All He Wants this Christmas_A single-dad Holiday Romance

by Claire Woods

  Moaning, I fall forward, the shift allowing him to hit my G-spot while bringing my breasts back within reach of his seeking mouth. His hips surge up, faster, harder, the tip of him finding its target… over and over.

  My hands grab his head, my lips fuse to his, “I love you…” I moan as our tongues duel, and he fills me to the brink of exploding.

  “Kate… baby… you feel like hot silk wrapped around my cock. I can’t hold back.” His hips pump up in a frenzy, I match his rhythm then scream as he lightly pinches my clit. The pain gives to waves of pleasure. Our eyes meet, conveying the intensity we both feel as we come together.

  He pulses, filling me with wave after wave of his hot seed. My hips don’t stop and his whole-body shudders from the force of his release. I sit back planted on him as his hips buck and jerk, cock pulsing and with a shout, I feel the spurt from his release hit my womb.

  Trembling, I fall into his chest. He wraps his arms around me, anchoring me to him while still rooted firmly inside. We pant, coming back to earth slowly. Our bodies slick with sweat.

  His seed drips down my thighs, sticky and hot. He smirks, “Sorry. I had a full load. I had blue balls thinking about you these past few nights.”

  I move to get off him, but he shakes his head, “Not done with you yet.”

  I realize he’s hard and full, swelling inside me again. “What about your leg?”

  “The pain only makes the pleasure more intense. I friggin’ saw stars baby.”

  “You're insatiable.”

  “Only for you, babe. Only for you. Merry Christmas my love.” I look at the clock on the wall. It’s midnight. “Merry Christmas, Gianni. You’re the love of my life… and I almost lost you as soon as I found you…” I break off in tears.

  “Shhh, I’m right here baby,” he pumps his hips, “…as close to you as I can be and I’m not leaving. Ever.”

  “Promise?” I ask through tears.

  “Forever. In fact, every Christmas Eve for the rest of our lives, I think we should reenact this one. I’ll pretend to have a broken leg and you….”

  “Shut up and kiss me,” I whisper against his lips.

  “Gladly,” he murmurs starting the rhythm again. And we dance like this for hours, the only thing stirring this Christmas night is his insatiable cock as he fills me again and again. Until we fall sated and sleepy against one another ‘till Christmas morning dawns.

  “WHERE ARE WE GOING?” Tommy asks.

  “It’s a surprise. Come on—get your coats on.” I turn to the three faces staring back at me. Grabbing the keys to my truck, I hand them to Kate with a kiss. She winks in response. I filled her in on what I wanted to do for Tommy. I had a lot of time to think this past week and a half. I came home a few days after Christmas knowing what I could do for my boy; to make up for all the bullshit, he’s been through the past few months.

  Kate and Luca have been staying at my house. She’s been playing nursemaid—both in and out of the bedroom. The boys have bonded like the brothers no one, but me knows they will be soon. That is if I get my way. Marco should have the ring done next month, and I’m taking Kate to the Maldives over February break to propose. Ma is the only one who knows. I’m hoping she can keep her mouth shut, but by the way, she hugs and kisses Kate every time she sees her—I have my doubts.

  Hobbling on crutches, I open the door. “Hurry up! Move people.” The boys grumble, unwilling to leave the air hockey table Santa left.

  Kate helps me into the cab of my new truck, double checking that the boys are strapped in back.

  “God, it smells so good. I can’t believe you get to drive it first.” I grin at her. I’ve wanted this truck for years, but never wanted to splurge on it when I had a house to pay off and a business to get off the ground.

  But with insurance money and a “gift” from the City of New York—which I took reluctantly since I was unwilling to sue the city I love so much.

  My lawyer was pissed. He was seeing dollar signs, but the sanitation driver who hit me had just gotten a text that his wife was in labor. His foot stepped on the gas; almost killing me.

  But he didn’t.

  When my settlement check came a few days ago, I bought a black Ford Raptor.

  It’s a beast.

  Just like me.

