I roll my eyes and finish cleaning up the twins. It doesn’t take us long to get home and I drop them off at Lily’s. Annie and Sacha agreed to take Celine shopping. I agreed to give them each five hundred to shop with. I quickly make the money appear from my account and hand the girls each their bonus with my gratitude.
“Have fun, Ce-Ce. Diel, I’ll see you later. I can’t wait until the kids see what I’ve brought them.” Dad yawns. “I’m going to retire now.” He walks off towards the guest rooms. Celine looks pissed. The girls soon start to fawn over her and her mood picks up.
“What kind of shopping do you want to do, Celine?” Sacha asks.
“Any and everything. I’d like to get some new clothes. Haute couture. The real stuff not the knock offs we have down under.”
“We can find something I’m sure,” Annie says. She raises an eyebrow at me and I shrug. Nothing I can do about Celine.
“I’m off, ladies. You’ll be able to reach me on my cell. We should be home about seven tonight.”
“Bye, Diel.” Both girls wave as I scoop up my kids and head to the mission.
13. Lilith
Things are crazy at the mission but we find our rhythm finally. Dinner is made and we just finished serving second helpings. Now all we have to do is clean up and Aidan is taking care of that so it will be finished in a blink of the eye. Literally.
Next on the agenda is an early mass at the Catholic Church in our neighborhood. I’m not sure why they call it early. It starts at nine-thirty and is over at eleven. Sebastian said they don’t do the late masses anymore. Hannah, Sebastian and I are going with Maddie. Diel is positive he and their children will burst into flames if they attempt to enter the church and are going to go to our house to help Annie and Sacha with the rest of the preparations. I’d rather be doing that but I know this is important to Bast.
“Lily, ma cherie, hurry or we will be late.”
“I’m coming. Just giving Diel some last-minute instructions. Helena and Julian are going to help him.”
“Bien, come mon amour. Mattie, I’ll carry you, it’s raining.”
We walk out to the SUV and get Hannah and Mattie snug in the backseat. I climb into the front with Sebastian’s help. Bless heated seats. We drive to church in the dark night with the rain christening this Christmas Eve. I can’t help but reflect on our last year. So many moments that I never want to forget. I am the happiest that I have ever been.
“We’re here. Hannah, did you find the extra umbrella in the back?”
“I did, Sebastian. No worries. Get your wife and daughter into the church. I’ll be right behind you.”
We make a mad dash to get in before we get too wet. The church is lined in candles as well as a personal one for each of us. The service is beautiful and I now understand why Sebastian fought for us to be here. It’s peaceful and reinforces the right things about the season. Not all the gifts and decorating. Of course I’m not ready to give those up. I always donate heavily and anonymously to charities all year long. This year we are giving out homeless packs as well.
Two nights ago Sebastian, Mattie, and I took packages around to anyone living on the streets that we could find. The packs contained a sleeping bag, heavy socks, a bag of oranges, toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries. We also included gift certificates to places where they could buy shoes and clothes as well as food. There were also add-ons for people who had pets. Kibble and collars and leashes. Anything I could think of that would make someone’s life a bit warmer and safer went into the packages. Mattie received an important message that night. She asked a lot of questions and was very quiet on the way home. She told me that we should do this all year long. I agree. We made a deal between the three of us that we would do it every three months.
When mass is over, we run back to the car.
“Mattie, what did you think of the mass?” I ask my bright-eyed daughter as she gets herself buckled in.
“I loved it, Mamma. I like the candles the best and singing.” I laugh at her exuberance.
I glance at Sebastian and he looks so content. I have to grab his hand and pull it close to me. He sighs and starts the car. Our drive home is short. We pull up to our house, aglow in lights and greenery. All our friends are visible in the windows as we walk to the front door. I’m filled with warm feelings and am so excited to spend the rest of the night with my family. The twins are going to stay the night with Mattie so they are here tomorrow first thing and to give Diel and Hannah some time together. Manda, Aidan, and Sammy will pop over when everyone is up so Santa can come.
