Work Text:
Halloween
Spencer had convinced Margaux to go out with him, JJ, and Will. They were going to take Henry trick or treating and then go off to a bar their team frequently ventured into.
Spencer and his team had recently landed from a case and Spencer was grinning from ear to ear. Apparently, Henry had not wanted to go out on Halloween, but something changed his mind. Spencer refused to tell Margaux what Henry’s costume was, declaring it a surprise.
Spencer had picked up Margaux and the two were in their own costumes. Margaux dressed as Katniss Everdeen from the new Hunger Games movie. She had dragged Spencer with her to go see it after she had him read it during one of their book exchanges. Spencer was dressed as Doctor Frankenstein. Large white lab coat and ridiculous googles.
“Are you sure this is okay? I mean, I don’t know them that well.” Margaux asked nervously.
Spencer just laughed and nodded. “I’m more than sure. JJ and Garcia have been hounding me to make time for you to hang out with them.”
“Because they like me or because they want to profile me?” Margaux asked skeptically.
Spencer shrugged, “Honestly, could be either, both, or none of the above. But, JJ knows you helped Will from bleeding out so, you’re solid in her book.”
“I thought we agreed to not ever talk about the bank again?” Margaux mumbled.
“I know I know; I won’t bring it up again.” he said with a grin.
Margaux rolled her eyes, knowing well it wouldn’t be the last time.
Once they arrive at JJ and Will’s house Henry answers the door and immediately Margaux melts at the sight. Little Henry was dressed as Spencer, badge and all, and Margaux had to bite her tongue from almost crying.
JJ popped up behind Henry and smiled at the two. “Nice costumes.” she said looking them over.
“Uncle Spencer, do I look like you?” Henry asked excitedly spinning in a circle.
Spencer leans down to pick up Henry, “You look just like me! I think I’m looking in a mirror Henry.”
The blonde boy giggled and hugged his uncle.
“Come on in, we’re almost ready to go. Will’s just finishing the dishes.” JJ said, ushering them in.
Will come’s around the corner with a rag in his hand as he looks for the source of noise, “I thought I heard y'all.” He said smiling.
Will comes up to Margaux arms open for a hug, “Hey Margaux.”
She immediately hugged him, “Hey Will.”
She smiled when they pulled away. Will raised his hand to Spencer, who was still holding Henry.
“Can you watch him so we can go change real quick?” Will asked.
Spencer nodded, “Absolutely, go don’t worry about it.”
“Promise we’ll be quick; our costumes are easy.” JJ said with a grin.
The two hurry off to their bedroom and Spencer sets down Henry.
“Are you excited to go trick or treating bud?” Spencer asked softly.
Henry nodded in excitement. “Mommy and Daddy are going to be my back up.”
Margaux just smiled as she watched Spencer interact with Henry. He easily kept him entertained and was overall, just great with the kid. She almost thinks she should have Spencer do some magic at the shop for the kids during the day sometime. He just easily knows what to do. It’s charming.
JJ and Will come around the corner and are in all black suits and sunglasses. Margaux gave a loud guffaw of a laugh, having to cover her mouth.
“Oh, now this is just a stereotype.” Spencer said, trying to look upset, but his smile gave him away.
“What? We can’t poke fun at ourselves?” JJ said with a small spin in her fake FBI suit. A massive plastic badge hanging from her hip.
Spencer just shook his head.
“I feel spiffy, this isn’t a bad suit for a costume.” Will said looking over his sunglasses.
JJ laughed and then clapped her hands together looking at her son, “You ready Henry?”
Henry bounced in excitement and ran up to his parents.
“Wait, wait, before we go let me get pictures of you guys. It’s so cute.” Margaux said, fishing out her phone.
Will, JJ, and Henry pose. Will and JJ make a Mr. And Mrs. Smith pose back-to-back that has Margaux giggling.
“Perfect.” she smiled as she finished snapping a few pictures.
JJ moves to open the front door and ushered everyone out, “Come one we’re burning the night away!”
Henry had about an hour and a half of trick or treating in him before he started dragging his feet.
“You tired big guy?” Will asked his son as he picked him up.
Henry nodded slowly, fighting to keep his eyes open.
“It’s bedtime for this one.” JJ said kissing the crown of Henry’s head.
Will adjusts Henry in his arms. “We’ll go put him to bed, we’ll meet everyone at the bar.”
Spencer and Margaux nod, waving them off.
“He’s the cutest kid I’ve ever seen.” Margaux coos watching them walk off.
Spencer nodded, “He absolutely is.”
“You’re so good with him.” She crossed her arms. “Maybe you should lead a reading time or do a magic show at the bookstore.”
Spencer looks down at Margaux, “Now you’re just extorting me for labor.”
She giggled, “I give you plenty of free coffee to warrant asking you for story time with the kids in the bookstore.”
Spencer makes a face. “Definitely extorting me.”
“I’d say it’s more a barter and trade system.” She said with a grin.
“Whatever, come on.” He laughed, grabbing her hand to lead her off to go to the bar.
Margaux feels her face heat up from Spencer holding her hand, she goes quiet and just lets him lead her.
Once at the bar, Derek and Penelope are already seated in a back booth. Penelope spots the two first and she stands waving them over.
Penelope immediately grabs Margaux from Spencer. “We need shots!” she declared as she dragged Margaux with her to the bar.
