Happy Boxing Day! Here's a surprise treat. Enjoy. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I appreciate it more than I could ever say. xoxo
"There's so much sparkle, Daddy!" gasped six year old Cordelia Bass as she rushed through the doors of Harry Winston with her father and two brothers.
The manager, Paul, rushed over to greet the family. The Basses were one of their very best clients and the store went all out to accommodate them which included closing the store for the evening. Most businesses would balk at such an idea with only four days until Christmas but Paul knew Charles Bass would easily spend in an hour what the store could make in a month or more.
Paul held out his hand. "Good evening, Mr. Bass."
Chuck released four year old Ned's hand and removed his glove giving the manager a firm handshake. "Thank you for doing this tonight, Paul. I appreciate it."
Paul clasped his hands behind his back. "It's never a problem. We have hot cocoa for the children and champagne for you in the lounge. If you would like to get comfortable I'll bring out some special pieces that I think Mrs. Bass will adore."
Chuck nodded and took Ned's hand in his once again to keep him from the glass. "Cor, Henry, follow me."
Cordelia was standing in front of a display case that held a diamond encrusted diadem. "I want that, Daddy."
"You have excellent taste, Miss Cordelia." Paul chuckled softly, "I think we have a future customer on our hands."
Chuck smiled at his daughter running a hand down the back of her brown curls. "It is beautiful." He glanced over his shoulder at Paul. "Can we see it?"
"Absolutely. I'll bring it over with the rest of the pieces."
Cordelia started to jump up and down. "Can I try it on, Daddy?"
Chuck took her hand in his free one. "Yes. Let's get our coats off and get comfortable while they gather the stuff."
Henry was already halfway to lounge. He was familiar with this annual trip to the jewelers. Chuck had been bringing him for the past four years now. Chuck loved having the children along to pick out special pieces for Blair. He felt it meant more to her knowing they all had a hand in the choosing. Although this had also resulted in some odd choices. Like last year when Cordelia insisted on a garish jewel encrusted brooch in the form of a peacock. Blair had threatened that it would end up donated to a charity auction but it hadn't yet. And she had even found a way to wear it on their last family vacation. It had held her sarong in place quite nicely and she even had a few compliments. Cordelia had been thrilled to see her mother wearing the piece.
Paul along with several sales people brought out numerous pieces of jewelry for the family to see. The first thing he showed them was the diamond diadem. The blonde saleslady had carefully placed it on Cordelia's head and she immediately rushed to the mirror to admire herself. She was completely mesmerized by it and refused to take it off. Chuck made a comment about her being her mother's daughter.
They then began to examine all sorts of different gems in a multitude of settings. There were bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings; several brooches and even a few hair clips.
About thirty minutes in Ned, being only four, had become restless. The salesman that was entertaining Ned with books and a few toys took his hand and led him over to one of many Christmas display cases the store had set up for the holiday. It contained at least twenty-five various snow globes at the bottom with dangling diamond snowflake earrings hanging above.
Ned couldn't take his eyes from the magical looking display. After a minute or two he turned to look at his father.
"Daddy, I think Mommy will love these," he squealed pointing at the case.
Chuck, who was examining an estate piece, glanced over towards his son. "What's that, Neddie?" He got up from the couch and walked over to see what Ned had discovered.
Paul knew exactly what that case held and he started to do the math figuring out his commission. Mr. Bass was clearly enamored with the ice blue sapphire suite of jewelry from their estate collection but Paul knew if his son wanted to gift his mother with diamond snowflakes then diamond snowflakes would be added to the order.
Chuck picked his son up and glanced at the display. "Those are very pretty. You think Mommy would like snowflake earrings?"
Ned shook his head. "Not the snowflakes, Daddy! The thingies down there." He was pointing adamantly at the snow globes.
Chuck kissed his son's cheek. "Oh, the snow globes. You like those?"
Ned shook his head vigorously. "Mommy, doesn't have any of those."
"No, she does not."
Paul felt his heart sink when he realized the decrease in his commission.
Chuck turned to the manager. "How much for the globes?"
Paul stammered for a minute or two. He assumed Mr. Bass would explain to the child that the globes were for display only and not for sale. He should've known better. After fifteen years of working on Fifth Avenue nothing should surprise him.
Chuck decided to put him out of his misery. "How about ten thousand for the display globes? And of course we'll take the estate suite of jewelry as well."
Paul inclined his head. "Very good, Mr. Bass." He instructed his sales team to start pulling the display apart and boxing the globes while he dealt with the sale.
