#levi schuler x daughter

[storyofmychoices]

Flickers of Hope

[Levi Schuler x Laura Day Masterlist]

Characters: Levi Schuler, Lily Day (daughter) Book: Mother of the Year [Levi x F!MC] Rating/Warnings: General, no warnings but mentions of the war Word Count: >700 Tagging: Hannukah / Holiday for @choicesdecember2023; @choicesholidays ; @choicesficwriterscreations

Synopsis: Levi and Lily celebrate Hanukkah, despite some reluctance.

I can't thank the incredible ArtByAinna (IG) enough for this heartfelt and beautiful art.

A/N: Last year, I decided to get art of Levi for Hanukkah, but with everything happening, it felt disingenuous for Levi to celebrate cheerfully this year. I don't feel he is that kind of person. To me, he is someone who would despise what is going on and have deep empathy for all suffering. So I was grateful to Ainna for working with me to make a Hanukkah piece that while they're still celebrating, they're doing so with a heavy heart. I hope the fic shows this as well.

As she let herself in from school, Lily moved through the familiar rooms of their home with purpose. She glanced around the usual spot where the menorah stood proudly in anticipation of Hanukkah’s arrival, but it wasn’t there. Her brow furrowed in confusion. She had noticed its absences in the previous days leading up to today, but she reasoned that perhaps Levi had decided to keep it tucked away to keep the menorah safe from her younger brother Lucas, whose curious hands tended to explore anything within reach. But, today was the start of Hanukkah, and the menorah was still not on display. Sunset would be approaching soon. 

Lily carefully went through the closet, sifting through a few boxes before finding the right one. Her fingertips brushed over the cool metal menorah as she delicately pulled it from its container. With tender care, Lily placed the menorah on the table near a big window. This way, all could see its light.

With the menorah finally set, Lily gleefully sought out Levi, her steps brimming with excitement to showcase her efforts. "I found something you seemed to have forgotten!" She smiled, nudging his attention toward the menorah. "But don't worry, I know Lucas's terrible twos are keeping everyone busy, so I got you covered, Dad." 

Levi managed a half-hearted smile. "I didn't forget. I was thinking about skipping this year."

"Skipping it? Hanukkah?" Lily's voice raised with curious concern. "Why would you do that?"

"It's really only a minor religious holiday—" His hand rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Besides the latkes... it's not as important as some of the other days. And with Lucas... and Christmas..." 

His words trailed away. He knew none of the reasons he rambled off had anything to do with the true reason he was hesitant to celebrate this year. His heart broke for those caught in the ongoing fighting taking place. He felt guilty celebrating with all that was going on when so much had been lost, and so many lives had been taken. There were no victors in war, only losses. And the toll this war had already taken was too much. He mourned the unnecessary bloodshed and the lives that were forever changed. He didn't know how lighting a candle was going to help anyone.

Her small hand slipped into his, offering a gentle squeeze. She knew without needing to hear it. She had seen his pain over the past several weeks. The horrors the news showed. "Maybe now is exactly the time to celebrate Hanukkah," Lily offered softly, her eyes meeting his with bright compassion. "Didn't you once tell me Hanukkah was about light triumphing over darkness and about spreading hope? I think the world could use a little more hope, especially right now. Don't you?"

He wrapped his arm lovingly around his daughter. He knew she was the most brilliant child he had ever met, and yet she still surprised him. Her kindness, empathy, and, most of all, hope for a brighter tomorrow were something the world could do with a little more of.

He swallowed hard, holding back the tears that threatened to form in his eyes. "I think you might be right, Rocket."

"I usually am," she teased, hugging him back. "We can do it together."

"I wouldn't want it any other way."