  I know it will serve us well, especially with the new puppy Tommy’s about to bring home. I grin, eager to see his face when he realizes where Kate’s parked.

  “It’s cold,” Luca grumbles getting out of the truck.

  Kate hands me my crutches and takes each boy by the hand.

  My heart stops for a second, seeing a glimpse of the future ahead of us. A future—I’m never going to take for granted.

  I follow them as she opens the door to the Animal Shelter. The sounds of barking spills outside.

  “Dad?”

  “Whoa... ” Luca breathes.

  “Welcome. You must be Tommy.” The volunteer kneels in front of him, smiling. “Come on. The dogs have been eager to meet you.” She holds out a hand, but he doesn’t take it. He turns around and runs to me, hugging me tight. “I love you Dad.”

  “Love you too, buddy. Now, go get your dog. Oh, and Luca?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Get your’s too.”

  “Seriously?”

  I nod.

  “Mom?”

  Kate nods her head and smiles.

  “Woo-hoo! This was the best Christmas Ever!” The boys whoop and shout, running down the hall.

  But they’re wrong. The best Christmas is yet to come.

  One year later… December.

  MY HANDS SHAKE AS I smooth the cream satin gown. “You look even more beautiful than last time.”

  “Thanks, Jen.”

  She sprays my hair before stepping back and examining her work. “There,” she murmurs tucking one last bobby pin into the crown perched on my head. She reaches for the veil and picks it up, fluffing the tulle before sliding the comb down.

  “I love being fussed over, but this is it. I never want to be a bride again.”

  “Yeah, something tells me you and Gianni are going to stick for good.”

  Pivoting in my heels, I turn to the side, my stomach’s flat. You would never guess that my three-and-a-half-month baby girl, Hope, is sleeping snuggly in a pack ‘n play in the other room.

  My phone pings with a text: I can’t wait to take my bride to bed.

  Me: It’s only four… we have hours to go yet.

  Gianni: How ‘bout a quickie before the cake?

  Me: You’re so naughty.

  Gianni: We’re making that list again this year…

  Me: Love you. See you at the “alter.”

  Gianni: You better be here in five minutes, or I’m carrying you down!

  I sigh. That man still makes me swoon—a year and a baby later. Gianni might carry me off when he sees me in this gown. I let Jen treat me to the works, again. Full spray tan, a mani/pedi with light rose gel polish, false lashes (so my eyes will pop in our pictures), and she hand painted high and lowlights in my hair. It’s called bayalage or something.

  A light knock at the door has me turning from the mirror. Dolores pops her head in.

  “Come in.”

  She smiles, carrying a box in her hands as she enters the room. “I have something for you. It was Gianni’s grandmother’s.”

  Taking the box from her, I open it gently, staring in awe at the white fur shrug inside.

  “I hope you would wear this as your ‘something borrowed.’ Back then, everyone had real fur. I’d never buy it today—” She apologizes.

  “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

  “What on earth is that?” I turn going to the window as the sound of real jingling bells come from outside. “He didn’t.” I laugh, as two Clydesdale horses pull up to the inn, with white roses and evergreens tucked around their bridles and reigns.

  “He did.” Dolores answers, “Now put this on. I’ll take Hope in the car with Jen.” She holds ou
t the stole for me, and I slip my arms through, pick up my bouquet and walk into the adjoining room to kiss my baby girl’s head.

  She coos, staring at me with her father’s eyes and my stubborn chin. “Love you baby girl, so much.”

  “Come to Grammy, princess.” Dolores murmurs, picking her up.

  “Go! I’ve got this.”

  I place my hand on her arm, “I love you too, Dolores.”

  “I know sugar. Now go before my son, comes to get you on a snowmobile.”

  I smile, lift my gown and trod down the carpeted stairs to where my carriage awaits.

  Gianni insisted on a Christmas wedding. He practically planned the whole thing, calling caterers and halls in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. I’ve never been here before, but I’m glad I trusted him.

  The fresh powder snow clinging to miles of evergreens is breathtaking. The mountains circle around us and the air is so clean, it’s like breathing for the first time.

