Mommy, Where's Daddy? The Forsaken Daughter's Return

Chapter 79: Best Christmas and Birthday

"Grandma, is grandpa Winfield coming tonight? It's Christmas, and it's our birthday! He should come here, right?" Kenzie asked Sarah while she was baking in the kitchen.

It was already four in the afternoon and Kenzie wondered why her grandpa Winfield was not around when her grandma Sarah and Matilda were staying with them.

Since that morning, Sarah spent her time, making treats for their Christmas Eve dinner. Samantha only joined in after lunch, following her morning exercise with her husband.

Hearing Kenzie looking for Winfield, Sarah glanced at Samantha, and they both locked eyes for a second, deciding who would answer.

It was Samantha who turned to Kenzie and revealed, "I think grandpa will be here to give you your gifts, Kenzie. I'll call him to be sure that he comes over."

"Okay, Mommy." Kenzie swayed her body before asking, "Can I have two pieces of cookies, please? One for me and one for Kyle."

Sarah chuckled and took two newly baked cookies, putting them on a plate. She gave it to Kenzie and said, "Of course, sweetie! Here. Enjoy!"

"Thank you, grandma," said Kenzie with twinkling eyes.

For some time, Kenzie just stood there, holding her plate. She kept smiling at Sarah before proposing, "You are not in a fight with grandpa, are you, grandma?"

Yet again, Samantha and Sarah looked at each other. It made Sarah flicker her eyes before she answered, "No. No, sweetie."

Sarah leveled with Kenzie and smiled. She caressed her cheeks and said, "Grandpa and I are not in a fight."

"Then, can grandpa stay for Christmas Eve dinner too?" Kenzie asked with a beaming smile.

It made Sarah felt a lump in her throat. She forced a smile and said, "Of course, grandpa should."

After seeing Kenzie go, Samantha halted her work. She asked the maids to give them a moment and only then did she tell her mother, "Mom, I know it's painful and I know that Dad made so many mistakes."

Sarah gazed at Samantha, knowing where the conversation was going.

"For a long time, I was... angry with Dad," added Sam. "But after we made up, it made me realize how far better it was to be acknowledged by him again. I just felt like, I lost so many years with him that I decided, there should be no more time for anger and hate."

"I know it's not for me to determine, but I hope you'll consider it, Mom," Samantha closed with a smile.

Sarah became teary-eyed. She smiled at Samantha and said, "You have certainly grown young lady." She chuckled before admitting, "I just need more time, but of course, we should invite your Dad. He can't be lonely on Christmas Eve."

"Thanks, Mom," said Samantha.

***

It was already past nine in the evening when Winfield came to the mansion and like Samantha told; he brought gifts for everyone, especially the kids.

Winfield particularly bought four gifts for each of the children!

"Wow! Can I open this now, grandpa? This is so many!" Kyle asked after receiving his gifts.

"And mine too?" Kenzie echoed, bouncing in her stance.

"No. No." Samantha interrupted, chuckling by the sofa with her children's eagerness. "All Christmas gifts will be opened at midnight." She widened her eyes before adding, "The same could be said with your birthday gifts."

The two kids wrinkled their noses in dismay. It was the first Christmas where they received so many gifts and love from their own family, and they were just utterly excited.

Ethan, who was sitting next to Samantha, warned, "What do you say to your, Mommy, kids?"

With a heavy sigh, both said in unison, "Okay, Mommy."

Kenzie and Kyle weakly strode towards the Christmas tree, placing the gifts under the tree.

Walking out from the dining area, Matilda called for Winfield, "Son, it's good to see you. Please stay with us tonight." Matilda turned to Samantha and asked, "Is that alright, Sam?"

"Yes, Dad. Actually, I meant to invite you. You should stay with us for Christmas." Samantha turned to Ethan and seeing him nod, she added, "We have plenty of rooms."

"It would be nice for all of us to be a family this celebration, especially the Davises," suggested Ethan. "This would be Samantha's first in a long time to be with you and mother. Besides, father, you can't be lonely on Christmas."

Winfield smiled. His eyes somehow searched for his wife. After realizing how Sarah did not even come out to see him, he reluctantly answered, "Thank you for the invitation, but it's fine. I can join

the military Christmas party and I won't be that lonely either way."

He checked his watch and said, "I'll just stay until eleven in the evening before leaving."

"Dad, please," Samantha pleaded. "I would really love it if you stay."

"Winfield, this the first time we have had Christmas together with Sam after six years. Please, stay," Matilda pleaded, finding her seat next to her son while aiding herself with a shaft.

"Stay with us, grandpa," Kenzie urged.

"Is grandpa going to leave? Why?" Kyle inquired, walking next to Winfield. His innocent self asked, "Do you still hate us?"

The question made Winfield lean back. He did not expect that coming from Kyle. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Samantha had to explain, "Um. Sorry, Dad. It was a misconception, having not seen you for so long."

Winfield raised his finger and answered, "It's okay, Sam. I understand."

Turning to Kyle, Winfield explained, "Kyle, no. I don't hate you. I love you and Kenzie. Remember, I promised that I would be here for you as your grandfather moving forward. Grandpa just has some other activities in the military that I need to take care of - "

"Winfield." Everyone turned to find Sarah, walking out with Diana. They had both come out from the kitchen, preparing for that evening's dinner.

Sarah strolled closer to the gathering, standing behind Samantha. She forced a smile and suggested, "You should stay... Let's be a family to Sam and the kids, something we both had not been able to do so for years."

Silence filled the space, and even the children seem to know what was going on. Everyone's eyes were shifting between Winfield and Sarah, waiting for the general's response.

"I'd - I'd hate to impose," Winfield answered, shaking his head.

Samantha automatically reached for Sarah's hand, giving her mother the cue.

Clearing her throat, Sarah said, "I'd like it... if you stay. Prove to me that you... you are putting your family first."

Winfield took a deep breath. He smiled, nearly teary-eyed, and said, "I'd - I'd love to stay."

***

Heartbeats later.

The hours before Christmas eve were filled with joy and laughter as the family sang together, with a Karaoke prepared in the living room.

Kenzie was the star of the night, singing plentiful Kpop songs. Samantha and Ethan, on the other hand, shared a duet together.

When the clock struck twelve, the family came out to the garden where Edgar and Connor prepared a beautiful fireworks display.

They were all bedazzled at the glittering skies, and the twins were especially elated. They looked at each other with huge grins on their faces.

"Kyle, this is the best Christmas and Birthday ever! Happy birthday!" Greeted Kenzie.

"Happy birthday too, Kenzie! I know. I am so happy today too," answered Kyle while reaching to hold his sister's hand.

Standing behind the twins, Samantha became teary-eyed. While holding Ethan's hand, she leaned on his shoulders and revealed, "Ethan, I am so happy today."

Ethan turned to Samantha and wiped the wetness on her face. He pecked on her forehead and said, "Now, with me. Every day, you should be happy."