It was 6:00 AM on Christmas morning.

The sun rose lazily over the island, painting the skies in gentle shades of peach and gold.

The mansion, wrapped in the glow of fairy lights, buzzed with excitement and the melodies of soft carols playing from the central speakers.

The refreshing smell of hot cocoa and coffee wafted through the air as the family gathered around the Christmas tree, all dressed in captivating red and white Christmas costumes– hugging and wishing each other a Merry Christmas in hushed voices.

Maria came forward, already dressed in her mother's Christmas costume, her eyes lit up in excitement as she prepared to lead the group.

Standing closely beside her was Gregory, also clad in a Santa costume with a funny-looking long white beard moustache and carrying a bag containing beautifully wrapped gifts.

"Are we ready?" Maria called out in a hushed voice, her eyes beaming with pride.

"Yes." Everyone chorused.

"Then let's go."

Upstairs in her bedroom, Amelia was snuggled up in her husband's protective arms, underneath the duvet and sleeping soundly.

The weary couple were unaware of the surprise waiting outside their bedroom.

Just them, the door softly creaked open and one by one the family silently slipped into the room, beaming and trying hard not to giggle.

Thought exhausted from taking care of the sleeping baby the previous night, Blaze was the first to open his eyes–sensing the intrusion.

"Shh..." Maria placed a finger on her lips, smiling as the rest of the family entered the room.

Blaze grinned, his eyes darting to Amelia who was still peacefully asleep in his arms. He smiled, his heart swollen with pride and joy as he watched the family arrange themselves like a choir, each one of them holding a gift.

Standing in front of the family, Maria led the song with a melodious voice, while the entire family sang along.

"We wish you a merry Christmas..."

Amelia woke up with a start, snapping her head upwards only to freeze momentarily at the beautiful sight before her.

"...We wish you a merry Christmas." The family continued singing.

"...We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year."

"Aww!" Amelia sat up on her bed, cupping her mouth, her eyes moist with tears, while her husband sat beside her, stroking her back. "This is too much!"

"Nothing is too much for my daughter-in-law and my grandson. Merry Christmas." Maria came forward and brought her gift, embracing Amelia tenderly before going to carry her grandson.

One by one, the entire family presented their Christmas gift to the little prince, extending their Christmas wishes while Noel wriggled in his granny's arms

-

-.

The rest of the Christmas day celebration was marked in grand style with music, laughter mingled with the rhythmic crash of waves.

The scent of roasted delicacies, amid other mouth-watering delicacies, wafted through the air as friends and family gathered under the golden glow of a setting sun to mark the beginning and end of a memorable year.

-

-

The new year was welcomed with fireworks lighting up the sky, their brilliant colours scattering across the night like a dazzling work of art, their reflections colour shimmering on the restless waves.

Cheers and laughter erupted along the shore, the salty breeze carrying the sound of celebration, while couples swayed to distant music and children danced barefoot in the cool sand.

Aside from the older parents and couples, who were back with the younger children keeping warm and enjoying a good family conversation, the younger couples took this rare opportunity to survey the island for the last time before their trip back to the city the next day.

"Are you sure you're ready to head back to the city?" Blaze asked coolly, walking beside his wife as gentle waves lapped at the shore–the cold water tickling their bare feet.

"Yes..." Amelia exhaled, soaking in the cool ocean breeze caressing her face. "I want to take Noel to see my mom. I missed visiting her and there's a lot I want to tell her."

"Okay... But we'll be going together this time as a family." Blaze said softly, stroking her arm. "I need to pay my homage to her for giving me such an amazing wife and a priceless son."

Amelia chuckled softly. "She will really love it." She exhaled again, leaning her head on his shoulder while tightening her hold around his arms. "But I'm going to miss this island even more. It has given me so much joy in just a few months of arriving here."

"We could always come, once a twice a month to visit if you want. This is Noel's first home and our second home."

"Yes... I can't wait for him to start running on those tiny feet."

"Me too." Blaze's eyes lit up at the thought of Neol standing on his own feet and running around. "There is so much I want to teach him. We could play football together. I could teach him how to ride a bicycle. We could go fishing just like my dad and I..."

"What about me?" Amelia paused on her track as she turned to face him, her brow raised. "Don't I get to come along?"

"Of course you do." A smug smile danced at the corner of her cheek. "You'll be a cheerleader."

"Your cheerleader! Like seriously?!" She pinched him playfully on the nipple, causing him to wince while laughing.

"Okay, how about you join in all the games. It will be fun doing everything together with our son."

"Or I could just have a beautiful princess whom I'll be playing with all day." Amelia rolled her eyes, beaming.

"As in, another baby?" Blaze arched his brow in alarm.

"Twin babies." Amelia declared chuckling at Blaze's horrified expression.

"You mean like double the sleepless night, the exhaustion and the crying?"

"No....". Amelia kissed him softly on the lips. "I mean double the fun."

"I guess I can live with that." Blaze wrapped his arms around her, claiming her lips in an intense kiss.