"Move where?"
"Here, to San Francisco. Think about it. You grew up here, so you know the area. Max can gamble here just as well as he can in LA. We aren't cut off from anything, and you could just as easily move the office here. And besides, you and I haven't found a house we like in LA, what if we find one we like here?"
"Darling, we can't just do that. I mean, 60 people work for me in Los Angeles. I would either have to ask them to uproot their lives and move here, or they would be out of a job."
"No, you wouldn't. What if you opened a third office, here? That you ran".
"Jennifer, I don't think this idea is a good one".
"Can we at least think about it?"
"Yes, we can".
"Yay!" She pressed her lips against his and wrapped her arms all the way around him.
He rolled them till she was on her back. They spent the next several hours having mind-blowing sex before falling asleep together.
***Christmas Eve***
Jonathan and Jennifer slept in and then had breakfast in bed. They lounged around till 10, and then got showered and dressed.
Jennifer looked absolutely adorable in a red long-sleeved scalloped neck top and a pair of distressed jeans. She put on a pair of black slides and clipped her hair up just like Jonathan liked.
He looked very casual and dressed down, in a pair of jeans and a crisp red plaid button down shirt.
Max picked them up right on time. Jennifer noticed that the backseat and the cargo area were all completely full.
She squeezed in next to Jonathan in the front seat.
"Darling, what is all this?"
"Well, I had the nuns give me a list of what each kid at the orphanage needs and a list of what they wanted for Christmas. And then I bought everything on the list. People at the office wrapped it all for me, and labeled it. And when we get to the orphanage, we are going to unload the packages for the kids and put them under the tree".
"That's so wonderful, darling".
"You and I are going to take a tour of the orphanage, and say hi to the kids, and I want to get your opinion on a few things, and then after that, we will see what happens".
"Darling, what was Christmas like at the Orphanage as a kid? I mean, did they make it fun?"
"No, it wasn't a fun day at all. We were given our presents in the morning, and then it was back to business-we all had chores to do and Sister Ann, she was in charge, and she was tough-she liked to do spring cleaning on Christmas Day. And she always made us eat oatmeal and soup on Christmas too".
"That sounds horrible".
"That's why I do this, darling. I can't adopt them, but I can make their lives there better than mine was".
She laced her fingers through his and kissed the back of his hand.
Max pulled them up to the orphanage and parked. They got out and were just about to start unloading the car when two more cars pulled up and honked. A bunch of guys got out.
"Hey, what are you guys doing here?"
It was the entire IT department.
"This was a company project. We are here to unload the packages, put things together if needed, move whatever needs to be moved".
"That's great guys, we appreciate it".
Max directed them to unloading the car, while Jonathan and Jennifer went inside.
He introduced her to the nuns and then took her on a tour.
He showed her everything-the new gym, the new kitchen, the new bedrooms, and the playground he had paid for last year.
He walked into the rec room, where the kids were enjoying some free time.
They all ran to him and hugged him. Pretty soon, the boys were begging him to play football with them, or basketball, or baseball. He threw a couple passes, and put one little girl up on his shoulders. Jennifer stood against the wall and watched him. He was wonderful with the kids, and they loved him so much.
After about an hour, the nuns came and dimmed the lights to get everyone's attention.
"Ok kids, now you all need to go make sure your chores are done. Santa and Mrs. Claus are making an appearance tonight, and you don't want to miss it!"
They all ran off to do their chores, leaving Jonathan and Jennifer in the rec room with the nuns.
"Mr. Hart, you wouldn't happen to know someone who could fill in as Santa, would you? The person we had lined up called earlier and can't make it".
"You know, Sister, I think I know just the guy. What time does he need to be here?"
"7. And it should only take about 2 hours or so".
"Perfect. Santa will be here at 7 sharp".
***Bed and Breakfast***
Max dropped Jennifer and Jonathan off, and they headed to their room.
"Darling, I have a bit of a headache. What do you say we take a nap?"
She kicked her shoes off and then quickly changed into a pair of pajamas, and laid down.
"Sure. I tell you what, I have an errand to run, so why don't I do that, while you nap, and then I'll come back and join you?"
"That sounds great. Don't be gone too long, ok?"
"I promise, I'll be right back".
He gave her a few kisses and then headed out.
He was back within the hour and slipped into bed beside her. As soon as he wrapped his arms around her, she relaxed, and began to breathe deeper.
He slept right next to her for a couple hours and then they both woke up when the alarm went off.
She rolled over and snuggled up to him again.
"Hi darling. Did you get your errands run?"
"Yes, I did".
He rolled over and started kissing her cheek.