Cordelia was starting to cry about having to remove the diadem.
Chuck knelt down next to her. "Cor, this doesn't belong to us. It's a special piece that someone else has already purchased." He was lying to her but desperate times called for desperate measures. Finally, after a minute or two of cajoling she relented letting the salesclerk remove piece from her head.
Chuck paid and left delivery instructions before thanking the team and wishing them all a very Merry Christmas. He was relieved when they got into the back of the limo. Sometimes these excursions didn't go well but this evening had been a breeze. The children had been incredibly well behaved and he couldn't have been more proud.
By the time they got home dinner was about to be served and Blair was waiting for them. She greeted each of the children with a hug and kiss.
Ned ran to the sitting room before calling out, "Where's Saba?"
Cyrus and Eleanor were in town for the holidays and Ned was quite attached to them.
Blair entered the room taking her son's hand. "They had dinner reservations and then they're going to the ballet. It's just us tonight."
Ned groaned dramatically, "Who will read to me?"
"The same people who read to you every night that your grandparents aren't in town; your father and I." She leaned down nuzzling his neck. "Did Daddy take you shopping?"
Ned nodded his head giggling.
"Did you pick out something for Mommy?" She was hugging him tightly.
Ned nodded his head again. "Daddy said it was a secret and we couldn't tell you."
Blair knelt down next to her son. "You know Daddy isn't the boss right?"
Ned stopped laughing contemplating what his mother had said. "He's the boss at work. Everyone listens to him."
Blair nodded her head. "That's true but at home, who's in charge?"
Ned smiled pointing to his mother. "You are," he giggled.
"That's right. Now tell Mommy what you-,"
"Blair," Chuck snapped from the doorway, "don't you dare coerce our four year old into telling you what we bought you."
Ned straightened up, his blue eyes wide. "I didn't tell her about the globes, Daddy."
Blair's forehead wrinkled as she stood up. "Globes?"
"Ned, go wash your hands so we can have dinner." Ned rushed out of the room to do as his father had asked.
Chuck crossed the threshold and came to stop in front of Blair. He placed his hands on her hips. "You're awful. It's only four days away, Blair."
"What did he mean by globes?" She smoothed her hands across his broad shoulders.
Chuck shrugged. "I have no idea."
Blair eyed him suspiciously. "Charles Bass, you know I like sparkle." A pout crossed her lips.
He leaned forward and kissed her gently. "I know you better than anyone." He took her hand. "Stop harassing our children," he scolded as they headed down the hall and into the dining room.
Much later that night he showed her exactly who was boss in their home and she loved every single minute of it.
Christmas dawned clear and cold. Chuck rolled over glancing at the clock. It was just past seven o'clock. He was shocked that everyone was still asleep especially Ned. The Christmas Eve festivities at Lily's the night before had clearly worn everyone out.
He rolled onto his side looking over at Blair who was still sound asleep. She looked beautiful. Her dark curls were spread across her pillow and her ivory skin looked flawless. He leaned over placing a kiss to her bare shoulder. Her skin was warm and soft beneath his lips. He ran his tongue to the lace strap of her nightgown. Using his teeth, he slowly pulled it down exposing a good portion of cleavage.
As he kissed a path to her lace covered breast he heard the shift in her breathing. She was most definitely starting to wake. He covered the hardening nipple with his mouth using his tongue he toyed with it.
By the time her hand reached out to entangle in his hair he was hard as a rock. He released his hold on her breast looking up at her. Her eyes were still closed but she was biting her bottom lip.
He shoved the now damp lace fabric to her waist exposing her to his gaze. He squeezed her nipple rolling it between his thumb and finger. He gave it pinch before covering her mouth with his.
As he deepened the kiss he slipped a hand between her thighs which she parted willingly for him.
His fingers slipped against her wet core. "Merry Christmas, Blair." He settled himself between her thighs.
"Merry Christmas, Chuck," and with that he slipped deep inside her.
Their lovemaking was quick; they knew their time was limited.
By the time Ned entered their room, exactly twelve minutes later, Blair was ensconced in the bathroom and Chuck was just slipping on his robe.
Ned bounded into the master bedroom dressed in his black watch plaid flannel pajamas, feet bare and hair tousled.
"It's Christmas, Daddy!" he shouted as he ran to his father.
Chuck bent down engulfing his son in his arms and lifting him in a tight hug. "So, it is. Merry Christmas, Neddie." He kissed his cheek.
Ned glanced around the room. "Where's Mommy?"
"She's in the shower." He set his son down on his feet taking his hand. "Let's go get you some slippers and we'll check on Grandmere and Saba."
