"Love is friendship set on fire."
Chapter 2
Christmas Eve
A few cars were in the driveway already. A large cabin with blue trim on the shutters sat in front of them. It was a beautiful cabin and it made Catherine even happier she was there with Gil.
"Be very glad we're the fourth car here," Gil told her, snapping off his seatbelt after turning off the car. "All together they can be very… happy."
"Happy?"
"Gregarious; I can't really describe it. Just expect a very interesting time."
Lindsey interrupted them, stating again how happy she was. She quickly got out of the car, the two adults laughing at her energy.
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"Catherine, it's so good to see you again." Noreen embraced the woman, a smile on her face. "I'm so glad you came. I'm glad Gil actually asked you."
"I'm glad he did, too," she whispered loud enough for Noreen to hear. The older woman giggled which caused the recently placed smile on Catherine's face to glow.
"And Lindsey." Noreen pulled away from Catherine and moved straight for the pre-teen. Lindsey allowed herself to be pulled into a hug, feeling childish about not wanting to hug her before. She was practically a grandmother to her. She hadn't seen her in almost a year. How could she not want to hug her?
"I missed you," Lindsey told her, holding her close.
"I missed you, too. I have to visit more often."
"Yes, you should."
The doorbell rang in the background; the two friends moved away. Noreen's eyes fell on her son. She could tell something was different with him. He had a twinkle in his eyes and she had a feeling it had something to do with the woman by his side.
"Can't even hug your own son first," Gil teased. "Have to hug the visitors first."
"Oh, be quiet." She pulled him into a tight bear hug. "I gave birth to you; I had to live with you. I've seen you enough."
Catherine smiled at her spot behind Gil. She never really got to see this side of him. Sure he would open up to her but never like this. Come to think of it, he had been teasing and flirting more with her lately like they used to.
"So who else is here besides the third generation?" Gil asked his mother, looking around him. Third generation meant all the kids, who weren't really kids anymore, who helped set up.
"Well, you Aunt Carol just walked in."
"How's she doing without Uncle Bill? He still in Guam?"
"Yes, she's holding up the best she can. How about you introduce Catherine and Lindsey and I'll continue helping with dinner?" Noreen didn't give him a chance to answer. She was already on her way back to the kitchen.
Gil turned to Catherine. "How about we start in the kitchen and move our way back out here?" Catherine agreed, still taking in the comfortable surroundings.
She looked at the house around her as they walked. It was beautiful. Quaint and homey, just the kind of home she'd always wanted.
A large staircase sat in front of the front door. Tile changed to carpet as one moved to the living room and dining room. A blue couch sat along the staircase wall to the right; two end tables with glass encased lamps on them. A blue reclining chair sat to the far left by the door, another end table by it with that same lamp. The Christmas tree sat in between that chair and a brown one. It had handful upon handful of silver tinsel all around it. Ornaments were placed in what seemed like the same place from the previous year. The fireplace sat roaring across from the couch, two stockings hanging from the mantel. The TV sat on the floor to the right of it the music channel playing Christmas music from it. A large table sat in the middle of the floor, already set for dinner.
A hallway sprung up from the right of the couch leading to the master bedroom, basement, laundry room, and two car garage. The basement door was open, cheers occasionally heard from the depths of it.
In the dining room sat a dining set passed down from one of Gil's aunt's parents. A closed off patio was off the left, leading to the deck outside. The kitchen was to the right and bustling with four women. Well, three and one sixteen year old. Wonderful smells were emanating from it and Catherine found herself amazed at how talkative his family was so far.
"Catherine, Lindsey," Gil's voice brought her out of her thoughts, "this is my Aunt Linda. Aunt Linda, this is Catheirne and Lindsey Willows."
"Oh, you're the two I've heard about." Linda wiped her hands off. She shook each of their hands. "It's nice to finally meet you."
"It's nice to meet you ,too. Gil has told me a lot about you," Catherine said honestly. It wasn't a total lie. He had told her much about his family; it had just been over the course of the month.
"I'm surprised he actually told you about us. I didn't think he'd want to."
"Why wouldn't he?"
"Well, the family takes a little getting used to. But through all the fun, teasing, and jokes we can actually be a … pleasant family," Linda explained.