Derek just laughed watching them leave.
“How many drinks has she had?” Spencer asked with a laugh.
“None. She was waiting.” Derek responded with a chuckle.
Penelope and Margaux stand at the bar waiting to order shots. While they wait for the bar tender Penelope takes this time to chat up Margaux.
“I can’t believe Spencer hasn’t brought you out until now! I mean- there was the wedding, but I’ve been begging him to let me hang out with you!” Penelope pouts.
Margaux laughed, “Well, my schedules a little crazy. I’m always working at night so I can’t really go out like this all the time.” she told her.
Penelope nodded, “Right, you run a late-night cafe and bookstore, right?”
Margaux hummed in agreement. “Yeah, I do. It’s a lot of fun and the inside is super comfortable. If you ever want to drop by, feel free to! I’d love for you to come by.” Margaux told the blonde.
Penelope’s face bursts into a big grin. “That sounds great. I’ll make sure to take you up on that.”
Finally, the bartender makes his way over to them.
Over at the booth, JJ and Will finally made it in. The group is chattering amongst themselves, waiting for Penelope to come back with Margaux.
JJ looked over to spot them at the bar, and she took an opportunity.
“So, Spence...” she started with a conspiratorial tone.
Spencer immediately froze and gives JJ a knowing look. “Why do I already not like where this is going?”
“It’s nothing serious just...” her eyes avert over to the bar, “Do you like her?” she whispered loudly across the table.
Derek started to laugh, looking at JJ with a raised brow. “Are we really about to press pretty boy on his love life right now?”
Spencer’s face is tinted pink as his eyes widen. “JJ...” he sighed.
“Spence.” She replied with a deadpan stare.
His eyes flickered over to try to see if Penelope and Margaux were coming back. Hoping he could escape this grilling.
“I’m not gonna let this go, so you can answer here or at work with Rossi and Hotch in the room.” She said with a smirk.
Spencer sighed and looked down at his hands on the table. “She’s wonderful, and when she was a hostage, it really hit me in that moment that she’s important to me.” he murmured.
“She’s too sweet though...and I’m, me.” He said quietly.
Derek and JJ make a face. They didn’t believe that for a second. Before they could reply though, Penelope bounced back with Margaux.
“This conversation isn’t over Spence.” JJ murmured.
“Oh, everyone’s here!” Penelope shouts, moving to hug JJ in excitement.
Penelope shoots a playful glare at Spencer, “You better move boy genius because my spot is next to big man.”
Spencer rolled his eyes but slid over to get up. Penelope shot him a dazzling smile and moves to saddle herself next to Derek. Spencer gets back in the booth and Margaux slides next to him. With everyone in the booth, they’re basically brushing against each other. Her leg is pressed against his and Margaux feels like she’s burning up. It could be the alcohol or her nerves, she’s unsure.
The night goes on and Margaux drinks far more than she probably should have. She’s a light weight and Penelope Garcia just kept ordering shots for her, Margaux, and JJ.
The three women are standing outside in the cold air chattering away while they wait for the others to close out their tabs.
Margaux’s swaying on her feet humming a mindless tune and Penelope’s leaning against her.
“Margaux you’re so sweet- I understand why our boy wonder would keep you to himself.” Penelope giggled.
Margaux shook her head, “No no, it’s not like that.” she giggled.
“Oh please,” JJ rolled her eyes her own smirk on her face. “You two were giving each other eyes all night.”
Margaux gasped, “No we were not! He’s my best friend.”
JJ and Penelope give each other matching looks before humming in acknowledgement.
“I’m serious! I know what a sarcastic mmhmm means.” Margaux said with a frown.
The doors open and the three, much more sober, men come out.
“Come on baby girl, time to say goodbye. You need your bed.” Derek said pulling Penelope off Margaux.
“Oh, my bed sounds fantastic!” she said excitedly, letting Derek lead her off.
“We better get going too, your momma can’t stay all night.” Will mentions to JJ.
“Bye Spence, bye Margaux!” JJ waved goodbye.
Spencer turned to look at Margaux, who was still swaying a bit. Spencer wraps an arm around her waist and starts to lead her back toward the subway.
“Come on, let’s get you home.”
She immediately leaned her head on his shoulder wrapping her own arm around him to keep herself balanced.
“You’re my favorite person Spencer.” She murmured as they walked down the street.
He chuckled softly, “You’re mine too.”
“No, no, I’m serious.” She said her words a bit slurred.
“I know Margaux.” he said softly.
She looked up at him, her eyes furrowed, “No, you don’t.” She said it a bit more seriously. “You’ve done more for me than I can explain.” she whispered.
Spencer paused and gently moved his free hand to press Margaux closer to him, petting her head. “I think it’s the other way around.” He murmured into her hair.
The two stand there, Margaux’s face pressed into Spencer’s shoulder, for a while. It takes a cold breeze to make them separate.
“Let’s get you home before you catch a cold.” he whispered, gently moving Margaux forward again.
She just nodded, looking at her feet as they walked, trying to hide her flushed face.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was always awkward. Margaux only remembers Thanksgiving being fun when she was between five and ten. After her mother cheated, Thanksgiving had been... rough. To put it politely.
Even after her parents' divorce, they would still try to get together for Thanksgiving, but something tended to always go wrong.
