Whiskey Holiday

by Crystal Daniels

  "You've fallen for this guy," she states, and I laugh.

  "No. I'm just taking your advice; living a little and having fun."

  Brinkley is silent for a moment. "Winter, I've known you since we were in diapers, so don't try to bullshit a bullshitter. You love this guy." My best friend's statement causes me to pause. Hearing what I already know to be accurate takes root.

  "Do you think I'm crazy, Brinkley? I've known Tannon less than 48 hours, yet it feels like I've known him my entire life."

  Brinkley places her hand on my arm, and I look at her. "Listen to your heart. What is it telling you?"

  At that moment, Tannon walks through the door, and the words move past my lips. "Everything."

  "Then, there is your answer." I hear the smile in her voice and pull my eyes from Tannon to face my friend. "Don't question fate, Winter." She spots Tannon. "I'm going to get back to work." She winks then walks away.

  Tannon sidles up to an empty seat across from me at the bar. "Come here," he says, and I find myself leaning forward. He grips my chin and presses his warm lips against mine, and he tastes like cinnamon. He pulls back, and I lick his taste that lingers on my lips.

  "How was your day?"

  "Better now," Tannon grins, and I feel my nipples harden.

  Down girls.

  Jesus, the effect he has on me.

  "Table 4 is waiting for their drinks." I lift the tray from the counter, and Tannon moves from his stool.

  "Let me help," he offers, and I let him take the tray from my hands.

  Tannon follows close behind as I make my way to the center of the room. I stop at table four, which sits near the hearth's right side, situated between the warmth of the fire and the twinkling lights on the nearby Christmas tree. "Sorry for the wait," I lift a glass from the tray. "We've been extra busy today."

  "Don't worry about it, sweetheart," the biker with grey in his thick beard says as I hand the redhead tucked close at his side her Blue-blue Christmas cocktail.

  "Who had The Drunk Uncle?" I lift the mason jar from the tray, and a pretty brunette sitting beside a biker with a tattoo on the side of his head lifts her hand. I place it on the table in front of her. "The Grinch?" I grab another drink.

  "Give it to the big guy here with the scowl. I'm pretty sure it was named after him," the biker with long blond hair smirks.

  "Shut it, before I shove a poinsettia up your ass," the big bearded biker growls, then takes the green cocktail from me, handing it to the beautiful blonde sitting beside him. I smile at their banter, grab the two White Christmas Martinis from the tray and look around the table, and a petite brunette smiles at me.

  "One of those is mine." I pass it to her, and she takes a sip. "Oh, my God. This is so good." She sets her glass on the table. "I'm absolutely in love with Mistletoe. Christmas all year round? I'd never get tired of waking up to all the lights, trees, and Christmas music every day." Her eyes light up as she gazes around the bar. "I can't believe I've lived in Montana all these years and never been here before."

  "Well, I'm happy you finally found us. How long are you staying in Mistletoe?" I sit the two pitchers of beer in the center of the round table, along with empty glasses, and the men begin pouring themselves drinks.

  "We leave tomorrow, so we will be home with the kiddos for Christmas eve." I feel a hand on my hip and know without looking it's Tannon's. The petite brunette looks past my shoulder at him and smiles. "This must be your husband."

  I look over my shoulder at Tannon, who doesn't correct her. "Oh, um, no. We aren't married." I tell her.

  "Yet," Tannon states with confidence, and the men sitting around the table chuckle.

  "What is your name, brother?" the older biker asks him.

  Tannon steps to my side and extends his hand. "Tannon."

  "Jake," the biker shakes his hand. "Why don't the two of you join us for a drink?"

  I glance around the bar. Business is beginning to taper, and we will close soon. Tannon looks at me, and I nod. Hell, why not?

  "I'll be right back," I excuse myself. Stepping behind the bar, I make a couple of old-fashioned Christmas cocktails, making Tannon's a bit more traditional than mine. After making sure Brinkley and Danny have things covered, I join the Polson crew at their table. Instead of pulling a chair out for me, Tannon pulls me to sit on his lap.

