by Kells, India
When she moaned his name, his control broke loose and his hips jerked faster, his mouth back on her, swallowing her breaths and gasps. Gabrielle gripped his neck, kissing him back with as much desperation. Sully brought her hips forward and one stroke sent her over the edge. Her head fell back as she cried out, the orgasm taking over. She forced herself to open her eyes and look at the man who was observing her in the throes of pleasure, before his own senses took over. He closed his eyes and moaned, his head in the crook of her neck, repeating her name like a prayer as he tensed and shuddered.
Now both immobile in the kitchen, with only the sound of their breathing breaking silence, they held on to each other. Gabrielle didn’t want to move, didn’t want to speak. There were no words she could say to express how she felt. She was herself again. She was home.
After a moment, Sully straightened to look at her, a twinkle of laughter in his eyes. It seemed he was back, too. “So, wife, was I husband enough for you?”
Relaxed and in a playful mood, she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Well, I would need more evidence.”
Sully kicked off his running shoes and sweatpants, and with Gabrielle still solidly in his arms and around him, he went to the stairs.
“I hear your request and I’m suggesting another proof in the shower and maybe another one on the bed. Would it be convenient for you, wife?”
Gabrielle half laughed and half moaned when he walked up the stairs.
“I would say it’s a strong start, husband.”
***
Gabrielle heard curses again from the kitchen, but she was too smart to even ask if Sully was okay. He wanted to cook a turkey; she gave him free reign in her kitchen, no trouble. But it seemed Mr. Turkey was a little more difficult to wrangle than her husband had expected.
Hopefully, he would have more patience trimming the tree. Again, she looked at the Christmas tree now tall and proud and naked in the corner of her living room. It was a first and she liked it there. The soft perfume of the fir tree reminded her of a forest.
They had raided what was left of Christmas ornaments still in stores, and it was quite colorful and eclectic. She didn’t mind. Both hadn’t had a normal holiday for so long that an eccentric tree wasn’t a deal breaker. They weren’t a cookie-cutter couple to start with, so why would their tree be?
The most difficult part of the entire expedition was to find a gift for Sully. There wouldn’t be Christmas without gifts, so she used all her stealth to find some fun things, but one in particular she’d had in mind for a while now. Sometimes, life was on her side when she found just what she wanted as Sully was starting grocery shopping. She just finished wrapping everything when she heard another curse from the kitchen.
Gabrielle made sure to wipe any smirk from her face before entering Sully’s territory.
“Are you all right, or should I call the SWAT?”
The look he gave her wasn’t a friendly one. “That damn turkey. It hasn’t wholly thawed yet, and it’s giving me trouble.”
“And let’s be grateful the beast is dead to start with. You know, there is no law forcing us to eat turkey on Christmas Eve. We can have it tomorrow, like many families do.
“Nope, Christmas tradition is important, and I say the Christmas dinner is to be served on Christmas Eve.”
“And what did you do on Christmas day?”
“We opened the gifts.”
Gabrielle pouted. “So no gift tonight? That’s not how it was done in my family, or what I can remember of it.”
Sully shoved the bird in the oven. “Well, what do you suggest we do?”
Coming up behind him, Gabrielle hugged his waist. “What about starting our own traditions for now? Let’s have your fabulous meal tonight and open the gift later this evening by the decorated Christmas tree.”
Sully twisted his head to look at her while caressing her fingers. “And what about tomorrow? What will we do then?”
“What about nothing? We can relax by the fireplace, eat what’s left of dinner, and enjoy our gifts and each other. How does it sound?”
Fully turning in her arms, Sully kissed her. “I think it’s a great idea.”
He bent to kiss her again, but she evaded. “Nope, we’re supposed to trim the tree now. Are you done in the kitchen?”
“For now, and for a couple of hours. Enough time to forget and forgive the turkey.”
She took his hand and dragged him in the living room.
Gabrielle enjoyed every single minute of the afternoon. Sully was great to be around, talking and joking. Telling her funny stories. She was enjoying herself greatly, and stole as many kisses as she could. She had made her decision to savor each second of happiness—to bottle them up inside of her so she could have a strong reserve for the bad days. And it appeared to be the same for the big, badass Navy SEAL in her living room. He seemed to relax and it pleased her to no end to see it.
The very late dinner was great, and stuffed with turkey, potatoes, and cranberry sauce, they cuddled up on her sofa, overlooking the night sky and admiring their illuminated Christmas tree. Sully had turned on the radio to a local station playing holiday songs and the moment couldn’t be more perfect.
