“I don’t!” Greg bellowed.
“My dad doesn’t believe in spanking,” Hannah announced.
“Oh, yes, he— Ow! Girlfriend, I’m going to have a bruise if you don’t stop it,” Teddy complained to Amanda.
Ron turned to his granddaughter. “You don’t think your father wasn’t spanked?”
“Oh, I’m so jelly right now,” Teddy whispered.
“Was he bad?” Hannah asked.
“Oh, please say he was bad,” Teddy said under his breath.
“I see I’m only second choice,” Adam teased.
Teddy flapped a hand around. “No, of course not. You’ll always be my number one. Just like I’m your number one, too, right?”
“Nobody but you, Teddy Bear.” And he meant that, even though Teddy was worried about his fidelity right now.
“Aww,” Amanda said and elbowed Teddy right in the ribs again, making him wince. “He’s so sweet.”
“Not always,” Teddy responded, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Okay, then, I need to keep moving.”
“Yes, you do, handsome. And make sure I have a clear view of that rear as you do so.”
Adam leaned over and gave Teddy a quick kiss. He tried not to do too much PDA, especially in uniform, since not all the folks in the area were accepting of his sexual orientation. He didn’t want Max to deal with any complaints. Though, the complaints Max had received, after some citizens found out one of their local police officers was gay, were handled quickly and efficiently. His cousin and chief had no tolerance for intolerance.
Max’s goal was to build a more diverse department, which was another reason why he was adding Adam’s sister, Jet, to the force. However, in the pursuit to make the force more inclusive, more and more Brysons were filling the rank and file.
But after Jet, there were no more Brysons out there who were, or wanted to be, cops. At least until the kids grew up.
After their Aruba trip, or even while on it, Adam planned on having a serious discussion with Teddy about putting into motion the process of having their own child. He knew Teddy was onboard, they just needed to hammer out the details. Maybe after he was done hammering Teddy.
He grinned.
“Oh, I like that grin,” Teddy purred.
Adam cleared his throat. The last thing he needed was to sport a hard-on while walking the parade route. “Gotta go.”
Teddy flapped his eyelashes at him and gave him a finger wave. “See you at home, lover.”
Adam jerked his chin up at him, shared a look with Amanda and headed down the sidewalk, eager for what tomorrow would bring.
He hoped it would be the best Christmas ever. He couldn’t wait to surprise Teddy with his gift.
Chapter Eight
Max & Amanda
A few hours after the parade, Amanda sat cross-legged on the bed, rubbing lotion on her hands and elbows. Max was taking a quick shower. They’d eaten dinner and now they were planning on having some adult dessert, since they were still child- and Greg-free.
Make hay while the sun shines was the saying. Amanda was ready to start baling that hay.
She smiled when she heard the water shut off. A few minutes later, her sexy husband opened the bathroom door and stepped out completely naked, his dark hair tousled and damp with his eyes focused on her.
Holy shit, he could still make her all tingly. How did she get to be so damn lucky?
He stopped just on the bedroom side of the open doorway, a wrapped gift box covering his junk.
“What’s that?” she asked innocently.
“I’m not sure. When I got out of the shower, it was on the counter.”
“Huh. Did it magically appear?”
“Well, it wasn’t there when I got in the shower. Do you think Christmas elves left it?”
“Could have been a burglar,” she suggested.
“A robber,” he corrected her.
“I thought a robber stole things.”
“You did. You stole my heart.”
“Max!” she yelled, slapping her hands on the bed and feeling a sting in her nose and eyes. “That was so unfair.”
He moved closer to the bed, still keeping the box in front of his nether region. He grinned crookedly. “How is that unfair?”
She sniffled. “Because it’s Christmas Eve and you’re going to make me cry. Get in this bed and open your gift.”
He climbed into bed, leaning his bare back against the headboard, setting the box in his lap.
“Well?”
“Take off the lid for me,” he ordered in his deep rumble.
“Oh, did you poke a hole in the box and put your dick in it?”
“Would I do that?” he asked.
“Of course you would, pervert.”
“Well, I didn’t. And I’m no more perverted than you.”
That was true. “I don’t trust you.”
“Well, you’re getting my dick tonight whether it’s in the box or not.”
“Stop screwing around and open it so you can feel guilty if your dick is the only gift you got me.”
He lifted the lid and stared down into it. She held her breath until he lifted his ice blue eyes, which were anything but cold at the moment.
He pulled the photos out one by one and whistled softly. “Jesus, baby, you really know how to give a man a hard-on.”
“Not any man, just you.”
“Well, of course. No other man better be seeing these.”
“Just the photographer.”
He stared at one of the more risqué pictures, then narrowed his eyes on her. “What?”
“The photographer, of course.”
A muscle twitched in his jaw. “The photographer was a man?”
His jealousy was so cute. “Yes.”
Max’s eyebrows shot up his head.
“A gay man.”
Those dark eyebrows dropped back to their normal height. “He’d better be.”
Amanda laughed. “Do you like them?”
“Fuck yes,” he whispered, pulling the rest from the box and taking his time to peruse each one.