"Ooooh, that tickles. Want to play doctor?"
"More like Santa and Mrs. Claus?"
She looked at him quizzically.
"What are you talking about?"
"You and I are going to play Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tonight, for the kids at the orphanage".
"I don't know, Jonathan…."
"Now come on, it's so easy. We just sit there, they climb up in our laps and tell us what they want for Christmas. We ask them if they've been a good boy or girl, and then we remind them to go to bed early so that they will be asleep when Santa comes. I got us costumes, darling. We've got this, I promise".
He got up and showed her the costumes.
"Ok, I'll give it a shot".
Jennifer's outfit was a short-sleeved Santa dress, with big black buttons down the front and a scoop neck. It was knee-length, and had a white fur trim. It was sexy, but it wasn't too sexy.
"It's a good thing I took my boots to Chicago with me, they will go with this just perfect".
She dug a red lace bra out of her suitcase, and then put it on and put the Mrs. Clause dress on over it.
Jonathan was getting into his Santa suit. Jennifer helped him with the padding, and then made sure his beard was perfect.
"Ok, so it fits. So, what if we change out of it, and then head to dinner and then we can change into our suits at the orphanage?"
"Yes, fabulous idea".
She leaned up and kissed him.
"Have I been a good girl, darling?"
"Oh, you've been the best girl. You get all the presents".
"There's only one thing I need-and that is for Santa to come down the chimney tonight".
"Oh, that's a definite".
He kissed her several times.
***Later that night***
Jonathan and Jennifer had a blast playing Santa and Mrs. Claus at the orphanage. The kids loved it, and were so well-behaved. Jennifer loved watching Jonathan with the kids.
"Ok kids, one last gift, for all of you. Now it's not here yet, but it will be here soon. Now everyone close your eyes…..your new gift is…we are adding to your playground. More swings, a jungle gym, and an in-ground trampoline!"
All the kids screamed in delight.
"Now, you all have to promise a few things, ok. So, raise your right hands".
They all raised their right hands.
"Repeat after me. I promise….to always and forever….listen to the sisters…..do all my chores…..and to sometimes…..eat all my vegetables".
They dutifully repeated everything he said.
"Sometimes, Santa?"
"Yes, Mrs. Claus. Why, I bet, if you looked up in vent #3 in the cafeteria, you will still find my brussels sprouts".
The kids all laughed.
"Now, the construction guys will be here next week to dig the hole for the new playground equipment, so you kiddos be sure to stay out of their way, ok? They can't do their jobs if it's not safe".
"Boys and girls, what do we say to Santa?"
"Thank you", they said in unison.
Santa took Mrs. Claus' hand and led her to the door.
"See you kiddos next year! Be good".
Santa and Mrs. Claus went to the nun's office, and changed into their regular clothes.
Afterwards, Sister Ann and Sister Carol met with them.
He put some bills in Sister Ann's hand.
"Here. Order them pizza for dinner one night next week, on me".
"Mr. Hart, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity".
"Don't mention it. I still remember what it was like to be an orphan here".
"The kids sure are lucky to have you".
He quickly wrote a check and handed it to the nuns.
"This should take care of any costs associated with the new playground. If you need more, let me know".
"Thank you, so much".
Jonathan and Jennifer headed back to the bed and breakfast and into their room.
"Darling, do you want to open gifts tonight?"
"No. But, I do have a gift for you that you get tonight. You get it later".
He wrapped his arms around her.
"Darling, why do I have to wait? I've been such a good boy".
"Because the waiting is half the fun. Now, darling, when you were packing, did you happen to pack any Christmas-y clothes for yourself?"
"Well, I packed the red shirt I wore earlier, and a green sweater for tomorrow. And I may or may not have packed my red boxers that you love".
"Wonderful. Put them on, and I'll be right back".
She kissed him and then dug something out of her suitcase and disappeared into the bedroom. She emerged a few minutes later in a red Santa Claus halter thong teddy that looked absolutely amazing on her.
His jaw fell open when he saw her.
She came and straddled him in the bed, and leaned down and started kissing his chest.
"Hello Mrs. Claus".
"Hey Santa".
"Where did this come from?"
"I was in Chicago, I was missing you, and I saw it. Need I say more?"
"Yes, you need to tell me how to get it off you".
"You're a smart man, Santa, you figure it out".
She leaned down and kissed him.
"Is this one of my Christmas presents?"
"It could be. Play your cards right and we can celebrate all year long, darling".
They spent the next couple hours making love before they were finally so exhausted they curled up together and wrapped their arms around each other.
She fell asleep in his arms as he held her.
