Chapter Text
The sun rose, inviting earth’s inhabitants to Christmas Day, but those at the homestead took their time accepting the invitation.
They had time now.
Doc and Wynonna were the first to wake. Wynonna made a beeline to the kitchen for coffee while Doc tended to the fire.
Later in the hour, Nicole descended the staircase with a sleepy, but content Waverly clung to her side.
Seeing the two in their Christmas pajamas, Wynonna raced to her room, then returned with a slide to Waverly’s side in her fuzzy hooded onesie.
She wrapped her little sister in a big hug.
Giggles ensued.
There was a lightness in the house that had been absent for far too long.
Doc and Nicole stood to the side clutching their warm mugs, smiling at their girls.
“Welcome home, John Henry.”
“Thank you, Sherriff Haught. This sure is a mighty fine sight.”
“I never dreamed it would happen this way. Sure glad it did, though.”
Doc hummed.
“And thank you. For…”
Doc nodded and tipped his hat. “Never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t.”
The two shared a quiet moment of understanding, as they heard the Earp sisters chatting away.
“Wave said she was hungry. Help me make breakfast?”
“Now, you know I am no good in the kitchen.”
“Yeah, I’ll tell you what to do.” Nicole smirked and then she and the cowboy made their way into the kitchen.
An hour later, the two called for those in the living room, which also included Jeremy and Robin who had arrived recently, to come to the table. Breakfast was ready.
Everyone chatted and bustled about helping make the meal perfect.
Waverly plated the dishes, Jeremy and Robin set the table, and Wynonna served the drinks, of course.
Doc insisted on the paper crowns, as he had refused one the previous year, so Wynonna pointed him in the direction of the box where they were stored. There, he happened upon another holiday tradition...
When he returned to the table, he handed out one crown and one peppermint candy to each member of his family.
That day, nothing was said about the Garden. No questions were asked nor topics pushed. All that mattered was they were together. On Christmas Day. Sitting at the table as a family.
They were together.
And Waverly had made it home for Christmas.