Treyton was outside the hospital, sitting by its garden. He massaged his eyes, trying to refrain from crying. Seeing his mate in the arms of her ex was a terrible feeling. "Hey, Treyton, what are you doing here outside?" Treyton looked up and saw Patrisha walking toward him.

He composed himself and stood. "Oh, Patrisha, you made it. Sorry, I needed fresh air."

Patrisha stopped and couldn't help but notice that something bothered him. "You wouldn't leave Maeve's side without a reason. Something is bugging you so you better tell me or I will force it out of you."

Treyton usually didn't take threats as something serious since he was used to them. Patrisha had a strong loyalty for Maeve and knew she would give him a hard time if they got into a match. Treyton slowly sat back down and lowered his head. "Maeve's ex, Stephen, arrived while while getting Maeve tea. When I returned, I-I saw him hugging her; it hurt to see them like that."

Patrisha silently stood as she processed everything she was told. She sat beside Treyton and sighed. "I understand you felt hurt seeing them hug. Heck, I'm surprised that Stephen arrived here. You saw a misunderstanding since I know Maeve wouldn't betray you like that. It's not in her nature. Maeve and I are best friends. She helped me at my lowest, especially when I lost my wife, Jai'la."

Treyton raised his eyebrows; he didn't know that Patrisha was a lesbian. He had no problem with it; the news was a surprise.

"I can see the look on your face. Surprised that I'm a lesbian? Well, I'm damn proud. I am originally from Somalia and I was grateful to come to this country for asylum since being lesbian or gay is a crime which could be punishable with death."

"That's terrible! No one should be punished for love and for being one's self."

Patrisha smiled. "My family wanted to arrange a marriage for me with a man who was old enough to be my grandfather. I ran away and came to the States and it was difficult for me to come into a new country with different customs. Jai'la was volunteer helping migrants and asylum seekers. She was also lesbian whose family threw her out since they were hardcore Christians. We hung together and listened to each other, we fell in love, and eventually married each other."

Treyton couldn't help but respect Patrisha; she went through so much due to her sexual orientation. He couldn't imagine going through what she did. "What happened to your wife?"

"She died in an accident. I felt I lost purpose and I didn't want to live anymore since I lost the love of my life. Maeve knew everything I was going through and she helped and motivated me to keep on living. She supported me and gave me hope for a new beginning; I am even dating someone."

"I'm so happy for you, Patrisha."

The older woman then patted him on the back. "I'm telling you this because my friend ain't no two-timer. I can tell she loves you and you feel the same way." Patrisha stood and then noticed Stephen. She couldn't believe that she would ever see him again. "Well, look at what the dog dragged in. I can't believe you're here, Stephen."

Treyton saw Stephen and stood; Stephen gave himself space. "Patrisha, I know that you're not happy to see me. You have every right to feel that way, but please believe me that I'm not here for bad intentions." He then looked at Treyton. "Laoise is awake and I told Maeve that I would talk to you, Treyton."

The men looked at one another; Patrisha knew it was her moment to leave. "I'm going to go to Maeve and Laoise. If you try to kill one another, then I'm going to kill both of you." The older woman walked out of the garden, leaving the men alone.

Stephen sighed, "Sorry for coming here unannounced. I came here to give Maeve my support."

"So that's why you hugged her?"

"Yes, it was for that reason and that reason alone. I care about her, but don't love her like she deserves to be loved. Me coming here is to show her that I am here to support her but to show her that what we once had is over. I want her to be happy and I can tell that you could give her the happiness I never could. Go to her. She needs you."

Stephen turned around and began to walk away. "Stephen." He stopped in his tracks and turned around. Treyton walked closer to him and motioned out his hand. "Thank you." They shook hands and went on their separate ways.

❄

Maeve watched as her mother slept, thinking about her mother's wishes after her passing. She also thought about Treyton and Stephen. She wanted to explain everything but was emotionally and mentally exhausted.

"Maeve, I'm here."

"Patrisha?" Maeve watched as her friend entered the room and looked at a sleeping Laoise. "Treyton told me that she woke up."

"She was, but talking can take a lot of energy from her. She fell asleep; sorry you missed her awake."

The two friends hugged one another and sat close to one another. "It's alright. Laoise needs all the energy." She noticed Maeve's tear-stricken face, and it hurt to see her friend suffering so much before Christmas. It reminded her of herself when she lost her wife, Jai'la. "I saw Treyton outside the hospital, and he told me what happened."

"I wanted to tell him that everything was a misunderstanding. I-"

"I know, Maeve. I told that knucklehead about it to. What surprised me was that Stephen went to talk to him. I think they're still talking."

Maeve wrapped her arms around herself, worried Stephen would keep his word and tell Treyton the truth. "How was Treyton? I can imagine how hurt he must have felt."

"He looked like a big old baby, but I know that big galoot will come to his senses." Patrisha noticed Maeve chuckle, and it brought her relief to see the friend she knew and loved.

"Maeve!"

"Treyton..." Maeve stood up, looking at him.

Patrisha smiled and was happy that Treyton saw reason. "You both go and talk. I will stay here with Laoise just in case she wakes up again." She motioned Maeve to go, and the young woman did so.

The couple walked out of the room and then walked into the halls, which were beautifully decorated. There was another small waiting room without one; they entered and closed the door behind them. They were silent, and Maeve had her back turned to Treyton; she slowly turned. "Treyton, what you saw, I-"

"Please, there is no need to explain; Stephen told me everything. I jumped to conclusions and wanted to apologize for my rash behavior." Suddenly, he walked to Maeve, hugged and kissed her head. "I am so sorry. I used my fear of being left by my mate to get the better of me. I know you're not the type of person who would go back on their feelings and word. I caused you so much stress, especially with what is happening with your mother."

