52 | happy holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

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The mid December sun poured through Diana's apartment windows, painting soft gold over the hardwood floors and scattering through the half-opened boxes of ornaments. The air smelled faintly of pine from the real tree standing in the corner, its branches full and green, waiting to be dressed up for Christmas.

Diana knelt on the rug, sorting through tangled lights and ribbons while "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" played faintly from her speaker. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun, a few loose strands brushing her cheeks as she focused on untangling a stubborn knot of lights.

Behind her, Malachi sat stretched out on the floor, flipping through a box of ornaments. "Okay," he said, holding up a glittery red one shaped like a reindeer. "I'm just saying... this guy is kinda creepy. Look at its eyes."

Diana laughed, glancing over her shoulder. "He's vintage! Be nice."

"Vintage?" Malachi grinned. "He looks haunted."

She rolled her eyes, tossing the string of lights toward him. "If you're going to criticize the décor, you're officially in charge of hanging these."

Malachi caught the lights easily, pretending to groan as he stood up. He towered over her, casual in a white t shirt and sweatpants, but there was a sparkle in his eyes that told her he was having fun.

They started decorating slowly, the room filled with the faint hum of the heater and the sound of soft laughter. Diana passed him hooks while he looped ornaments carefully onto the higher branches, occasionally turning around to ask, "This spot okay?" before purposely blocking her view just to make her laugh.

By the time they'd finished half the tree, the sunlight had melted into a soft dusk. The city outside glowed faintly through the windows, and the lights of the apartment began to outshine the fading day.

Diana stepped back, studying their work. "It's actually looking really good."

Malachi nodded approvingly. "Yeah, not haunted at all."

She elbowed him, and he caught her waist with one arm, tugging her closer in that effortless, teasing way that always made her heart trip a little faster. "You know," he said quietly, "I think you're missing something."

"Oh really?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah." His eyes flicked upward to the empty space at the top of the tree. "The star."

"Oh." Diana blinked. "Right. It's in the other box."

She started to pull away, but he didn't let go. "Or," he said, voice low and playful, "we could just skip the star and kiss under the lights instead."

Her breath caught. "That's not how the tradition goes."

"I can make new traditions," he murmured.

And before she could respond, he leaned down and kissed her — soft, warm, and sweetly unhurried. The room seemed to fade away; the only thing that mattered was the feeling of his hand resting against her back and the faint jingle of ornaments swaying nearby.

When they finally pulled apart, Diana laughed, her cheeks flushed. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," he said with a grin, "but you're smiling, so it worked."

They went back to decorating, now with a kind of rhythm between them. Diana handed him ornaments; he hung them and occasionally dropped a light kiss to her temple as he passed. They sang along to the Christmas playlist. She caught him lip-syncing dramatically to Mariah Carey, and he caught her dancing with one of the tinsel garlands like it was a microphone.

Finally, Diana opened the last box. "Okay, final touch." She held up the tree topper — a simple, silver star that glimmered under the lights.

Malachi turned to look at her, a mischievous smile forming. "You're not tall enough for that."

She raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"I'm just saying—" He gestured toward the top of the tree, several inches above her reach. "Physics, babe. It's not on your side."

Before she could protest, he crouched down a little and said, "Here, get on."

Her eyes widened. "You're not serious."

"Dead serious. Come on." He patted his shoulder. "I got you."

"Mal—"

"Di," he said with a grin, "trust me."

She hesitated for only a moment before laughing and placing her hands on his shoulders. "If I fall—"

"You won't." He wrapped his hands around her thighs to lift her easily onto his shoulders. "See? Stable foundation."

Diana laughed, slightly breathless from how easily he did it. From up there, she could see the top of the tree perfectly — and the grin on his face when she looked down.

"Don't you dare move," she warned, holding the star carefully.

"I wouldn't dream of it," he said, steadying her by her knees.

Slowly, she placed the star at the very top, straightening it until it caught the soft light just right.

"There," she said softly, pride glowing in her voice. "Perfect."

Malachi tilted his head back just enough to look up at her, his eyes soft. "Yeah," he murmured. "It really is."

When she looked down and met his gaze, something inside her fluttered. The lights reflected off the silver star, casting faint golden flickers across both of their faces.

"You can come down now," he said after a moment, his voice teasing again.

"I don't know," she said thoughtfully, still smiling. "I kind of like it up here. Great view."

He chuckled. "You mean of me?"

She smacked his shoulder lightly. "Of the tree, Mal."

He carefully lowered her back down, but when her feet touched the floor, she didn't step away. He still had his hands on her waist, steadying her. For a moment, they just looked at each other — the glow of the Christmas lights dancing in their eyes.

Then, without words, Malachi leaned in and kissed her. Soft, slow, and full of quiet warmth.