Once the sun set beyond the horizon, Lily placed the first of the candles in its holder. Together, she and Levi recited the first two Hanukkah blessings. As Lily held the shamash candle, Levi carefully lit it. Together, they gently guided the helper candle to light the candle all the way to the right on the menorah and recited the third blessing. A somber tone filled their voices, knowing that while they were thanking God for keeping them alive and sustained, that sentiment couldn't be shared by all. They added their own fourth blessing: a prayer, a hope for peace for those living in turmoil.

Levi held his daughter lovingly in his arms as they watched the flickering flames of two small candles cast light around them. Even though they were only two, they still had the power to make a difference, and tonight they would focus on that. They would hope for better days and cherish what they had for as long as they could, vowing to carry the flame of hope with them through any darkness yet to come.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this to be a good representation of Levi and what he might be experiencing and feeling at this time!

Happy Hanukkah to all those who are celebrating!

(oh, and I finally named Levi and Laura's son Lucas, keeping with the L theme!)

[lovealexhunt]

2023: ☆ January ☆ February-April ☆ May-June ☆ July ☆ August ☆ September ☆ October - December ☆

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer  [HollywoodU]  [Red Carpet Diaries]

Always and Whatever Comes Next (+ Art): Alex finally has a chance to teach Thomas how to ice skate.

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley [Open Heart]

Obvious Secrets (+ Art): Olivia and Bryce are at the beer garden with friends and she has a (not so secret) secret to share with him.

Our Little Pumpkin (+ Art): Olivia and Bryce are on the quest for the perfect pumpkin

Thanksgiving's Little Miracle: Happy Birthday, Malia! (+ Art) : Bryce and Olivia celebrate the birth of their daughter, Malia.

Cuddles and Curiosities: Olivia & Bryce cuddle with their almost 2 week old baby girl.

The Greatest Gift: There is just one last gift that needs to be wrapped.

Impossibly Perfect (+ Art): Bryce, Olivia, and Keiki are taking a walk through the park on their way to do some last minute Christmas shopping.

Holiday Cheer (+ Art): Olivia, Merida (@lilyoffandoms), and Casey (@jerzwriter) decide to decorate the Diagnostic Office.

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow] [Book 2 Masterlist]

Vintage Dreams: Mal and Daenarya drink some wine and have some fun. [with Tyril x Maiele]

Drunk on Love: Mal is very drunk, but he is also very much in love with Daenarya.

A Development of Sorts: Daenarya has some complicated feelings about her best friend, Maiele. Mal is a huge gossip and can't wait to share. [with Tyril x Maiele, Tyril x Mal, Maiele x Daenarya]

The Rogues Embrace (+ Art): Mal loves talking. Tyril is tired of listening and has found a good way to shut him up, even if just for a moment. [Tyril x Mal]

Beneath the Mistletoe: Daenarya and Maiele find themselves beneath the mistletoe. [Maiele x Daenarya, Tyril x Mal]

Mal the Magnificent: Young Mal Volari gets a bucket stuck on his head. [Blades Prequel]

The Promise of Tomorrow (+Art): Mal and Daenarya share a moment together the morning after her return. [This follows The Quest for Daenarya] [Blades 2, Chapter 3]

Torn: Daenarya is back and trying to process what happened. [Blades 2, Chapter 4]

The Princess of Parnassus and The Trophy Husband (+ Art): Daenarya and Mal enjoy a much needed relaxing afternoon while contemplating what comes next. [Blades 2, post book]

Trystan Thorne x Lilah Rose [Crimes of Passion]

No Kissing (+ Art): After the events of Drakovia, Lilah has a new rule. No kissing while on a case.

Follow Your Heart to New York (+ Art): Trystan and Lilah share a quiet moment in the city that never sleeps.

Levi Schuler x Laura Day [Mother of the Year]

Flickers of Light (+ Art): Levi and Lily celebrate Hanukkah, despite some reluctance.