His warmth alone made her feel she wasn't alone and could face anything in life. She hugged him back, enjoying each other's embrace. "I-I thought I was going to lose you, too."

Her words made Treyton's heart almost tear into pieces. He hated himself for causing his mate more pain than she already was. No more; he promised himself that they would work out and face disagreements and problems together. "I'm sorry. I also thought I was going to lose you to someone else. I promise to be by your side as long as you want to be by my side."

"I promise." Maeve looked up at her mate, gently put her hands onto his face, and motioned him toward her.

They kissed passionately, holding one another in a loving embrace. The couple eventually separated. "Treyton, I am going to sleep here tonight; I want to spend every moment with my mom. Before you say anything, you can go home and rest. Please, at least let me have this."

"Okay. I will come back here in the morning." Treyton then remembered Calista's idea and smiled. Besides, there is something I need to do. Get plenty of rest." Maeve nodded, and he watched her return to her mother. Once he ensured his mate was nowhere to be seen, he got his phone and dialed Calista's number. The phone rang until Calista finally answered. "Calista, I'm afraid we have to bring the plan earlier than expected."

❄

The day progressed until nightfall, when Patrisha left while Maeve slept on the sofa close to her mother. The rest of the night went peacefully until morning eventually arrived.

Maeve was quietly snoring until someone gently shook her. "Miss?"

"Huh!? Wha!?"

"Sorry to wake you up but your mother is awake," said the nurse.

Maeve immediately woke up and saw her mother awake and two nurses tending to her. "What is it!? Is she okay?"

"We are giving the usual medicine but we were asked to prepare her for an event."

"Event?" Confusion was imminent, and Maeve went to her mother, who still looked exhausted. "My mother is too weak to go to an event."

The nurses smiled but kept their eyes on Laoise. The nurse beside Maeve smiled and motioned her close to the door, which the window was covered by Christmas wallpaper. "Don't worry, the event is behind this door. Laoise's bed was moved in front of the door where she could see; Maeve stood beside her. The door was opened, and to both women's surprise, a large group of people was on the other side. The office was beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations; there were tables of food and drinks.

Maeve was surprised to see Treyton, Calista, Nicolas, Aidoneus, Persefone, Garrett, and Trinidad, wearing Santa Claus hats, standing together in front of a group she had never met. Treyton walked forward with red and white roses.

"Wh-What...?"

"This was Calista's idea, and we all followed it. We wanted to surprise you and your mother." Treyton then motioned the roses beside Laoise and put them beside her. He noticed a hint of surprise in her weak eyes. "We wanted to give you a special Christmas present, and we hope you and Maeve like it." Treyton then went to Maeve, hugged her, and whispered, "These people are part of my pack. They were informed of the situation, and they practiced all night. They're fast learners." He separated from her as he stood beside his son before his pack.

Everyone, including the hospital staff, stood silently; everyone eyed them.

Calista motioned out her hand. "Ladies, we're first. 1, 2, and 3..."

https://youtu.be/FY-SlfQXkyk

The women in the pack hummed and slowly began to sing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas in the Irish language. The women's voices went well together and were soft and gentle. Maeve and Laoise couldn't help but cry. The Irish language wasn't easy to learn, but there were videos online that had subtitles. It didn't matter to mother and daughter; the people dedicated practicing for them. 

https://youtu.be/1MHMjaDCG6I

When the women were done, it was the men's turn to sing; they sang 'Silent Night' in Irish. Laoise was reminded of her husband. He used to sing her Irish songs, especially during Christmas. She watched as Treyton participated; he truly cared for her daughter.

Laoise finally accepted that her daughter would be okay; Maeve had many friends and people who would be by her side.

Eventually, the men of the pack finished their song and became silent.

Maeve clapped her hands, and the staff and visitors did the same. Many people cried, and they were heard or watched; they were moved and filled with hope.

Maeve went to Treyton and the others, hugging and thanking them. She also thanked the pack, which looked happy and emotional. The pack members looked happy to meet their Alpha's mate, their future Luna. "Thank you all! You made this day special by bringing part of our culture to life!"

Calista and the other women went and hugged her. "This is to remind you and to show your mother that we are here together and will live through this world together, no matter how different we are. Now, we brought breakfast and will have an early Christmas." Calista and the others took turns introducing themselves to Laoise.

Treyton served Maeve a plate of food, and she slowly began to eat. However, she returned with her mother, who weakly smiled at everyone who greeted her and wished her a 'Merry Christmas.'

"Mom, are you happy?" The older woman nodded as she watched the festivities, feeling whole. "Do you want something to eat? You haven't eaten in a while."

Laoise shook her head, smiled, and said, "Go enjoy yourself. I'm happy being here."

Maeve didn't want to leave her mother alone, but seeing her watching everyone with a smile, she relented. The young woman went to Treyton, Aidoneus, Persefone, Patrisha, Trinidad, Garret, Calista, and Nicolas, who had plates on hand. However, the group stood close by the door to keep an eye on Laoise.

Laoise watched on as everyone enjoyed themselves. There were the occasional people who introduced themselves and asked if there was anything she needed. Laoise felt that she had everything she ever wanted."Nollaig Shona Dhuit (Merry Christmas)." She slowly closed her eyes and entered into a deep and peaceful sleep.