“Love you.” I whispered.
“I love you too.” He returned. Again I found myself grinning like a dork, as I stood and walked over to where Cole had placed my tea. How could I not? It was Christmas, and I was surrounded by the men I loved and the family I adored. We were all so happy and the atmosphere in the room was exciting and happy.
Just when I thought things couldn't be any better, the last of my guys came into the room, looking to be still half asleep, his eyes droopy and his stance hunched. He was dressed in black shorts that reached mid thigh and a tight grey t-shirt, so much of his tightly muscled physique on display for me to ogle. He was a glorious sight to behold, that was for sure. I hurried toward him, wanting to be the one to turn his grumpy scowl into a smile.
“Hey sleepy head.” I joked as I reached him and instantly wrapped my arms around his neck, standing on my tiptoes. He looked down to me and his face turned a little softer.
“Morning Baby.” He rasped, his voice rough from sleep. “Happy Christmas.” I smiled wider as I reached up as far as I could to kiss him. Luckily he lowered some too and we met in the middle. I kissed him chastely on the lips three times, then stared into those blue eyes, lost in his masculine beauty for a moment. Finally he was smiling, and it completed me; having them all close just made me feel so much more whole than I ever would have thought possible when I fled The Darkness.
“Happy Christmas.” I returned.
“You look happy this morning.” He sighed as he continued to hold me.
“I am. How could I not be? It’s Christmas, and I get to spend it with all of you. It feels pretty perfect.”
“Yeah, Princess, you’re right.” He agreed. “It does.” Before I could protest, not that I would have, he swept me up bridal style and carried me over to an armchair. He sat with me in his lap, and I couldn't help but sink back into him, my back against his front. My head neatly fitting just under his chin.
Everyone else took seats too. Evie was in the corner, her mountain of presents all now open, and behind her as she happily played with a new babydoll.
The Christmas tree was sparkling away before the large picture window, and some crooner was singing a jolly festive song in the background. The fire was lit and crackled away as everyone around me sipped hot drinks and chatted quietly amongst themselves. It just felt magical, and I was overjoyed to be a part of it all.
The present opening started a few minutes later. Cole dove in first, like an excited child. He opened a new pair of sneakers from his parents and seemed excited to have them as he thanked Keira and Grant again and again. Matt went next, then Kade, and Kyle, all opening gifts from Keira and Grant, and all seeming incredibly grateful for the things they received.
“You next Olivia. This is your pile over here.” Keira said as she pointed to a huge stack of presents beside where she sat. There must have been over a dozen gifts there and I was completely shocked and overwhelmed.
“Those aren’t all f-for me?” I gasped.
“Sure they are. Some are from the four of us, but most are from Mom and Dad.” Cole explained as I sat dumbfounded. Seeing I wasn’t going to move, he grabbed a small package from the top and walked over to me.
“Here, open mine first.” He said as he held the silver wrapped gift out to me.
“It…..it’s from you?” I asked, suddenly feeling wildly nervous. He nodded, a huge smile on his face. My shaky hand took the box and looked over the beautiful paper someone had neatly wrapped it in.
“Thank you.” I whispered as Cole returned to his seat and watched me intently.
“You have to open it before you thank me, Brains. You might hate it.” He chuckled.
“I won’t.” I whispered, as I turned it over in my hand and tore at the paper. Inside was a black leather box, flat and square. I glanced over to Cole as I began to open the lid, and smiled when I saw how nervous he looked. He was scared I wasn’t going to like what he chose for me.
I got the box open and studied the contents, tears filling my eyes as I realised what it was.
“Cole…..this is…..it’s perfect.” I whispered tearfully, as I pulled out a charm bracelet. It was silver, and thick, the charms threaded onto it like beads.
“You like it?” Cole asked, sounding almost surprised.
“Of course I do!” I cried as I studied the charms. The first one was a music note.
“I thought that would represent your Dad.” Cole said shyly, and when I looked up, he was knelt before where I sat on Kyle’s lap. His sentiment just made the tears come faster.
“This one,” Cole said as he slid to the next charm, “That’s your Mom.” It was perfect, the symbol for Pi in a circle. “The football is for me, obviously. The gun is for Kade. This Sombrero, that’s Matt.”
“Stereotyping there Dude.” Matt quipped, making me smile.
“Whatever. It was that or a mixer and I liked the hat better.” Cole retorted, then he carried on. “The princess castle is Evie, the scales Dad, like justice, you know because he’s a lawyer.” I nodded, unable to stop smiling or crying. “The heart is Mom, the little tiny stethoscope is Xand, and last but not least, the Lion. That’s Kyle.” Cole said as he looked up to the man himself. I didn’t need to ask why he chose a lion for Kyle. It signified his protective instincts perfectly.