Thomas x Alex

Thomas and Alex ice skating by @weetlebeetle

Bryce x Olivia

Brylivia at the Beer Garden by CoffeesforChloe

Our Little Pumpkin (pregnant Liv and Bryce with a pumpkin) by ArtbyAinna

Malia's birth by ArtbyAinna

Bryce in a gift box (aka the best present) by @weetlebeetle

Holiday Cheer with Olivia, Merida, and Casey by @weetlebeetle

Bryce and Olivia with Candy Cane Hearts by artsy_elii

Mal x Daenarya

Forehead Kiss by lemony_leech

Morning Embrace—Back together by CoffeesforChloe

Daenarya x Maiele (lilyoffandom's oc) kiss by @Callmebeem

Mal and Daenarya with flower crowns by @cashweasel

Others

Tyril x Mal kiss by CoffeesforChloe

Trystan and Lilah New York Kiss by irdeinfierno

Trystan and Lilah No Kissing by @Callmebeem

Levi + Lily (daughter) at Hanukkah by ArtbyAinna

I might come back and edit this section, but I'm not feeling it right now. Usually this includes edits, headcanons, and asks that are heavy in lore.

[choicesmonthlychallenge]

23:Discovery

[March Prompt List] || [March Daily Masterlists]

⟢Mother of the Year:⟢

My World [Levi x F!MC + daughter] by @storyofmychoices​

⟢Open Heart:⟢

A Strange Discovery [Ethan x F!MC] by @storyofmychoices​

The Kiss [Baz x F!MC] by @luxurylives

[endlessflame]

They’re going to move in together. 😍 And they’ll enjoy sharing that bedroom! 😘

[rickygoldsworthy]

ok, so, i just finished playing mother of the year :)

i've seen some posts about how nice it would be to have a wedding book for moty, but listen, I wouldn't be able to chose between levi and thomas if my life depended on it lmao

and that's on being on an open relationship with levi ✌️✌️

[choicesmonthlychallengejune2022]

Choices June Challenge - Week 4 Masterlist

Blades of Light and Shadow

June: A Night Kiss [Tyril Starfury x OC - fanart/fanfic] - @lilyoffandoms​

Mother of the Year

Me and My Guy [Levi Schuler x daughter] - @storyofmychoices​

Open Heart

A Pinch of Pink and Blue, This One’s For You [Bryce Lahela x F!OC] - @peonierose​

… and I needed you to know.  [Tobias Carrick x F!MC] - @jerzwriter​

Beautiful  [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC] - @coffeeheartaddict2​

Bowling & Boogie [Bryce Lahela x F!OC] - @peonierose​​

Daddy’s Rays of Sunshine [Tobias Carrick x F!MC- fanart] submitted by   @jerzwriter / art by @bayleedrawsx​ 

Father’s Day [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - edit] -@lucy-268

Father to Be [Bryce Lahela x F!OC] - @storyofmychoices

Pride and Joy [Ethan Ramsey, Alan Ramsey - fanart] submitted by @jerzwriter​ / art by @bayleedrawsx​  

Ramsey Family Portrait [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - edit] @peonyblossom​

Recharged [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC] - @jerzwriter​

Start of Something New [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC] - @trappedinfanfiction​

What Happened in Vegas - Chapter 1: Take Off [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC] - @jerzwriter​

​What If? Part 3 [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC] - @liaromancewriter​

What If? Epilogue  [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC] - @liaromancewriter

[lorirwritesfanfic]

Moodboards

note: these moodboards are inspired by canon scenes. To see moodboards related to my stories, go to the masterlist of my series.