We open the door to warmth and cheers. Even Diel’s dad says Happy Christmas. In fact the only person not wearing a huge smile is Celine. That is until she sees Sebastian. Oh yeah, my cat claws just came out. I know Bast has no desire to even talk to her but I still want to protect him.
“Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel!” Sebastian calls out.
“Merry Christmas!” everyone yells back. Sebastian is grinning so hard I can see laugh lines around his eyes. He “died” way too young to have any serious wrinkles but was happy in life and the evidence shows when he smiles so wide.
“Pappa, can I take Sammy, Finn, and Fiona to my room to play?” Mattie asks.
“Oui, ma petite. But we will be opening presents soon, so be ready.”
“Yay! Let’s go to my room and play.”
All the children follow Mathilda out of the room like little ducklings. Manda smiles at me as she catches me watching them.
“Let’s have some wine and brandy. Who would like some?” I ask.
I spend the next several minutes handing out the mulled wine and brandy with Annie’s help.
Sacha brings out a huge tray of appetizers and cookies. I had it catered so no one would have to cook. The way Diel’s dad looks at them it won’t last long. Even Celine is eyeing everything greedily. Diel swoops in and steals a bacon wrapped scallop.
“I hope this will tide you over. I have fresh oysters and prime rib for after the presents.”
“Oh, dear, you have outdone yourself. Thank you for the feast,” Doxie tells me. I’m quite shocked by his genuine sentiments. Everyone is looking between us, unable to believe it. I quickly recover, not wanting to make it awkward for my guests.
“You’re so welcome Doxie. I hope you enjoy. Let’s get everyone settled because I know the children are excited for this next part,” I announce. “Andrew, will you gather the children?”
“It would be my pleasure, Miss Lily.”
Soon we are all seated with drinks and or snacks. Sebastian takes over for me and starts to hand out presents. Liam helps and when we are all ready to open we tell the children that we will go in order of age to open our presents. The kids start to try and guess everyone’s age.
“The youngest goes first. That would be Samuel,” Bast says.
Sammy grins and tears into his new train set from Hannah and Diel. He jumps up and down in his excitement. He has the big train to ride but was in obviously desperate need of some smaller engines. It brings a warm feeling washing over me at his joy. Next it’s Mattie’s turn.
“Ma petite, this is a special present from your pappa,” Sebastian says. Mattie looks at him with hero worship and opens the small box. It’s a beautiful white gold locket. She opens it and there is a picture of Bast and me.
“It says on the back that ‘you are my heart’ in French. You are Mathilda. You and your mamma are my life.” Bast’s voice cracks at the end. If I could cry again I would. My eyes are burning all the same and I see the same look in Helena’s eyes when I look at her.
Mattie leaps up and throws her arms around Bast’s neck and he holds her very close whispering in her ear something none of us can hear but she smiles.
Bast clears his throat. “Now it’s Finn’s turn. He was a few minutes younger than you, Fiona.” Sebastian hands Finn a present and we see Doxie rub his hands together. He must have gotten this for him.
Finn opens the gift and it’s a Pick Your
Plague board game. Diel chuckles until he gets a swift hit to the ribs by Hannah. I take it she thinks it’s about as appropriate as I do. Ugh. I imagine she is trying to calculate how to stuff that in a closet.
“That was one of your daddy’s favorite games when he was a boy. Hope you like it, Finn.”
Since Finn can’t read yet he just nods his head and says thank you. Now it’s Fiona’s turn. Another Doxie present, it seems. She gets a real voodoo doll that screams when you push a pin in it. Gah. Poor Hannah. She is going to have a fight on her hands because Fiona is loving it. Finn is helping make the dolly scream.
It’s Manda’s turn. Aidan goes onto his knees in front of her and whips a huge folder out of thin air.
“Manda, love, when I met you, you had big dreams to go to college and become a biologist. I never want you to give up on your dreams. I took the liberty of enrolling you at the University of Colorado, Boulder campus. Your classes are already selected, just basic requirements to get you started. You can pick everything out from now on. Sammy and I will take you and pick you up from school every day.”