"Did Santa come?" Ned rubbed the back of his hand against his eye
"I'm sure he did," Chuck responded as they made their way through the sitting room and down the hall. He smiled down at his son.
As much as he loved his time alone with Blair he wouldn't trade his three wonderful children for all the privacy in the world. Ned started to skip in anticipation of gifts and filled stockings. Chuck released his hand as Ned rushed to Eleanor and Cyrus' room.
This was what Christmas was all about.
An hour later everyone was in the living room mid-gift opening. Blair smiled as her three children presented her with a large, heavy box. Her brow was wrinkled in confusion as she removed the ribbon and started to tear off the paper.
Ned was jumping in place. "I picked these out, Mommy."
Blair smiled at her youngest child. "Well then I know I will love them.
She slowly lifted the cover off the box and carefully removed the tissue paper. Reaching in she picked up a tissue wrapped object and slowly unwrapped it to reveal a snow globe.
"Oh…isn't that pretty." She glanced at Ned who was beaming ear to ear.
"Do you like it, Mommy?"
She leaned forward hugging her son to herself. "I love it."
"There are more," Cordelia explained.
Blair proceeded to unwrap a total of twenty-seven snow globes. When she was finished she looked over at her husband raising her eyebrows.
Chuck smirked as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart."
She lifted one of the globes; there was a miniature English village ensconced inside. She shook it upside down before righting it again watching the pretend snow swirl around it.
Ned beamed at his mother as he picked up the one that had fast become his favorite. Inside was the Mouse King from the Nutcracker. He had his sword drawn and his army of mice surrounding him. He shook the globe vigorously.
Chuck smiled at his son. "These were part of a Christmas display at Harry Winston's and as soon as Neddie saw them he wanted to give them to you."
"A Christmas display? Was there anything else on display that caught your eye?" She lifted her eyebrows hopefully.
Chuck shook his head. "The snow globes were it." He kissed her cheek before turning to Eleanor. "Ok Eleanor, your turn. Open the one in the holly paper."
Blair scowled in dismay as her mother unwrapped and gasped in awe at the package she had just opened.
They spent the next thirty minutes finishing up. There were toys, sweaters, sleds and various other things scattered around. Chuck crossed the room and opened the cabinet below the bookshelves. He removed a square box he had hidden there the night before.
Blair beamed in anticipation. She knew he wouldn't go to Harry Winston's and only come home with their window display. He clearly indulged their youngest son but would make sure there was a something a bit more appropriate for her.
Her mouth fell open when he stepped over to Cordelia and presented her with the wrapped box. "One last present for my princess."
Cordelia gasped dramatically as she reached up taking the box from her father. Chuck sat down next to her as she tugged the ribbon free.
He helped her open the latched box and when she saw what was inside she squealed.
"Daddy, is this my crown?" She jumped up and down as Chuck lifted the diamond diadem she had so desperately wanted that day at the jewelers.
Chuck carefully placed it atop her brown curls adjusting it a bit. "It is."
Cordelia threw her arms around her father's neck and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Daddy."
Blair was speechless. There was no way that was real.
Eleanor, never one to be at a loss for words, gasped, "Charles, that almost looks real." She motioned for her granddaughter to come over to her where she inspected the piece.
Chuck set the box aside before standing up. "That's because it is. She fell in love with it and I knew there was no way I wasn't getting it for my little girl. Besides every princess needs a tiara."
Cordelia was now spinning around the room doing pirouettes.
Ned, not understanding what all the fuss was about, returned to working on the puzzle Cyrus was helping him complete.
Henry, opening one of several new Lego sets, rolled his eyes. "What is about girls always wanting to be princesses?"
Eleanor stood up from the couch rolling her eyes. "It's not all it's cracked up to be; just ask your mother." She raised her eyebrows at her daughter.
Blair reached out picking up her mimosa and draining the glass. Cordelia sat down next to Blair on the couch staring up at her mother with huge eyes.
"Mommy, are you a princess?"
Blair looked at Eleanor. "Really, Mother."
Chuck sat on the arm of the couch next to Blair. Reaching out he wrapped an arm possessively around his wife's shoulders and pulled her close. Even after all these years he still felt a sting of jealousy and hurt when there was any reference made to her previous marriage. He knew it was irrational but he couldn't help himself. He had come to the realization that it may always bother him.
He squeezed Blair tightly to himself kissing the top of her head.
"Your mother has been a princess since the day she was born." He kissed Blair before standing up. "Now, let's all get ready for lunch."