Bachelorette Party

Aisha Bhatt

Bloodbound

big tough sword boy Jax Matsuo

The Crown & The Flame

Dominic Hunter

Desire & Decorum

Ernest Sinclaire

Prince Hamid

Sir Luke Harper

The Freshman series

James Ashton

High School Story

Michael Harrison x Natalia Holden

It Lives In The Woods

Andy Kang

Mother Of The Year

Thomas Mendez x Ayla Day

Levi Schuler

Daughter: Stephanie

Perfect Match

Hayden Young

Sloane Washington: 1 | 2 ✨new✨

Red Carpet Diaries

Teja Desai

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Hana Lee: 1 | 2

Liam Rys: 1 | 2

Crown Princess

Save The Date

Simon Hendricks

Wishful Thinking

MC

Cat

[choicesdecemberchallenge2021]

Desire and Decorum

A Wish For Christmas (And All The Other Days) | Hamid x MC - @lorirwritesfanfic​

Meet me under the Mistletoe | Ernest Sinclaire x MC - @missameliep

The Perfect Season | Ernest Sinclaire x F!OC - @missameliep

It Lives In The Woods

Snow Fight | Noah Marshall - @julia-highstorms

Mother of the year

I Love You A Latke | Levi Schuler x MC, Daughter - @storyofmychoices 

Open Heart

A Chance To Flee | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @starfurylord

All I Want For Christmas Is You | F!MC, Sienna Trinh, Bryce Lahela, Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick - @jerzwriter

A Treat For The Ones On The Nice List | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @lorirwritesfanfic

Baby it's Cold Outside | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Fairy Dust |  Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

Homemade | Bryce Lahela x F!MC - @julia-highstorms

House Calls - Part 1/3 | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

If Today Was a Fairy Tale | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter​

Kokoleka Wela (Hot chocolate) | Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela - @storyofmychoices​

Learning to Teach | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @starfurylord

Maybe Next Year? | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter​

My Christmas Wish | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

No Time To Love | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @starfurylord

See You Again | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Time of Our Lives | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

Wish List | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @storyofmychoices

Perfect Match

Let's Get Together | Damien Nazario x F!MC - @choicesfanaf

Red Carpet Diaries

A Christmas to Remember | Thomas Hunt x F!OC, Bogart (dog) - @theartoflovingthomashunt

A Reminder | Thomas Hunt x F!OC - @theartoflovingthomashunt

The Royal Romance

Runaways on Christmas | Liam Rys x MC - @starfurylord

Something Worth Preserving | Liam Rys x MC - @starfurylord

The Weeping Prince | Liam Rys x Drake Walker - @starfurylord

[choicesficwriterscreations]

June 20-26

Bloodbound

About Last Night | Gaius Augustine x MC - @alwayswritingstories [adult content]

You Taste Of Guilty Murder | Adrian Raines x MC - @viperhiss​  [adult content]

Desire & Decorum

Meant To Be series | Hamid x MC - @lorirwritesfanfic

Minefields And Battle Scars - Part 2

The Viscountess series - @noesapphic

Chapter Four: The Art Of Parenting | F!OC (1) Ernest Sinclaire, Tristan Richards, Hamid, F!OC(2)

Mother of The Year

Check Yes Or No | Levi Schuler, MOTY daughter - @storyofmychoices

The Nanny Affair

I Loved That Blouse | M!Sam Dalton x MC - @thefrenchiemama [adult content]

Mercy | M!Sam Dalton x MC - @chemist-ana [adult content]

Open Heart

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Coming Home series | Drake Walker x MC - @thegreentwin

Hugh

Dive | Drake Walker x MC - @shewillreadyou  [adult content]

Love Drabble | Drake Walker x Olivia Nevrakis - @alj4890

Sapere Aude | Liam Rys x MC - @sfb123​  [adult content]

Part 13

Crossovers

Perfect Match/The Royal Romance

Just The Way You Are series | M!Hayden Young x F!MC, Liam Rys x MC - @bebepac​

Chapter 14: The Private Investigator

Goodbye, You Two. Hello, You Three | Liam Rys x OC, Damien Nazario x OC - @jessiembruno​

Open Heart/The Royal Romance/The Nanny Affair

50 Shades Of Ethan | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, TRR MC, TNA MC - @jerzwriter​  [adult content] ​

[choicesnovchallenge2021]

