"

I'm still getting you something Serena thought as she chewed her food. "I don't need anything either. Your love is the best thing I have."

"I appreciate that," Darien laughed. "But you're still getting something. I'll make sure of it."

Serena smiled and looked at the clock. "Oh Darien, look at the time. Hurry up or you'll be late."

"That means you too, Mommy," he said helping her up. He cleared the plates and walked her with his bike to the department store just a block away from their house. Although he didn't like Serena working while she was pregnant, the little money she made wrapping presents did help with the bills and he appreciated it. "Call me at work if you need anything," Darien said before kissing her tenderly on the lips.

"I will," she said kissing him again. "I love you."

"I love you too, Princess." He kissed her cheek and waved before riding away on his bike.