by S R Mitchell
“Good morning, dear,” Aunt Margret smiled. “They need your help in the kitchen.”
“But food doesn’t go out till noon,” Allie stuttered, still looking back toward the tree.
“Well’ we may be ahead of schedule,” smiled Betty, “and we can get started on deliveries.”
“What are you talking about?” Allie asked as she was almost shoved into the kitchen and into large strong arms—arms that were inviting, warm, familiar. Brock...
“I wanted to help, to contribute,” he answered meekly. “I know you said that there were many families in need and never enough to really meet those needs and after everything, I know there are items you’d planned on donating to the church for that reason and they were ruined.”
Allie looked at the big boxes stacked, taped, and labeled—ready to go to families. “You don’t have to do this,” Allie said as tears pricked her eyes.
“Yes, I do,” Brock replied, placing his hands on her arms. “I’ve always been the kind of person to write a check and send it off—never really participating in the charities. I was too busy or disconnected and focused on the business,” he said. “I want to do this for you, with you, and because of you, Allie.”
“But—” she started.
“No buts,” he interrupted, kissing her gently. “I know you said you needed a couple of days to sort things out after…” His eyes moved to her aunt Margret and Betty who had the decency to blush red, “…well, it has been a couple of days and I know that I need you, all of you.”
“Ditto,” Allie chuckled, wiping away a stray tear.
~*~
Allie smiled as she watched him help the kids decorate the Christmas tree for the fifth time today. Each family had been beyond grateful for the tree, gifts, and helping hands.
It was the look of pure happiness on Brock’s face that really lit up Allie’s heart and warmed her soul.
He was hers—all hers—and she didn’t know why she deserved such a man.
She was still a little angry at her aunt for casting such a strong spell with potential for disaster, but it had worked. They were soul mates who just needed a little nudge to find each other.
He’d spent the last few days dropping off Christmas trees, presents, and food to families in need. He may be a macho man, pure alpha on the outside, but inside was a kind and loving heart.
He knew.
He knew her secret.
He knew she was a witch and didn’t run.
He delighted in her magic.
He loved to see her create her little orbs of light and bring life forth from the dirt.
He loved seeing their room light up like the Fourth of July after they made incredible love. Honestly, she did, too. Their love, their connection was so strong, that it manifested itself in the most beautiful way.
Through magic…
This was the best Christmas of their lives so far, and she looked forward to what the future held for them.
This Christmas they received the present of each other. She’d found what she didn’t realize she was looking for and he found what he’d been missing.
They’d made it back to her newly-repaired house as it began to grow dark.
“Let’s go somewhere tonight,” Brock offered as he closed the front door behind them and pulled her against his hard body, “spend some time together.”
“You are incorrigible,” Allie giggled as he nipped at her neck with his mouth.
“I can’t help it when I’m around you. I can’t get enough,” Brock replied in a husky tone.
“You do realize that tomorrow is Christmas Eve? And plus,” she added, “I need to work in my greenhouse. I’m basically starting over since the snow killed all my plants. I’m only halfway done. I cannot keep borrowing supplies from my aunt to fill orders.”
“Well, then I will help you with what I can,” Brock smiled devilishly. Brock continued to kiss her neck softly as he walked her back through the living room to the couch.
Allie giggled as he pulled her jacket off and kissed her greedily. Allie shivered.
“Are you cold?” Brock asked, pulling back to look down at her with concern in his eyes.
Allie smiled. “Just a little, but nothing you can’t help with.”
Brock moved quickly to the fireplace and set to work as Allie turned on the Christmas tree and lights. Soon he had a fire started and her living room was awash of twinkling lights and the warm orange glow of the fire.
Allie kicked off her boots and walked over to Brock. The look in his eyes reminded her of a hungry wolf about to pounce on its prey. She smiled as she leaned toward the candles on the mantle and blew out a soft breath and watched them come to life. Her green eyes twinkled mischievously.
“I love it when you do that,” Brock whispered as he grabbed her around the waist and turned her toward him. He tried to be careful as he pulled off her leggings, but he heard the fabric rip. He didn’t care. He stared at two stunning, soft legs.
She wasn't mad. She urged him on as he worked on the rest of her clothes.
This time Allie was the one to pull at clothing and she quickly stripped him down to his pants. She ran her finger along the fabric where they were slung low on his hips. Her fingernails gently scraped the skin of his belly and his muscles jerked in response.
He kissed her with need so great it hurt.
They stood there tangled in each other’s arms until Allie managed to break free long enough to focus attention back on her task.
She made quick work of his zipper, pushing his pants and boxers down his body.
Heat pooled low in her belly as she took in his strong masculine form. Allie would never get used to how handsome he was.
He was gentle as he laid her down on the covers near the fire and tenderly touched her breast. “You are mine,” he whispered in a deep voice, settling himself over her.
“I am yours,” she answered.
Epilogue
It was a cold but beautiful winter day, almost a year to the day that they’d met. Everything had come full circle. Christmas was around the corner and Allie and Brock would receive the best presents ever this year, the gifts of each other.
This was right.
Allie felt more beautiful than ever and her excitement and happiness showed.
Everything was set, the band played music softy as the lights were dimmed. The church was filled to overflowing and everyone turned to see her walk down the aisle.
Her form-fitting lace wedding dress hugged her body in all the right places and sparkled as the light caught on hundreds of little crystals that had been painstakingly sewn on by hand. Her soft blonde hair hung down her back in loose curls with pieces pulled up from her temples, fastened with an antique silver clip. It was the same one her mother had worn.
Brock looked beyond handsome in his tux, and nervous, as he stood waiting for her by the altar.
Her heart was filled with more love than she could imagine, and she was glad her aunt had done what she did. It brought the best thing into her life—Brock.
Previously Published
Dark Rider
When Brianna married, she always thought it would be for love, soul-shattering love. Now this warrior is demanding her hand. Against her own wishes, she finds herself before the Altar beside Laird McGregor. Has fate played a cruel hand or is he the love she has always wanted? Only time will give her the answer.
He is known as the Dark Rider and feared by many.
Already he has lost three betrothed and will not lose another.
Torin likes the feisty lass and Brianna will be his… heart and soul.
Second Chance
with a Highlander
Kate prays for a miracle, and God will answer but not in a way Kate thought possible.
When Kate looks into his eyes, she realizes she has seen him before, in her dreams.
She has felt his kisses and touched his skin.
Now Kate finds herself in a different place and time. He is not
a dream but very real and handsome, intoxicating.
She has to make a big decision:
stay or die all over again.
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