  For more than an hour, we sit with our new friends from Polson, who happen to be an MC, The Kings of Retribution. They tell us all about Polson, and we discuss my hometown. We are from different aspects of life. They seem to be rough around the edges and probably have seen more than I care to imagine, while I've led a relatively sheltered, simple life here in Mistletoe. But we are similar in all the ways that count. As I watch them interact with one another, I take in the love each man has for his woman and a strong sense of family at the root of it all.

  "What are your plans for the rest of the evening?" I take the final sip of my drink.

  "Our women would like to attend the tree lightning later tonight." Logan pulls Bella from her seat onto his lap and places his hand between her knees.

  "It's a big event. There will be lots of food and rides," I tell them, and all the women smile, looking at their men.

  "Winter has the honor of flipping the switch this year." Tannon rubs my knee. I try to act like it's not a big deal, but I'm bursting with excitement inside.

  "You had me at food," Quinn says, then stands and pulls Emerson out of her seat. "Feed me, woman."

  Tannon's phone rings and he pulls it from his pocket. "Hello. Perfect." The call ends quickly. "I have a surprise for you." His eyes twinkle as his smile takes over his face.

  "Now?"

  "Yep," he says, and I slide from Tannon's lap and stand.

  "I need to close the bar," I tell him.

  "Already taken care of. Danny is going to lock up."

  Everyone else sitting at the table rises as well and begins to bundle up in their coats and hats. We collectively walk toward the front door, and my best friend hands me my jacket and bag from behind the bar.

  "I'll see you later." Brinkley smiles, and I smile back.

  "It was good meeting you all," I tell our new friends from Polson. "I hope you come back for another visit."

  "You too. Let us know the next time you find yourselves in our neck of the woods," Jake says as Tannon pushes the front door open, and we step outside into the frigid night air.

  The jingle of bells draws my attention.

  My mouth gaps open as I stare at the horse-drawn sleigh sliding to a stop before us. Tim, who is one of the drivers for Jingle All The Way, tips his head and grins at us.

  Tannon grabs my hand in his. "Ready?"

  "This is my surprise?" My tummy flutters again, and I hear the women aww behind me.

  "Hell, man. You're making the rest of us look bad," Reid, who is standing at my right with his woman, Mila, says.

  "This town inspires me to want to write a small-town Christmas romance," Alba gushes.

  "We have got to ride on one before we go home." Bella looks at her man. I watch Logan lift his woman's feet off the ground, bringing her lips to his.

  "I'll give you something to ride," he tells her, then gives her a passionate kiss that makes me blush.

  "Maybe we'll catch you later," Jake waves goodbye as their crew walks across the parking lot.

  Tannon helps me onto the sleigh, then settles in beside me. He throws a heavy blanket across our legs before wrapping another around our shoulders. I snuggle close to his side, seeking his warmth as we start to move. We travel around the town square and along the trail near the frozen lake where families are ice skating. I soak it all in. It feels like I'm looking at the world around me through someone else's eyes. Like I'm experiencing the magic of Mistletoe for the first time.

  Sometime later, the sleigh ride comes to an end, pulling up to the towering spruce decorated in beautiful red and green colors. I look around at many familiar faces in the crowd gathered to see the tree li
ghts come on. Tannon steps down, then takes me by the waist, setting me to my feet. "Are you ready to flip the switch?" Tannon brushes the loose hair blowing across my face.

  Snowflakes fall onto my face, getting caught on my lashes as it begins to snow. "Kiss me first," I tell him.

  Tannon palms my cheek, and I lean into his touch and close my eyes. "Where have you been all my life?" he whispers.

  "Waiting for you," I confess. Christmas music playing in the background feels like it's moving through me, keeping a steady rhythm with the drumming of my heart as Tannon kisses me.

  This kiss is different.

  It's whispering a thousand wishes and promises.

  Like long lost lovers, our souls speak to each other.

  When I open my eyes, I see more than Tannon gazing upon me. I recognize the father of my children—my future husband—my forever.

  TANNON

  The following day after the town festival, Winter and I drove out to Mistletoe Tree Farm. Once we arrived, she insisted I try Mrs. Morgan's famous hot apple cider that Mrs. Morgan serves every two weeks leading up to Christmas. I have to admit, the apple cider was, in fact, the best I had ever had.

