The mansion felt impossibly large that morning. Dust motes floated lazily in the golden sunlight spilling through tall, frosted windows. Boxes of ornaments, ribbons, and twinkling lights lay scattered across the hall, threatening to topple with the slightest misstep. The quiet hum of the heaters competed with the occasional jingle of a stray bell, each sound magnified in the empty space.
Andrew clung. He always clung. Even standing still, he had his hand pressed against Tina's waist, belly leaning slightly forward, golden-brown hair brushing the silver of hers. His hazel eyes sparkled with panic mixed with sass.
"Tiny."
He murmured as she carried a box across the hall.
"Don't leave me."
She stopped mid-step, laughter escaping her before she could control it.
"Andy… I'm literally two feet away. You're fine."
"I'm not fine."
He said, voice rising in mock alarm.
"I might… I might fall. Or… the babies—"
