lie better next time;

Lauren laughed, nodding in agreement because hell yeah they were freezing. Still, she wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity. She watched Daniel run towards the house, pretending like she was going to actually try and beat him but he got there first. “Aw, man!” She laughed, smiling. “Good job, bud.”

-

There was a small laugh that came from Brooke as she watched the two, Daniel getting into the house before Lauren. “High five, buddy.” He gave his mother a high five and then started to take off his snow stuff, running into the kitchen. “You got beat by our boy.” She teased lightly before leaning over and kissing her softly. 

Imogen couldn’t help chuckling, pointing at him. “You will not peek, mister.” She teased, moving to sit down, sipping on the water she’d been drinking before. “Okay, great, thanks.” She supposed that meant she could get some more stuff done while he was grabbing them. Molly probably wanted to see him anyway. “Hmm, maybe about two o’clock? I think the dinner’s a little later but we can get there and the kids can have the rest of their presents and maybe we’ll get roped into some games and stuff.” She chuckled, looking over at him. “Has your mum called or anything?” She wondered, knowing Linda didn’t often give up easy.

-

“Fine, I will not peek.” He teased, although he wouldn’t peek. “Not a problem, besides I wanted to see Molly and see if her and her friend were joining us as well for Christmas Eve.” He stated, moving over to her. “Yeah, knowing your mother she has probably already started prepping for the Christmas dinner.” He chuckled a little bit. “She stopped by my office the other day.” Sitting down next to her next to her now.

Imogen laughed softly at his teasing, moving to put the presents down. “Well, this one’s for you, so no peeking.” She laughed, grabbing the bag and running to hide it in the hall cupboard before walking back in. “The rest are for the kids…” She couldn’t help it. “Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

-

There was a small chuckle that escaped his lips. “Alright, alright I will do my best not to peak. Luckily you don’t know where yours is.” He teased lightly, although he did have it hidden in the house. “Yeah, I don’t mind at all. Also what time are we going to your mum’s on Christmas?” He had opted out of them going to his own parents for Christmas. Didn’t mean that Linda didn’t stop by his office. 

Lauren chuckled, her fingers stinging with the cold even through her gloves. “We’re just finishing our masterpiece!” She chuckled, holding her hands out to show off the snowman. “Come on, buddy, I’ll race ya inside.” She took her gloves off, blowing on her fingers. “Freezing…” She laughed, pouting a little.

-

Brooke couldn’t help but smile more looking at the snowman. “And he is a handsome but you both are freezing. Now come on!” Daniel was smiling and he started running back towards the house. “Seems like he’s going to beat you, baby.”

“Um… I have a couple more in my car…” She said sheepishly, chuckling. “I know we were done but I was in the shop today and couldn’t resist.” She grabbed her keys so she could go and grab them at least to bring them inside. “Four.” She called over her shoulder, hurrying out to grab them and coming back in.

-

“Alright, well I can wrap them.” He chuckled a little bit, looking over at her for a moment. “That I can accept perfectly, you impulsive shopper you.” He teased lightly. “Who are they for?” Taking another drink, he stopped for a moment and stood up bringing the coffee onto the island. “I can always grab them if you want.”

“Alright you two, come on I made hot chocolate and you two have been out here all day.” Brooke couldn’t help but smile, while looking over at Daniel and Lauren. Looking over at the snowman now before back towards them. “Also stay out of the cookies they are for tomorrow.”

Lauren laughed, amused. “Hmm. Yeah, we can’t have anyone knowing that.” She shook her head with a chuckle. “No couch for me. I’ll be there.”

Imogen smiled softly. “Well, thank you.. this is great.” Probably just what she needed as well. She laughed at that and shook her head. “Oh, they’d be corrupted quickly over there, I’m sure.” Imogen joked. With how Lizzie was raised though, he seemed to be a bit lax with the rules and everything else for a whole week. “Really? Well, that’s very rude.” She joked, pouting.

“Hey..” She turned as he moved in, closing the door behind her. She looked at him with a light frown, shaking her head. “They’re sleeping… what’s up?”

“Okay, good.” Sophie nodded as she moved into the room. It made her feel more at ease at least. It was the way it had to be for them all. “She’s loving it, actually.” She said. “Though she’s still a little unsure about sleeping alone.” Everything was still new for her but she was adapting quickly, probably because of her age. “I’m fine.” Sophie shrugged a little, moving to sit on their new couch. She checked her phone - five texts from her dad - and then looked back at Brad. “I’m just tired. I’m always tired right now.”