My jaw dropped as they began to take turns as narrators—some with whole paragraphs, some with just singular lines—as they set the stage both metaphorically and literally for Christmas legends from their different cultures.
From there, they scattered, clearing the stage only for Max, Eva, and a couple of others to stride on, all in costume.
When had they even had time to change?
Seeing my son dressed up in a white beard and red suit for the classic American Santa made me want to tear up in the strangest way.
Just the fact that he was able to say his lines loud enough and have the stamina to move around without any impediment was something I'd only dreamed about a year ago.
He had come so far, and honestly, it seemed like he truly had unlimited potential for his future.
I was so proud.
And that feeling of pride continued throughout the entire play. It was utterly adorable. While Max wasn't the lead in every scene, especially with tales from Zara's side of the family, or the Afro Trinidadian one, he was on stage a majority of the time, as was Eva.
The only one I didn't spot was Addy, and I did look for her with concern only to see her with an open binder off to the side of the stage, pointing somewhere in the distance while she whispered something to another actor.
Of course, she would be a stage director. I couldn't think of anything more fitting for her.
The little show could have gone on for hours, and I would have been riveted. But that wasn't entirely a realistic expectation, and soon everyone was taking a bow as we got to our feet and applauded.
"Bravo! Bravo!" I cried, probably a little over the top, but I was completely in the moment.
Although Max had joined drama club, I hadn't seen him perform yet.
Already, I was certain I would be attending many, many more shows in the future.
He was so talented. Maybe that was bias as his mother speaking, but anyone with eyes could see he had a gift.
I was so ready to run to him, to hug him and tell him how amazing he was, but I had the good sense to wait until curtain call was done. However, just when I thought it was, Max stepped to the center and spoke.
"Thank you, all of you, for attending our show today. But none of this would be possible without our director, so please, everyone put your hands together one more time for the guy I wouldn't mind calling my dad, Remington LeBeau!"
I was so sideswiped by what my son said so casually, that my eyes were still wide with shock as Remy strode onto the stage and took a bow.
The guy I wouldn't mind calling my dad.
It rang through my head, a declaration that confirmed so much of what I felt.
I'd been hoping that Max felt that way. After all, they got along like they were related.
But I'd never found a great time to bring it up, and I was worried that I would be putting too much pressure on him if I downright asked.
"Thank you, everyone! Merci, merci." Remy's voice was shaking, and I didn't blame him. Although he was very charming and a great conversationalist, I knew he also didn't really long for the limelight.
"Most of you have known me since I was a child, and you were able to witness me grow from a boy into a man. Along that journey, you also saw love blossom between me and your daughter, or your niece, or even your cousin, Zara.
"You all supported us, knowing that our path together would be short, and for that I am eternally grateful."
My heart thudded wildly, and I sensed something very important was about to happen, but I ached for the darling woman who had made my entire happily ever after possible.
I wished I could speak to her. Wished I could hold her hand.
Wished I could tell her that I was so grateful for all the love she'd poured into her beautiful family and promise her that I would do the best for them I possibly could.
"You were there when she left us on this plane and moved on to one where she is no longer in pain, no longer held back from doing all the things we shifters long to do. And I do apologize, but I lost myself after that. I lost my bear. Ignored my connection to all of you.
"Ironically, what repaired that connection was a human woman. One you all have also welcomed with open arms. She's healed me in a way I never thought possible, repaired lines I thought were ruptured forever.
"That is why I wanted to share the Christmas tales of all of our cultures this holiday, because she has truly shown me what family and community could be."
Those gorgeous eyes of his landed right on me, and it was as if the entire world stopped. Slowly, he strode forward, and each step seemed like a booming quake as the earth shook, yet I was locked in place.
I could hardly breathe, could only stare, as he finally reached me and got down on one knee.
Then, with a flourish, he pulled a tiny box from his back pocket and held it out to me, popping it open to reveal a beautiful silver band with five gemstones arranged in an artful cluster.
Gems I recognized as the birthstones of our little blended family.
Remington. Jeannie. Max. Adelaide. Evangeline.
"Jeannie Wolfe, you've opened a path to me I never thought was possible, you've brought fire and life back to the hearth in my home, and I would be honored to spend the rest of my life providing for you, learning with you, growing with you, and raising your son as my own.
So, I ask you, bear to human, will you marry me? "
"Yes!" I managed to get out before I burst into tears. "Oh my god, yes!"
I was shaking as he slid the ring on my finger, then I threw my arms around his neck. He picked me up, twirling us around like we were in a romance novel.
"I love you," he said before crashing his lips to mine. And God, I loved him too. Right through every cell of my body.
Who would have thought that the runaway who was told no one would ever really love someone as strange as her would end up with the perfect fairytale fiancé and a whole new family to boot? Not me, but goodness, was I happy to be proved wrong!