All He Wants this Christmas_A single-dad Holiday Romance

by Claire Woods

  She stops in front of a door and faces us. “He’s heavily sedated. I need to warn you—his face is puffy and bruised from the airbags and his leg is in a lift for the swelling. In case he starts to come to, try not to react—we don’t want him to feel any more alarmed than he’s sure to be.”

  Biting my lip, I nod and slowly push open the door. His dark hair curls on his neck and forehead. Deep purple lines under his eyes are the only color on his pale face. Machines beep and display numbers. IV’s are in his arm, but he’s alive. No matter what comes; I’m not leaving his side for one second until he walks out of this hospital by my side.

  “I’m here baby,” I whisper moving to sit in a chair by the bed. I take his hand gently and bow my head. Dolores sits on the other side of the bed, taking his other hand. Together, we keep watch as if the combination of our life forces can anchor his to this world.

  “Why don’t you go home and get some rest. I’ll call an Uber.”

  “I was just going to suggest the same for you.”

  “I’m not leaving him, Dolores. I know he’s your son, but…”

  She smiles, “I know if he could choose, it’d be you. I’ll be at his house until he comes home.” She stands, kisses his cheek and strokes his face with the adoration a mother always has for her child, no matter the age. “Call me the second he wakes.”

  “I will.”

  She rounds the bed and gives me a hug, before leaving.

  Hours pass. I keep watch, guarding over him.

  My hand smooths his hair and strokes his arm. I whisper into his ear how much I love him; how much I need him and I beg him to stay so we can all be a family someday. I talk about us buying a big house and the boys becoming brothers. I fantasize about the children we would have and what their names would be. I tell him he owes me that vacation—where we’d make love on the beach and in the waves. I tell him I’d pour coconut oil over our bodies so they’d slide together in perfect harmony. I plan our future talking myself to sleep, with my head close to his chest, my arm protectively over him.

  “Hey.” He rasps so softly—I almost missed it.

  I lift my head from the side of his hospital bed, “Hey.” I lift a cup of ice water with a straw to his lips, “Take a few sips. Try not to move your head.” My fingers find the click button to summon the nurse.

  “… y-you shoulda been a doctor. T-tmmyy…”

  Smiling softly, I lean over to press my lips to his, “You’re going to be okay. Carla and your mom are with Tommy. Take it easy, you need to rest and heal.” Swiping tears, my forehead leans to rest on his before I offer him more water.

  “Kate, baby. Tell it to me straight… my leg gone?” He rasps out weakly.

  “No. The surgeon managed to save it.”

  He nods, a single tear streaking from the corner of his eye. The nurse rushes in, “Gianni, glad to see you’re awake. I’m going to take your vitals and page the doctor to have a look at you.”

  I squeeze his hand in reassurance; his weakly squeezes back. “I’m not leaving your side until you walk out of this hospital next to me.”

  I can’t believe Christmas Eve is tomorrow. Tommy’s greatest wish is just for his dad to come home. But I doubt, even the Sugar Plum Fairy herself could make that happen.

  I glance over at Gianni from my hospital bed. Margie put her foot down with the head nurse on duty, making sure they wheeled another bed into Gianni’s room for me to sleep by his side.

  I lowered the rails, butted it up next to his bed, and slept next to him these past few nights. Every time he moaned in agony; I was there to make sure he received more pain meds. Whenever he was thirsty, I filled his cup and raised the straw to his lips. I laid in bed, holding his hand and stared out into the city outside when it hit me. This is true love. The giving of yourself until there’s nothing left; the hours of just being next to one another.

  I slide my body to the edge of my bed, as carefully as I can and pad across the floor in hospital socks to the bathroom.

  I look like shit.

  I clean my mouth with the hospital issued toothpaste and brush. Using what little toiletries, I had in my purse—I do what I can to feel human. Turning the handle slowly, trying not to wake him I open the door.

  “I want to go home.”

  “I know you do. I was hoping you’d still be sleeping.”

  “Why? So, you could sneak out on me?

  “Never.”

  Getting back into the bed, I tuck into his left side, and his arm comes around me. “I need to run some of my thoughts by you. Lying here these past few days…it seems like I had nothing to do but think.”

