Christmas

I woke up early and got coffee and breakfast started. I dismissed my morning exercise and just went up to shower. It was nearly seven am and Danny, Josh and Gracie would be here any minute. As I was getting dressed In my washed out jeans and a white t-shirt I quickly made my way down the stairs just as Gracie busted through the door. Presents in hand with Danny and Josh behind her, carrying presents as well. I smiled as Gracie threw her arms around me and hugged me tightly. "Hey Gracie, Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas Uncle Steve."

"Juice in the kitchen with your favorite breakfast."

Her eyes smiled and she bounced into the kitchen. Danny hugged me and handed me a box that was neatly wrapped. "Our present to you."

I smiled and shook my head and ripped open the package. I saw the picture of Gracie, Danny, Josh and myself. "Thanks guys." I said as I placed it on a bookshelf. Displaying it. "I even bought a tree Danno, just for you."

Danny looked behind me and smiled. "Now that's what I call a Christmas tree, not that plastic piece of shit that is in our living room."

"Danny…" Josh warned.

I laughed as the front door opened again. Kono and Chin entering with presents in bags they brought in. We all exchanged presents and drank coffee. Gracie was excited about the gifts she got and made her way up to her room. I cleaned up the living room and Kono took the garbage out. She came busting through the door with a large smile on her face. "Kono?"

She smiled. "Nothing boss, I'm fine. Adam just got here, so I...umm…" She looked at Chin for assistance. "…..I gotta go…." She looked over at her cousin and whispered something in his ear. Chin smiled and turned around. I rolled my eyes and watched Adam come in with a big smile just like Kono. I ignored them and picked up my guitar and sat down. I started to play a light hearted tune just as there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" I shout.

The knocking continued. I rolled my eyes and set the instrument down. I walked over and opened the door at the same time Kono said something. "What?" I asked her and turned back around. I swallowed hard and felt tears starting to form in my eyes. "Isabella…" I whisper.

She smiled. "Steve…"

I soon my head and pulled her into me. She smelled like vanilla. Her skin was warm and soft against my fingers, her long hair was soft. Her body was slightly trembling. Her arms wrapped around me, gripping at my shirt. I realized she was crying. "Merry Christmas."

"My god, what are you doing here?" I whisper.

She pulled back her hands resting on my ribs. "It was my plan all along, I was supposed to be here last night, but my plane got delayed and I met someone at the airport that got us a transport to Hickam."

"I don't care how you got here….." I kiss her lips softly. "…I'm just glad you're here."

She looked up in my eyes. "So would you be more excited if I told you I've accepted a job here?"

I felt my eyes growing large. "Yes…of course!"

She smiled. Her green eyes looking up into mine. "You look gorgeous." I take her hand in mine and spin her slightly. Her body wearing a black loose spaghetti tank top and a sport pair of shots. I shook my head and pulled her into me again. Joe walking up my pathway caring bags. I smiled and mouthed thank you to him. He nodded. I pulled her into the house, my fingers laced with hers. "Guys…." I say. "…you've all met Isabella."

She had already met everyone once before but it had been a different situation, they exchanged hellos and hugs as I got her settled with a cup of coffee. We spent the day talking and laughing. Sharing stories with everyone. Everyone started to filter out after dinner and left me alone with Isabella. Something that we have never had before. Alone time. I closed the door and locked up. I looked behind me and saw she had gone into the kitchen. I smiled and walked in. Watching her from the door way. She busied herself loading the dishwasher and wiping down the counters. I smiled and realized how comfortable she looked in this house. I bit my lip and looked down. I sighed and walked up behind her, wrapping my arms around her small waist. My lips finding her neck. Kissing and nipping all over. I found her spot right before her ear, as she moaned and let her head fall back into my chest. "I honestly can't believe you are here, in my arms, in my kitchen."

"I took a plane to New York on the twenty third, and I got to San Francisco early on the twenty fourth and I was supposed to be here last night but the plane was delayed." She turned her body so she was facing me. "I'm sorry it took me so long to get here."

I laughed and pulled her into my body, kissing her head. "Baby, I don't care. You are here with me, that's all that matters."

She smiled and looked up into my eyes. "Steve, I love you so much."

My heart swelled and I sighed. "You have no idea how much I love you. My heart literally hurts I love you so much." I kissed her lips again. Trying to be as soft as I could be. "Tell me you'll stay here, you'll live with me."

She smiled and nodded her head. "Of course I will."

"Let's go to bed."

She nodded and followed me though the house as I turned off every light. I set the alarm and locked the back door. I took her hand into mine and slowly we climbed the stairs to my bedroom. I handed her a pair of my sweat pants and a t-shirt. I took mine from the night before and went into the bathroom. I got changed and opened the door to find her sitting on the bed. I looked over at her and couldn't believe she was finally with me. I smiled and pulled her up. "You are exhausted."

She nodded in response. I pulled the blankets back and laid her back down. I climbed over her and pulled the blankets up over us. "Which hospital do you work at?"

"Tripler." She said with her voice already becoming heavy. "I start Monday."

I smiled and pulled her body into mine. I held her close, my arm around her waist and her head resting on my other arm. "Sleep baby, I love you."

"Mmmmm, love you too."