by S. E. Lund
"So, he did you a favor," I replied.
"That's the way he saw it," Ella said. "He taught me the value of holding my tongue when faced with an authority who could punish me. I tend to keep my mouth shut in those cases."
"Good lesson," I said. "Shall we go downstairs and join the brothers?"
"Yes," she said and squeezed me. "We can continue this later."
"We most definitely will," I replied giving her butt a soft smack as she led the way.
* * *
We had a nice time sitting on the patio with the brothers, and by the time midnight came around, Ella yawned and gave me a look that suggested she'd had enough for one night.
"I'm afraid I have to take my bride-to-be and go to bed," I said and stood, holding out my hand to her. "We've had a busy couple of days, traveling and visiting the parental units, so we need the sleep."
"Okay, bro," David said and stood, coming over and giving me a hug. "Thanks for coming. Both of you. I'm so happy to have everyone here this year. Our first year as complete orphans."
"Aww," Ella said, and pouted. "I'm sorry. This isn't a happy time for you, I guess."
"No, I'm fine," David said and gave Ella a hug and kiss on her cheek. "It's just the first time we've all been here for the holidays instead of in Manhattan and it feels different. It wasn't a traditional Christmas without Dad."
"We have to make our own traditions now," Josh said and nodded. "Maybe we'll alternate Christmas in Manhattan and in LA. How does that sound?"
"Sounds perfect," David said.
We all hugged and kissed again and then I took Ella back up to our bedroom.
"That's so sad," she said when we were in the bathroom, brushing our teeth, she in her tiny nightgown and me in my boxer briefs. "Your first year without your dad. I can't imagine not having my mom and dad around."
"It's hard," I said and rinsed my mouth out. "I have to be the head of the family now."
"You do it well," she replied and smiled.
I smiled back, but I wasn't so sure. I was the CEO of MBS, but my father had his own authoritative presence that I knew I'd never have nor would I want. I just wanted to be a brother. We were all men, now, and so we were more of a tribe with no chief instead of the way it was with my father. Ella was lucky to still have both her parents alive and within a few hours of Manhattan. I was determined that I would be on good terms with Governor Carlson and Ella's mom.
I wanted them to become my surrogate parents. I wanted to feel love for them both someday. At that point in our relationship, they were still strangers, although Ella had told me enough about each of them that I had a pretty good picture of them as parents in my mind's eye. But I didn't feel any emotion for them yet except the regular amount of respect for my elders. I hoped that changed soon after we married. I wanted a very happy and fulfilling family life with Ella.
The kind of life my own father had with my mother and with us boys. A sense of sadness filled me at the thought of losing my dad too soon and I took in a deep breath and tried to chase it away with thoughts of visiting the beach with Ella during our trip.
When we were finished getting ready for bed, Ella slipped her arms around my neck and kissed me tenderly.
That was the last time I thought about my sadness over my father's death for the rest of the night.
* * *
The next morning, we spent time on the patio eating our breakfast al fresco, and then I turned to my brothers.
"What's on for the day?"
"I plan on lying by the pool," Nash said. "Whenever I can enjoy the sun in December, I try to take full advantage of the quiet. I've been working like a dog and need peace and quiet."
"What about you guys?" I asked the other brothers.
"We're going to hang around and soak up the sun with Nash," Michael said.
Christian nodded. "Me, three."
"What about you, David?" I asked, turning to him.
"I'm doing some work in the studio to polish the video for our website. You two kids go out and have fun."
I turned to Ella. "Feel like taking a drive to the beach?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Ella replied, a big smile on her face.
"You've never been to LA?" David asked, his eyes wide.
Ella shook her head. "Nope. The farthest west I've been was to Colorado."
"Oh, man, you're in for a treat," David said. He turned to me. "You should take her to Venice Beach and show her the sights."
"I will," I said and stood up from my lawn chair. "We'll get some fish tacos for lunch and watch the body builders bulk up. How does that sound?" I held out my hand to Ella and she took it and stood up.
"Sounds wonderful."
We left the brothers and took the rental car to the beach. On the way, we passed the site of the accident and I stopped the car for a moment, needing some time to revisit the whole event.
"Why are we stopping?" Ella asked, glancing over at me.
"This is where it happened," I said quietly and pointed to the side of the road where the SUV had rolled onto its side after the collision. We were on the opposite side and I could still see where the front end had hit the cement embankment.
"Oh, Josh..." Ella reached over and took my hand in hers. "I'm so sorry. We should have taken a different route."
"No," I said and smiled at her. "I wanted to drive by and remember it."
"Why? I'd think you'd want to avoid it."
I shook my head. "It reminds me of how damn lucky I am to still be alive." I kissed her knuckles and then leaned over and kissed her mouth, my emotions building. "Maybe seeing it again will chase away some of the ghosts from that night and I won't wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat."
"You need counseling to help you get over it, Josh," Ella said softly. "It was a traumatic event. Someone you knew died."
