"Whoa..."
While Mike was busy mentally debating which car to buy next year, Regina, who was driving, suddenly pulled the sports car over to the curb and cheered, "It's snowing!"
As if welcoming the arrival of Christmas Eve, tiny crystal flakes began to drift down from the sky. Within moments, those scattered flurries turned into huge, fluffy flakes—a real heavy snowfall.
The drifting snow, illuminated by the twinkling Christmas lights lining the streets, gave the small town of Medford a soft, dreamy aesthetic.
"It's snowing... it's really snowing..."
As her relationship with Mike deepened, Regina started showing her more playful side. Right now, she hopped out of the car like a little kid, spreading her arms wide to catch the falling snow, squealing with delight.
Nearby in the residential area, excited children were also rushing out of their houses to play and shout in the snow. Of course, their cheers were mixed with the concerned yelling of parents.
"Put a coat on!"
It wasn't exactly warm out. If they didn't bundle up, it would be all too easy to catch a cold.
---
Mike quickly called the excited Regina back into the car. Even in that short amount of time, her nose and the backs of her hands had turned red from the cold.
Once she warmed her hands up, Regina drove Mike the rest of the way to Meemaw Connie's house before the snow got too deep to manage.
"Merry Christmas!"
As Mike prepared to get out, Regina beat him to it, offering her holiday wishes first. Looking at how charming she looked, Mike gave her a sweet goodbye kiss.
After stepping out, Mike waved. "Drive safe on the way back."
"I know, I know," Regina said, poking her head out the car window with a smile. "By the way, Mike... when you have time, don't forget to come hang out with me."
Starting tomorrow, the school had given the students two weeks off. Including the weekends, the Christmas break totaled sixteen days. That was long enough for people who loved to travel to go on a couple of trips.
"I'll come find you when I'm free," Mike promised, meeting her expectant gaze.
Satisfied with the commitment she wanted, Regina drove off happily.
---
Standing at Meemaw Connie's front door, Mike watched the sports car disappear into the distance before heading inside.
"Mike, you're back!"
Missy's voice rang out as the little girl skipped to the door, happily helping Mike brush the snowflakes off his coat.
Inside the living room, under the Christmas tree, there was a spread of drinks and snacks. In the middle of the floor, two decks of Texas Hold'em cards were scattered about. Clearly, Meemaw Connie and the Cooper family had been in the middle of a game night.
"Mike, want to come try your hand?" invited Meemaw Connie, who was currently shuffling the deck.
Texas Hold'em is supposed to be a game of luck and psychology. However, once little Sheldon understood the rules, he turned it into a math competition. They were using snacks as chips; adults who lost all their chips had to drink beer, while the kids had to drink juice.
Before long, Mike, who picked up on everyone's gameplay style just as quickly, joined in.
The casual family game quickly evolved into a battle of wits between him and Sheldon. For the others at the table, playing against two geniuses with super-computing brains and photographic memories was just unfair—it was a total slaughter.
"I really should take you two to a casino," Meemaw Connie said sourly, downing another glass of beer after losing her chips yet again.
And knowing how much she loved to gamble, she was genuinely contemplating how to smuggle these two into a casino to clean the house out.
"Mom," Mary warned, her tone instantly vigilant upon seeing her mother's thoughtful expression. She didn't want Connie influencing her youngest son with any bad habits.
"Relax, I'm just joking," Connie explained quickly, seeing her daughter's intense reaction.
---
Soon, amidst the laughter and games, the clock struck midnight. It was officially Christmas.
It was time to exchange gifts.
Christmas gifts aren't about the price tag, but the thought behind them. Small items like hats, scarves, and gloves bring a cozy warmth during the cold winter.
Mike received a scarf hand-knitted by Mary and a winter hat prepared by Meemaw Connie. Additionally, he got a self-portrait drawn by Missy and a handmade storage box from Georgie.
In return, Mike had prepared a matching set of fleece gloves for Meemaw Connie and the Cooper parents. For Georgie, he bought a snazzy red scarf.
As for Sheldon and Missy, Mike gave them the gifts they had essentially "picked out" themselves.
"It's the new Barbie from the mall..." Missy tore open the wrapping and, seeing the doll, happily kissed Mike on the cheek as a reward.
Next to her, Sheldon unwrapped a hardcover copy of A Brief History of Time. A rare, genuine smile appeared on his face.
That night, even the tension between Mary and George seemed to ease up.
---
The Next Day, Christmas Morning.
Because of the heavy snowfall the night before, a thick layer of white covered the ground outside.
After a simple breakfast, George took the "men" of the Cooper house—and Mike—out to shovel the snow from the driveway and front walk. Meanwhile, Meemaw Connie and Mary stayed inside, starting the prep work for the big Christmas feast.
By the time noon approached, Mike and the others had finished clearing the snow. They even managed to build a big, chubby snowman in Meemaw Connie's yard.
Georgie stuck a broom into the snowman, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and looked at his dad with anticipation. "Dad, I want a suit."
To improve his chances of getting this gift, Georgie had put in extra effort during the snow shoveling.
"A suit?" George looked at his eldest son, who was growing taller and straighter by the day. He thought for a moment. "If you can change the car's tires to snow tires all by yourself, I'll grant your wish."
"Really?" Georgie asked excitedly. "I'll change the tires this afternoon!"
A suit is a man's armor, and Georgie was willing to hustle if it meant looking cool.
"Good. Once those snow tires are on, the suit is yours," George said, patting his son on the shoulder and making a solemn promise.
Growing up often happens in the blink of an eye—perhaps in the exact moment a boy decides he needs his own suit.
Afterward, the father and son huddled together to discuss the details of the deal. George taught his son some tricks for changing tires, while Georgie explained exactly what color and cut of suit he wanted.
At noon, when Missy came to the door to call everyone in for lunch, the negotiations were basically wrapped up.
Walking inside, they saw the dining table loaded with turkey, special roast beef, and various other holiday delicacies.
"Let's raise a glass to celebrate Christmas!" Meemaw Connie called out enthusiastically as everyone took their seats.
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses, celebrating the arrival of Christmas.
---