by K Larsen
Since the house is currently vacant the realtor gave me the lockbox code so that Christmas day I can bring Colin and his parents for a tour of our new home. The shop’s been steadily gaining business and everything in my life seems to be seamlessly falling into place. It’s a strange feeling really. Some days it overwhelms me and others I feel on top of the world. Even on my off days I’m alright though, Colin’s support of me and love never falters, acting as an invisible pillar there to catch me if I fall.
RYAN
“If you don’t stop whining I’m going to let John here, show you what happens to people who behave like children.” Alister barks at me.
“There has to be some other way for me to pay you back. We can work something out yeah?”
“Ryan, family or not, you do not receive special treatment. I’m sick of your fucking excuses. First it wasn't a problem, then it was you’d get money in the divorce. Now you want a payment plan?” Alister’s sneer makes my skin crawl. No one knows that we’re related and I’d like to keep it that way considering his reputation is less than clear. I owe him tens of thousands of dollars at this point and my family status isn't going to keep me safe from his wrath for much longer. I’m willing to do anything for some cash.
“Elle is still an option. She has the funds.” I state.
“Need I remind you that Elle is no longer your wife?” He clips.
“That doesn't mean I can't extort it from her.”
“As if you’re capable of that Ryan.” The rage that drips from his words irritates me.
“Give me a month.” I plead.
“A month! You don’t deserve another day.” He growls at me.
“Alister, give me a month.” I try again. He stares me down before glancing at his bodyguard John.
“As you wish. I will give you one month as well as something to remind you of your commitment.” He turns on his expensive heel and leaves the room. I let out the breath I’d been holding and wait for John to open the door for me.
Before I realize what’s happening the sickening crack of my rib fills the air and my lungs feel like they’ve deflated as John’s fist connects with my side. With a thud my knees hit the floor while I clutch my side. My body struggles to absorb the air around me but I can’t do anything but gasp.
“Let that be a warning.” John snarls down to me. His boot comes to my chest and kicks me from my knees the rest of the way to the floor.
“Fuck you.” I manage to spit back before he leaves me where I lay on the floor.
JENNA
“Ben! Put that down. How hard is it to set a table for Christ’s sake!” Ben, John and Colin stare at me a beat before bursting into laughter. “What?”
“You said for Christ’s sake...it’s Christmas Eve... get it?” Laughter bubbles up from Elle as she joins the boys teasing at my expense.
“Alright, alright...it was punny, now...set the damned table.” I don’t think it was the pun retort that set everyone off again but I’ll be damned if I give a shit.
The guys manage to set the table and entertain Sarah while Elle and I finish pulling dinner together. Elle’s gone all out trying to make Christmas Eve dinner something special. There are delicious smelling floral arrangements decorating the apartment, which is spotless, and enough food on the menu to feed an army. I hand Colin another bottle of wine to open and set out before joining Elle in carrying out the platters of yummy smelling food. Before eating I make everyone at the table give thanks for something just so we all remember to be grateful for what we have and then silence envelopes the table as six forks dig into six plates piled high with mouthwatering food.
“So, a client is having a New Year’s ball and gave me a stack of tickets. It’s at the Wyngate, but I don’t think they’ll remember you Elle.” I snicker.
“Why would they remember her?” Sarah chirps.
“She got booted out.” Ben informs her. Sarah gives a confused glance at Elle who just chuckles and shakes her head.
“I haven’t heard any plans for New Year’s yet. I’d love to go.” Elle looks to Colin for affirmation. He’s so whipped though that whatever Elle wants, Elle will get so of course they’re in.
“How fancy is it?” Sarah asks.
“Tux’s for the guys and gowns for us.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widen.
“We should take a shopping day after Christmas together and buy gowns.” Elle gushes.
“Yes!”
“I’m on a budget.” Sarah says avoiding eye contact with us.
“My treat then.” Elle offers. Sarah shakes her head no but Elle insists and finally wins. That’s Elle, always willing to give to ensure everyone’s happy.
“Perfect. How about the twenty eighth? We can shop, do lunch and grab drinks when we’re done.”
“Deal.” Elle clips.
“Alright.”
“What are we supposed to do?” Ben whines. I can’t help but love that adorable puppy dog face he wears right now. I lean over and kiss some sense into him until John clears his throat.
“We can rent our tuxes and play Xbox.” John offers. “Let the girls have some fun.”
“Great. This will be so much better knowing you all will be coming too. Plus it’s totally romantic getting all dolled up and going to a swanky New Year’s party.” I’ve always been a sucker for the holiday and I’m especially pumped to have someone to kiss this year when the ball drops while looking like a million bucks. I can’t even imagine how stupidly amazing Ben will look in a tux.
“Anyone up for dessert?” Elle looks around the table. Everyone looks stuffed yet here she is always jonesing for dessert.
“Why don’t you dig in and we’ll help ourselves when we’ve got room.” Colin chuckles making her blush.
“I can wait.” She pouts while still looking slightly embarrassed. Ben and I both start laughing, Colin’s ribs start shaking and soon he bellows out his laugh causing the rest of the table to join us.