"I can't wait to find out." This time she truly wasn't lying.
The trio moved on to another aunt in the kitchen.
"Hey Gil, I'm glad you came," Peggy told him, seeing him from the corner of her eyes. "And who do you have with you?"
"This is Catherine and Lindsey Willows who I'm sure you've heard about." He turned to Catherine. "This is Peggy Burnstein. She has been the best friend of my Aunt Linda since high school and has become the "adopted" daughter. No relation to the family but after all these years, she certainly does now."
Peggy smiled. "I'd shake your hands but…" she motioned to the ham which she was carving. "I'll make sure to come find you later. I'm sure all us women will."
"We'll b moving on now." Gil ushered them out of the kitchen after telling Lindsey who the last person in the kitchen was. "That's Jennifer. She's the sixteen year old. I'm sure the two of you can find something to do later."
Catherine caught Gil's arm before they moved on to the next person. "So far, I'm loving your family," she whispered in his ear.
"You may regret that. Aunt Carol, hi." He hugged the woman. "How are you?"
"I'm doing okay. Better than I thought." Her eyes caught Catherine's and she smiled. "Who have you brought with you?"
Gil put an arm around Catherine, surprising her with his actions. "This is Catherine and this one," he put a hand on top of Lindsey's head, "is her daughter Lindsey."
"Hi, Lindsey. How old are you?"
"Thirteen," Lindsey answered, suddenly becoming shy.
"Wow, you're not that far off from Jennifer and Kierra. I bet you'll have a wonderful time here."
"Of course she will. And she's lucky none of you know her."
"Why?" Catherine wondered, arching her brow.
"Because that way she won't have embarrassing stories told about her," Gil said, shooting a hard mock stare at his aunt.
"It wouldn't be a family gathering if we didn't," Carol explained. "I'm glad the two of you came," she added to Lindsey and Catherine.
Noreen's voice from the kitchen broke them from their conversation. She was calling for Lindsey, who happily went to help.
"Well, I guess I better do some work too," Carol said. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to look, seeing her sister-in-law next to her. "Hi, Pam. How are you?"
An English setter ran past them, going in search of her owner who she hadn't seen in two days. Jennifer was her target, who gladly hugged the dog when she saw her.
"I'm good. I can't believe how fast December moved by though," Pam said, hugging the woman. "I see we have new faces this year."
"Yes, we do. This is Catherine Willows, who I know you've heard about. Catherine, this is my Aunt Pam, mother of Jennifer in the kitchen."
Greetings kept being expressed. Catherine was amazed already at how social and happy his family was. He was such a closed off man. How could he be so different from his family?
"How are you so different from the rest of them?" Catherine asked him as they settled by the fire. She watched as he sat down on the hearth with her.
He shrugged his shoulders. "I just am. I don't see them as often as I used to."
"The difference is astonishing." She looped an arm with his bravely, keeping them close. He smiled at her movement and covered her hand with his.
"That's Kierra," he told her quietly, pointing her out once she walked in. "there's Michelle, her mother and my cousin, Wes, not the father but he adopted her. And the little one he's holding is Makayla. She's two.
"That one over by the kitchen is Monica; she's Carol's stepdaughter and Wes is her stepson. Brian is her husband, he's the one next to her. And in Monica's arms is Sarah. She's eleven months. That's my Uncle Jim coming out of the kitchen. He's Pam's husband. And the dog that ran by earlier is Princess." He looked around him making sure he didn't leave anyone out. "That's it aside from the boys, Susan, and Rachelle."
"I'm still amazed," she said. "I look around and see so many talking people and I remember how closed off you've always been."
"Just remember, I'm trying to change." He looked over at her. He was so tempted to kiss her but luckily a yell from one of his aunt's stopped the urge.
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"Dinner!" It was loud enough for all to hear.
Out of mutual agreement Jim and Wes held the basement door shut so the boys couldn't get upstairs. Catherine laughed at the sight; pounding coming from the basement door, laughter from everyone upstairs, even Gil.
She caught sight of Lindsey laughing by the kitchen with Jennifer and Kierra. All she wanted this year was for her daughter to have a wonderful Christmas. So far she was getting her wish.
