Once Keeley, happily full of steak, grew tired from the excitement and wanted to go home for a nap. She didn't even make it home, falling asleep in the car. Aaron carried her in, princess-style, to avoid disturbing her.

She woke up on the couch with Molly protectively curled on her belly. The cats had been doing this a lot lately; it was almost as if they knew she was pregnant.

Another frivolous purchase, made with Aaron's credit card, was laminating her dissertation defense index cards. This allowed her to review them in the bathtub without ruining the ink. She was so sore and achy that the expense was worthwhile.

Aaron heard her mumbling and self-correcting as he passed the bathroom door. He involuntarily smiled; she was adorable.

After her bath, she donned Christmassy maternity pajamas covered in snowmen. Unfortunately, she'd been too busy to be festive; the only decorations were the tree and a few others in the living room.

Keeley hadn't even started her Christmas cookies. She planned a baking spree for Sunday. Since her kitchen was larger, inviting her dad over might be better than going to his house as usual. Thorough cleaning and confining the cats to another room would be necessary, however.

"You won't be able to wear your reindeer pajamas this year," Aaron observed as she entered their bedroom.

"Nope," she replied sadly. "But I still expect you to wear yours."

He indulgently shook his head. "Are you buying matching pajamas for the kids, too?"

"Of course! We'll be the best-dressed family Christmas morning has ever seen," she declared, echoing her family's tradition from when her mom and Kaleb were alive.

He hummed contentedly at the family reference, then frowned. "Is there anything you want for Christmas this year?"

"My PhD," she joked, before considering more seriously. She didn't need anything, but did she want anything? Aaron already bought her things at the slightest hint of interest.

She recalled their first married Christmas in their previous life and what he hadn't done. She knew what she wanted now.

"I want a stocking filled with candy, nail polish, and other little things."

Keeley sat beside him on the bed. He put his arm around her. "I can absolutely do that. But if you don't tell me what else you want, I'll have to wing it, and you know I'm not good at that."

She laughed. He wasn't. "Okay, I'll make a list. What about you? What do you want?"

Aaron didn't hesitate. "I don't need anything but you."

It was sweet, albeit cheesy. He'd been more sentimental lately. Keeley caressed his face and smiled softly.

"I guess I'm winging it, then."

He kissed her head. "You're much better at it than I am."

He turned off the light, and they crawled under the covers. She tossed and turned more than usual due to her pregnancy, but they always began by cuddling. Aaron claimed it helped him sleep.

He rested his arm on her stomach, snuggling closer. "I love you, Keeley."

She wished she could reciprocate sincerely. She'd chosen him, but didn't feel love for him. Guilt weighed on her heart each time he said it.

"Sweet dreams, Aaron."

"When are you defending your dissertation?" Robert asked while helping his daughter cut sugar cookies.

"Wednesday," Aaron answered for his wife. He'd heard her mention it so often he knew the details as well as she did.

"Thanks, Keeley," he said sarcastically, laughing. "I take it she's been stressed?"

"Yep."

"I'm right here!" Keeley protested, annoyed they were discussing her to her face. She pressed the cookie cutter down harder than necessary.

They'd been like this since her marriage—teaming up to tease her. Jerks.

Yet, she couldn't begrudge them. Robert missed seeing his son grow up; Aaron's father was terrible. They filled a void for each other, and she was glad for their closeness. It would ease things as the kids grew.

Her father was thrilled about the twins, determined to be the best grandpa. It warmed her heart to see him so excited, as he'd been missing her mother more and more.

She scooped the cut-out dough onto a baking sheet. Now to roll out the dough again—a challenge with her pregnant belly.

"Someone want to take over?" she asked frustratedly.

"I've got it," Aaron volunteered. "Um…how do you do this again?"

Keeley suppressed a smile. So eager to help, even cluelessly. She guided him, and the result wasn't bad; he mastered it on his second try.

She kissed his cheek, unaware her dad was taking a picture until he showed it to her. It was a good one—both flour-covered, Aaron practically radiating heart eyes. They looked like any fun-loving couple. That made her happy.

If only they could have always been this way. Then she wouldn't feel so conflicted, even if everything appeared fine. Aaron was a great husband; so why didn't she love him?

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