Expecting Company, 2005

Peacar, winter, 2005

It was the first large party that Ilila and Brandon hosted since thier arrival to the county. The guest list was small, those sims that they encountered almost daily and of course Brandon's boss. Ilila tried the new cookie recipe that Jolie had given her.

Once the cookies were iced and cooled, Ilila couldn't resist and snuck a bite. The lemon flavor melded with the mint and ginger as if they were long lost siblings. In an effort to save the remaining cookies for the party, she distracted herself with decorations.

Soon the guests had arrived and the small living room was overflowing.

"One day, Jorge, I might have more children than you if I'm not careful." Bradford joked.

"No matter how careful I am, I can't keep the weight off." Jolie complained. "I've come to terms with it now. I'm a mother of five and a pastry chef. There will definately be extra pounds, besides...you can't trust a skinny chef."

"You better make sure none of your boys decide to slip past," Fiona whispered as the couple slipped away for a few moments.

"I'll try."

Ilila was glad when the hired Santa arrived. He was a hit with her students but she didn't expect for him to be such a big hit at the party.

It was almost as if he was cupid, spreading love everywhere as couples soon grew amorous

and kisses were exchanged.

Even Brandon was giving her that seductive look.

---

Elsewhere, families were enjoying fresh meals as the holiday season approached.

"Si'Enya, you might have a gift with food." Sazo said savoring another bite of the perfectly seasoned bass.

"Does that mean I can start dating?"

Sazo almost choked on his fish. "Dating? Who are you thinking of dating?"

"There isn't really a guy, but I thought now would be a good time to ask."

The couple laughed. "I think, Sazo, that perhaps Si'Enya has the makings to become a successful business owner with her negoiation skills."

---

Other families were enjoying one of the few snow free days of winter by relaxing outdoors.

"Look, Lilly," Suzanna pointed. "there's a big blue bird."

"Boo Bird!"

"Daddy's home!" Laci cried running to her father.

"Hello, pumpkin." He said to his oldest before closing his mouth to listen to her retell her busy day.

Afterwards he joined his middle child for some playtime

while Laci checked on Ms. Birdie

and Mr. Wombat before joining her sisters downstairs.

"I think that I might run for election," Suzanna surprised Bradford with her statement.

"Isn't the election over?"

"Yes, but I mean the 2009 election. We'll be done with children by that time, right?"

"I hope so."
---

Next door, the Wilsonoffs were enjoying the busy season. Rebecca had reopened the Toy Shoppe in time for the holiday buying season and traffic was busy.

Her nephew had even volunteered to help out at the shop in exchange for a paycheck of course.

"Rojo, I really don't need any additional help right now." Rebecca explained careful not to hurt the young man's feelings. She knew Julio would tease her about this later especially considering Rojo's recent crush on his aunt. Rebecca sighed, it was as if puberty had made Rojo aware of every woman simply because they had breasts.

"I could even make deliveries."

"Not right now, Rojo. Maybe this spring, once sales pick up a bit."

Thankfully her brother-in-law, Jorge, wasn't as hard to talk to. Rebecca could feel herself swoon as Jorge stepped into the shop. Naturally she was attracted to him, he and Julio were identical twins, but Jorge had more of a rugged, dangerous appeal to him.

Julio was cute and dependable, like an innocent suburban husband. Rebecca needed that dependable suburban husband, he kept her sane and tolerated her crazy ideas.

He helped her not to go batty when Amanda decided to turn the stairs into a slide,

or when Abel said that Laci's mother was as big as a beach ball,

which naturally didn't end well.

He helped her to appreciate when the twins were playing quietly,

he caused her to laugh when he mentioned that Amanda was still at the age to think boys were stinky

in spite of Amanda's own confession of various crushes

and he kept her hopeful concerning Ana Rayne.

"What can I help you find today, Jorge?"

"Do you have kites, yet? Ashlee has been begging for one, oh and that new fancy toy oven, what's it called?"

"Young Baking Machine,"

"Yes, Grace Elise wants one. Actually she wants a cell phone, but that's out of the picture."

Rebecca laughed. "Of course. The ovens are to the left and kites are on that wall. Make sure you take 10% off, family discount."

"You may not want to say that too loud, most of the hood is related to you."

---

Other couples enjoyed the first falling snowflakes

and traditional kisses underneath the mistletoe as they daydreamed about their future together.

---

On the other side of town, Faith sat alone listening to the crackle of the radio and the small movements inside her belly. Her bump was tiny, barely noticable. If you didn't know Faith, you would have thought that she simply had a big lunch.

The knock startled her. It was late and she wasn't expecting company. She got up and cautiously walked to the door. When she saw who it was she opened the door so he could enter.

"Aren't you going to welcome me home?"

Faith laughed. "You have no home, remember. The world is your home."

"Not anymore, my home is with my two baby girls."

"What makes you think it's a girl."

"Just a hunch."

Faith smiled and stared at the young man. He could have easily kept touring the comedy circuit instead he had returned. They may not know exactly what their relationship was or where it was going, but they did agree to make sure that their child was cared for and loved. That was all Faith was willing to accept at this time even though she knew that Walt wanted more.

"Merry Christmas, Faith."

"Merry Christmas."