"I barely knew Terry," I said. "I lost more men in Afghanistan."
"Your own life was at risk, though," Ella added. "And your brother was seriously injured. It was traumatic and you probably have PTSD to some degree. You should talk to someone."
I nodded, knowing she was right, but not liking to admit I couldn't handle it. That was stupid. I would be advising someone in my shoes to get some counseling.
"You're right," I said and kissed her knuckles again. "When we get back, I will see a therapist."
"You promise?"
I nodded. "I promise."
Then, we drove off and I watched the scene disappear in my rear-view mirror, glad that I'd stopped by, and happy once more to be alive and with Ella.
"Thanks for taking me there," she said softly.
"Why?"
"Because it shows me that you're letting me in," she said.
"I want you in," I said and squeezed her hand. "All the way in."
She smiled and turned back to watch the road as we arrived at the coast.
5
Ella
We spent a few hours at the beach, walking hand in hand along the sand and enjoying the sound of the waves and the bright sunshine. We actually did stop at one of the small food carts parked along the road that bordered the beach and ate fish tacos. They were delicious -- made all the better by the fresh air and sunshine.
Then, we drove back, taking a different route home so Josh didn't have to see the accident site again, arriving at the house later in the afternoon. Josh's brothers were still outside, talking and laughing, drinking a beer together. They were a handsome bunch, and any woman would be lucky to snag one of them for a husband. I gripped Josh's hand and leaned in close for a kiss as we walked out of the house, feeling a surge of appreciation that we met and fell in love.
"There they are -- the two lovebirds," David called out, raising his beer. "Pull up a chair, Ella. Josh, get your woman a drink and join us."
I smiled and joined the four brothers while Josh got me a beer.
"So, what did you think of Venice Beach? Did it live up to your expectations?" David asked, his expression eager to he
ar how the day went.
"It did," I said. "It was wonderful to be able to walk along the surf in December. I haven't been away from the cold at Christmas and New Years for ages. It's really nice."
"You guys should move here after you're married. Josh could work out of the LA office. We could have family dinners. You two going to start a family right away?"
I glanced at Josh. "We haven't got that far yet," I said and took the beer from him when he came over to where we were sitting. "We're planning to buy an apartment and fix it up, make it our own first."
"What about the house on Montauk? You two going to live there?" Nash asked.
Josh sat beside me and reached over to take my hand. "We like it, but it's not practical for us at the moment. We're both working and need to be close to Manhattan. I don't want to be commuting every day. Maybe one day, when we can work from home, it might be an idea."
"I still want you to come live here," David said. "The LA office could be a headquarters for MBS. There's nothing that says it has to be in Manhattan. You were bitching to me about the cold winters."
"We have to get married first," I said and laughed. "We'll see how things go. I sure could get used to the weather here."
"Me too," Josh said. "It would be nice."
We chatted until it was time for dinner. The brothers remarked on the latest news and weather and of course, sports. I avoided talk of politics as much as possible, but the brothers, being brothers, were eager to verbally spar with each other over their political choices. I kept my head down when the conversation moved to the current political news, and listened instead, not wanting to get involved. It wasn't that I didn't have my own political views and preferences, but I didn't want them to get in the way of friendship with my new brothers-in-law. At some point in the future, when we had already established a comfortable bond, I would be more open, but for now, I just smiled and listened, laughing when someone cracked a joke and keeping silent when they made a point I didn't agree with.
It was just better that way.
Dinner was great. David stood at the grill and cooked a variety of meats and some seafood, while Josh and Michael prepared a salad and garlic loaf. I did nothing but drink my beer and enjoy listening to David talk about his EP and upcoming tour with Christian and Nash.
While we were waiting for the food and Josh was inside fixing something for dinner, Christian sat beside me on the patio, his beer in hand.
"So, how did Josh and your dad get along? He told me he was worried that the old business between our father's news station and Garner, your father's business partner would come up and cause problems."
I was surprised that Josh talked about it with his brothers, but of course he would -- and of course he would be concerned. He had been eager to meet my parents but was worried my father would still hold a grudge. Which he did, of course.
"They did pretty well. When my father brought it up, both my mother and I shut it down pretty quick," I said with a laugh.
Christian smiled. "That's what Josh said. I'm glad to hear it. I'd like to mend fences between your father and my family. The Governor is renowned in our party for making things happen, so I'd like to meet him now that we're going to be relatives."
"I'm not so sure he's totally chastised but he's been given the word on not talking about it. At least, until after we're married," I said, grinning. "He still thinks what happened was unfair. I expect he'll think that until his grave, to tell the truth."
Christian nodded. "I can understand he felt bad for Garner, but it's clear that he broke the law and deserved what happened. Your dad is lucky he didn't get dragged down with him."
"My father was innocent," I said, frowning. "He had nothing to do with what Garner did."
"That may be true, but often, a business partner's crimes can destroy the business they both share."
“Garner was doing something completely outside of their business itself, so it never affected him."