Later that night Blair entered the bedroom to find Chuck sitting on the edge of the bed dressed in his robe with a gift wrapped present in his hands.
She practically skipped across the room. "I knew it." She took the box from him and sat down next to him kissing him deeply.
He watched her as she pulled the white silk ribbon from the box. "I didn't want to overshadow Ned's present. He was so excited."
Blair tossed the now torn paper aside. She paused before opening the chocolate brown box. "You are a fabulous father but you could've let me know instead of letting me suffer all day."
His hand slid over her knee and under her silk nightgown. "You know how much I love delaying your gratification." His fingers skimmed along her thigh. "It makes the end result that much sweeter." He slid his hands between her closed legs kissing her. "Open your gift."
She smiled at him before lifting the lid of the large square box. Nestled inside was the light blue sapphire suite of estate jewelry.
Blair's breath hitched as she took in the breathtakingly, beautiful set. "It's incredible." She leaned into him, kissing him soundly. "I love it."
"I wanna see it on you." He reached out taking the velvet box from her. He first picked up an earring. Blair obliged him by tucking her hair behind her ear and tipping her head as he clipped first one and then the other onto her lobes.
He next took the bracelet and clasped it around her delicate wrist. He held her hand as he twisted it gently so they could admire the sparkling jewels. He placed a kiss to the inside of her wrist before releasing his grip and reaching for the necklace.
They both stood up. Blair turned her back to him and lifted her hair up as he placed the heavy necklace around her neck. Locking it in place he kissed her now exposed nape.
Blair released her hair letting it tumble down her back.
They were standing opposite the full length mirror that was against the wall. Chuck settled a hand on each of her upper arms running his fingers along them caressing her gently.
His eyes were locked with hers in the reflection of the glass. "You are more beautiful and more precious than any gem. I hope you know that." He leaned forward and placed a kiss to her shoulder.
She turned her face towards his. "You make me feel that way," she whispered softly.
He caught her mouth in a searing kiss as she pressed backwards into his body. His arm wrapped around her waist. "You are priceless."
Her fingers skimmed along his arm that was holding her tightly. "Take me to bed."
He stared at her a few seconds longer before twisting her around and scooping her up into his arms. He carried her to the bed and laid her back onto the silk duvet.
He looked down at her reverently as he slid next to her. He leaned over kissing her softly as his left hand explored her body.
Before long, her nightgown was tossed aside along with his robe.
He covered her body with his own leaning up on his elbows he kissed her passionately before settling himself between her open thighs. "You are the best present I have ever received," and with that he entered her. Holding himself deep inside her as he continued to pepper her with kisses. He felt her hips push up slightly and a moan escape from her lips. That's all he needed to let go with abandon.
They made love fervently. Chuck felt like he couldn't get deep enough, close enough. It was always like this with her and he couldn't imagine a day when it wouldn't be and he was okay with that. This was one addiction he was only too happy to indulge in.
Later, when they were curled in each other's arms totally sated, Blair glanced up at her adoring husband. The gems she was still wearing sparkled as they reflected the soft candlelight in the room. She placed a kiss to his bare chest.
"Don't you think the tiara was a bit over the top?" She raised her eyebrows at him.
He reached out pushing a curl behind her ear. "No. She's our daughter. She's New York royalty."
"This is exactly why we have a six year old that doesn't take no for an answer and that's constantly reprimanded at school for being bossy on the playground." Blair sat up pulling the sheet with her tucking it under her arms.
Chuck rolled his eyes. "That school better watch it or it's going to lose the Basses and all the money we bring through its doors."
"You're missing the point, Chuck. You cannot continue to spoil her like that. It's ridiculous." Blair crossed her arms in front of herself.
Chuck pushed himself up and stared at his wife. "I will continue to indulge my daughter as much as I want." He slid an arm across her waist and pulled her in tight. "Just as I will continue to indulge her mother." He placed a kiss to her bare shoulder as he tugged at the sheet covering her.
Blair pretended to pout a bit as she tried to hold the sheet in place.
"Blair, you know you're always first in my heart." He tugged harder at the fabric and it slid down a bit uncovering her right breast. He reached a hand up cupping it. "I'll take you to Harry Winston's first thing tomorrow morning and you can pick out any piece that catches your fancy."
She turned to look at him. "Promise?"
He slowly pulled her back down onto the mattress as he covered her body with his. "I promise."
As he kissed her thoroughly Blair stopped thinking about tiaras and was consumed only with thoughts of her husband and his very talented tongue. Presents were nice but this was so much better.