He brushed the curls back from her face and kissed her forehead.
"Merry Christmas baby, I love you".
***Christmas morning***
Jonathan and Jennifer slept till about 9, and then woke up.
"Merry Christmas darling".
She leaned over and kissed him.
"Merry Christmas baby".
He gave her a few more kisses.
They ordered coffee from room service, and then got showered and dressed.
As soon as the coffee was there, Jennifer went and sat on the couch. Jonathan came and joined her.
"Ok honey, here's your first Christmas present".
She handed him a present to open.
He tore into it, and found some new bow ties, in colors that he didn't have.
"Thanks, darling".
He leaned over and kissed her.
"Ok your turn".
He handed her one and she opened it right away. It was a new silk blouse.
"Oh darling, it's beautiful. Thank you".
She leaned over and kissed him.
They continued swapping presents. She had gotten him a new leather jacket, a football helmet for his favorite team signed by all the players, a Mickey Mantle rookie baseball card, and some new pillows that he loved.
He had gotten her some more of the perfume that he loved on her, a new gold and diamond watch, a gold bracelet with diamonds and garnets, a new Coach wallet, some new nightgowns and a new robe.
"Ok, so I guess that's it. Those presents are for Max."
"Nope, there's one more".
He handed her a very thin package.
"For me?"
He nodded.
She opened it and pulled out a folder. She opened the folder and found a house listing that had been marked "Sold".
"You bought me a house?!"
"I bought us a house. It's in Los Angeles, in Bel Air. It has everything we said we wanted, on the must have list, and I promise you, we will add everything on the goal list as soon as we can".
She was so stunned she couldn't speak.
"What…when…..how….?"
"I met with the realtor, saw it a few times, and made an offer they couldn't refuse. We can move in by new year's, unless you want to live at my house while we paint and remodel it the way you want".
She was so touched she couldn't say anything, so she just leaned over and kissed him.
"Merry Christmas, darling".
"Merry Christmas, indeed".
She just kept looking at the floorplan and the listing.
"So, here's what I figured, but we can change it if you want. I figured Max could take the downstairs master bedroom. Your office could be this small room right next to the front door. And our bedroom can be the master bedroom upstairs."
"Sounds wonderful so far".
She read over the listing a few more times and then looked up at him.
"So all this time when you and I couldn't find a house we liked…"
"Part of that was real. Once I found this, I knew I wanted to surprise you with it, if I could, and I knew that I wanted to do whatever I could to ensure that we got the house before you saw it, so that your hopes wouldn't be crushed. Darling, I'm not kidding, this house is exquisite, and as soon as I saw it, I knew you would love it".
She leaned forward and kissed him.
"So, when can we see it?"
"Well, I have the keys, so when we get home, we can take a ride out there if you like. And it's a longshot, but if you really hate this place and can't see us living there in peace and harmony, then we can sell it and keep looking for the house that will make you deliriously happy".
"You make me deliriously happy".
They shared a few sweet kisses and then he took her hand and stood up.
"We have to meet Max in a few minutes".
Jonathan had made them reservations at an all you can eat buffet for Christmas day.
Jennifer bundled up Max's Christmas presents.
"Darling, should we take these with us or should we insist that he come back here after we eat?"
"Why don't we have him come back here? He and I usually watch a game on Christmas day together".
"Perfect".
She quickly made the bed and straightened up her suitcase, and then gathered the wrapping paper into a trash bag.
They headed to meet Max, and had a lovely Christmas brunch.
He came back to their bed and breakfast with them and they exchanged gifts.
Jennifer couldn't recall when she had ever seen Max so happy.
They all just laid around and relaxed the rest of the day, and then around 5, they headed out for a Christmas Day dinner.
Jonathan called Jack to set up flying back to Los Angeles.
"Hey, I was just about to call you-can we go tonight by chance?"
"Sure".
"Perfect. Tomorrow is a busy day for me, but tonight will work out perfectly. How about 2 hours?"
"Sure, we'll be there".
They quickly got all packed up.
"Mr. H., I'll drive the wagon home tomorrow".
"Thanks, Max".
He drove Jonathan and Jennifer to the airport and dropped them off.
They snuggled up and reclined their seats as soon as they were buckled.
"This was the best Christmas trip ever, darling".
She grazed his cheek with her fingers as she kissed him.
"Yeah, it was fun. I just loved being with you".
"Same here".
They shared a few passionate kisses, and then the plane took off.
"I'm so glad to be sleeping in our own bed with you tonight".
"Who said anything about sleeping?"
"You are incorrigible".
"And you love me anyways".
"That I do, with all my heart, forever".