When they pulled apart, Diana whispered, "You're so cheesy."

He smiled. "But you like me anyway."

She laughed, resting her forehead against his. "Maybe just a little."

By the time the tree was finished, the sky outside had turned indigo. The only light in the room came from the string of twinkling bulbs wrapped around the branches, casting a soft golden glow over everything.

Diana stood back, hands on her hips, admiring it. "We did it."

Malachi came up behind her, looping his arms around her waist. "You mean I did the hard part, and you supervised?"

She gasped, turning in his arms. "Excuse me?"

He laughed, the sound muffled when she smacked his chest playfully. "Okay, okay — equal effort. I'll give you that."

She smiled, resting her forehead against his shoulder for a moment, letting herself soak in the peace of it all — the faint hum of the heater, the glow of the lights, the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek.

After a moment, Malachi's voice broke the quiet. "So, what's your plan for Christmas?"

Diana looked up at him. "Honestly? I don't really have one."

He frowned slightly. "You're not going home?"

She shook her head, her eyes dropping to the floor. "I thought about it, but... with tour starting right after the holidays, it just didn't make sense. Flights are crazy expensive, and it'd be such a short trip. I'll just stay here, take it easy."

There was a beat of silence. Then Malachi's tone softened. "So you were just going to spend Christmas alone?"

Diana shrugged, trying to make it sound casual. "It's not a big deal. I'll probably FaceTime my family, maybe watch some movies—"

"Nope." His interruption was firm but warm. "That's not happening."

She blinked. "What?"

"You're spending Christmas with me."

Diana's lips parted in surprise. "Mal—"

He tightened his arms around her, eyes full of certainty. "You're not staying here by yourself, Di. You're coming home with me. My mom's already asking if we'll see you for Christmas."

Her brow furrowed, touched and a little flustered all at once. "I don't want to intrude—"

"You won't," he said instantly. "They want you there. I want you there."

Diana bit her lip, searching his expression. His gaze was steady, full of that quiet sincerity that always made her melt.

"Besides," he added, voice softening into a grin, "my mom's already started making plans. If I show up without you, she'll probably disown me."

Diana laughed, her heart swelling. "Oh really?"

"Yeah. So do me a favor — save me from being disowned."

She smiled, the warmth in her chest spreading until she couldn't fight it anymore. "Okay," she said softly. "Thank you."

Malachi leaned in, brushing his lips against her forehead. "You don't have to thank me. You're family now."

Her eyes shimmered, but she hid it with a small laugh. "You're going to make me cry before Christmas even gets here."

"Then I'm doing something right," he teased, pulling her closer again.

They stood there for a long moment, just holding each other, the tree lights flickering gently beside them.

"Our first Christmas together," she said softly.

He pressed a kiss to her hair, murmuring, "The first of many."

The night settled around them, quiet and peaceful. The apartment was warm, the air filled with pine and laughter and something else — something that felt like the beginning of a memory she'd carry forever.

Diana closed her eyes, leaning into him. She thought she was gonna be alone this Christmas. But Christmas didn't feel lonely at all.

It felt like home.

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The air in Santa Monica carried that faint December chill that Southern Californians called "winter," cool enough for sweaters but still warm enough to see palm trees wrapped in lights instead of snow. The promenade buzzed with holiday energy — street performers playing jazzy Christmas tunes, kids holding candy canes, and the scent of kettle corn drifting on the breeze.

Diana walked hand in hand with Malachi, her other hand tucked into the pocket of her red coat. Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much. To her left, Felicia was snapping photos of the giant Christmas tree while Loren made a dramatic show of trying to get out of being in any of them.

"Dad, just one picture," Malachi called, laughing.

Loren groaned good-naturedly. "Every time I agree to 'just one picture,' it turns into ten."

Felicia rolled her eyes and grabbed his arm anyway. "Stop complaining and smile. It's Christmas Eve!"

Diana laughed, quietly loving the playful energy between them. Being around the Bartons felt... easy. They were warm and real, the kind of family that instantly made you feel like you'd known them forever.

Later, the four of them made their way toward the temporary ice rink set up near the pier. Fairy lights wrapped the railings, and music played over the speakers — a mix of classics and pop covers that made the whole place feel like a snow globe without the snow.

"I haven't been skating in years," Felicia admitted, holding onto Loren's arm as they walked up to the rental counter.

"Neither have I," Diana said, smiling.

Malachi nudged her playfully. "Then we'll both look ridiculous together."

"Oh, I'm counting on that."

Once they laced up their skates, Diana stood and immediately wobbled. Malachi laughed and reached for her hands.

"Whoa there, Bambi."

"Okay, it's been a while," she said, laughing as she tried to find her balance.

He kept his hands wrapped around hers as they stepped onto the ice. She gripped him tightly at first, her skates sliding uncertainly across the slick surface.

