Christmas morning arrived with the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house and the sound of Christmas songs playing softly in the background. Linda and Chris made their way downstairs to find the living room filled with laughter and the exchange of wrapped gifts.
Linda's youngest sibling, Tina, tugged at Chris's arm. "Chris! You have to help me unwrap this. I can't get it open!"
Chris chuckled, crouching down to help the little girl. Linda watched him, her heart warming at how effortlessly he fit into her family's chaos.
"Linda, are you going to help in the kitchen or just stand there staring at your fiancé?" her mother teased, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Coming!" Linda replied quickly, her face flushing as she followed her mother into the kitchen.
---
Later that morning, as the family settled into a festive rhythm, Chris's phone buzzed with an incoming video call.
"It's my parents," he said to Linda, holding up the phone. "You want to join me?"
"Sure," Linda replied, her stomach twisting with a mix of nervousness and curiosity.
Chris accepted the call, and the screen lit up with the smiling faces of his mother and father, both dressed in Christmas sweaters.
"Chris! Merry Christmas, my boy!" his mother exclaimed.
"Merry Christmas, Mom. Dad," Chris replied, his voice softening.
"Linda! There's our beautiful future daughter-in-law," Chris's mother said, her tone warm and enthusiastic.
"Merry Christmas," Linda said with a smile, leaning closer to the screen.
Chris's parents asked about the festivities, Linda's family, and how the engagement was going. It was a lighthearted conversation filled with laughter, but as it started to wind down, Chris's mother's tone shifted.
"Chris, let me talk to Linda for a moment," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Chris raised an eyebrow but handed the phone to Linda. "Good luck," he whispered with a smirk.
Linda smiled nervously as she held the phone. "Hi, Ma."
Chris's mother leaned closer to the camera, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "So, my dear, how's the lingerie plan coming along?"
Linda nearly dropped the phone. "Uh... um..."
Chris's mother laughed. "Oh, don't be shy! I gave it to you for a reason, you know. Christmas is a magical time, and it's the perfect opportunity to... expand the family."
Linda's face burned as she stammered, "I-uh-it's-"
"Don't tell me you haven't tried it on yet," Chris's mother said, feigning disappointment. "I thought for sure we'd be getting some exciting news soon."
Linda blinked, unsure if she should laugh or hide under the table. "Exciting news?"
"Yes, a baby! Oh, how wonderful would it be to start the new year with the announcement of a little one on the way?"
"Ma, I think we're just... taking things slow," Linda managed, trying to maintain her composure.
Chris's mother waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, nonsense! You two are perfect together. Just promise me you'll at least *consider* it, hmm?"
Linda forced a laugh, glancing at Chris, who was watching her with an amused expression. "I... I'll think about it," she said, eager to end the conversation.
"Good girl," Chris's mother said, her smile radiant. "Now go enjoy your Christmas, and remember, I'm always here for advice."
Linda handed the phone back to Chris, her face still warm from the exchange.
Chris's dad grinned at him and asked how's the 'engagement' going,
Sonny, you look so well over there, I think you have gotten fat too, look at your cheeks, they must be feeding you so well
Dad, they're very good people I must confess, I have alot of fun here, Chris replied honestly ' and they make me feel like one of them '
Maybe this is your cue! Chris mother screamed from the other line
Cue to do what mom? Chris asked feigning ignorance
Are you seriously asking me that sonny, she's a nice beautiful girl, and her family is good too.
I think it's time for you to tell her you love her and turn this fake charade into something real
I agree with your mom son, Chris'father chipped in, but I stand with whatever decision you make
It's alright mom and dad, I know what to do, Chris assured them
It better be the right thing sonny, he father said
______________________________________________
"What did my mom say to you?" Chris asked, grinning.
"Nothing you need to know," Linda replied, shooting him a look.
Chris laughed, shaking his head. "Whatever it was, I'm sure it was embarrassing."
"You have no idea," Linda muttered, though she couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of the situation.
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur of food, laughter, and family games. But Linda couldn't stop replaying the conversation with Chris's mother in her head.
Later that evening, as they lay in bed, Chris turned to her with a teasing smile. "So, are you going to tell me what my mom said?"
Linda rolled her eyes. "Let's just say she has high hopes for the lingerie she gave me."
Chris's eyebrows shot up, and then he burst out laughing. "Of course she does. That sounds exactly like her."
Linda shook her head, smiling despite herself. "Your family is something else, Chris."
Chris's laughter faded, and he looked at her, his expression softening. "So is yours. I think I like this whole 'us' thing, Linda. Even if it started as a lie."
Linda's heart skipped a beat. "Me too," she said quietly.
They lay there in silence, the weight of his words settling between them. And as Christmas night gave way to the quiet stillness of the early hours, Linda couldn't help but wonder if this charade was turning into something much more real than either of them had anticipated.