A Submissive's Gift

by Maggie Ryan

  Jason presented his gift to Nancy out of order, after explaining that his reasoning would become clear. Tearing the paper from the box, Nancy revealed a beautifully crafted cabinet. The wood gleamed with its coating of oil, dozens of small recesses just waiting to be filled.

  "It's beautiful," she said, running her hand across the surface. Jason grinned and, reaching into his pocket, pulled out a little snowman.

  "Remember this one?" he asked, her answer evident on her face as her cheeks reddened. She watched as he tucked the small toy into one of the recesses. "Since it has become apparent that you, my love, are well on your way to becoming a serious collector, I thought you'd appreciate having a special place to display your prizes."

  Nancy gave him a kiss as she laughed, his unexpected gift one she'd treasure forever.

  Ariel passed out her presents. As they were opened, she basked in the looks of pleasure each brought to the faces of the recipients.

  Craig ran his fingertip across the glass of the frame that held a beautiful photo of him and Barbara, taken the first day at the lake, her hands on his waist, his fingers pushing back her hair, both their smiles brilliant as the first bloom of love was captured forever on film.

  Logan, understandably very leery of accepting her gift, made her swear on their treaty that it was not a prank. Elizabeth smiled when he appeared nervous despite the promise, and then blushed when he tore the paper away to reveal his gift. It was a photo which captured the antique slate board where Liz had scrawled the words 'Safety 1st' the day they had discovered and initiated the Woodshed. His pleasure was evident as he kissed Ariel's cheek and said he would hang it in his bedroom.

  Garrett was presented with a photo that showed the joy on Ariel's face as he held out his hand, her engagement ring on the tip of his little finger.

  Jason's hearty laugh told of his pleasure of Ariel's gift. It was a picture of Nancy dressed in her school-girl uniform, a very naughty smile on her lips, with a Happy Meal box dangling from one hand, an ice cream cone held in her other.

  Ariel presented her parents with a photo of all eight of their 'children' dressed in blue jeans and white t-shirts, arms around each other as they stood before the window, the blue water of the lake and the green of the trees telling of the location that all would call their second home.

  Barbara squealed with delight when she opened a box and pulled out a new pair of bunny slippers. She instantly kicked off her old ones, slipping her feet into the new pair. "I still can't believe you actually kept those," Ariel laughed.

  "I not only kept them," Barbara said, wiggling her feet to make the ears on her slippers flop around. "As you can tell, I wore them out! Thanks, sis." She was just as happy with the many pairs of cute panties the other members of HOPEFUL presented her. Watching Ariel look at each pair, the women laughed, the young woman's fascination with her sister's lingerie having become legend.

  Ben's friendship with Harry became evident as he passed out boxes to the girls, as well as his wife, while stating the gift was one that that had to be shared with their men. Ribbons were untied and boxes opened. Gasps and giggles erupted as each woman lifted out a leather paddle exactly like the one Harry had shown them in his shop. Each one was a thing of beauty, with each woman's name engraved on one side, vines, flowers, small animals and curlicues carved to curl around each name. Garrett took hers from Ariel and turned it over, revealing a smooth side.

  "Beautiful work, Harry, thanks," Garrett called out, easily pulling Ariel across his lap and popping her pajama covered rear with the paddle. It was no surprise that the other four women received the same treatment before their paddles were returned to them, each being quickly placed back into its box.

  Elizabeth loved the look on Helen's face as she presented her with a lacy shawl in a soft lilac color that she had knitted. Her future mother-in-law instantly wrapped it around her shoulders, her hands reaching up to cup Liz's face, drawing her down for a kiss. "It's lovely, my dear, especially since I know the time you spent making it for me."

  Liz was touched, and then giggled when Ben leaned over and added, "The only thing that would make her happier is if you'd start making grandbabies."

  "Dad!" Liz said, shaking her head. "Don't you think we should get married first?"

  Logan took that as his cue, reaching to take Elizabeth's hand. "Since I have always been the perfect son," his voice rising above his sisters booing at his statement, "my gift to you both is an invitation to both our commitment ceremony and our wedding—exactly one week from today." His announcement was met with screams of excitement, the women bowling the couple over as they rushed to give hugs and congratulations.