"Good to hear," Christian said and took a sip of his beer. I had the sense he didn't believe me -- that he thought my father was probably involved but got off. It rankled, to be honest. I felt like arguing with him more but then Josh walked out of the house and joined us, sitting beside me and taking my hand.
"So, what have you two been talking about? Garner, I'll wager," Josh said and narrowed his eyes at Christian.
"As a matter of fact, we were," Christian said. "I want to meet Governor Carlson and wanted to make sure you two were on good terms first."
"We will be on good terms," Josh said with a nod. "I think both of us want this family relationship to work out and so we'll keep our lips zipped."
"I hear you," Christian said and smiled. They clinked beers together and took a drink. I was glad that conversation was over. Christian's comment that my father got off lucky, by not being charged with a crime bothered me. I'd have to talk to Josh about it later, but at that point in the day, I didn't want to discuss it further with Christian.
Luckily, the talk moved to sports, and I was able to zone out and keep a slight smile on my face. I wasn't a big sports fan, but I didn't want to appear totally in the dark, so I listened to them talk about the various teams they supported and the players they favored.
"Dinner is served," David called out from the grill. He held out two big platters of food, one with meat and one with seafood. We got up and went to the large dining table on the patio and ate another meal by torchlight.
"David, it's fantastic to be here and sitting outside eating a meal," I said when he passed me my plate.
"You like it Sis?" he said, clearly pleased. "You and Josh have an open invitation to come and stay. The room will always be ready for you. Come for a weekend, come for a week or a month. Even when I'm on tour, feel free to come and escape when you need it. The more the merrier I always say."
I smiled at him and raised my beer in salute. It would be nice to be able to come out here whenever Josh and I wanted. The view was fantastic, the house was amazing and the weather, perfect.
Josh leaned over and kissed me. "We'll be happy to come out here whenever we need a break from the cold and noise and crowds."
"We will."
We sat on the patio after we were finished eating for a couple of hours, talking about everything, the brothers reminiscing about previous Christmas and New Years with their father, and both parents before their mother died. I felt so sad for them that they were now without parents and hoped they all found partners and had their own families.
They were such a nice, decent group of professional men that I wanted the best for them.
* * *
After Christian bowed out for the night, Josh turned to me and squeezed my hand. "Tired?" he asked.
"Yes," I said, and squeezed back. "I feel so relaxed out here that I could sleep for twelve full hours."
"Let's go to bed," Josh replied and stood, pulling me up with him.
"Good night you two lovebirds," David said. "See you for brunch tomorrow. Eleven o'clock. I'll do omelets tomorrow so if you want one, be up for then."
"Sounds great," I said and squeezed David's shoulder as I walked by. "Good night."
The other brothers said goodnight and we left the patio and went back to our rooms on the second floor. Once the door was closed behind us, Josh pulled me into his arms and gave me a warm kiss.
"I thought they'd never want to stop talking," he said and kissed my neck. "I have plans for you, Ms. Carlson."
I smiled while Josh kissed my throat, the feel of his body pressed against mine warming me up immediately.
"You have so many plans," I murmured as he pulled down the shoulder of my sundress and kissed the top of my breast.
"I do, and all of them involve multiple orgasms on your part."
I laughed softly. "You are such a braggart," I said and gasped when his lips tugged at my rapidly hardening nipple.
"But I always deliver," he replied, standing up and staring into my eyes.
"You do."
* * *
The rest of our stay was more of the same -- spending time on the beach, eating great Mexican food from taco trucks on the side of the road, watching the surfers ride the waves, and generally decompressing after the busy fall we'd both had.
On the day before New Year's Eve, after Josh and I had finished packing, we went downstairs for supper.
When we entered the patio where the brothers were sitting around waiting for some food to be delivered, David stood with his hands on his hips, a sad expression on his face.
"You guys won't change your minds and stay for New Year's Eve?" he asked.
Josh sat on a lawn chair beside me. "We have plans to go to Time's Square for New Year's Eve, so we have tickets home tomorrow."
"Aww, damn," David said. "I thought we could have fun and watch the fireworks from my favorite vantage point."
"I'm staying," Christian said. "I'll be glad to go with you and watch."
Nash nodded. "Me, too. I'll go back to Phoenix when I'm recovered from the hangover that I know I'll have New Year's Day."
"Good," David said, apparently not wanting to have his little family get together end. "I like to have my bros with me at this time of year. I hate to see you two go, but I understand the appeal of Time's Square on New Year's Eve. Cold blistering wind, drunken crowds, security threats, you know. All that fun stuff."
He put his lip out in a fake pout.
"Maybe next year," Josh said and turned to me. "We'll spend Christmas here and stay for New Year's Eve."
"That's music to my heart," David said. "You guys will be married by then, right?"
Josh turned to me, his eyebrows raised. "We haven't set a date yet, but whatever the case, we'll be here."
"Have the wedding here," David said, his expression excited. "I'll host it at my place. We have enough room for your family to come and stay. I'd love to meet the Governor."