There was the year Margaux refused to come out of her room because she didn’t want to see her mother. So, Bridget tried to feed her under her bedroom door. Then there was the year that Bridget got food poisoning because their mom didn’t cook chicken breast for Bridget all the way through. That one was rough. She was eleven and violently puking for three days straight. Or the year that Lauren brought her new boyfriend over. He had tried to make Bridget and Margaux call him dad while Big Joe was sitting right there.
Thanksgiving has just not been their Holiday.
This year Margaux had invited Spencer. He wasn’t going to Vegas to see his mother until Christmas, and he was just going to spend it alone. Margaux offered for him to just spend it with her and Big Joe, it was always just the two of them recently. So, it wasn’t a big deal. Just a chill lunch, watch the parade on the tv, and send Spencer off with leftovers.
At least, that was Margaux’s plan.
She’s in the kitchen with Spencer, cutting veggies for the stuffing when the doorbell rings. She stands straight looking at Spencer in surprise.
“I’ll get it!” She shouts to her dad, walking briskly to the door.
Upon opening the door, Margaux sees her baby sister. It’s such a shock it takes her a second to register what’s happening.
“Birdie?” Margaux blinked in confusion and rubbed her eyes trying to see if she was seeing things.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” Bridget’s boyfriend, Jamie, says excitedly and leans in to give Margaux a hug.
“Oh!” Jamie wraps Margaux in a massive hug, squeezing her tightly. “I’m so happy to finally meet you and Bridget’s dad!”
Margaux looked at him a little puzzled before turning to Bridget. “I thought,” She sighed trying to even her breathing. “I thought you were spending the holidays with Lauren again?”
Bridget just shrugged, “Changed my mind. Now can we go in, it’s freezing out here.”
Margaux steps aside to let them in and is bewildered that her sister even showed up. She makes her way through the living room and stands next to her dad in his wheelchair. His eyes were half closed, a light snore as the television played the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Daddy, daddy wake up. Birdie’s home.” She whispered.
Big Joe jolts a bit and grumbles, “I wasn’t asleep.”
“Sure, you weren’t daddy.” She patted her dad’s shoulder. “Anyway, Birdie’s here with her boyfriend Jamie.” Margaux said making Big Joe look over at the two standing awkwardly in the doorway.
His face breaks into a grin, “Well come in Pidgeon, no need to be shy.” He struggles to sit up a little straighter in his chair.
Margaux looks over at her sister and Jamie. Her boyfriend is all smiles, she swore if he had a tail, it would be wagging. Jamie walks over to shake her dad’s hand and introduce himself.
Bridget on the other hand, has her feet planted firmly to the floor. Unmoving. Margaux watched her closely and saw just how pale Bridget was as she looked at their dad. She hadn’t seen their dad in a long time. She mostly just called, if that, but this was the first time in maybe two years that Bridget was standing in the same room as her father.
Margaux looks back to Jamie and her dad as they chatter. She sees how thin her dad’s gotten. It’s not news to her, nothing about his health was. They were already on borrowed time, her dad truly beating the odds. As she looks over at her baby sister, she realizes that the last time Bridget saw their dad he could still walk easily.
Bridget was in shock.
“Margaux! I need some help back here!” Spencer comes around the corner from the kitchen, covered in flour. He’s holding his hands out like he’s innocent.
“Oh, good god, Spencer, bless your heart. I’m coming!” she told him shooing him off back to the kitchen.
She goes to Bridget and nudges her, “Birdie you and Jamie can keep daddy entertained right? I’m still cooking.”
Bridget just nodded slowly making her way over to the couch.
Margaux sighed and went back into the kitchen.
“Spencer, I said to add a little flour to make a rue... not a half cup.” She laughed looking at him.
Spencer cleaned his hands with a small rag and looked over at Margaux with a displeased frown.
“I need exact measurements, not... your southern shorthand.” He murmured.
Margaux rolled her eyes and looked at the pot that was supposed to be her rue for the macaroni and cheese. She sees the powder in the pot and shakes her head.
“Southern shorthand’s about to make the best food you’ve ever eaten.” she told him with a raised brow.
“Grab me a clean one please. This one can go in the sink.” She points over to under the counter.
Spencer easily does that and moves to cutting and peeling potatoes.
“Was that your sister?” he asked.
Margaux hummed in acknowledgement. “Yup.” She said with a pop of the P.
“Isn’t it a good thing she’s here?” he asked tentatively.
Margaux sighed, “I mean,” she leaned back on her heels biting the inside of her cheek. “Yes. It is good. I just...” She turned to face him.
“Spencer, you didn’t see her face. It was like she didn’t recognize him.” she hissed in a whisper.
Spencer paused on peeling the potatoes and gave Margaux a deadpan look. “Because she didn’t. When was the last time she really saw him?”
Margaux paused, “When daddy could still walk on his own... She's only seen him in the chair once.” she sighed heavily.
Spencer moved closer to her and held her arms in reassurance, “She’s in shock. Just, give her some time.” He offered.
Margaux nodded and rolled her sleeves up, “I’m just gonna focus on cooking right now.”
By the time Margaux and Spencer finish everything the parade is over, and her sister has set up the small dining table. Margaux and Spencer slowly bring out the food and her dad rolls himself up to the head of the table.