COLIN
It’s six am but I’m too excited to sleep. Long after she fell asleep I snuck out of bed and put out a stocking for her. The presents were all under the tree but I wanted to surprise her with a stocking so I waited until I could get it in the living room without her knowing. It took a lot of thought to figure out what I should get her on the heels of our trip. I tried to keep things small since she said I’d already done too much but I couldn’t help myself. I made her a new list of crazy things for us to do together, although it’s only twelve things long instead of thirty. I have no idea how she came up with thirty things the last time, it’s really hard to think of things like that. I burned her a CD of all her favorite songs to listen to at the shop and I got her a pair of half carat diamond earrings. I hope she likes them. She doesn't really wear much jewelry but what she does is understated and simple and I’m hoping these will fit her style.
Her lashes fan out across the tops of her cheeks and she makes a perfect pout when she sleeps deeply like she is right now. Her breaths are soft and silent, cheeks flushed and she looks perfect. Brushing a lock of hair from her shoulder I let my lips graze the hollow where her neck meets her shoulder. She stirs but doesn’t wake up. I trail feather light kisses from her shoulder down her arm across her hip and to the small of her back where the blanket rests.
“Merry Christmas.” She murmurs breathily. I scoot up the bed and kiss gently kiss her.
“Merry Christmas babe.” I caress her side and thigh drawing random patterns on her skin as she reluctantly wakes up. Kissing her softly she quietly moans urging me on. We make love quietly on-and-off all morning until she informs me that we really need to get up. Instead of wearing my tee shirt like most mornings she tugs on leggings and an oversized sweater before brushing her hair and teeth.
“Why so formal?”
“I...uh....want to take pictures.” She stutters strangely.
“Okkk.”
“You don’t have to dress up, just you know, be picture appropriate.” She says and exits the
bathroom to start a pot of coffee.
“Is this for me?!” She squeals from the living room. I poke my head out of the bathroom to see her holding up her stocking, green eyes sparkling.
“Yup.” I run my hands through my hair, tug on a pair of jeans and pull a sweater over my head before joining Elle in the kitchen. There are four mugs on the counter and glancing into the living room I can make out four stockings now as well.
“Ah, you having math issues dear?” I joke.
“Huh?”
“Why is there four stockings...and mugs?”
“Oh. Just cause.” She pats my butt as she moves around me to make herself a coffee. I shrug it off and slide another mug to her so she can pour mine as well. Reaching for the creamer there’s a knock at the door. I stop, peer around the fridge door and look at Elle.
“Ah...Elle?” Abandoning the coffees she scrambles to the door.
“Surprise!” In walks my Mom and Dad, both beaming with shit eating grins. Dad scoops Elle up into his infamous bear hug while Mom scolds him to put her down and let her get a look. Elle just giggles and gives me a big smile.
“Hi guys.” I stride over to greet them and get my own hugs.
“Can you even believe how perfectly adorable she is?!” My mom gushes as if Elle isn’t standing right next to her.
“Can I get you both some coffee while you settle into the living room?” Elle asks.
“Yes we both take it black.” Dad answers. As Elle retreats to the kitchen Dad winks at me and pats me on the back. “She is a keeper.” I shake my head at him and lead them to the living room. Propped on the couch are two stockings with their names on them and in the arm chair one for me. She out did me again.
“Here you are Mrs. Wilder, Mr. Wilder.” Elle hands them each a mug with a warm smile.
“Please! Pam and Kevin.” Mom corrects her. She nods her affirmation and takes a seat on the floor between my legs.
“We are just so pleased to finally meet you dear.” My mom is a gusher and she is currently outdoing herself. “Thank you so much for thinking of us and arranging everything!”
“You’re very welcome Pam. Family is really important to me and I couldn't imagine Colin missing a Christmas with his parents but since he’d already made up his mind I thought maybe I could surprise him with you.” I lean down to her ear. “You paid for their trip?” I whisper. She nods her head. I can’t believe she went through all the effort of getting my crazy parents here just to surprise me. Her thoughtfulness never runs out. I kiss the top of her head and sit back letting everyone fall into easy conversation with each other.
Elle pops in cinnamon rolls after everyone’s settled and acquainted. The smell makes my stomach growl in protest. In the time it takes for the rolls to bake we all dig into our stockings. I pause every few seconds to take in Elle’s face as it lights up with every little thing she pulls out of her stocking. To my surprise she somehow made my parents stockings perfect for them. Having never met them before I would have expected more generic type stuff in theirs but she clearly snooped around and learned some of their quirks. Mom of course gushes over every little item making Elle blush ten shades of red at being the center of so much attention. When the timer on the oven sounds I jump up to take them out and spread the gooey icing all over them.
“Hungry?” My dad teases.