  "I love this place." Winter closes her eyes and breathes in the strong smell of pine surrounding us. "My dad brought my brother and me here every year growing up. He would tell us to pick out whatever tree we wanted, then cut it down for us to take home and decorate." Winter breaks off a piece of the green sprinkle covered sugar cookie she is eating then slyly sneaks a little bite to Duke. I smile because she does this a lot when she thinks I'm not looking. "Before going home, we would stop at Mrs. Morgan's booth for a cup of cider and a sugar cookie." Winter lets out a satisfied sigh. "The tradition doesn't feel quite the same this year."

  "Because you're here with me instead of your family?"

  Winter's eyes widen. "Oh, god, no! Bringing you here, and sharing stories of family traditions with you is amazing. I'm just a little sad I didn't get a chance to put up a Christmas tree in my home this year. With the usual holiday chaos that surrounds the bar and working on the house, I didn't have time." She shrugs.

  "Well, we can't have that, now can we," I say, lifting her off the ground and carrying her to where my truck is parked.

  "Tannon! What are you doing?" she laughs as we stop at the back of my truck. I lower her feet back to the snow-covered ground, and reach into the toolbox, retrieving the ax I used the other day when chopping wood out at her house.

  "You are going to pick out a tree, and I am going to chop it down."

  "It's already Christmas eve, Tannon. There is no point in putting a tree up now."

  "This is your first Christmas in your new home." I pull her body flush against mine and look down at her beautiful face. "It's also our first Christmas together. We are going to carry on the tradition that means so much to you."

  Winter falls silent, and tears pool in her eyes. Worried I've done something wrong, I lay the ax on the open truck tailgate and take Winter's face into the palms of my hands. "Baby, what is it? Did I go too far?"

  Winter shakes her head. "I can't believe how lucky I am to have found such a wonderful man," she sniffles. "Thank you, Tannon."

  "You don't have to thank me, baby. Making you happy makes me happy." I pull Winter's face to mine and gently kiss her lips. "Now, what do you say we go find the perfect tree?"

  My woman nods. "Okay."

  An hour later, we have the tree Winter picked out strapped down in the back of my truck bed and are on our way back to the house. When we arrive, I cut the engine, hop out, make my way to the passenger side, and open her door. "Why don't you go inside and make some hot cocoa while I bring the tree in."

  "That sounds like a great idea!" Winter's face lights up as she hops down from the truck. I chuckle, watching her excitement, and swat her on the ass, making her giggle as she hurries toward the house with Duke on her heels. By the time I walk through the door with the tree in tow, Winter has changed into her pajamas. There is a tray of hot cocoa with marshmallows sitting on the coffee table, and in front of the fireplace, Duke is laid out on a rug with Mr. Jingles curled up beside him.

  "Where do you want it, baby?" I ask.

  Winter points to the large living room window to my left. "I think there will be a perfect spot." She bounces on her toes, and the smile I've been wearing all day grows.

  As I set the tree in its stand, Winter begins unboxing ornaments and strings of Christmas lights. Over the next hour, I stand off to the side with my eyes trained on the beautiful creature in front of me. It makes my heart happy to see her smile, and her face light up with every ornament she places on the tree. Occasionally she hands one to me to put on the tree for those hard to reach spots at the top.

  I listen intently, like a sponge, soaking in every word she speaks as she prattles on about all her childhood Christmas memories. Listening to her has me envisioning the two of us making the same kinds of memories with our own children. All these thoughts make it clear Winter Holiday is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.

  A couple hours later, Winter and I are both exhausted from today's events, by the time we crawl into the bed, but it's not enough to deter me from being inside my woman, and by the way, Winter is currently grinding down on me, I would say she needed me as much as I needed her.

  "Fuck, you look good riding my cock." I grip Winter's hips to help guide her movements.

  "Oh, god," she gasps, cupping her breasts.