“What do you want to eat dad?” Margaux asked him after everything was placed on the table.
“Everything, it’s Thanksgiving! I could eat a horse.” he said with a hearty laugh.
Margaux shook her head at her dad but filled his plate. After she sets his plate in front of him, everyone else builds a plate for themselves.
“Maggie, you still make homemade cranberry sauce?” Bridget asked, eying the small plate.
Margaux nodded, “Yeah, you never liked the canned stuff.” she replied like it was obvious she’d make it the way her baby sister liked.
“I haven’t had Thanksgiving with y’all in years...” Bridget said.
Margaux just shrugged. “It’s not that hard; besides, I’ve gotten so used to making it.”
Bridget bit her tongue. Margaux and her dad hate cranberry sauce. Bridget was the only one who ate it. Margaux doesn’t have to tell her she made it every year with the hope she’d come.
“Well, it’s the first time I have both my girls here, so let me say grace just this once.” Big Joe said with a smile.
Everyone nodded and closed their eyes.
“Dear lord, thank you for this meal. Thank you for blessin’ me with daughters who care so much. Thank you for providin’ them with such kind folk who care for them like I do. Please bless us today with the kindness and health to go on another year, amen.”
Big Joe smiles at his daughters and motions for them to eat. “C’mon let’s not let this go to waste.”
Their family meal was awkward.
Margaux and Bridget flank the sides of their dad and Spencer and Jamie sit across from each other. The men trying to keep polite conversation while Margaux and Bridget just stare at each other.
“This meals good Maggie, better than mom ever makes.” Bridget complimented.
“Well mom barely ever really cooks. I’m sure she just catered.” Margaux bites back.
Spencer moves his hand to grip Margaux’s under the table. Margaux sighed, “Thanks though, I try.”
Bridget turned to her boyfriend giving him a look that said, ‘I told you so.’
Jamie coughs, “So, Margaux, you run a bookstore?” he asked.
Margaux nods, “Yeah, I co-own it with a friend of mine. Part bookstore part cafe.”
“It’s a great shop, my favorite in town.” Spencer added.
Margaux snorted, “You just say that cause I give you free coffee.”
“Oh, is that where you two meet? That’s romantic, a warm cozy book nook.” Jamie asked leaning forward.
Margaux and Spencer’s faces both burn deep burgundy colors.
“No no-”
“It’s not like that-”
“We’re not dating-”
“He’s my best friend we’re not-”
They start talking over each other going back and forth. Finally, they both just shut up.
“We’re friends. He’s not my boyfriend.” Margaux finally said, avoiding Spencer’s eyes.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, we just assumed-” Bridget slammed her elbow into her boyfriend's side.
“Sorry.”
It’s an awkward meal.
After everyone eats Spencer and Jamie clean the table, rinsing off the dishes and loading them in the dishwasher. Margaux and Bridget bring the leftovers into the kitchen placing them on the counter.
“Maggie, can we talk?” Bridget asked with a nervous look.
Margaux nods, unsure of what her baby sister wants to discuss. Bridget coughed looking at the two men, “ Alone .”
“Ohhhhhhhhh.” Jamie and Spencer quickly make themselves scarce to leave the sisters alone.
Bridget moves to start packing up the leftover food. A nervous habit she picked up from their mother, she had to do something with her hands. Margaux goes to help her, trying to make whatever conversation this turns into less awkward.
“We need to talk about daddy.” Bridget whispered.
“ We or you?” Margaux asked with a raised brow.
Bridget sighed and looked at her sister, “I’m trying to have a serious conversation here.”
“Really? Because as I remember it, I’ve been trying to have a serious conversation with you about this for a while. The last time we discussed this you told me ‘ Fuck you Margaux.’” She replied with a fake smile.
Bridget sighed and stared holes into the food she was packing into the glass Tupperware.
“Margaux, I was scared ! No one wants to think about their dad dying!” She tried to say with a strained voice, her movement becoming more aggressive.
Margaux slams her hands on the counter, “And you don’t think I’m scared Bridget?! I’m fucking terrified everyday I’m gonna wake up and find that he didn’t!”
She’s breathing heavily, trying to stop the burning she feels at the corners of her eyes, she knows yelling isn’t helpful right now, but it feels right.
“You chose to take care of him, he’d be better off with a full-time team! You are such a miserable bitch sometimes!” Bridget yelled right back.
Bridget’s anger has always been fierce and loud. While Margaux’s always been passive. She can’t stand her sister trying to lecture her right now.
“I’d rather be a miserable bitch than a fucking coward who can’t even look daddy in the eyes.” Margaux bites back.
Bridget throws her hands up, “You know what? Have a great fucking Thanksgiving Margaux. I’m not doing this right now.”
Margaux crossed her arms, “Run away, like always.” she murmured under her breath glaring at the floor.
Bridget took a deep breath before turning toward her older sister, “I am trying Margaux. It might not be when or how you wanted, but I am trying.”
Margaux didn’t respond expect for a flinch when she heard the front door slam behind her sister.
She stood alone in the kitchen and leaned over the sink.
“Magpie...”
Margaux sighs, her dad only calls her Magpie when something's weighing on his heart, and she knows it’s about Bridget.
She takes a deep breath and tries not to break into a sob. “Daddy-” her voice shook.
“Don’t hate her, Bridget isn’t like you.” Big Joe tells her, his voice gentle.