“Oh my gosh! Aidan.” She brings a hand up to cover her eyes. Aidan gently lowers it. “I love you so much. Thank you, my love.” Manda’s having a hard time not breaking down. Aidan did well. He gathers her in his arms and kisses the top of her head.
“Andrew and Liam, you’re next. Diel and Hannah have a gift for you,” Bast announces.
“Andrew and Liam, we got you a vacation on a cruise line that specializes in gay cruises. You leave just after New Year’s. We hope you like it,” Hannah says handing Liam the pamphlet and tickets while hugging a bouncing Andrew.
“It’s perfect for a honeymoon.” Liam stands and shakes Diel’s hand. “Thank you so much,” he says.
“That was fortuitous because we got it before you told us about the wedding,” Diel says. Andrew hugs him too, making Diel chuckle.
“Okay, okay. Settle down. It’s Lily’s turn. Here you go, ma cherie.”
“Thank you, Bast.” I give him a chaste kiss on the lips and open my present.
It’s a book. Confused, I open to the first page. My hands fly up to my mouth as emotion hits me like a hurricane. It’s a picture of me pregnant with Mattie. Sebastian is standing behind me and our entwined hands are over my baby bump. Under the photo Sabastian has written what he remembers of the memory. His words, etched in his strong slanted calligraphy, flow off the page and go straight to my heart. Each word and photo is a gift. I get up and kiss him long and hard.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “It’s so beautiful and thoughtful, just like you.”
“Get a room,” Julian says and smirks. I give him a look and he laughs at my attempt to glare.
“Let me see,” Helena asks. “I’ve been hearing about this for weeks.” I hand her the memory book reluctantly.
“Hannah’s turn.”
“Aidan.” Diel says and then nods at him. “Babe, we have to go outside to see your present. Get your jacket, honey.”
“What is it, Diel? We have to get the twins dressed…”
“Sacha, will you watch the kids? Thanks,” Diel says not waiting for a reply. He helps Hannah with her jacket and then covers her eyes as he walks her out of the house. All the adults hurry behind them.
Sitting in front of the house is a spanking new Harley with a big red bow around it. It’s been custom painted to have blue flames on the black paint. Very Demon meets Goth. A perfect combination for a complicated woman.
“Fuck yes!” Hannah fist pumps the air and looks sheepishly to see if any of the children hear her. “I’ve always wanted one of these! Thank you!” Hannah says while running to the bike. She quickly gets on and starts it up. When she learned to ride a bike I’ll never know. Diel looks as surprised as I do by it. He looks at me and I shrug so he laughs and helps Hannah find her helmet. With a wink from Aidan, the ribbon is gone and Hannah takes off. Everyone starts talking at once. Congratulating Diel on his brilliant gift.
Hannah comes around the corner, roaring to a stop. She waves Aidan over and they have a brief conversation. He nods and Hannah turns her bike off.
“I know this is out of order but since we are already outside I thought I could give Diel his present. Aidan, if you would.”
Aidan snaps and next to Hannah’s Harley is another new Harley, this one for Diel. She had his custom painted with red flames. These two know each other so well it’s scary.
“Babe! Yes! I love it.” Diel lands a long kiss on Hannah until she melts like goo.
“Let’s get you two lovebirds inside before we all freeze,” Sebastian says.
“True, true,” Doxie says. He pats his son on the back. “Well done, son. You’ll have to bring the bike down under and we can take a trip. You and me and the wide open road.”
Diel stumbles and looks at his dad like he can’t believe him. “Sure dad, I’d like that.”
Doxie grins, showing his very sharp teeth. It gives me a shiver. Bast mistakes it for me being cold and wraps me in his arms. I don’t bother correcting him.
“Everyone, please keep your jackets on. Sacha and Annie are going to keep the children for a few minutes. I have to give my gift to Sebastian. Well, Aidan had a lot to do with it too, sweetheart. I couldn’t have done it without him.” I take hold of Bast’s hand and entwine our fingers. “If you all would join hands, Aidan is going to take us to Bast’s present. It’s too big to fit under the tree.” I wink at my husband and take Aidan’s hand.