  “... I’m gonna be outta commission for a while. When you left to get us coffee yesterday, the doc stopped by. I’m gonna need physical therapy for months, but I’ll be damned if I have to back out that job in Queens. I need you, Kate. Please, just think about helping me out at my company for a bit. I need someone like you to log my invoices, track materials, do payroll and keep an eye on the work…” His hands clench as he trails off.

  I grin, “Of course babe. I can’t wait to get started. I already have a board on Pinterest for that project.”

  He smiles, “I’m glad. I’m getting used to having ya’ glued to my side all day.”

  “There’s no other place I want to be, Gianni.”

  “What are we gonna do about Christmas? There’s no chance I’m getting outta here.”

  I sigh, “I know. But Tommy was just so happy to see you yesterday. We can celebrate Christmas when you come home. It’ll probably be when they’re on winter break.”

  “This damn accident is screwing everything up. I was gonna take you to the Maldives.”

  “W-what?”

  “Nothing less than the best for my girl. But it’ll have to wait.”

  “Go home today, baby. Spend some time with Luca. Take a decent shower—eat some real food…”

  “No. I made a vow that I wasn’t leaving without you.”

  He sighs, “Stubborn wench.”

  “I don’t care. I’m sticking to you like glue.”

  “Please, Kate. A man needs his dignity. I’m starting to smell, and I don’t want to get bedsores. Gimme a few hours so the nurses can help me get cleaned up.”

  “Oh, of course.” My face turns red. He hasn’t left this bed since they wheeled him in from surgery. The nurse did mention they were going to take his catheter out and try to get him in the bathroom with help.

  “I’ll be back.” I wink, giving him a soft kiss.

  Tony’s car is parked in the driveway. I knew that he’s been staying here with Luca, but seeing his car parked outside the home we lived in together is still a punch to the gut. Sighing, I hope he’s on his best behavior. I’m too tired to deal with his shit right now.

  Wearily, I put the key in and twist the handle.

  “Kate?” He pads barefoot across the floor running a hand through his dark, wavy hair. He’s wearing dark-rimmed glasses that make him look like a meaty GQ model. He smirks noticing my perusal. “Don’t kid yourself. It’s never going to happen.”

  “You sure?” He comes closer.

  “If I were you—I’d back up if you want to keep your balls for Christmas.”

  He raises his hands in surrender, “Okay… speaking of Christmas what do you want to do now? Luca was hoping we could still go over to the DeLuca’s. It’d be weird but considering everything that’s happened. I’d go.”

  “Well, that’s the first decent thing you’ve offered to do in years.”

  He hangs his head before looking back up at me. “I’ve been a real greedy bastard. But being back in this house these past few nights… it all came back. The good times, ‘ya know? When Luca was a baby… the Christmas’s we had… ” He stalls sucking in a breath, “What happened to Gianni really shook me up. It’s been really good spending these past few days with Luca. I’ll be around more.”

  “I hope you mean that. Let’s salvage Christmas for Gianni by bringing it to hi
m.”

  “You want to celebrate Christmas in a hospital room?”

  “Well… not you. No offense, but you are hardly on Gianni’s list of people he’d want to see. I was thinking of bringing Tommy and Luca for Christmas Eve. You could take Luca back to your apartment in the city and have your aunt meet you there? I’m staying with Gianni. Tiff’s not canceling her trip. She’s leaving tonight. But we can’t let Tommy be alone with just his grandmother… ”

  “Such devotion. You’re acting like a wife instead of a girlfriend. What about spending Christmas with Luca?”

  “I will, for dinner—assuming you can make one. I would’ve given you the same devotion, and you know it. Besides, Luca needs this time with you. He’s secure in my love for him, but not in yours.”

  “Fine. I’ll call Katia to see if she can cook. But I doubt DeLuca would want his son in my care.”

  The look I give him stops him cold. “Never mind. I’ll have it all catered and invite Dolores and Carla.”

  “Good. Now I’m going to take a shower and pack some clothes. If you even think about entering my bedroom—it won’t end well for you.”