Margaux is very aware that the walls are thin, and her dad heard her argue with Bridget., hell , everyone heard her argument with Bridget. That doesn’t make it any less hurtful or true.
“I don’t hate her; I just hate how she ignored you for so long and just-” she paused looking up. “It’s not fair.”
“What’s not fair?” Big Joe rolled closer. He was using his soft dad voice, and it was the straw that broke her back.
Margaux’s lower lip started to shake, and she could feel the hot tears running down her face.
“All of it! None of it is fair, why... why did you have to be the one who’s sick?” she sobbed.
Her dad grabbed her hands and held them tightly. “Magpie, the world’s not fair. No one made me sick, it just, it happens.”
“You’re my dad... I’m not ready to give you up.” she hiccupped through her tears.
Big Joe moves to stand on his shaky legs, he wraps Margaux in a tight hug. She can feel how much smaller he’s gotten. The muscle deteriorating in his body.
He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Okay? I’ve been beating the odds, right? I can keep going.” He told her.
He pulled back to brush away her tears, “Don’t be mad at your sister... When I do go, you’ll have each other, you should take care.” he said.
“Bridget’s not cut me out of her life Maggie, she calls me every day when I’m in the doctor’s office.” He reassured her.
Margaux’s eyes widen, “She does?” she’s surprised.
Big Joe nods. “We don’t talk about the doctor’s visits or anything, but she calls every day, and we catch up. I know too much about Jamie by the way; he’s a chatty Cathy...”
“I didn’t know that.” She said with a frown.
Her dad shrugged, “I didn’t think it was important. It obviously was, you’ve been holding too much in Magpie.” he said softly.
Margaux looked down a bit embarrassed. “You don’t have to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders... you’ve been doin’ that since you were thirteen. It’s not your job; your job is to live your life.”
She nodded, rubbing her face to dry the tears.
“Why don’t you go out with that nice friend of yours? I’ll be just fine right here.” He said referring to Spencer in the living room.
“Oh god, Spencer.” She sighed covering her face, “I look awful...”
Her dad chuckled, “He won’t mind. Now go on and get.” He grumbled.
Margaux gives a soft laugh, “You just want to watch the game in peace.” she said knowingly.
“Hell yeah, I do, you never liked football. I don’t know who raised you.” he joked, wheeling himself into the living room.
Margaux follows behind him and in the living room Spencer’s pacing circles in front of her couch. He only stops when he hears them come in.
“We’ve been kicked out.” she joked. She grabs her coat and her purse, “Dad wants to watch the football game, and I have no interest in that.” She told him seeing Spencer’s confused face.
He nodded and grabbed his own coat, “Happy Thanksgiving Joe.”
Her dad nodded, “That’s Big Joe to you boy.” He teased Spencer.
Margaux rolled her eyes and walked out with Spencer following behind. Outside the front door she felt Spencer gently grab her arm.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly.
She swallowed hard, “I’ve been better...” She murmured. “but I should probably apologize to Birdie for grilling her like that." she bites her cheek in thought.
Spencer shrugged, “You don’t have too immediately. It takes two to fight.”
She snorts, “You’re the best, you know that?” She said moving to wrap her arm around him as they walked.
Spencer easily slides his own arm around her waist, “I’ve been told a time or two.” he responded smugly.
Margaux rolled her eyes, “Okay okay, remind me to not boost your ego again.”
Spencer looked down at her and smiled softly. Margaux’s eyes were still rimmed red from crying, but she looked better than when she had come out of the kitchen. Spencer could hear the argument between the two sisters vividly. The walls of the apartment where thin and the animosity between the two women had been brewing all afternoon. They were bound to explode.
He rubs soothing circles into Margaux’s back. He knows she’ll work it out. She’s too bright to be dimmed so easily.
Christmas
Christmas morning was always fun. The past couple of years it’s been hard. It’s just been Margaux and Big Joe, and honestly it just reminded her how lonely she was. Thanksgiving was always awkward, but Christmas has always been fun. Even when her mother was visiting, she still found some joy at Christmas. Now? She just longed for one where it wasn’t just the two of them.
There was going to be a Christmas that would just be her... she wasn’t ready for that.
She missed baking cookies, trying to make gingerbread houses with Bridget, and curling in front of the fireplace wrapped in a million blankets watching those 70’s claymation holiday specials. Her and Bridget’s giggles filling the living room as they slept in a fort made from couch cushions and sheets.
She missed being a family.
She sighed and turned the oven on, getting ready to make a small turkey for her and Big Joe. She had other food to still prep, and she was ready to just give up and order a pizza.
Halfway through boiling her eggs she heard a loud knock.
“Maggie where you expectin’ that friend of yours?” Her dad shouted.
Margaux wipes her hands off and pokes her head into the living room, “No... I think he went to Vegas to visit his momma.” She said, walking toward the door.
“Surely to god it’s not a solicitor on Christmas?” she asked.
Margaux opens the door and sees Bridget and Jamie. She stands there a little surprised. She hadn’t talked to her sister since Thanksgiving when they had a massive blow out argument.
“Margaux! Merry Christmas!” Jamie exclaimed holding what looked to be a pie in his hands. His smile was genuine as it reached his eyes.
“Merry Christmas Jamie...” she said in surprise.