“Worked up an appetite this morning.” I wink. Elle just showcased another four shades of red causing my dad to chuckle and pat her back. We eat a quick breakfast together. The banter light and happy as my parents deliver blow after blow of embarrassing childhood stories before we collectively agree to start in on the presents. I notice Elle snapping shots with her camera on her phone every so often and each time a warm soft smile spreads over her face. My parents brought us each a gift. Elle’s a hand knit afghan in emerald green because of the eyes my mother had heard so much about. Elle immediately wrapped it around her reveling in the softness of it. Dad gave me a five hundred dollar check to accompany Mom’s gift of a proper winter coat. Finally I’m able to give Elle her presents. As she tears the paper on the mix CD I can’t help but be nervous. I really want her to like these things. A smile takes over her features and she looks up to me.
“This is awesome! Are these really the songs?” She asks pointing the paper insert I created.
“Yup. I noticed you needed some music at the shop.”
“It’s perfect Colin. I love it.” She moves on to the small box and carefully removes the wrapping. When she sees the velvet box her eyes go wide and I instantly hope she doesn’t assume it’s an engagement ring. I don't want her to be disappointed. My mother and Elle’s gasps fill the silence as her eyes well up.
“These are stunning Colin. You shouldn't have.” She leans forward rocking up on her knees and kisses me wholeheartedly. Completely forgetting about my parents I kiss her back with everything I have not wanting the moment to end. My mom clears her throat and my dad fake coughs interrupting our moment. Elle immediately pulls away flushed and looking guilty. I can't help but chuckle in response. With my parents here I decided to wait and give her the list after they leave. It’s something that is just for us.
“Well go on... open yours!” She pleads, excitement lacing her words. I tear open the wrapping on a tiny box clueless to what I could possibly want that would fit inside. Carefully removing the white lid I pull out a key with a keychain in the shape of a house attached to it. I look up to her and hear the camera shutter of her phone snap my picture as I make a confused face. Laughing she hands me an envelope. Still unsure as to what this key could possibly go to I open the envelope and read the enclosed paper.
“202 Sheerwater Way.” I say still baffled.
“Are you all up for taking a quick drive?” She asks looking to each one of us.
“Yes!” My parents answer together.
“Ah... sure.” I say.
Pulling on my new coat we all file down the stairs and to my car. Once we’re all buckled I quickly make the short drive to the address.
“Pull in the driveway.” Elle says softly. I do as I’m told and follow her lead as she gets out of the car. She walks to the front of the car and wraps her arms around my waist. “Welcome home.”
“What?”
“WHAT?!” My mother squeals.
“The closing at the end of January but it’s ours. That key doesn't actually go to the door but I have the lockbox code so that we can take a tour.” She says hesitantly.
“You bought me a house?” I deadpan.
“I bought us a house.” Looking down at her in complete shock it hits me that she's fidgeting and nervous. She’s waiting on me to know if this was too much or just right. I scoop her up bridal style kiss her and move us up the walk to the door. “This is incredible. You are incredible.” I whisper before setting her down to fiddle with the lock. My mom’s sniffling behind us makes me chuckle. She’s a total sap and this is maxing out her romance quota I suspect. The door swings open to an open airy entry way. The first floor is an open floor plan which I love and has vaulted ceilings, fans and custom lighting throughout . There are three large bedrooms, two bathrooms and a real cook’s kitchen. The patio out back has just enough yard surrounding it before a wide path that leads to the ocean. I could have never dreamed up a more perfect combination of all Elle’s wants and mine into a house. My parents stumble around mumbling about this and that and how wonderful the whole thing is while I stand at the end of our tour watching Elle stare out the French doors at the water.
ELLE
“I don't have words.” He wraps an arm around me and pulls me close.
“You don't need words.”
“You’re sure you want this? Us? A house together?” He questions.
“I’m more than sure. There are no limits to how much I love and want you Colin.” I stare up into those amazing hazel eyes and hope he knows how much that statement is true. Leaning down to capture my lips he kisses me breathless.
“This might be
the Christmas of all Christmas’s babe.”
“We still have a lot of awesome firsts to experience.” I tease.
“Like what?”
“I can’t give away all my secrets.” I tell him smiling coyly. Really I just don’t want to send him running in the other direction. We still have marriage, hopefully, babies, and a full life together. I can’t imagine one without him in it so I’m really hoping I don’t lose him.
Twenty four hours later we say goodbye to Colin’s parents, promising to visit soon and are able to sit back and relax together. Colin’s been waiting for them to be gone so he can give me my last present. I’m not sure what could be so personal that he doesn't want his parents seeing but regardless I’m excited to see what it is. The diamond studs catch the light, sending sparkles flashing in the bathroom. They are gorgeous and I haven't taken them off since he gave them to me.
“You ready?” He calls from the living room.
“Coming!” I scurry out to him and sit Indian style on the couch next to him. He hands me an envelope.
“Open it.” I tear the corner of the flap and run my fingers along the inside to tear it open cleanly. I remove a folded piece of paper, unfold it and can’t contain the gasp that escapes me.
Elle-
The list brought us together in ways I didn’t think were possible. It seems like a shame to not continue on. I propose we make a list on New Year’s every year of 12 things to do. One thing each month. Will you do them all with me?
