Chapter 599: The Greatest Joy in Life
Susan peered out the window. The snow had finally stopped, leaving a thick blanket on the ground. It'd be a total waste not to have a snowball fight with all that snow. Plus, kids love playing in the snow, and she was all for it.
Susan got out of bed, "Alright, we can have a snowball fight, but you gotta bundle up first."
"Mom, I'm already warm enough," Oliver said.
"Nope, you need another sweater."
"If I do that, I won't be able to run. Mom, running around during a snowball fight makes me hot, and wearing too much will make me sweat and catch a cold."
"Yeah, Mom, Oliver's right," Candy chimed in.
"Fine, but at least wear your earmuffs."
"Okay."
Since Susan was pregnant, she couldn't join in, so she just watched them play from the side.
"Oliver, watch out!" Candy threw a small snowball.
"I've got one too," Oliver threw one back.
"You hit me! So annoying," Candy grabbed a snowball and chased Oliver around the yard.
Seeing how happy they were, Susan's worries melted away. People are different, and she believed Candy would never turn into another May. She'd grow up healthy and happy, becoming a sunny and lovely girl.
Susan caressed her belly with a loving smile, "Baby, look how much fun your brother and sister are having. You need to come out soon and join them."
Because Caleb kept talking about having a daughter, Susan had a strong feeling that the baby in her belly was a precious little girl. So every time she spoke, she did so as if talking to her daughter with extra tenderness.
Candy and Oliver were having a blast in the snow. Later, Caleb finished his video conference and joined the "war." They played all afternoon, then took baths and dressed up for the Christmas Eve dinner.
Caleb raised his glass, "Today is Christmas Eve. We're lucky to be together as a family, enjoying this night. For countless Christmas Eves in the future, we will also be together."
"Dad's right, cheers to Christmas Eve," Oliver raised his orange juice.
"Cheers to Santa Claus," Candy said.
The four glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound.
After dinner, the four of them gathered around the Christmas tree to open presents. The 5-foot-8 tree was wrapped in colorful lights, twinkling and creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere.
"Let's start with Dad's gift. His gift is the biggest," Oliver eagerly picked up the largest box under the tree, "This one's for me, Candy, this one's yours."
The two little ones hurriedly unwrapped their gifts.
"Wow! A limited edition robot, cool!" Oliver exclaimed.
"What a cute Barbie doll, thanks, Dad. I love you, Dad," Candy immediately gave Caleb a kiss.
"Good girl, daughters are the best," Caleb said, satisfied.
Susan unwrapped her gift, which was a car key, "A car?"
This gift was unexpected.
"Yep, you like powder blue, right? This is the only powder blue Audi in the world. You'll definitely stand out driving it," Caleb said.
"Thank you, darling," Susan loved the gift.
"Next is Mom's gift. Even though we know what it is, we still have to act surprised."
The three of them unwrapped the gift together. It was a set of family scarves that Susan had knitted a month in advance.
Red wool scarves, warm and festive, Susan had knitted five in total.
"Wow, so cozy!"
"Mom, I love this scarf. I'm gonna wear it every day," Candy said, grinning.
"Yeah, we can also wear them for family photos."
"Wearing them out together will definitely turn heads. Dad, Mom's gift is way cooler than yours," Oliver teased.
"Of course, she's my wife after all," Caleb said proudly.
"I've got gifts for you too," Oliver said, presenting his gifts like a treasure, "Ladies first."
Susan and Candy unwrapped their boxes to find a red heart-shaped necklace and bracelet, respectively.
Susan's eyes lit up, "A necklace? It doesn't look cheap."
"Yeah, I spent all my allowance on this. It was pricey, but as long as Mom and Candy like it, that's what matters. Boys should buy pretty jewelry for girls. Mom, Candy, I'll buy you jewelry every year from now on."
"Thanks in advance," Susan said.
"You're welcome, as long as Mom's happy."
"You little rascal, you stole my gift idea," Caleb teased.
"Buying jewelry isn't just Dad's thing. How can you say I stole it? Dad, you need to come up with your own ideas."
"Oliver's right," Susan agreed.
"Uh-huh, you always side with Oliver," Caleb said.
"Of course, I'm Mom's little sweetheart," Oliver said smugly in Susan's arms.
Caleb couldn't help but think, thank goodness the next one is also a girl. If there were another son competing for attention, would he still have a place in this family?
"Dad, Mom, Oliver, I also got gifts for you. They might not be expensive, but I put a lot of thought into them."
Candy brought out the hidden gifts, "These are handmade by me. For Mom, it's a brooch; for Oliver, a little robot; and for Dad, a keychain. Every single one of these presents has a cute little face on it, which is me. I'll always be with you heart to heart."
Susan was already moved when she saw the gifts, her eyes welled up with tears when hearing Candy's words.
In the past few months, although Candy called her Mom, she had always been cautious, afraid of doing something wrong that would make Candy uncomfortable or cause misunderstandings. She had put more effort into Candy than into Oliver. But even so, she sometimes had nightmares about Candy not recognizing her.
Today, Candy's words finally put her heart at ease.
"Mom, I'm sorry for making you worry, but you can rest assured now. You are my real mom, and I will always love you," Candy said.
"Candy," Susan hugged Candy tightly. She looked at Caleb with tears in her eyes, and Caleb gently placed his hand on her shoulder, mouthing "Thank you."
This was the most gratifying and fulfilling moment of Susan's life.
From this moment on, she could let go of all her burdens and worries.
How lucky she was to have a husband who loved and cherished her, a sensible son, a sweet and adorable daughter, and an unborn baby.
To be loved, to have something to do, and to have something to look forward to—this is the greatest happiness in life.
She believed that in the coming years and decades, their family would have reunions. Every Christmas, they would gather together, even when she and Caleb were old and surrounded by grandchildren, enjoying the happiness of family.
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