Jamie walked past her but not before making a face at Bridget.
“Merry Christmas Big Joe!” Jamie’s voice carried off into the room.
Bridget’s holding a bag and looks embarrassed to be standing in front of Margaux.
“I brought a peace offering...” Bridget said passing the bag over to Margaux.
Margaux raised her brow in question but opened the bag anyway.
Inside were two gingerbread house kits and a champagne bottle.
“I thought we could, maybe, try to bring back an old tradition...” She murmured looking at Margaux hopefully.
“Birdie-” Margaux started but her sister cut her off.
“Look Maggie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to freak out at Thanksgiving...I just... I’ve been trying so hard to think that daddy was gonna be just fine.” Bridget’s voice cracks.
“I- I can’t picture that the strongest person I know has to be rolled around in a chair, ya know?” she said, her voice watery as she tried to blink back her tears.
“Daddy’s sick Bridget. He’s already lasted longer than most, but...” she took a deep shaky breath of her own. “We only have a little time left with him.” she whispered.
“I know.” Bridget said firmly. “I’m gonna show up.” she promised.
Margaux looks down at the gingerbread houses and back at her baby sister. She pulled Birdie into a tight hug.
“Better late than never.” Margaux whispered.
“I missed this, Maggie.” Bridget said holding onto her sister.
“I missed you Birdie.”
The two sisters walk into the apartment together. Margaux sets the bag down under the tree.
“I’m cooking if you want to help?” Margaux asked her sister.
“Ohhhhhh no. I don’t cook. I’m awful- you want Jamie.” Bridget said pointing to her boyfriend.
Jamie stands and mock salutes her, sous chef reporting for duty!”
Margaux rolled her eyes and motions for him to follow her.
While Jamie’s in the kitchen, it makes the task so much faster for Margaux. Faster than even when Spencer helped her. Jamie clearly knew how to cook and obviously made meals for her sister. The two busted out the mashed potatoes and deviled eggs easily. What would have taken Margaux half of the morning and afternoon took her and Jamie just the morning to finish. It was great to have an extra pair of hands that knew what they were doing.
When Margaux puts the rolls in the oven to bake, she notices Jamie’s hand fidgeting in his pocket.
Now that she thought of it, his hand was constantly shooting down to check that he still had whatever it was in his pocket.
“If ya got a ring in there for Birdie, I’d suggest being less obvious.” she joked with a light laugh.
Jamie freezes and his face erupts into a bright red shade, “How... how did you know?” He stuttered out.
Margaux’s brows shoot up as she whips around to face Jamie. She looks between him and the doorway and doesn’t hear anything to suggest Bridget heard them.
“I was joking !” she hissed out. “You’re serious?”
“Of course I’m serious! I love Bridget.” he whispered to Margaux. “I wanted to propose with her family there, but it was either you guys or Lauren, and Bridget is fighting with her right now.”
“They’re fighting?” Margaux asked in quiet surprise.
Jamie nodded, “Bridget called her after Thanksgiving and I don’t know much, but it was a screaming match over the phone.”
Margaux makes a face. “Sounds like mom.”
Jamie nodded in agreement.
“Well, let me see it!” she demanded, holding her hand out.
Jamie rolled his eyes but fished out the small box and handed it to Margaux. She excitedly opened the box, and her eyes lit up. She passed the small velvet box back to Jamie.
“I think she’ll love it.” She said with a genuine smile. “So, are you proposing today?”
He nodded. Margaux face beams. “I’m so excited for you guys. Truly.”
“Just gotta find the right time.” He said holding the box tightly.
“There’s never a perfect time... just maybe do it before me and Birdie start building gingerbread houses.” Margaux suggested.
“Why?” Jamie tilted his head in confusion.
“Because she brought champagne and we’re light weights.” She patted Jamie’s arm.
“Go on in the living room, I’ll finish up and get ready to serve soon.” Margaux offered.
Jamie nodded and smiled, “You’re a good sister Margaux.”
She shrugged, “Not really, but appreciate the sentiment.” she teased.
Dinner goes wonderfully. Much better than Thanksgiving. Margaux serves everyone their food and the conversation is lively and exciting.
“Your momma called me,” Big Joe said turning to Bridget.
Bridget freezes, like she used to as a kid who was caught, and she looks up at her dad.
“What about?” she asked.
Her dad gave her a pointed look, “You’re fightin’?”
Bridget rolled her eyes. “I got into it with her, it doesn’t matter.”
“She said you were fightin’ about me.” She sighed and looked at her dad.
“Well, what she neglected to tell you daddy, was she was trying to tell me how to take care of you. As if she knows anything more than Maggie does.” Bridget said stabbing her turkey aggressively.
Their dad nodded, “She did not tell me that part.”
“Sounds like Lauren...” Margaux murmured shoving potatoes into her mouth.
Bridget gives Margaux a pointed look, “Maggie please, I don’t want to argue over mom right now.”
Margaux puts her hands up in surrender. “I won’t. My lips are sealed.”
After dinner they transferred to the living room and finally do a gift exchange. There weren’t a lot of presents, just a handful for each other. Plus, the gifts Margaux made for her friends.
Margaux already got her gift from Bridget, but she gave her sister her present. It was homemade cookies that were Bridget’s favorite as a kid. Margaux got Josie to bake them for her.