Fanfiction

Mother of the Heart

I Love You A Latke | Levi Schuler x MC (Laura Day), daughter (Lily Day) - @storyofmychoices

Open Heart

Wanna Bet? | Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish) - @jerzwriter

Moodboard

Mother of the Year

Levi Schuler moodboard - @lorirwritesfanfic

[endlessflame]

Aww, this is so sweet! 😊

Advent Challenge, Day 17: Mother’s Day Surprise (Levi x MC)

Today is Day 17 of the advent challenge: wonder. Today is for two people: @ohsnapitzlovehacker and my friend M, who is no longer active in the fandom. They are both people I have known since my original account and are both incredibly kind people who often brighten my day. So for them I have some Levi fluff.

Mother’s Day Surprise By Misha

Disclaimer-  Not mine. Author’s Note- Welcome to day 17 of the advent challenge! This is a fluffy Mother of the Year fic, set sometime after the finale.  Pairing- Levi x MC Rating- PG Summary- Levi and Summer surprise Autumn on Mother’s Day. 

Keep reading

[storyofmychoices]

Happy Mother's Day to Laura!

Laura is just the most incredible and strong mother. She endured so much to keep and protect her daughter! I hate Guy but I absolutely love this book and these characters!

Thank you to the absolutely lovely @bayleedraws-sometimesx for this adorable minimalist art of this beautiful family!

[Levi Schuler x Laura Day Masterlist]

[lovealexhunt]

☆ January ☆ February ☆ March ☆ April ☆ May ☆

Unfortunately I didn’t create much in June due to family situations. Hopefully July will be better 💖

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer [HollywoodU]  [Red Carpet Diaries]

Paws + Reflect [RCD]: Alex and Thomas spend an evening at a private beach with Bogart. 

Extended Stay [RCD]: Alex and Thomas enjoy some much needed alone time after their recent engagement. NS*W: 18 + ONLY

Pain + Pleasure [HWU]: Hunt is stressed so he and Alex engage in a little impact play. NS*W: 18 + ONLY

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley [Open Heart]

Waiting: The moment Bryce and Olivia have been waiting for is finally here and they’re more nervous than they expected. *Wedding Fluff*

Levi Schuler x Laura Day (+daughter, Lily ) [MOTY]

Check Yes or No: Lily has a very important question to ask Levi. *Father’s Day Fluff*

☆ Chibi Alex kissing Thomas (artist: @snlangford)

☆ Red Carpet Ready: Thomas + Alex Hunt (artist: @/pokipaca on instagram)

☆ Austin Russo Icon (Lovelink) (artist: @vantaray)

☆ Baron Zemo Icon (artist: @domakir) 

[choicesmonthlychallenge]

day two: reading

[November Prompt List] || [November Daily Masterlists]

⟢Bloodbound:⟢

New Library [Adrian x MC] by @gamechoices-player​

⟢Mother of the Year:⟢

Time Together [Levi + daughter] by @storyofmychoices​

⟢Open Heart:⟢

Futures [Ethan x F!MC] by @starrystarrytrouble​

⟢Ride or Die:⟢

A Love of Reading [ROD Dad + MC] by @ethanramseysrookiexox​

[endlessflame]

Want a stepdad?

[argylemnwrites]

Gifts and Games

Pairing: Levi Schuler x MC (Tara Day)

Book: Mother of the Year (about one month after the end)

Word Count: ~1500

Rating: PG (some mild innuendo)

Summary: Levi hadn’t had a reason to celebrate any holidays for a long time.

Author’s Note: Alright, started off Hanukkah with a Seth piece, let’s end it with a piece featuring my newest Jewish LI, Levi. Just starting to dabble in some MOTY fic here. I loved that book a lot and found all the LIs really compelling, so even though it’s a standalone, I’m still gonna play around with these characters. This piece is for Day 29 of both the Choices December Challenge (Sunset) and Day 30 of 41 Days of Cheer (Celebration) because I am unabashedly working time zones to my advantage here.