"Don't let go," she warned.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

After a few laps, she started to find her rhythm, their joined hands swinging naturally between them. They glided past families, couples, and groups of kids laughing as they fell and got back up again. The music changed to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and for a moment, everything slowed — just the two of them skating in sync under strings of golden lights.

Felicia and Loren passed them at one point — or rather, Loren tried to pass, and Felicia clung to him laughing. "I swear you're trying to make me fall!" she accused.

"I would never!" Loren protested, eyes sparkling.

Diana couldn't stop laughing. "You two are adorable."

"So are you!" Felicia called back. "Look at you two — you're like a Hallmark movie!"

Malachi leaned closer and whispered, "Guess that makes me the charming lead."

She raised an eyebrow. "And me?"

"The beautiful girl who changes my life," he said softly.

Her heart did that fluttering thing it always did when he said something so effortlessly sweet. She smiled and bumped his shoulder with hers. "Stop being so smooth."

"You love it."

"Maybe."

After skating, they strolled through the decorated streets, admiring the Christmas lights strung across shop windows and palm trees. They stopped at a little stand selling hot chocolate, and Felicia insisted on getting one for everyone.

"Four hot chocolates, please," she told the vendor, then looked at Diana. "Do you want whipped cream?"

"Absolutely."

"Extra for her, then," Felicia said, smiling like she'd known her forever.

They stood in a small circle, hands wrapped around steaming paper cups, watching a group of kids singing carols nearby.

"This is perfect," Diana said softly, watching the lights twinkle.

"It really is," Malachi said, brushing his thumb along her hand.

They spent the next hour wandering the promenade — Felicia stopping for photos, Loren cracking jokes, and Malachi and Diana sneaking small, happy glances at each other whenever the others weren't looking.

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When they finally got back to the Barton house that night, Diana immediately felt at home. The space was warm and welcoming — a mix of candlelight, pine-scented garland, and the faint hum of Christmas music. The tree in the corner sparkled with red and gold ornaments, and presents were already neatly arranged beneath it.

"I love the decorations," Diana said sincerely, slipping off her shoes.

"Thank you, sweetheart," Felicia said, smiling warmly.

Later that night, after Christmas cookies and a very competitive family game of charades (which Loren won after his dramatic reenactment of Home Alone), the four of them changed into pajamas.

Diana and Malachi had matching pajama pants — black with reindeers — and he couldn't stop teasing her about it.

"You know this means we're that couple now," he said, handing her a cup of peppermint tea.

She smirked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

He grinned. "I didn't say that."

They sat with his parents for a while longer, talking about old Christmas memories. Felicia told stories about Malachi as a kid — how he used to sneak downstairs at 3 a.m. to peek at presents, or how he once tried to bake cookies for Santa and nearly burned the kitchen down.

Diana laughed so hard she nearly cried. "I can't believe that."

"Oh, believe it," Felicia said with a knowing look. "My little overachiever here thought he could do everything himself."

Malachi groaned. "Why do I feel like I'm being roasted at my own Christmas?"

"Because you are," Loren said, raising his mug. "It's tradition."

By the time the clock struck midnight, the house had quieted. Felicia and Loren said goodnight, retreating to their room with hugs and goodnight wishes.

Diana and Malachi retreated to his room, the warm glow from the hallway spilling softly through the half-open door.

They climbed onto the bed, curling up beneath a red plaid blanket. She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under her cheek.

"This feels kind of perfect," she whispered.

He looked down at her, his eyes soft. "Because it is."

She smiled. "Thank you for inviting me. For... all of this."

He brushed a thumb along her jaw. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

They stayed like that for a long time — tangled together, surrounded by the warmth of Christmas lights and faint music.

When she finally looked up, his gaze caught hers. "Merry Christmas Eve," he whispered.

"Merry Christmas Eve," she whispered back.

He kissed her forehead softly, and she felt the quiet joy of the moment sink deep into her chest — the kind that made her heart feel full.

Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, but tonight — this cozy, laughter-filled, love-soaked night — was its own kind of magic.

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Diana Sinclair • 12-24🎄                                           ♥️ @Malachi Barton                    635k                                                                   💬            9,837

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userthe matching pants 🥹     user     they're THAT couple          Malachi Barton         @Diana Sinclair I TOLD YOU               Diana Sinclair              😑

Malachi Bartonnailed it 😉     Diana Sinclair      it was pretty good

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Aspen Brooksokay... we get it... you have a hot boyfriend      Diana Sinclair     😁

Daniella Karagach happy holidays you two 😘     Diana Sinclair     happy holidays dani 😘

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we're done with the holidays so you know what that means...tour is next!!!

i actually cried when writing the next chapter, so be prepared 😊