When we are all connected, Aidan transmanifests us to darkened door in downtown San Francisco. The door is a replica Tiffany glass inset in a huge blue wooden door. I can tell Sebastian is completely confused. I love this. I wink at Aidan. Reaching into my pocket I pull out a ring of keys and hand them to Sebastian.
“I believe this one will open the door.” I pick the right key out and give it to Bast. He starts mumbling in French under his breath as he opens the door. Something about humoring crazy women.
“Welcome to Sin, Sebastian. Your second nightclub. It’s steeped in 1920’s – 1930’s nostalgia.”
“Lily, how… Darling, I can’t believe this.”
“Let’s get everyone inside where it’s warm. You can look around then,” I say as I herd everyone through the door.
“Wow! Lily, this is incredible,” Hannah says as she gets a glimpse of the silver and blue interior.
Sebastian actually stumbles into the entryway as he is busy looking at everything around him. The coat check is off to the left and then like You Belong to Me, the main floor is accessed by three descending stairs. The mahogany carved bar wraps around the right side of the floor. The dance floor is center with a stage set up for the band. Half-moon, brocade covered banquets float about the room, giving each table a hint of privacy. The booths are covered in dark blue and the tables are the same mahogany as the bar. The walls are covered in large framed items from the twenties and thirties. Beaded dresses, hand bags, head pieces, hats and menus, show bills and other paraphernalia. Around the tops of the walls subtle lighting is recessed behind a mahogany wainscoting. The ceiling is covered in embossed tin tile. The overall effect is one of decadence and glamor.
Sebastian takes it all in with a gleam in his eyes. I know he is thinking about the room bursting with people. I can see it.
“Lily and Aidan, you’ve outdone yourselves. It’s gorgeous,” Helena gushes. She gives us both tight hugs.
“Lily, Aidan. How?” Sebastian asks.
“Well, I bought the building a few months ago. Whenever Aidan and I had a free moment we came in and started renovating. It used to be some disco or something then turned bar. The smell of smoke still lingered and it was dingy and stale,” I say while a disgusted shiver goes through me.
“Lily designed everything. I just followed her lead. It was truly a pleasure to do.”
“Thank you, Aidan. It’s magnificent.” Sebastian swings me around and kisses me soundly. “Ma cherie, this is incredible. The best present eve
r. I can have Annie help manage it. She is done with her MBA now. We will have to find another nannie, though.” Sebastian frowns at this.
“Love, I’ve already interviewed a young vampire that I think will be just what we need. I thought you might want to steal Annie away.”
“She would be great here. I’ll have to start interviews for the rest of the staff. I think we could open for Valentine’s Day. We’ll do some kind of promo for it and the grand opening.”
“I can see you are happy with it. I wasn’t sure. It’s similar to You Belong to Me yet I hope we made it distinctive enough to be able to stand on its feet.”
“Darling, it’s perfect. I love it. Thank you so much.” Bast kisses me again. Julian and Diel chuckle at his exuberance. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“You didn’t have to do anything. I love you, Bast.”
“Why don’t we get back to the house so the little ones can get to bed,” Hannah says, pulling us back into the here and now.
“Yes, I still have to give Aidan his present,” Manda says.
“And I have to give Helena hers,” Julian says.
“Everyone grab hands again. We’ll pop back home.”
“Oh, pooksie. Can we come back for the opening? It would be so much fun,” Celine coos.
“Of course, Ce-Ce. I think it would be great fun. Is that all right, Sebastian?” Doxie asks which startles everyone. He is not the kind of Demon to ask. It just shows how much of an impact Sebastian has made on him. I am so proud of my man.
“Absolutely, Doxie. It would be an honor. All of you, I expect you to be there. We will celebrate the holiday and my beautiful wife’s generous gift.” Bast tightens his hold on my hip. Aidan pops us back home giving Annie and Sacha a start. Aidan’s eyes twinkles. He eats that sort of thing up. I wink at him and he laughs.
“Come and give Grandpa a kiss and hug goodnight, little ones,” Doxie says to the twins. They run to him. It shows how much work he has done with them. They trust him and that isn’t bestowed lightly. It’s the vampire in them. Even Hannah smiles at the picture they present.
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