“This is my apology for Thanksgiving...I shouldn’t have cornered you.” Margaux said softly.
She smiled at her sister and Bridget went to wrap her in a hug.
Bridget and Margaux both had a few presents from their dad, all of which were cute and sentimental.
Finally, Jamie gets ready to give Bridget his present. He hands Bridget her gift and it’s a beautiful print of the night sky and stars the day they met. While Bridget’s too busy looking at the print and getting teary eyes, Jamie drops to his knee.
He doesn’t even get the words out before Bridget immediately breaks into a sob.
Jamie gives a soft laugh, “Bridget Daniels, will you marry me?”
Bridget nods aggressively and throws herself at Jamie. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. “I had a whole speech prepared but then you started crying.” He chuckled into her neck.
“You know I’m a crier!” she blubbered, fat tears rolling down her face.
Jamie just laughed and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Margaux was filming the whole time on her phone the second Jamie gave Bridget her first gift.
“Congratulations!”
“Well, what a good excuse to pop open the champagne you brought!” Margaux teased pulling the bottle from the gift bag.
Bridget gasped, “Oh yes! Maggie grab it!”
A few hours later Margaux is three glasses deep in champagne and is trying to delicately place her gumdrops strategically on the roof of her gingerbread house.
Bridget’s also three glasses in and keeps giggling as she looks down at her hand.
“Biiiiiiiiiirdie!” Margaux drawls out looking over at her sister and her half-built house.
“Stop gigglin’ about your mushy love life and build! I don’t want to win because you half assed it!” Margaux pouts, sending a playful glare at her sister.
Bridget stuck her tongue out at Margaux, “Maggie don’t be ugly. I’m two sheets to the wind and you know it!” Bridget said her accent seeping out of every syllable.
Margaux just laughed loudly, snorting, “We’re both two sheets to the wind!”
The two are rolling on the floor filled with giggles. Jamie is sitting on the couch next to Big Joe in his chair just smiling at his fiancé.
“I haven’t seen them this giddy since they were only up to my knee.” Big Joe said with a gruff chortle.
“I told her to just apologize... Bridget’s so stubborn. She won’t ever admit that she looks up to Margaux, but she spends a lot of time talking about her. Especially after that bank robbery she was in...”
Big Joe nodded; a scowl crosses his face at the memory of the bank robbery. “That was the worst day of my life.”
Big Joe turned to look at Jamie, “Did you know that boy from Thanksgiving is an FBI agent? He saved her.”
Jamie’s eyes grow big as saucers. “What?”
Big Joe nodded, “He saved my baby girl. I’ll always remember that.”
Jamie grows quiet thinking it over, “...and they aren’t dating?”
“Nope.”
Margaux and Bridget are back to working on their gingerbread houses, with deadly focus as they build. Margaux’s hands are shaking as she pipes icing for decoration on her house. Bridget is holding her breath as she places small colored candy pieces as fake lights.
“Are you decorating the yard?” Margaux asked her sister. She’s looking at the cardboard base with laser focus.
“I want to make a snow man, so yes.” Bridget replied.
Margaux sighed. “Fine I guess I’ll do something...” She pauses biting her cheek in thought.
She ruffled through the bag of candy and came across the Sour Patch Kids. She gasped in excitement and started putting them small child shaped gummies all over her base.
Bridget looked over and pouted, “Maggie! Those were for us to eat not decorate!” she whined.
Margaux rolled her eyes, “Birdie don’t get your panties in a twist- here I only grabbed three!” She said, handing over the bag to her sister.
Bridget frowned, “Liar you used like, ten.” She said flipping her sister off.
“I’ll eat them! It’s my share.” Margaux exclaimed with a sigh.
Bridget shoved the candy in her mouth, “You better, these are expensive.” She mumbled with her mouth full.
Before Margaux could respond there’s a knock on the door. She bolts up and goes to answer. Still tipsy she wobbled a bit before standing straight. Margaux opens the door, and her eyes widen as she sees Spencer on her doorstep.
Her face is flushed from the champagne, and she’s thrown a garland around herself like a scarf, she looked a little ridiculous. Not to mention the remains of broken candy and frosting on her.
“Merry Christmas.” He said, Spencer’s eyes slowly roam Margaux’s form, and an amused smile formed on his face.
She tried to wipe off whatever remains of the gingerbread house was on her, “Merry Christmas Spencer. I didn’t know you were coming by?” She said flustered.
Spencer shrugged, “I couldn’t make it out to see my mom this year, I’m not staying long though.” He said turning to pull something from his satchel.
Margaux stands in the doorway wringing her hands and tilts her head in curiosity.
“Here!” he exclaimed, finding what he was looking for, he handed over a small, wrapped gift to her.
She gently grabbed the present from him, “I have yours inside- I can go grab it real quick.” she offered.
Spencer shakes his head, “No it’s okay. Open yours first.”
She can see how eager he is, so she does as he requested. Margaux gently peels the wrapping paper off and it’s a jewelry box. She opened it and gasped seeing inside.
“Oh wow... Spencer...” she whispered, the breath knocked out of her as she looked into at her gift.
It could be the champagne, or it could be that Margaux is quick to cry, but her eyes well up with tears brimming and ready to fall.
“You don’t like it-” He whispered as he moved to grab the box.