  With the last box opened, silly gifts mixed with ones normally exchanged, piles of wrapping paper and ribbon tossed all across the floor, they agreed that it had been an amazing Christmas. Stuffing trash bags full of the debris, everyone soon had the room back in order. Gathering up their gifts, Logan walked to the door and turned back as the others joined him. Looking up from where he had been helping Helen pick up boxes she had dropped, Ben saw them standing in a huddle.

  "Dad, Santa has left you something," Ariel said. "Unfortunately, your perfect son couldn't get it up the stairs." Logan swatted Ariel's butt as he gave Barbara a nod. The group parted as Logan opened the door, and Barbara picked up the end of a ribbon that Logan had placed after pretending he'd forgotten something downstairs after they had all gathered in the ballroom. The ribbon led down the hall and continued down the stairs.

  "Merry Christmas, Dad," Barbara said, handing him the ribbon. He looked at the people he loved, a grin lighting his face.

  "Just follow the ribbon," Logan instructed, taking his mother's packages and nodding to indicate she was to follow. The older couple began to walk down the hall, Ben shaking his head as Helen requested that he be careful rolling the ribbon up, as she was sure she could find a good use for it later. Everyone followed until the ribbon disappeared beneath the front door. Ben waited until Garrett opened the door before stepping through, the large ball of ribbon in his hands.

  "Merry Christmas!" was shouted by eight voices as he stopped abruptly, not needing to go any further. The end of the ribbon was attached to a key—a key that was inserted into the ignition of a brand new, gleaming black four wheeler.

  "Whoa," Ben said, absently dropping the ball as he went down the steps to run his hand across the machine. "She's a beauty," he declared. "Kids, you didn't need to do this."

  "Remember, it's from Santa," Ariel said, as she took the ball Helen had retrieved from the porch. "Go on, take it for a spin."

  "Yes, Daddy," Barbara agreed, untying the end of the ribbon to leave the key free of its decoration. "You'd better hop on before these guys forget that Santa brought it for you, and start fighting over who gets the first ride."

  Ben turned to his wife and extended his hand. Helen laughed, but let him help her onto the ATV, finding the seat very comfortable. Ben climbed on and pulled her hands around his waist. "Hang on, Helen, we're going to see how fast this baby can go."

  Helen shook her head, knowing that despite his words, Ben would make sure he kept her safe. The ATV started with a healthy roar, their family breaking into laughter as he released the brake and 'tore out' of the drive—going a very safe ten miles per hour.

  After presents had been unloaded into bedrooms, and pajamas exchanged for jeans and sweaters, Barbara and Craig returned to the kitchen. "Thanks again," she said, as she reverently unrolled the set of professional chef knives that Craig had given her. Her lessons had taught her that owning such a set was an honor when they were presented by a chef. Despite the fact that her roll was pink instead of the normal black, she was proud of her growth as Craig's sous chef.

  "You're welcome," Craig said, opening his own set as they put the final touches to Christmas dinner. Barbara selected a knife and used it to begin chopping the vegetables that would be put into the salad. They worked in harmony, laughing as they replayed the reactions of their famil
y and friends that morning.

  The family gathered around the tables that the men had pushed together, and the women set with beautiful crystal and china, the centerpiece of pine boughs and candles truly beautiful for the first meal in Haven's dining room. Everything was just as incredible as Thanksgiving's meal had been. They listened to Ben extol all the wonderful features of his new toy. He was touched by the gift, as it would make the journey between the cabin and Haven much easier than walking the mile or so between the two. He promised to have duplicate keys made for all of them, as his and Helen's visits would be nothing compared to those the younger people would be making. The women rolled their eyes and giggled as the men had a discussion about who should get the next ride. It was a meal they would all remember and cherish.

  "God, this time, I'm serious," Nancy said as she pushed away from the table. "There is no way I can take another single bite."

  "That's fine," Jason said, as he draped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him for a kiss. "I'm sure some small scrap of dessert will still be available when you are ready." He laughed when her eyes narrowed, knowing she was deciding if she could risk the possibility that not a single slice of one of the pies or the huge chocolate cake would be left. "Trust me, babe, everyone is way too full right now."