  "Pinch your nipples for me, baby." Winter takes her nipples between her fingers, giving them a slight pull. She moans at the same time, her pussy spasms around my dick. Tearing my eyes away from her tits, I look down to where we are connected. Moving one hand from her hip, I zero in on her swollen clit, rubbing it with the pad of my thumb, causing her to cry out. Knowing her orgasm is close, I change our position, bringing Winter's body beneath mine.

  The connection between us is lost briefly. As soon I settle in between her spread legs, I reach underneath her, gripping her ass in the palm of my hand, and surge forward, burying my cock inside her once again. Winter closes her eyes and tosses her head back as she wraps her legs around me. She clutches my shoulders, her nails stinging my skin. "Look at me," I growl. "I want you looking at me when you come."

  Winter's eyes pop open. Keeping her gaze on mine, I continue to move in and out of her. Feeling like we are not close enough, I lower myself down to my elbows. My chest scrapes against her nipples, and my pelvic rubs against her clit on each upward thrust, triggering her orgasm. Simultaneously, a tingle works its way down my spine, and Winter's pussy clamps down around my cock. Not wanting to break the intense spell we are under, I place my forehead against hers. "Come with me." Just as the command leaves my mouth, the two of us crash over the edge together.

  Several seconds of silence pass before Winter is the first to speak. "That was," she's still catching her breath, as am I, "that was…I don't even know what that was. I've never felt so connected to someone."

  I brush a strand of hair away from her face then kiss her lips. "We were made for each other."

  THE NEXT MORNING, I wake to sunlight creeping across the room through the window and my woman in my arms. I look over my shoulder, knowing I will find Duke sitting beside the bed, waiting for me to get up and let him out. "Alright, boy." Sliding my arm out from under her head, Winter stirs next to me and snuggles further into the blanket as I climb out of bed. Mr. Jingles stretches, only to curl up in a tight ball next to Winter's leg and go back to sleep.

  Striding over to the dresser, I open the drawer and pull out a pair of sweats. Duke follows me downstairs, where I let him outside. From the looks of things, we got a couple of inches of fresh snow. With my thoughts drifting to last night, I walk over to the kitchen table, retrieving my cell phone, and dial Mr. Kent's number.

  Mr. Kent owns Mistletoe Jewelers. His store will be closed with it being Christmas day, but he owes me a favor for some work I did for him two months ago.
I know he will be more than happy to help me with what I need today. He answers on the second ring. "Hey, Mr. Kent, it's Tannon. I need your help with something."

  Fifteen minutes later, phase one of my surprise is taken care of. "I'm walking out the door now, Tannon. I'll have what you asked for dropped off at Carol and Richard's home within the hour," Mr. Kent says, his mood chipper.

  "Thanks, Mr. Kent. I appreciate you going through all the trouble on Christmas day."

  "No thanks necessary, Tannon. I'm more than happy to help and be a part of this special day. Besides, my wife overheard. She's a hopeless romantic," Mr. Kent chuckles. "Anyway. Give me one hour."

  "Merry Christmas," I tell him.

  "Merry Christmas to you, too, Tannon."

  When I hang up with Mr. Kent, my second call is to Mr. Holiday.

  "I can't say that I'm surprised at how quickly things are moving along between you and my daughter, son," Mr. Holiday says after I told him of my plans. I knew Winter's father wouldn't be shocked by my news. After dinner the other night, he pulled me aside for a man to man conversation regarding his baby girl, and that I want to marry Winter. He laid his cards out on the table, and so did I. It was a great feeling when he gave me his blessing.

  "It feels right, sir. Like I told you before. Your daughter means the world to me."

  "I believe you, son. It will be my pleasure to help you make today perfect for my little girl."

  "Thank you, sir."

  "All I ask is you make my daughter happy."

  "You have my word." With those parting words, I hang up with Mr. Holiday.

  "Hey."

  I turn around at the sound of Winter's sleep filled voice to find her standing behind me. Smiling, I hook my arm around her waist, pull her to my chest, and kiss her. "Morning," I murmur against her lips.

  "Good morning," she returns.

  "You hungry? I was just about to whip up some breakfast."

  "I'm starved." Winter goes about fixing herself a cup of coffee while I grab the eggs and bacon from the fridge. "What time did you want to head to your parents' house?"