  The footman, offers a hand, and I climb into the sleigh, straighten my gown, and he tucks a heavy velvet blanket across my lap.

  The horses trod through the snow, through the woods, taking me to my groom who awaits in a chalet made of glass and logs over-looking a lake.

  The horses pull to a stop just as Dolores carries Hope from the back of the car.

  “You took the long way,” she winks, “I’m gonna take Hope inside, where its warm.”

  “Okay.” I blow them a kiss before climbing down.

  “Are you ready Mom?”

  Luca comes out wearing a tux and offers me his elbow.

  “Yes.” He leads me in, prepared to walk me down the aisle to his new step-father.

  “I’m so proud of you. You’ve grown so much this past year, becoming a brother to Tommy and Hope.”

  He shrugs, “I’m happy Mom. I like having a big family.”

  “I do, too,” I whisper fighting back tears.

  The doors open and my eyes meet his; Tommy stands proudly by his side. The room stands as the solo violinist and trumpeter plays Pachelbel’s Canon in D. My eyes don’t waver, never breaking from his as I walk closer and closer towards a future brighter than the sun.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey,” I whisper back.

  He hugs Luca tight before taking both my hands in his. “My Christmas Angel,” he murmurs into my ear.

  The officiant greets our friends and family and starts to get right to the vows.

  “Wait.” Everyone’s stunned eyes are on me. Gianni’s eyes cut to mine in confusion.

  “I wanted to write my own vows.” I mouth, “Surprise.”

  “Gianni… my love, you came into my life at a time I felt hope was gone. Everything was a mess, slipping through my fingers…” His fingers entwine with mine. “But you’ve taught me to believe again. That magic is real, love is unexpected, and hope is eternal. I love you more than I can ever quantify. You’re an amazing father, lover, and friend. God, had a plan for me that I couldn’t see coming—and he gave me a Christmas miracle last year when you survived. It’s only fitting that I’m your Christmas Bride. I’ll love you and our family, forever.” I choke out before I’m overcome. He pulls me to him, thoroughly kissing me not caring a damn about the hoots and whistles filling the room.

  “Kate. I knew from the first second, I saw you, that you were going to be mine. Shortly after, I knew it was going to be forever. The day of my accident… I never told you that I had just left Marco. I had picked out this diamond.” He stops touching the large stone on my finger. Gasping, I put a hand to my mouth in shock.

  “…you see, I already knew that this moment was inevitable. I saw it all with you—with the boys. I was going to make you my wife and nothing was gonna stop me. With you by my side, I escaped the clutches of death. I chose you, I chose life, and together we created one.” His eyes travel to Hope clutched in the arms of her grandma.

  Tears leak from my eyes as he continues. “I know you were scared. That you thought I’d be standing here feeling trapped, for a second time having no choice. But what you didn’t know is that in my heart, I was standing here a year ago. Do you remember the holiday bazaar?” I nod my head.

  “Tommy asked Santa if you could be his mommy for Christmas. Today I am making that wish come true. Merry Christmas Tommy—she is gonna be your step-mama for real in about three minutes.”

  The hall erupts with clapping and whistles. The officiant takes over, and we repeat after him; sealing our destiny as husband and wife.

  “Wanna make another baby tonight?” My husband winks, marking me with our first kiss as a married couple.

  “Why not?” I wink back.

  And we did. We named her Faith. I cup my mug of coffee in my hands, laughing at the boys racing around in the snow with their dogs, Ranger and Tucker. Hope struggles to catch up, tottering in her heavy snow-suit and boots. Gianni scoops up handfuls of snow, making a snowman.

  His business took off the past few years, shortly after he finished the project in Queens. He’s becoming the most sought-after contractor in Manhattan, and I couldn’t be prouder to be married to him. Since the first day we met—our lives seemed to blend seamlessly.

  Every day; the boys are full of smiles and laughter. Now we have our girls.