She’d done a sexy boudoir shoot, not knowing what else to get the man who wasn’t much into material things.
“You’ll have to hide them from the kids, of course,” she added.
“I’m framing these and putting them all over my office at the station.”
“What?”
“Just kidding. Didn’t you just hear me say no other man is seeing you like that?”
“That’s not everything, check under the tissue paper.”
He glanced at her. “A new sex toy?” he asked hopefully.
Now she regretted not ordering the sex toy she’d been eyeing up. “Just look.”
He laid the photos on the bed next to his hip and she could see he was having a tough time pulling his focus from them back to the box. He pulled back the tissue paper and pulled out a small black velvet box. He glanced at her again. “What’s this?”
“Just open it!” Her heart was pounding, hoping he loved it.
He cracked the lid open and hesitated for a second before pulling out the wedding band.
He wore a plain gold band now and she wanted to give him something nicer. Something with meaning.
The ring was made of tungsten and the blue brush-finished center that encircled the ring was fitting for someone so dedicated to his career in law enforcement. The ring had caught her eye and she knew it would be perfect for her husband. While he was not into jewelry, she knew he’d appreciate this piece.
“Look inside the band,” she urged.
His nostrils flared a little as he tilted the ring and read what she had the jeweler engrave on the inside. One side had the first names and birthdates of their children. The words were tiny but he’d made them fit.
He looked at her again. “Where’s your name?”
“Turn it.” On the other side of the band, she had the jeweler engrave: You’re stuck with us ~ A. Thankfully, her husband
had big hands and needed a wide band.
“That I am,” he said, his voice rough. He worked the plain gold band off his ring finger and replaced it with the new one. After staring at it for a few seconds, he carefully collected the photos and put them on the nightstand along with the box.
Her husband sat there quietly, staring at those items, his fingers curled against his naked thighs. He was not normally an emotional man, but Amanda could see he was struggling.
She reached out and grabbed his hand, interlaced their fingers and decided to help him by changing the subject. “Where’s Chaos?” She was proud of herself when she managed not to sound choked up.
She could see the relief in his eyes when he finally looked at her, and loved that her gift affected him so much. He was so hard to shop for.
“Lying by the fire, warming up his old bones,” he answered finally.
“Did you make all the arrangements?”
“I always do everything my wife asks me to do.”
Amanda snorted softly. “So, that means you didn’t.”
“No, I did.”
“Then, where is she?”
“We’re picking her up from the foster home tomorrow morning on the way.”
She squeezed his hand. “He’s going to freak.”
Max’s eyebrows rose and he grinned. “You think?”
“I can’t wait to see his face. And you know that will ease the loss of Chaos when that time comes.”
His grin dropped. “I’m not sure it will. He’s been in Greg’s life for almost thirteen years.”
“I know. But I hope it helps. Hell, I hope it helps me.” Damn dog lived up to his name, but she had fallen in love with the crazy Border Collie. She couldn’t imagine life without him. Unfortunately, that time was coming, so they were trying to prevent a massive family meltdown by easing that pain somewhat.
Max cleared his throat. He would have a tough time, too. “Chaos has been around for Hannah and Oliver’s whole life.”
“Ugh. We’re all going to be a mess,” she admitted.
“He’s got time. He’s slowed down a lot, but let’s not rush it.”
“I’m not. Believe me.” She sighed. “Chaos is the face of Boneyard Bakery. He inspired me to start my business.”
“He’ll be remembered forever if you keep his face on the packaging.”
“Why are we talking about this?”
“Because you asked about Greg’s gift.”
Her lips flattened out. “I’ve given you yours and we’ve talked about his, so let’s talk about mine next.”
“Oh, you think I got you something?”
“Oh yeah, because I left Santa a list.”
“The list only had one thing on it.”
“Did you notice it wasn’t your dick?” she asked.
He laughed. “I did notice you omitted that priceless gem. But, seriously, woman... a new Infiniti SUV?”
“Well, yeah. Haven’t you seen those commercials? All loyal, loving husbands buy their sexy, super intelligent wives a new vehicle, park it in the driveway and put a big-ass red bow on the top.”
“Sexy and super intelligent? Think about that when you walk out of the house tomorrow morning and see nothing but your old Subaru parked in the driveway. My new wife—the one I’m trading you in for—will be sexy and super intelligent. She’ll get the new Infiniti.”
She shoved his shoulder. “Hey, those pictures I gave you were sexy.”
“Yes, and I bet they took a lot of work,” he teased.
That was true. That photo shoot took hours. And that was after Teddy spent forever working on her hair and makeup. Looking naturally sexy was hard work. “I bet you’d buy me one if I got a vagina rejuvenation.”
Max snorted. “I like your vagina the way it is.”
“Hmm. Those kids did a number on it.”
“Yes, they did.”
“See!”
“Maybe I got you the rejuvenation instead of the Infiniti.”
“Ooh. Will it make me a virgin all over again?”
“Last thing I want is a virgin, baby. I love how experienced you are with your mouth... And other things. I don’t have time to teach you all of that again.”