Levi hadn’t played dreidel in years. Nah, scratch that. It had been several decades. That fact made him feel older than the fact that he was at a point in his life where dating a woman with a 10 yo kid was a reasonable thing ever did.

Honestly, Levi had never really felt that connected to his faith. If someone had pushed him on it, he’d have to say he really didn’t believe in anything spiritual or religious. Being Jewish to him was more about his connection to his family, and as he got older, he knew he’d gotten more and more disconnected there. It was just strange, being the unmarried, intermittently unemployed uncle, so often, he’d chosen to work instead of going to his grandmother’s for any of the holidays.

But when Zoey had asked him about Hanukkah across the dinner table the other night, he’d been caught off guard. She was so genuinely curious, because of course that smart little nerd wanted to know everything.

“Levi, you’re Jewish, right?�� she’d asked between bites of spaghetti.

“Yeah, why are you asking, Rocket?”

“Well, we were learning about winter holidays in my world cultures class, and Ensley was talking about how she got the new iPhone for Hanukkah, and I was just wondering if you celebrated Hanukkah or not. I’ve never been Jewish or anything, so I don’t know exactly how it works.”

Levi had swallowed his mouthful of spaghetti before he answered, “Uh, I haven’t really celebrated Hanukkah in a few years.”

“Why not?”

“Haven’t had anyone to celebrate with, I guess.”

“Do you have to be Jewish to celebrate Hanukkah? Because we could celebrate with you, right mom?”

Tara had locked eyes with him, clearly trying to make sure he was okay with Zoey’s plan. They hadn’t really talked about his background, so he was grateful that she was trying to gauge his feelings about the topic, but he honestly didn’t care. If Zoey wanted to try out Hanukkah, who was he to throw a fit about that? So he’d shrugged and given Tara a little smile. And that’s how he found himself on the floor around the coffee table now, playing a game of dreidel with the two of them.

“So, all you do is spin the top? That’s it?” asked Zoey, a skeptical look on her face that was almost comical.

“That’s it, Rocket.”

She frowned at that, “But there’s no strategy then. It’s all just luck.”

“Yup.”

“Huh, that’s kinda boring.”

“Zoey!” chided Tara, shooting a look at her daughter, “Don’t be rude. You were the one who wanted to celebrate Hanukkah, remember?”

Zoey bit her lip and looked down before glancing up at Levi. “Sorry, Levi. I didn’t mean to say your game was boring. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.”

Levi just shrugged, “No worries, Rocket. I didn’t make the rules.”

And so they’d started a game, using some leftover rocket parts as their pieces, passing around the little top and taking their turns. But after about 50 rounds, Levi could sense not only Zoey getting antsy, even though she was trying her damnedest to sit still and stay interested, but Tara was also frequently checking the time on her phone when she thought no one was looking. Levi honestly couldn’t blame them. He’d forgotten how long and dull dreidel games could be. In fact, he was impressed that Zoey had stuck with it as long as she had. 

“Hey, Rocket?”

“Yeah, Levi?”

“I think you’re right. This is a boring game.”

Zoey blinked at him before giving him a bright smile. Tara just shook her head.

“It’s not that bad, Levi.”

“Nah, you don’t have to pretend. I totally forgot how long this could drag on. I don’t know how I had the patience for it as a kid. So what do you say, kiddo? Should we call it?”

Zoey looked between him and Tara, who gave her a slight nod. Zoey paused for just a second longer before nodding, “If that’s okay with you guys.”

“Completely fine with me,” said Levi, “It’s just a little game to pass the time, anyway.”

“Thanks, babe,” said Tara, squeezing his shoulder as she stood up, wandering into the kitchen to check on the frozen lasagna she had in the oven. Not exactly traditional Hanukkah food, but hey, nothing about him or Tara’s life was exactly traditional.

Levi hefted himself off the floor and onto the couch, watching as Zoey much more nimbly hopped up and took a seat on the couch next to him. 