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After grace, they all sat down to dinner; dishes filled with food made their way across the tables. Lindsey chose to sit at the long table by the other girls; Gil and Catherine were both forced to sit at the dining room table.
Catherine found herself enthralled by all their stories. She heard one about Gil's grandmother breaking her legs when each of Jim and Pam's kids were born, even when they got their dog.
"Which one's Chris?" Catherine asked Gil, leaning over to him.
"The one at the other table next to the girl in the pink shirt is Chris. The boy with the glasses on his right is Josh, the oldest of them, and the one across from him is Matt, his brother," Gil explained.
"Anybody want any water while I'm up?" Linda interrupted, getting up from her chair.
Josh spoke up. "I could use some."
Linda returned seconds later, filling Josh's glass as well as a few others.
"Hey Aunt Linda, while you're up, I could go for a roll," Chris said.
Linda in turn tossed a roll to him. "Thanks," he said.
Catherine chuckled at her seat. "I love this family," she muttered, taking a bite of ham. Gil chuckled at her side.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," he told her truthfully.
"I'm glad you asked me to come."
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"So Catherine, how long have you known Gil?" Peggy asked, handing Catherine a dish to dry. Catherine had volunteered to dry dishes, stating she felt she at least needed to do something. Gil had gone downstairs to play a round of darts with the boys after they corralled him to do so. Lindsey was upstairs in the computer room playing a game with the other girls.
"I've known him for twenty-one years."
"How'd you meet him?"
"I was a stripper; he prefers exotic dancer. He was just starting out at the lab. There was a shooting one night at the club and he was on the case. He was the one who got to talk to all the girls," she answered, unashamed of her past.
"Lucky man," Peggy muttered. Catherine smirked.
"We've been the best of friends since, except for the occasional argument."
"Can I ask where Lindsey's father is?"
"He died three years ago."
"I'm sorry," Peggy sympathized. Catherine waved it off.
"Don't be. We were divorced. But Lindsey still misses him."
"She'll always miss her father," Peggy told her, speaking from experience. "She looks pretty comfortable with Gil, though."
Catherine smiled fondly. "Oh, she loves him. They get along famously. He's always been there, ever since I told him I was pregnant. He was better than her father ever was. He still is."
"Well, that's nice that he's always been there. He's always been fond of kids. He just never shows it."
"Anything happening between the two of you?" Noreen interrupted. She had always wanted the two of them to get together and she always told Catherine as much.
The youngest woman in the kitchen quickly glanced around making sure Gil was no where in sight. She handed a dried glass to Noreen, looking her straight in the eye.
"Right now, no, but between all of us, I sincerely hope something happens soon."
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The fire danced before her eyes. She listened to it pop and crackle once in a while. The yellows, reds, and oranges were captivating. So was the other sight in front of her.
Lindsey was currently being held by Gil's arms, a smile on her face and laughter in her eyes. They were talking softly about something unknown to Catherine. It warmed her heart though. She loved seeing them together.
Before she knew it, Lindsey was in the presence of Noreen and Gil was sitting down next to her on the couch with Sarah in his arms.
"This is probably the second time I've seen you hold a child in your arms," she told him softly.
"Well, if you hold her real quick, I can go get Makayla and then it'll be three times," he said smartly. She gently pinched the back of his neck when she shifted her position.
"How are you?" he asked her, taking his eyes off Sarah.
"I am terrific right now. I just finished a talk with your mom and aunts. They're extremely entertaining to talk to," she shared with him. "How'd your dart game go?"
"Beat them all. Of course it wasn't hard. They tend to break the points more than score them."
Her hand still rested against his neck, her fingers softly running through the hairs at the nape of his neck unconsciously. She'd always loved his hair. It was always so soft and he always responded, whether verbally or physically. After willing his body to not react, he opted for verbally this time.
"Do you still have that fascination with my hair?" he asked after he handed Sarah back to her mother.
"Yes, I do. It's soft; I can't help it."
She ran her hand all the way through his hair before taking her hand back. He leaned further into the couch, leaning into her as well. She let him, enjoying the feel of his body next to hers. He placed a blanket over them, knowing how she got cold. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close, claiming it was more comfortable that way.
