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The original was posted on /r/hfy by /u/Coyote_Havoc on 2024-12-26 04:32:43+00:00.
The storm had come earlier than expected and the pitter patter of rain on the roof made the tiny house seem colder. Michael and Daniel were the first to wake up to light the wood stove in the living room. Afterward Michael got to work on making cinnamon rolls for breakfast while.Dniel.focused on bringing in wood for the fire.
Unlike most traditional families, there was no plastic or even a real Christmas tree somewhere in the living room. When Michael was three their family was stretched thin. Daniel was inbetween jobs and they relied on Cassandra waiting tables. At some point during that year, a sugar pine had been planted in the front yard, more than likely the seed had lodged itself in Daniel's boot from work and found itself a perfect place to grow.
Through the years the tree had become a part of the family. It bore a yellow ribbon Cassandra tied around it when Michael was deployed. It sheltered Daniel when he was at a loss for what to do. It provided Michael wih a view down the Mad River to the Pacific and beyond.
"Damn things nearly 80 feet tall." Michael said handing a cup of coffee to his father.
Daniel.took the mug and let the warmth flow into his hands.
"I remember all the times we used to decorate it. Almost killed myself when you were 17 trying.to get that star on top."
"Remember the long ass string of popcorn when I was 11?"
"I remember the rain that Christmas," Daniel replied with a laugh, "your mother was so pissed."
"Good times." Michael said before taking a drink.
"Your mother will be out of bed soon, is Gettret up yet?"
"If you think I can sleep when Mike's baking you don't know your own son." Came a voice from the living room.
"Guess that answers that question."
/////
After the rolls were finished baking, Michael.coated them heavily with a raspberry butter cream frosting and made sure everyone's coffee was full. Presents were past around and the tradition of unceremoniously ripping pretty colored paper to shreds began. The presents beneath were all thoughful, things that were necessities more that anything, but cherished none the less. After the last shred of paper had been cleared Michael picked up the plates and coffee cups, refilling them for the second time as Gettret served.
"Oh honey I'm stuffed." Cassandra replied when she saw the new roll.
"Please miss.."
"Just mom, or Cassy. You're a part of the family now like.it or not."
"That's why the cinnamon rolls actually." Gettret replied shyly.
"What do you mean dear?"
Michael exited the kitchen with his own plate and mug. "It's part of our last gift to you for Christmas."
"I don't get it Mike." Daniel said taking the offered plate.
"Gettret and I..."
"Mike's horrible at these things," Gettret laughed, "He is hinting at it with the frosting."
Daniel and Cassandra looked at their plates again in confusion.
"Dad asked yesterday if we could have a baby." Michael said. "That was the reason Gettret went home last week."
Confusion was replaced with shock as both of Michael's parents picked up the hint.
"Surprise, it's a girl."