  They settled into chairs to watch Holiday Inn, all thinking the movie could be about Haven, at least for the next week. When it was over, Craig and Barbara were helped by Elizabeth and Logan to bring in trays of dessert and a pot of fresh coffee. As Jason watched his wife take a plate of pie, as well as one of chocolate cake, he shook his head in amusement.

  "No wonder Bunny said yes," Nancy said, licking the rich chocolate icing off her fork, "what girl could ever resist a man who bakes!"

  The magical day ended when the last credits of A Christmas Story rolled, everyone laughing remembering the scene when Ralphie came down the stairs dressed in the ridiculous bunny outfit his aunt had given him. All eyes had turned to their own Bunny, who was sitting in Craig's lap, her cheeks glistening with tears from laughing so hard.

  As she and Craig were putting the last dish away that the others had washed, he bent down to whisper in her ear. "I think your own purple Bunny suit is much cuter." At her smile, he ran his hand across her rear and continued, "Especially when that drop seat is lowered."

  Five very happy couples slipped back into their rooms to make their own Christmas night memories ones they'd wish to play again and again.

  Chapter 14

  The week between Christmas and New Year's was incredibly busy for everyone at Haven. They took the first few days of the week to simply enjoy the holidays before getting down to the business of making sure every detail would be perfect by the time their first guests arrived.

  Ariel and Nancy were in the boutique, unpacking the final boxes and stocking the shelves. "Aw, these are sweet," Ariel said, as she held up a set of lingerie that was both innocent and sexy. White, sheer fabric made up the bodice of the gown, and thin, pink ribbons woven with white ones formed a bow that fell from the bodice to the hem. Matching white panties with pink ribbons completed the set.

  "I fell in love with them," Nancy admitted with a smile. "Betty assured me that they would work for any Little girl, without making her embarrassed if her daddy came in to buy them for her. Can you put them on the mannequin for me?" Ariel did so, dressing the other two mannequins in far more risqué lingerie.

  "I really like Angel," Nancy said, as she shifted one of the mannequins a little, the display very appealing in the deep bay window. "I am so happy that Barbara has someone to share that part of her life with."

  "God, the transformation in her has been incredible," Ariel agreed, pausing in her unpacking to think about her sister. "It just goes to show that love is a powerful weapon. Craig's love has finally set her free of David at last, and she is the happiest I have ever seen her."

  "Yes and I'm betting that having another ageplay family love her as well will make her even happier," Nancy said, and then giggled. "I can just imagine the trouble those two can get into when they are together. I bet they are a handful when in full Little mode."

  Ariel giggled as well, turning to make sure they were still alone. "I can't wait to hear about the after effects of that mischief. I mean, seriously, how hot could that be?" The women smiled, both imagining all sorts of delicious scenes as they turned to unpack another box.

  Edible oils, perfumed soaps and massage lotions were arranged on a table, and a wide variety of Harry's offerings placed inside the glass case. Both women shivered as Nancy opened the box that had arrived via express mail. True to Jason's words, Harry had sent a dozen of his tawses with accompanying mats. Ariel ran her hand across the bumps and ridges of the mat as Nancy made a place for it in the display cabinet.

  "God, this is sinfully erotic," Ariel said, passing the mat to Nancy.

  "It's barbaric is what it is," Nancy countered, her words belied as she, too, stroked a hand across the mat before placing the tawse on one corner. "I promise, if Logan really gives a set to Garrett, you'll find your tune changing." She gave Ariel a look that told the younger woman that though it might be barbaric, it made for an experience not to be forgotten.

  Nancy made sure her special bags were stacked neatly behind the counter, piles of light violet and dark purple tissue ready to wrap each item, silver stickers on a roll ready for that special, final touch to the wrappings.

  "These are going to be almost too beautiful to open," Ariel stated, as she watched Nancy partially wrap a bra and panty set, leaving the tissue open to frame the ruby red fabric as she propped the box onto a stand. Imagining herself in the sexy lingerie, Ariel giggled. "Almost, but man, if Garrett should happen to wander in, you can wrap those up for me. I promise, I'll have absolutely no problem opening that box."

