#gemma marks

Harvestfest arrived, giving the family a chance for a much-needed reunion. Kate had agreed to host and was happy to cook for their families who would be travelling to visit. The girls even helped her start dinner. But as soon as the doorbell rang she lost both sous chefs. She pulled the turkey out of the oven before following the sounds of teenagers shrieking.

Her sister's family was the first to arrive. The girls squealed collectively before running off to Charlotte's room, to get reacquainted without the adults overhearing them. 

Kate welcomed their relatives inside, remarking how their familiar faces had changed. The kids were taller, and her brother looked older, she pointed out with a teasing smile. Then they caught up on the year that had passed. Sharing all the little stories they’d saved for a moment just like this. Together again, it almost felt like when they were children. But the noticeable absence of their parents made the distinction clear.

Kate called everyone to the table and as they ate Jack and Noah began recounting stories of their grandparents. Soon the whole room joined in, with James and Lucy imitating Diane and Michael, until they couldn’t breathe from laughter.

Lovingly introducing their parents to the grandchildren they hadn’t gotten the pleasure to know. 

Avid horror fans, Kate and James, have been long awaiting the release of the latest Moonlight Massacre film. On opening night, Elle and Gemma happily agreed to watch their nieces, granting them a much-needed date night. 

After hugs, kisses, and several reminders to “be good”, Elle finally ushered them out the door. “Go have fun!” she insisted.

The couple gladly obliged, heading into town hand in hand. Glad for the opportunity for some alone time. Their lives had always been busy, and moments for just the two of them were rare. But since becoming parents, those moments were stolen from empty hourglasses.

They enjoyed a romantic dinner before heading to the theatre, then picked a spot in the back where they could cuddle. Kate loves a horror movie, but that doesn’t mean she’s never afraid. 

Unable to resist the temptation, James came up with a devious plan. Patiently, listening for his queue. As the music began to swell he snuggled closer as if for protection.  

Suddenly thunder cracked, and a flash of lightning brightened the room as the killer was revealed on screen. James struck, tickling her ferociously. She screamed at the top of her lungs and the whole theatre turned to look at her, while James failed to contain his amusement. 

They laughed the whole way home as he reenacted her reaction. But their banter stopped abruptly when they walked in the door, stifled by panic. 

Kate’s unintelligible scream woke the room. “What’s wrong,” Elle mumbled sleepily. Rounding on her sister with all the ferocity of a bear Kate roared,

“I said where the plum is Charlotte?”

The next morning, the house woke to the sound of excited giggles and footsteps as the children raced downstairs. Squealing as they saw all the presents waiting for them under the tree. The adults followed, taking their spots on the sofa to join in the magical chaos about to unfold. 

Though receiving gifts is exciting at any age, watching their children learn about the joy of giving was a special treat. 

Once all the presents had been unwrapped and the girls ran off to play, James discreetly reached behind the tree and pulled out a final gift. Revealing a bunch of mistletoe, he earned a tender kiss from his wife.

Delighted that he remembered the tradition, Kate was ready to sneak back upstairs and show him further appreciation. But they were interrupted by a sudden gust of cold air, ruining the moment.

The front door swung open to reveal her brother Tom and his family.

Their presence warmed the room as cousins reunited, and the siblings exchanged hugs. They spent the rest of the day enjoying the precious gift of being together again.

Dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter and the clinking of utensils. But Kate sat quietly at the end of the table, looking at her loved ones with gratitude, feeling fortunate to be surrounded by them now. She caught her husband's eye, and he winked down the table, flirtatious as ever.

After their feast, they sat at the table and watched the girls play with their cousins. A bittersweet joy filled Kate; she wished her parents could be here to see them.

As if summoned by her thoughts, her sister pulled her from her reverie to present her with her gift.

“I hope you like it,” She said as Kate unwrapped a beautiful portrait of her and James. “I thought you’d want to immortalize how hot you were.” Elle teased as she saw her sister tearing up. Luckily they were interrupted by Gemma calling them all for cake. 

James and Kate shared a glance before each blowing out the candles, embracing the next chapter of their lives together. 

Their guests enjoyed a slice of cake before gradually departing, leaving only the echoes of their laughter.

When the last guest left James and Kate picked up their tired girls, and shared a kiss before heading upstairs to put them to bed. Excited for their next adventure together.

*Before and after under the cut*

Soon, it was time for Havestfest, and James and Kate were hosting the first party in their new home. They had invited both of their families to celebrate the holiday and their shared birthday. While the prospect of getting older was scary, it was their plan to introduce Charlotte to the family that had them both on edge as they welcomed their guests. 

Kate snuck upstairs to wake Charlotte from her nap while their living room gradually filled with their siblings, nieces, and nephews. James stood in the doorway, waiting for her to return and watched awkwardly as his sister and her new husband showed his mother “her second grandchild”.

Nervously, he entered the room and cleared his throat. “Thank you all for coming. I know your hunger bars are getting low. But before we enjoy our meal, there’s someone I’d like you all to meet.” There was a collective gasp as Kate carried in their daughter. 

“This is Charlotte, but we call her Lot,” she said proudly, “Yes, she’s ours and half alien. We need your help keeping her secret.” The room erupted with a mixture of shock and awe as Kate slowly walked over and handed Charlotte to her mother-in-law.

Diane happily took the little girl into her arms as the cousins surrounded them asking to be next in line. The family's acceptance was clear and unanimous.