I’d always dreamed of a perfect Christmas, and this year was supposed to be special since I was finally going to be a part of Liam’s family. I was excited to start a new chapter of our lives, unaware that this Christmas would be the beginning of the end. Some families have their quirks, and Liam’s family was no exception.
They always seemed to share private jokes and playful banter that I couldn’t quite understand. But I never imagined this would leave me wondering if I should be a part of their family. When I first met Liam at that little coffee shop downtown last spring, I was instantly drawn to his infectious humor.
He was the type who’d draw silly faces on coffee sleeves and leave jokes for the baristas, while I was the quiet one who’d order my usual vanilla latte with a polite smile. Our differences seemed charming then. He brought spontaneity to my structured world, and I brought stability to his chaos.
Seven months ago, he proposed in typical Liam fashion by hiding the ring in a fortune cookie at our favorite Chinese restaurant. I nearly choked when I saw it, but that’s Liam for you. Always the prankster, and always looking for a laugh.
“Will you marry me?” he asked, looking straight into my eyes. “Yes!” I said as tears streamed down my cheeks. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world that day, unaware that I’d soon regret my decision.
A few days before Christmas, I carefully wrapped the presents I had bought for Liam and his family. At that point, I was nervous and excited because it was my first Christmas with them. Suddenly, memories of past family Christmases flooded my mind.
I smiled as I remembered last Christmas when my mom surprised everyone with handcrafted photo albums filled with pictures from the past twenty years. My dad actually cried when he opened his. Meanwhile, my sister Sarah got everyone personalized jewelry pieces that we still wear today.
That’s just how we are. We express our love through thoughtful, often expensive gifts. “Do you think they’ll like these?” I asked Sarah over FaceTime, holding up the designer scarf I’d bought for Liam’s mom, Paula.
“The saleslady said it’s one of their most popular pieces this season.”
“Two hundred dollars for a scarf? Mia, you’re going all out!” Sarah laughed. “But hey, first Christmas with the future in-laws.
The story doesn’t end here –
it continues on the next page.
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