  “Jesus, Kate. You’ve changed. You were never this feisty.”

  I shrug, “Don’t you wish you could turn back time.”

  “Fuck—I do.” He mutters under his breath.

  He turns his attention back to the TV, and halfway up the stairs, I hear him call out for me.

  “Kate! Holy shit! Come back for a sec.”

  “What?”

  The sound of her annoying voice has me turning my head.

  It’s fucking Tiff.

  In a slutty Santa outfit wearing garters and white boots with six-inch heels. She finally landed an acting gig after all.

  “Have you been naughty or nice this year?” She stretches out on the hood of a pearl Lexus, blowing a kiss into the camera. “Come on down to Sal’s showroom. He has so many hot deals that are sure to get your engines rev-v-v-ing. Hurry up while inventory lasts. Zero percent financing on all current models. What are you waiting for? Make your special guy or girl merry this year.”

  “Hot damn. That chick is fine.” I raise my eyebrows at his words, but I’m still glued to the screen as Sal Sergetti smacks her butt and winks at the camera.

  He owns the most extensive Lexus, Land Rover and Jaguar dealerships in New York State. He’s greasy and dirty as fuck but as rich as king Midas himself. I’d never go for him, but he’s the exact type of prey Tiff could live off of for years. My guess is she probably will.

  “You don’t have a chance, Tony. That’s the guy taking her to Aspen for the holidays.” I shake my head, “I can’t believe she’s ditching Tommy for that greased-monkey.”

  I jog back up the stairs, texting Gianni about the commercial.

  Gianni: I know. It’s been on all morning. She told me about her big break. LOL

  Me: More like big bust! Did you see that outfit?

  Gianni: If anyone could make cars fly off a lot it’d be her. Maybe she’s finding her way, just like I did with you.

  Me: I’ll be back in a few hours. Miss me!

  Gianni: I already do sugar. We gonna make out tonight? I need some Christmas nookie.

  Me: Yep. You’re definitely feeling better.

  “How much time do we have?”

  “About five minutes.”

  “I can’t tell you enough… how much I appreciate you helping us have Christmas here.”

  “Pshhh, I’m happy to help. Hospitals need more cheer if you ask me anyway.” Margie answers.

  “There.” I murmur placing the angel atop of the tree. Stepping back to survey our work, I nod in satisfaction. While Gianni’s having his first physical therapy session at the hospital, I lugged a four-foot-tree and five-hundred twinkling lights to his room. Then I went back outside to grab garland, red bows, tinsel and Italian Christmas cookies and pastries from his favorite bakery in the city.

  Dolores is bringing a few gifts and a seafood dinner; an old, Italian custom on Christmas Eve. I ordered pizza for the boys and even figured how to stream Christmas music from my phone to a wireless speaker on the windowsill.

  “I had this in my office. It gets damn drafty in there.”

  I turn around as Margie carries an electric fireplace into the room and plugs it in under the TV.

  “He’s going to be so surprised!” My hands clasp together with glee.

  “Where’s Daddy?”

  “Hello, sweetheart!” I rush forward hugging both Luca and Tommy. Tony stands awkwardly behind them with Dolores.

  “I drove them all here. I’m going home for a bit. Tommy and Luca wanted to have a ‘Christmas Eve sleepover.’ ” He shrugs in defeat. “Dolores is staying over in the guest room.”

  “That’s wow… very kind of you Tony.”

  “Mr. Gilletti said Santa will know I’m there.”

  “I’m sure he will, sweetie.”

  “Text when you want me to come back.”

  “Tony! Wait. Are you spending Christmas Eve alone?”

  “I’ll be fine. Besides, these two are already plotting to stay up all night to catch Santa.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” I move forward to hug him, hoping this is a turning point for us all. Maybe we can heal together and put the past behind us.

  “Eh! Get your hands off my woman!”

  “DeLuca. Good to see you up, man.”

  “Really? I know you’d move right in again if I didn’t make it.”

  “Damn straight, I would.”

  A lump forms in my throat as I watch the two of them fist-bump.

  Gianni’s in a wheelchair, but he’s wearing a tight navy-blue V-neck sweater and sweats with one leg cut, making room for his cast.

