Under The Christmas Tree Robyn Carr Novels & Stories

"That's a mighty big goddamn tree!" Teddy scratched his dark chin stubble while he looked over the tall pine tree that brushed the roof of the foyer. "You're going to need to cut off a good foot or so though." Rhett took a few steps back to Teddy and crossed his arms as he proudly took in the tree he picked out. "No way, that things perfect. I told Gretchen I'd get her a tree she wouldn't even believe. Look at it. It's like the king of all the Christmas trees. It took nearly every soldier to drag that thing in here and get it in place."

They all gave me puppy eyes and I knew they understood, Carla clears her throat, “so my baby shower is next week, what is my Luna planning on giving me?” I shrug, “what do you need?” She smiles, “baby monitor, one I can carry with me from room to room.” I nod, “got it, not a problem, so are you all ready for Christmas?” Elaine scoffs, “not in this house, never happening.” Carla chuckles, “you know I am, tree’s up and decorated, few presents under the tree.” Maria frowns, “yea, I’ll be at my parents’ house for dinner, but I got me a Charlie brown tree, does that count.”

"You shouldn't. Lana is absolutely fine, nothing is going to happen to her so stop worrying dear" "I hope so. When is her Christmas party coming up" "Its on the 25th by 12 noon" First lady Samantha said, giving her husband a gentle smile. "I'll have to double the security at the venue, I wouldn't want there to be any trouble" "There won't be any problem Freddie, you worry too much" "She's our only child Sam, I've got to protect her with everything I have" the President said, lightly tapping his fingers on the table.

The birds chirped away on the huge oak trees that provided cool shades to everyone, the pools were clean, big, and inviting. We made our way inside and Grandma Rose was seated on a queen-like chair, a glass of red wine swirling in her hand. Her makeup and dress made her look intimidating, the interior decoration of her sitting room was nothing like the taste of an elderly woman. “Aria," she called, rising from her seat with a bright smile. I hurriedly walked past Damon and into her open arms. “Good afternoon, grandma Rose." “You look so much beautiful just like last night," she commended.

Julia I stand back and watch Riley and Nina put the final touches on the Christmas tree, and then he pulls out a Christmas angel to sit on the top. "Would you like to put this on the top of the tree, Princess?" Nina is still bouncing on her toes. I swear the girl hasn’t stopped since she found out that we had the tree.

I dozed off during the car ride back to my mom's house. When I opened my eyes, I noticed we were in the middle of the forest. The sight was beautiful. The trees were covered in snow and there were houses neatly placed along the road. The sun had started to go down and the streetlights came on as well as the Christmas lights on the houses. Everything looked like a winter wonderland. I was in awe, it was such a beautiful sight. Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. And it's places like this that decorate and go all out is one of the reasons why.

I rolled my eyes, and then everyone started shouting, “Five. Four. Three. Two. One!” And instantly, the lights on the tree lit up like the fourth of July. It was stunning; I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than this moment right now. As the tree glistened and the snow fell, everyone began singing carols. It was honestly the most perfect moment I had ever witnessed. I didn’t want this moment to end….

At least there is some progress here. After dinner and dessert, Christian and Ruby went home. Nancy retreated to her room and said she was so tired. So, here I am and Gabriel, standing in front of the Christmas tree. His eyes still focus on the pictures that are hanging on the tree. Thanks to Nancy, Consuela, Christian, and Kim from Remington Media. They helped me with these pictures. The Christmas tree is so huge. It shocked me the first time I saw it. I was afraid the picture couldn't cover the tree perfectly. But thank God it did. Not the best one, but still ok.

I stand alone on the icy field, turning back every few minutes to look at the road behind me. When my hands grow numb from the cold, I scroll my social media feed and see a recent post from my younger sister, Giada Soave. Holding gifts in her arms, she sits beneath a luxurious crystal Christmas tree with my parents embracing her from both sides. Ivano stands behind her with his hand resting lightly at her waist and his eyes full of tenderness. The caption reads, "Merry Christmas, I'm grateful to spend the holiday with those who love me most!" The comments section buzzes with blessings, praise, and envious messages.

They cannot be real! “I don’t know,” I trailed off and focused on the Christmas tree. The ribbons which the bulbs hung from looked delicate and I would bet everything that it was Kallen who decorated the tree - he was a hopeless romantic and definitely had a love for older things. So I guess if we do date, it’d be ironic…