For a long time, they didn’t talk. Her mind was at peace and content. What more could she ask for? Maybe for the time to stop. The silly idea made her giggle.
“What? What’s so funny?”
“It’s stupid.”
“Tell me anyway.”
Her stubborn SEAL, no doubt about that. “I was so comfortable, so perfectly in the right place; the only thing I wanted was for time to stop. You mighty SEALs cannot make time stop, can you?”
Gabrielle looked up as he tried to snap his fingers many times before grimacing. “Sorry, honey, it seems I haven’t done that course yet. It must be offered at the admiral level.”
She stared at him intently. “Is this your goal, to become an admiral?”
“To be able to stop time? That would be cool.”
She pushed herself up to have a better look at his face. “No, I’m serious. James told me you took an extended leave to be here with me and then, you’re considered to be under the admiral’s order for a while. But eventually, when Simon is no longer a threat, you will return to the Teams. You have your career, your ambition to think about.”
Tenderly, he pushed a stray lock of blonde hair from her forehead. “Baby, I don’t see that far. My brain focuses only on two things … you’re one of them, and the second one is Simon. The admiral knows about it, and this is why I’m assigned to his task unit. I will go back to the Teams, eventually. Why? Are you so eager to get rid of me?”
She kissed his mouth. “You know that’s not true. I’m only trying to understand what you would like to do. What are your plans?”
He settled more comfortably on the sofa, looking at her. “You mean our plans. I’m not making any decisions without talking to you first. And by the way, what are your plans?”
She thought about it for a moment. “I don’t know. Purgatory is barely breathing and I didn’t have a discussion with Bea about her plans. Everybody is only targeting Simon, so there is no place for a talk about the future, I suppose.”
“Maybe it’s something to think about now.”
Gabrielle frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Well, what would you like to do? Apart what you have been doing with Purgatory, or before.”
Gabrielle puffed, considering his question. “I’m definitely not going back to what I did before Purgatory.”
“So, one thing is clear. And let me add that I’m very happy about your choice.”
“Okay, funny guy. What do you suggest?”
“No way, I’m not getting my fingers into that one. It must be your decision. What about Purgatory? Is rebuilding it a possibility for you?”
“I guess it is. But all remains so unsure for now.”
“I know what you mean. Like the only certain and sure thing is the present. Right now.”
/> Gabrielle put back her cheek on his chest. He was right. It had been her way of doing things, too—one step after the other, until all became clear.
To avoid the gloom from setting in, she pushed back and smiled. “Merry Christmas, Sullivan.”
His eyebrow arched. “You’re evading the question? And it’s not quite Christmas yet, not for another five minutes.”
Gabrielle got to her feet and stuck her tongue out. “I say it is Christmas now. That’s it.”
Sully stretched his legs on the couch when she jumped off and put his hands behind his head. “I say I like you.” He waited a second before sneaking behind her and taking her in his arms, twirling like crazy. She yelped, laughing, and grabbed his shoulders as he spun her around even faster.
Her head still spinning, he lowered her on her feet. “Merry Christmas, honey.”
She gazed at him as the rest of the world still moved. “Merry Christmas, my love.”
Sully started to slide his hands under her sweater, but she grabbed his wandering hands, stopping his attempt. “No, sir, not yet. Gift giving and after hanky panky.”
He laughed and let her escape him. “Hanky panky? I can’t remember the last time someone used that expression with me. How old are you?”
Gabrielle ignored him and crouched in front of the tree, sorting through the packages. “We’ll redefine the words tonight if you like.”
“I knew there was a good reason why I married you.” Sighing, Sully put his hands in his pockets.
“Fiend.” She grabbed one brightly wrapped package and frowned at him. “I’m reconsidering that gift giving thing—”
“No way! That’s mine.” He stole the box from her and dropped back on the couch. Laughing, Gabrielle sat beside him as he tore the paper to pieces.
“You’re acting like you never had a gift in your life.”
“I haven’t.”
He said it so matter-of-factly, her smile vanished. “You can’t be serious.”
Sully pause. “I’m. I’ve told you how my family was. Christmas was more a reason to drink and beat each other up than share presents and cheers.”
“I should have bought you more gifts,” Gabrielle mumbled under her breath.
Sully touched her nose. “I don’t regret anything. Because I have everything I ever wished for now.”