  “What’s going on, babe?”

  Walking out of the doorway to his room, I bend to give him a quick kiss. But he grabs the back of my head, and as my mouth parts in surprise, he takes advantage. His tongue sweeps in, finding mine. Even in a wheelchair—this man makes me weak.

  “Merry Christmas, babe.”

  I take his hand as he wheels forward stopping in shock.

  “Merry Christmas!” Everyone cheers from inside his hospital room. Tears streak down his beautiful, masculine face. He’s not ashamed. He owns it, and it’s damn sexy.

  “I-I wasn’t sure if I’d see this Christmas.”

  Tommy rushes forward, hugging him tight.

  “You did all this?”

  I nod. He raises my hand to his lips, mouthing, “I love you.”

  “Love you more.” I mouth back.

  “Doubt it,” he replies with another kiss to the back of my hand.

  Everyone gathers around. Tommy sits carefully in his lap, and Gianni spins his chair in circles. Luca hugs me by the waist watching their antics.

  Tommy’s laugh rings out, and my eyes fill at how much love has been stuffed into my heart. I never saw this man or this little boy coming; never imagined the blessing that was on its way. The darkest years of my life have brought forth the greatest light. And I know with certainty—there will be more bumps in my road, but there will also be blessings. You just have to be strong and believe they will come.

  “That was the best Christmas Eve.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, because I spent it with you.”

  The multi-colored lights from the tree reflect off the glass window. I snuggle closer to his side, watching the flames from the “fire.”

  “Tommy seemed happy, but he must feel Tiff’s absence,” I sigh.

  “Nah, are you kidding? He’s gonna have a blast at Tony’s. Christ, I can’t believe I just said that.”

  Stifling a giggle, I inhale against his neck, dropping a kiss there.

  He turns his head to look at me, “Kate?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Get up and lock the door.”

  “W-what?”

  “You heard me. Now go.”

  I raise an eyebrow, “Are you sure?”

  “O
h yeah, it’s way past time to get naughty.”

  Sliding out of the bed, I cross the floor and turn the lock.

  “Strip.” He orders taking off his sweater.

  “You’re crazy.”

  He grins, folding his hands behind his head.

  I sashay back to the end of the bed, unzip the back of my dress, and slowly slide it down. He groans at the sight of my breasts cupped by my red satin bra and matching panties.

  “Good. Now climb atop me slowly… gently…”

  “I-I..,” stammering, I stall, afraid to hurt his leg.

  “Do it. You are my Christmas wish, and I intend on having you.”

  I walk back to the side of our squished hospital beds and climb on. He reaches for me, and I gently straddle his lap as he sits up straighter.

  “Hold on… ” he presses a button on the side of the bed, raising the angle. “Perfect.”

  My head lowers, and he catches my lips with his teeth. “Mine.” He growls, thrusting his tongue inside while his arms, come around me. I feel him surging under me, and I moan, grinding against his rigid length still encumbered by his sweats.

  His head falls back, hands unclasping my bra, tongue eagerly surging out to lick each nipple before his mouth sucks on them one at a time. I close my eyes and let my head fall back. He smiles against my breast as a hand moves down and edges inside my panties. He circles, rubbing through my folds, teasing me. His thumb presses down on my clit as two fingers enter. His open mouth lazily circles my nipples, one then the other. His tongue matching the movements of his hands.

  My hands reach down, to gently peel back his sweats. He lifts his hips, and I shimmy them down to his knees. He hisses as the cold air hits his heated skin. My hand circles him, sliding up and down, then gently back to his thick tip.

  “Kate baby. I need you now,” he rasps.

  “Tell me what to do… I’ve never been good at this position… never liked it with—”

  “Don’t. I don’t want you to say another man’s name. Only mine.” His hands guide my hips as I raise up then lower onto his shaft. We moan in unison, as I sink down, feeling his thickness firmly planted inside. He hisses between his teeth, “Slow. Make it last…” His hands guide me up and down, then one comes off to play with my bare mound. His finger slides up and down my slit in rhythm with my body sliding up and down on him.