  Tony’s made an effort to come here more often. Sometimes, he even takes both boys for the weekend to give me a break. He asked about his golf clubs when I sold the house, moving in with Gianni before we bought this one. I merely shrugged my shoulders, pretending the movers must’ve misplaced them.

  I check the video monitor, Faith is sleeping soundly in her crib. The fire crackles in the heart of the ginormous home Gianni bought for us in Franklin Lakes, where The Real Housewives of New Jersey are my neighbors, for real. But they are all nice, and strangely, our blended family fits right in.

  I still keep in touch with Margie who’s begging me to work for her. I told her I would—someday. She joked that Gianni keeps getting me pregnant on purpose, and I laughed saying I couldn’t deny that. But we have our two boys, two girls, and two dogs. Life is full, and I’ve never been happier. I don’t feel lost this time around—I feel found.

  Acknowledgements

  To Erin, Pam, and Jamie thank you for giving this shy girl, the courage to share her words.

  To my dog, Ginger, who often looked at me begging for a walk while I just had to type one more sentence…

  Coming Spring 2018….

  Marco’s story, The Wolf of Washington… stalk me for details, sneak peeks and giveaways!

  They call me the wolf.

  If she were smart, she'd run.

  Because all it took was one look and I knew her. My mate—my soul-mate.

  And like a WOLF... I will hunt her down and make her mine.

  Jenna Marshall has a case of the holiday blues.

  While her friends all have their happily-ever-afters, Jenna just can't seem to find her Mr. Right.

  When her best friend gifts her a ticket to an exclusive New Year's Eve ball—Jenna is determined to go and feel like a princess even if it's only for one night.

  Little does she know the man she meets is determined to make her his princess—forever.

  But when his mask comes off, she runs realizing the man who held her in his arms for hours… is the most ruthless man in Washington—The Wolf, hardly the prince charming she was expecting.

  Sneak Preview… keep scrolling!

  THEY CALL HIM “THE WOLF.”

  When I danced with him at the New Year’s Eve ball, I sensed the danger in him. It lurked right below the surface of his Armani tuxedo. But when he held me in his arms; his touch was gentle fire, snaking along my skin.

  I was attracted to it. To him.

  His grey eyes burned as they lazily traveled over my form-fitting gown and naked arms. I sensed his hunger as he peered through his mask, down to the swell of my breasts.

  “Dance with me.” He commanded.

  I was playing Cinderella, and it was a ball.
The most exclusive New Year’s Eve ball in the world; invite only, where the elite mixed amongst themselves, parading behind masks and clothes suited for royalty—in the Golden Age.

  My best friend Sasha found herself unexpectedly swept off her feet by a pro rugby player she met doing a swimsuit shoot in Australia.

  It was strictly prohibited; against the rules—to pass on your invite, but she was always a rule-breaker while I was the straight-laced one.

  But just for one night—I wanted to be the rule-breaker.

  He pressed me closer to his chest, his erection firmly nestling between my thighs as we swayed to the music

  It felt divine to be wanted—craved by a man like him.

  He held me in his arms, murmuring sweet words into my hair in a language I didn’t understand. They wove around me like a spell; seducing me. I pressed closer against him, and he growled low in his throat.

  The wolf wanted his woman and that women was me.

  He danced me over to the glass doors without me even realizing, sweeping me outside and into the moonlight.

  “A full moon on New Year’s Eve?” I murmured in wonder.

  His teeth nipped my ear as he stood behind, keeping me warm in his tight embrace.

  “What’s your name?” I had asked… for the third time. And like the other times I had asked, he didn’t answer.

  He turned me in his arms, claiming my mouth like Troy claimed Helen. But I don’t have a face that would launch a thousand ships. But he couldn’t guess whose face was under the delicate mask made of silk and beads that shimmered in the light. Only my best feature showed; green eyes framed by lashes so long I often get accused of wearing a false set.

  I felt like an imposter; a fraud.

  I’m an ordinary woman cloaked in an amazing gown. And thanks to Jenny Craig and CrossFit—it fit me like I was born in it.