Drew and Sharon returned to the living room, Drew’s expression pensive. We started opening presents, Sharon first and with much squealing over her salt and pepper shakers and the book. Rendor laughed when he opened mine, a low booming sound that was pleasantly unfamiliar. I liked his laugh.
I fidgeted slightly as Drew began opening the one from me. When I’d thought of it, I’d been sure it was perfect. But I still waited tensely for his reaction. He pulled off the paper and stared at it for a moment, running his hand over the leather binding and the gold words on the cover.
He looked up from the Bible at me.
And he smiled.
“Thanks.”

We were enjoying some fabulous Eggs Benedict (courtesy of Sharon and me) and talking pleasantly about the day. I could hardly contain my euphoric thoughts. The day was going fabulously. I’d never had a better Christmas. I felt like we were family, a real family. Even though two were divorced, another recovering from depression, and I wasn’t related at all. It was good.