She laughed. “You never taught me any of that in the first place.”
“I gave pointers.”
“You did not!” she huffed but smiled. “You’re so full of it.”
“Full of love for you.” He pressed one hand over his heart and winked.
She rolled her eyes. “Oh boy.”
“Okay, so I knew you wouldn’t be satisfied with just this impressive night stick as your Christmas gift,” he said, waving a hand over his now semi-erect cock. “So, I figured I’d sweeten the deal.”
“Ooo.” Amanda got on her knees, facing him and clapped. “So, what did you get me, my sweet and loving husband, father of the fruit of my loins, my protector and expert lover who ruined me for any other man?”
“I’m glad I did that last one. I saved the male race from you. I took one for the team.”
She grinned. “I actually won’t argue that.”
“What?” His mouth hung open and he put a hand against her forehead. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Depends on my gift. Let’s go, cough it up.”
“It’s not sexy photos of myself,” Max warned her.
“Oh good.”
“Though, I might have to steal that idea for a future anniversary gift.”
“Hurry up, or you won’t make it to our next anniversary.”
“So bossy,” he murmured.
“I learned from the best,” she exclaimed.
He reached under his pillow, pulled out a plain manila folder he’d hidden there while she showered and handed it to her.
Her excited eyes turned confused. “You brought work home?”
“Yes, that’s what you’re getting, budget spreadsheets. Open the damn thing.”
She flipped it open and gasped. Her hazel eyes flipped to his. “A family vacation?” She fingered the paperwork in the folder. “Please don’t tell me it’s to Aruba and we’re leaving the day after Christmas.”
“Not to Aruba,” he assured her. “No, I figured it was time that we take another honeymoon. Just the two of us. One other than staying at the Finger Lakes this time and getting totally sloshed on wine.”
“Oh, thank fuck,” Amanda said. “You know Teddy is my bestie, but it will be nice to take a trip without drama. Wait... you said just the two of us?” Her face lit up.
Max gave her a smile and wiggled his eyebrows. “No kids.”
“Oh, I just orgasmed.”
“Great! Now I can get mine and I don’t have to worry about you.”
Amanda whacked him in the stomach. “Yeah, right. You don’t get off that easy.”
She glanced at the itinerary. Her mouth dropped open and her head almost spun off her neck. “Fiji?” she shrieked, making him wince.
Once he could hear again, he smiled. “For two weeks.”
“What?” she shrieked again. “Two whole weeks?” Her eyelids fluttered and she shuddered. “I just came again.”
“Just wait until we’re in Fiji. You’ll get sick of all the orgasms I’m going to give you.”
“I doubt that.” She released a happy squeal, tossed the folder aside and fell onto his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his jaw. “Fun, sun, beautiful water and loads of sex. Best present ever!”
“Right? We get caught up in our lives, our careers, the kids, even Greg, and I miss out on spending time with just you.” Her dog treat business wasn’t as stressful as his job, but she worked hard to keep it in the black. Plus, she dealt with the kids and her brother, who would always require a lot of attention. “We haven’t had a lot of time just for us. Greg has always been around and always will be. Though, I knew that going into this.” He knew with Amanda came Greg and he’d never had a problem with that. He’d known Greg much longer than he knew Amanda.
He brushed a lock of her auburn hair away from her face. “You were doing fine,” he lied.
“Oh, bullshit. You called me irresponsible plenty of times. In fact, you yelled at me for it, too.”
“You found your way.” Which was not a lie. It took her a bit but she went from a spoiled brat to being solidly grounded. Even though she resisted for way too long, she finally discovered the appeal of a small town.
“Your family helped,” she whispered, her fingers walking down his naked chest and beginning to wake up his cock again.
“My family loves you.” And that also was very true.
“And I love them.”
“Actually, it’s not my family, it’s ours. You are just as much a part of them as if you were born into the family.”
Amanda snorted softly. “Luckily I wasn’t because as our well-spoken, expressive daughter would say, ‘Eww!’”
Max chuckled and then mimicked Hannah, “Yeah, eww. Gross!”
She planted her hand on his lower belly. “You know how much I love you?”
He played along. “No, how much?”
She shifted until she was settled between his legs, a naughty smile directed at him. “Do you want me to tell you? Or show you?”
“Both?”
His wife was so fucking beautiful. Those boudoir pictures were special and he’d cherish them, but he preferred her in person. No makeup, no fancy hair style, no sexy lingerie needed. He only needed her.
Forever.
Part Three
Christmas Day
Chapter Nine
Max & Amanda
Max held the door open for Amanda and, as she and Chaos squeezed past him, he grabbed her ass.
“Oh, look at you, old man, last night wasn’t enough to wear you out? You better save up some of that energy for Fiji.” She had a hard time not running around the house squealing with excitement like one of the kids.
In fact, the kids didn’t know yet that they were staying with their grandparents for the next two weeks. If he had told them, her present would never have been kept a surprise from her.
A Bryson Family Christmas: Brothers in Blue, book 4 Page 14