  While Ariel and Nancy finished preparing the boutique, Helen was seated on a stool in the kitchen, watching the perfectly orchestrated movements of her eldest daughter and her fiancé. Cases of champagne were loaded into the commercial refrigerator, bottles of wine wiped with a cloth before being slid onto racks in one of the two large wine coolers. As the delivery man accepted the signed receipt, she shook her head as Craig and Barbara checked off each item from a list on the clipboard Barbara was holding. Dressed ducks were waiting to become the main dish of New Year's Eve, crates of fresh vegetables and pints of huge strawberries were placed into another refrigerator. It was amazing how much food the two worked to place where they would be stored until turned into delicious meals.

  "I can't believe all this is going to be consumed in one weekend," Helen said, sipping from her cup of coffee as Barbara carried yet another sack of flour into the pantry.

  "Yes, it used to shock me a bit as well," Craig admitted, as he took a break. "I've learned through the years that you need to order extra, but if you're careful, you can keep waste to a minimum. Whatever isn't consumed at one meal can often be used in a different way the next day. Fruit is the quickest to go bad, but with strawberries and champagne being part of every room's gift basket, I'll be lucky to have enough left to serve with the waffles for brunch on January first."

  "We'll need every stick of butter, bag of sugar, and bars of chocolate to make the individual cheesecakes Liz and Logan want as their wedding cake," Barbara added, looking down at her own ring. "This is going to be the most incredible holiday ever!"

  Everyone had moved their personal belongings back to their own cabins. Elizabeth and Helen worked together to make sure every room they had used had fresh linens and towels. Complimentary bottles of shampoo and body wash were placed on bathroom vanities. The men made sure there was plenty of firewood ready in baskets on the hearth. Flowers would be delivered on Friday since the gardens had yet to grow large enough to offer their own bounty.

  After a dinner of soup and salad on Thursday, the men were told to entertain themselves as the women held a meeting.

  Craig opened the wine, placing another bottle on the island fo
r when it was needed. "Have fun, baby," he said, as he gave Barbara a kiss. "Don't stay up too late, we've got a lot to do tomorrow."

  "I won't," she promised with a giggle. Both knew that these meetings often led to her need to be taken care of by her daddy afterwards. He patted her bottom a final time before gathering some snacks and beers to take to Logan's cabin for their poker party.

  Hearing the others calling her, she gave him a final kiss before taking her glass of wine and hurrying to join them. The women settled on cushions in front of the fire that Logan had set before he and the other men retired to play a few games of Texas Hold-Em.

  "God, I can't believe it's almost here," Nancy said, snuggling into her cushion before raising her glass. "To Liz, you've done it." Everyone raised their glass, the sentiment repeated as the clinking of glasses sounded.

  "I couldn't have done it without every single one of you," Elizabeth said. "It still amazes me that Haven is finished, that the dream I thought impossible for so long has not only been realized, it has given me more than I could ever have imagined." She took a sip of her wine in order to give herself time to collect herself. "It gave me Logan, and an entire new family. No matter what this weekend brings, just that is enough to make me happy."

  "Well, that and a wedding ring," Ariel offered.

  "And a collar," Nancy added, her hand lifting to run along her own. Knowing her friend inside and out, and sensing an unease in Elizabeth despite her smile, Nancy reached out to touch Elizabeth's arm. "I know you are ready, but, honey, can you tell us what's bothering you? Are you nervous because so many people are going to be here?"

  Liz shook her head. "No, not really. I'm more than ready to formally commit myself in all ways. Everyone who is coming this weekend knows us both, and, well, have probably been wondering why I haven't been collared long before now." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I suppose I'm a little worried what people might think when Haven's purpose gets around. I mean, I will fight to the death to make sure everyone has a right to live the lifestyle they've chosen as long as it safe and consensual. It has taken me years to get over that night when the hotel manager and security guard came to our room and were disgusted to find me tied to that bed, even though I loved being there. Despite my dream beginning that night, I'm positive Haven would never have been a reality without Logan and the rest of you."