“Is there something else we could do to celebrate Hanukkah?” she asked him as she crossed her legs beneath her on the couch.

Levi paused for a moment, trying to think of what he could share with her. He wasn’t sure if any of the chocolate he had was safe for her, and handing out candy right before dinner seemed like a great way to annoy Tara. He didn’t own a menorah. Suddenly, an idea hit him.

“Did your world cultures teacher tell you about the reason we celebrate Hanukkah?”

Zoey nodded proudly, “Yup! It’s because after the Maccabees fought and reclaimed their temple from the Syrians, they only had one jar of oil for light. They sent out someone to get more oil, and when he got back eight days later, that tiny jar of oil was still burning.”

“Exactly. That’s why we celebrate after sunset and usually light candles. Basically, a lot of the shi… stuff Jewish people do to celebrate Hanukkah focuses on oil or light. And I bet you have something squirreled away in your bedroom that uses some oil.”

Zoey chewed on her lip for a couple of seconds before she answered, “Well, the engine kit I got from Luz and Thomas for Christmas uses oil, but that’s a different type of oil.”

“Well, I say the type of oil doesn’t matter one bit. So what do you say, how about we work on that after dinner?”

She grinned brightly at him. “I’ll go get things ready,” she said as she climbed off the couch and bounded into her room.

“Only five minute until dinner!” cried out Tara, “And you need to wash your hands before then!”

Some muffled sounds of agreement drifted out of Zoey’s room. Deciding to see if Tara needed any help, Levi strolled over to the kitchen. “How can I be of assistance?”

Tara glanced up from the green beans see was stirring on the stove top. “The bread could use slicing. It’s on top of the fridge.”

“On it.”

As he grabbed a cutting board from the cabinet and the serrated knife from the drawer, Tara spoke again, grabbing the oven mitts and pulling the lasagna from the oven.

“Quite the history lesson I got there. All I knew about Hanukkah prior to tonight I learned from Adam Sandler.”

Levi laughed at that, “Chanukah Song or Eight Crazy Nights?”

“Both, of course! It’s a shame it’s the last night, though. Otherwise we could have had eight crazy nights of our own.”

Levi turned to face her at that, stepping closer so that they were practically touching. “That is a shame. I guess we’ll really have to make tonight count, then,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows comically. Tara smirked at him at that, but any response she might make was cut off as Zoey bounded into the room.

“Hands all washed, Mom,” she said, walking into the kitchen and grabbing three sets of silverware out of the drawer as she went to set the table, oblivious to what she’d just interrupted.

“Levi’s just finishing up slicing the bread, then we’ll be all set,” said Tara, stepping away from him, turning back to the stove, and grabbing the green beans to drain. He had to marvel at her ability to go from sexy as hell to mom mode without missing a beat, but as she brushed past him, she oh so casually dragged her hand across the front of his jeans, throwing him a wink.

Levi just shook his head, grateful that he had a few moments of slicing the bread to redirect his thoughts, calm down enough to get back in the family mindset. Compartmentalizing was something he was getting better at since he started seeing Tara, but she was still infinitely better at it than him. Probably because she had years of experience compared to his few months. And while with other girlfriends, an innuendo-laced conversation like that would have led to a burnt and late dinner, Levi honestly didn’t mind having to wait until Zoey was in bed. Tara was worth it. They both were worth it. So he sliced the bread and joined his two favorite girls at the dinner table. He never thought this would be his life, but it was amazing how comfortable it felt. It felt nice, and honestly - it was probably the best holiday gift he’d ever received.

Permatag: @mfackenthal   @lilyofchoices @thequeenofcronuts @jamesashtonisbae

Mother of the Year:  @sunnyxdazed @octobereighth

Levi x MC: @srta-give-me-my-jax-rl

Events: @choicesbyjade @jlpplays1-41daysofcheerchallenge @choicesdecemberchallenge​