Now, he was glad he didn’t speak and felt somewhat ashamed that the first thing he thought of was jumping into bed with her. Sitting on the other side, he pulled the blankets over them, “Merry Christmas. You’re going to love your present.” He said planting the seed of curiosity in her.
Rolling onto her back, she grabbed a hold of the covers and paused. This man knew what he was doing. Instead of giving in with a barrage of questions, she hummed under her breath and settled down in bed, “Goodnight Simon.” She whispered as she curled into him.
He turned off the light on the bedside table and rolled in toward her. Wrapping his arm around her waist and kissed against her shoulder before they both settled in.
Sleep came naturally as per usual and before she knew it, she opened her eyes and saw Margaret standing over them. Cherish blinked up a smile at her before she paused and sat up quickly in bed. Wearing an all-knowing smile on her face as she backed away towards the door, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” she exclaimed as Cherish nudged against Simon’s side in a panic.
Shaken from his sleep, he was completely disoriented as he rubbed an eye with a fist and looked around in a haze, “Hm? Five more minutes.” He muttered flopping on the bed once more.
Cherish pressed against his back once again as she pushed her long curls from her face, “Simon! It’s Christmas!” she exclaimed as Margaret clapped her hands with a tired laugh.
Hitting him, Simon sat up and hopped out of bed. Rushing around, he handed Cherish his night robe before they went and woke the babies. Christmas morning had been just what Cherish had seen in the old 90’s movies. She held Jasmine in her lap while they all sat in a large circle and passed their presents across; opening them. The kids got clothes and toys. Cherish grinned at Simon once she opened her gifts. A dress, bracelet, and a gift card to a local, high end salon for natural hair. He’d watched her eye it for months every time they drove past. He knew she couldn’t swallow the idea of getting anything for herself, so he made the decision for her.
Simon had already received a fancy tie and socks, but it was his last gift that caused his face to light up. Within a large box was a limited-edition book set of the fancy fantasy novels he loved and raved about. The gift was Cherish’s idea, but it came on Margaret and Simon Sr.’s dime. There was no way they’d tell him but Cherish was thankful all the same.
Miriam was given a new necklace and earring set which were made with Emily’s birthstones. Margaret and Simon Sr. decided against gifts and considered the vacation their gift to one another. All in all, the morning was magical and filled with family time Cherish had lacked.
Once they cleaned up the wrapping paper, breakfast was next. Which was exactly what a happy little boy and his father was excited for. Most of the day was spent doing odd traditions from playing the new board game Jack got, to sledding, and finally lighting the fireplace; telling stories until nighttime.
The days blurred together. They were filled with skiing, sledding, sleeping, building snowmen, and spending quality time together. The nights were filled with pillow talk between Simon and Cherish. They’d stay up for long periods of time with their fingers intertwined and whispered their visions of the future. Where they wanted to go, accomplish in their life, and what they wanted for their children. Each night, Cherish fell more for him than she knew was possible.
Then, one cold winter night, New Year’s Eve rolled around. The kids were fast asleep upstairs, Miriam was sprawled across the sofa with Jack and a blanket. Margaret stepped over her husband, who laid on the floor and watched the television screen of New York with a uninterested expression.
Just like his father, Simon waited endlessly for the stroke of midnight and felt bored to tears. Cherish rested her feet on Simon’s lap beneath their own blanket before he slumped down and hooked his arms around her legs. Margaret handed them a chilled glass of apple cider. Stifling a yawn, Simon reached out and cupped it, “Thanks mom.” He whispered.
She smiled at them before she pressed a finger to her lips and pointed to Miriam and Jack; they were already fast asleep. Chuckling under her breath, she lowered herself onto her knees before she laid beside Simon Sr. and kissed his cheek, “How much time do we have left?”
Confetti and glitter circled in the air and the host of the night returned to the screen. Simon Sr. smiled at the touch of his wife before he rolled slightly and looked up at her, “Five minutes. Oh, no…make that four now.” He answered.
Cherish sipped her cider and waited until Margaret and Simon Sr. had their backs turned. She then threaded her fingers between Simon’s thick, dark hair, and kept her eyes on the celebrations.
When the time had come, Simon straightened his body and eyed the celebrations intently. To him, the new year would roll in and this could be incredible if he really tried to get what and who he wanted. As shots of the ball were shown, Cherish pushed herself up and tiredly rested her head on his shoulder. Margaret whispered in her husband’s ear before she pulled away and grinned at him from ear to ear.
Oh no.
Cherish slowly tilted her head up at Simon and they both shared the same expression. Someone was going to bring New Years in with a bang. As the countdown started, Cherish inhaled a deep breath. She didn’t know why but this year felt as though there was a