He turned his attention back to his gift and Gabrielle decided not to wallow in his awful past. It wasn’t the point. When he opened the box, he blinked—it was a bright red cap with matching gloves.
“For when you run by the water since it’s getting cold. Plus, I’ll never lose sight of where you’re on the beach.”
He kissed her. “Thanks.”
She wanted to give him another one, but he told her to stay put. Heading for to the tree, he grabbed one colorful present.
“You’re not the only one thinking about something red nowadays.”
Gabrielle frowned at his enigmatic smile and started unwrapping. The box was light and she realized why it was when she opened the lid.
“Holy shit!” The words stumbled out of her mouth when she saw the long silk negligee in a deep luscious candied apple red. Underneath there was a kimono embroidered with small, delicate cream flowers.
Sully rubbed his beard, a little uncomfortable. “When I saw it, I couldn’t resist imagining you in it. You’re not forced to wear it, though …”
He was rambling, and she stopped him by touching his cheek. “It’s beautiful. Too classy for me. I’ve never owed something like this! It almost looks like an evening gown.”
Sully’s gaze turned to green fire. “Would you put it on? Now?”
“Turn around.” Removing her clothes, she let them fall to the floor. The cool silk slid over her heated skin. It was pure indulgence. Then, she wrapped herself in the kimono and reveled in the softness of the material.
“Can I see?”
Gabrielle looked at her reflection in the window pane and saw Sully had been watching at her the whole time. Turning, his eyes took in every detail from her head to toes. “You look like a goddess, my goddess.” His hand fisted at his side. “But something is missing. Two things.”
Gabrielle glanced down at her and at the box. “I don’t see anything else, what’s missing?”
Retrieving a small box from the tree, he moved to stand close to her and handed her the silvery present.
She smiled at him and untied the silver ribbon before opening the box. Her breath caught when she saw what was inside.
Sully came even closer. “I thought we could start filling your jewelry box with more than seashells … if you don’t mind.”
Gabrielle’s eyes were fixated on the simple diamond earrings in the box. Round and sparkly gems, catching light and turning it into fire.
“Sully, it’s too much. Have you seen the size of them? It must have set you back—”
“Shush. When I saw them, I didn’t care about the price. I only wanted you to have them. To wear them.”
Her heart beating like crazy in her chest, she went to the mirror over the mantle to put them on. They were exquisite. Sully came behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, putting his chin on her shoulder.
“Beautiful. You’re simply beautiful.”
Gabrielle tried to blink back her tears, but some escaped down her cheeks. Her heart was so full; it took her a moment to speak. “You’re right, it completes the ensemble beautifully.”
Smiling, he turned her around. “Not quite.”
She frowned, unsure what he meant, until he slipped his hand between her breasts and grasped her wedding ring. Releasing it from the chain, he slid it back on her finger. It fit tighter than before.
“Now, the outfit is perfect.”
He bent down to kiss her, but she moved away. “Mine might, but yours is missing something.”
Sully frowned. “You want me to put on the cap and red gloves?”
Gabrielle shook her head and went to the tree where a larger box awaited. After setting it on the coffee table, she sat back on the sofa.
Sully came to sit beside her and pulled the big box in front of him with glee.
“Another one!” He shredded the wrapping as he did for the first gift and opened it, frowning when he discovered another wrapped gift. “No you didn’t!”
Gabrielle smiled wickedly. “Yes, I did. And it took me quite a bit of time. So get unwrapping.”
Sully may have grimaced at her, but he was in a happy mood. As he unwrapped the many gifts embedded like Russian dolls, she started to feel nervous. What if he doesn’t like it? But there it was, the smallest present of them all, in his hand. Too late for doubts now.
“I swear, you must have spent hours wrapping this thing up.”
“By the look on your face, it was worth it.”
Sully opened it and froze, glancing at her and then back in the box. It was a black titanium wedding band with faint golden details looking like waves.
“I figured that as you got me a ring, I could give you one, too. Although, I know with your work, it might not be a good idea.” And now it was her turn to babble. “You’re not obliged to wear it, it’s only a thought I had …” Her voice caught when she saw Sully take the band and slide it on his ring finger. Part of her was happy it fit. It had been a wild guess. He gazed at his hand for a long time, turning the ring, examining it from every angle. When he spoke, his voice was raw and filled with emotions.
“It’s perfect. Thank you. I don’t know what to say. When we got married, I only thought about you, about getting you a ring. I never thought I wanted, or needed one. Until now.”