Margaux pulls back away from him. She cradled her gift close, “No, Spencer this is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever got me.” Her voice cracked as she looked up at him, her tears falling.
She tried to wipe them away, “Sorry-” she hiccupped, “I’m a little drunk.”
Spencer just smiled at Margaux.
“God, now your present sucks in comparison.” she murmured looking at the beautiful necklace he gave her.
Spencer snorts, “It’s not a contest Margaux.”
She rolled her eyes and grabbed the necklace, turning her back to him.
“Will you help me put it on?” she asked quietly.
Spencer comes up behind her and his hands gently grab the silver chain. His hands are warm in comparison to the cold metal touching her skin. His touch is feather light as he focuses on clipping her necklace. His breath tickles the nape of Margaux’s neck, and it sends a shiver through her body.
“Sorry, it’s been out in the cold.” Spencer said, thinking Margaux’s full body shiver was from the metal.
She doesn’t reply, not trusting herself. He fumbles for a moment, but the necklace is on her. A beautiful magpie feather pendant rests against her collarbone.
She turned back to him and tilted her head. “How... how did you know?” She asked holding the pendant in her hand.
“Amongst all of the things I probably shouldn’t have heard at Thanksgiving,” Margaux looked down at the ground with a grimace.
“I heard Big Joe call you Magpie.” He whispered.
Margaux sighed. Of course. That’s how he knows.
“He doesn’t do it often, it’s special...” she murmured quietly.
“I thought so. I saw that in a store a while ago and it just, it made sense to me.” He said softly.
She looked up at him and gave a tiny smile, “Thank you Spencer, this was really sweet.” She pushed up on her tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek.
“Wait right here, let me grab your gift.” she told him.
She doesn’t see how red Spencer’s face is.
She quickly rushes inside and grabs Spencer’s gift from under the tree. Bridget and Jamie are nowhere to be found but she can hear idle chatter in the kitchen.
“Magpie,” Margaux turned to see her dad looking at her expectantly.
She tilted her head, “What is it daddy?”
“That boy, the one at my front door,” He started.
Spencer. Big Joe was talking about Spencer. She bites her lip. There’s too much alcohol in her right now to have whatever conversation this is. Not to mention Spencer’s probably freezing.
“Spencer?” She asked for clarification.
“Yes! Him... Maggie, are you in love with him?” Her dad asked.
She almost chokes. She starts coughing and looks at her dad with wide eyes.
“Where did that come from?!” she exclaimed.
“Maggie, I ain’t stupid. I might be sick, but I got perfectly working eyes.” he said with a frown.
Margaux sputters for a second, “What makes you think that? He’s my best friend.” she crosses her arms defensively.
“Margaux Joanne Daniels.” Big Joe said sternly, giving his daughter a firm look. “I’ve seen how you look at that boy.”
“Daddy,” She sighed. “I don’t have time to date- I have the store and you-”
“Don’t use me as an excuse to not live your life, Magpie.” he said softly. Her dad reached out to hold her hand.
She took a shaky breath, “Daddy- I can’t, I have to go give him this present. I can’t do this right now.”
“I’ve seen how he looks at you Maggie, friends don’t look at each other like you two do.”
Margaux goes silent and bites her lip. She looks down at the gift in her hands, “I think I do... but I don’t know if I’m ready.” she whispered.
Big Joe motions for her to bend down, opening his arms for a hug. Margaux sets Spencer’s gift over to the side and wraps her arms around her dad.
“If you’re gonna fall in love with anyone, I’m glad it’s him.” He whispered as he hugged her tight.
She pulled back and gave a sniffle, trying not to cry anymore.
“I have to go, he’s probably freezing.” she told her dad, grabbing Spencer’s gift before walking back outside.
Margaux quickly rushed back to the door, Spencer still standing there, hands in his pockets.
“Sorry, dad stopped me.” she said, handing him a box.
Spencer nodded and gently opened the box. He pulled out a small diorama that was the size of a book. It was Sherlock Holmes apartment.
“It’s for your bookshelf. It’s like a little decoration. I thought Sherlock would be perfect.” she said softly.
“Margaux... this is perfect, thank you.” He whispered looking at the details.
“There are a few loose items that are still in the box. Once you set it up it’ll look great.” she added.
Spencer put his gift back in the box and looked at Margaux with a warm fondness that took her breath away for a moment. She’s still tipsy and feels warm all over and he’s looking at her with those big hazel doe eyes that have mesmerized her.
“Stop looking at me like that...” She murmured, her hand playing with the magpie charm on her neck.
Spencer chuckled, “Like what?” he tilted his head.
Margaux frowned, “Like, I don’t know, your big puppy eyes... like I’m doing something special.”
Spencer tilted his head and stepped closer, “You are special Margaux.”
Her face heats up in a flush, “Merry Christmas Margaux.” He pulled her into a quick hug before turning to leave.
“Merry Christmas...” She murmured watching him leave.
She leaned against the door when she came back inside and covered her face.
She heard murmured whispers from the living room and giggles.
“Maggie, he’s cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute.” Bridget’s voice drifts toward her in a high-pitched tone.
“What are you? Twelve?!” Margaux groaned walking back into the living room.
“Mmmmm maybe?” Bridget said with a giggle and threw her arms around her sister.
Margaux rolled her eyes and tried to stop the flush from creeping down her body.