"Everyone gather round," Linda called while Peggy called the boys up. The boys came running up the stairs just as the girls came running downstairs and everyone moved out of the dining room and kitchen. Everyone took their seats in the living room; Linda passed out tiny booklets and passed a stapled packet of papers to Gil.
"We're appointing you the reader this year. It was unanimous," she explained before moving on.
"We do a reading followed by a few Christmas carols before opening gifts," he explained to Catherine while motioning for Lindsey. She came bounding over to them and he managed to persuade her to sit with them. He pulled her onto his lap to leave more room on the couch for others.
"I'll need my glasses," he told Linda who was walking by. She quickly found his coat to retrieve them from the inside pocket, handing them to Catherine who in turn handed them to Gil.
"We're ready when you are," she told him, taking her seat by her brother.
He put his glasses on and settled Lindsey back further in his arms so she was reclining against him. He could hold the papers better that way than with just one hand. He glanced around him, seeing that for once, all was quiet. So he began reading.
Catherine found herself mesmerized by the sound of his voice. She could feel herself relax even more as she listened to the story he told. Lindsey turned the page for him when he reached the bottom so he cold keep the fluency of his words. Everyone in the room listened in captivation, even the youngest didn't cause problems. But all too soon Catherine's fascination was over.
They moved into the song 'Away in a Manger' requested by Jennifer. Catherine was pleased to see Lindsey participating in that. She always did love music. She pushed herself further into Gil's arms, savoring the feel.
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"You think it'll snow?" Catherine asked Gil, looking up at the dark sky above her.
"Hopefully. It's always nice to see it snow."
"Especially when you come from the desert," she added, kicking some snow with her boot.
"My aunts haven't been bothering you, have they?" he asked worriedly. He finished shrugging on his coat before hastening to catch up to her.
"No, they were wonderful," she assured, looping an arm through his. "You're family's so fun. Want to trade me?"
He chuckled. "I don't think so. I don't get along with Sam," he told her, speaking of her father.
"Eh, that's fine. I was taking Lindsey with me anyway."
They both laughed at her joke. Silence followed shortly after but it was comfortable. They walked leisurely across the property, neither seeing any reason to rush their time alone together.
Wind breezed past their ears as it picked up. The clouds began to roll over the sky, the moon peeking through every once in a while. Dry snow moved at their feet, rolling on by with the wind. Their shoes kicked at the snow, both sets of eyes on the ground.
"I can't thank you enough for inviting us, Gil. It's been wonderful. Lindsey's really enjoying herself," Catherine told him.
He brought his free hand over to cover her hand that was looped through his. He squeezed it gently. "What about you?"
"I love it. You have a great family. It's a wonderful atmosphere to be in." She looked up at him. "No offense, but I still find it hard to believe you're one of them."
He chuckled. "I know. Jennifer in there, she's like me and Linda. She's going to grow up like us, too. I started out like her; quiet, shy. The only difference between us is she hates bugs. She's the closest to believing that I'm actually part of this family," he explained.
"She didn't seem quiet," Catherine mused. "Kierra did though."
"Around her family, she's open. But trust me, she's extremely quiet and keeps to herself."
They both stepped onto the upstairs deck, making their way back. Catherine listened to the sound of her heels against the wood, the sound of the thump as his shoes hit the wood. It was rhythmic almost.
He felt her shiver next to him. He wrapped an arm around her. "Want to go back in?"
"No, I'm fine. Besides, I don't think we'd do too well at 'Scene It'."
"We watch movies," he defended.
"Yeah, but not those movies." He agreed and started to chuckle when they passed a window.
"What's so funny?"
"The boys; they remind me of Greg. They're in there playing Playstation 2 right now."
She shared his chuckle. He stopped them at the railing around the corner, purposely avoiding any windows. He didn't need an audience watching them.
She set her hands on the railing, despite being cold. Her eyes swept over the land before her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she saw such a beautiful thing.
"Beautiful," she heard Gil murmur. Maybe she could think of a few things. "I'll always love the night more."
"Maybe that's why we work the Grave shift," she pointed out. She felt his eyes turn on her. She wanted to face him but something screamed at her not to. Then again, they were finally alone…
"This necklace suits you beautifully," he told her, speaking of his gift to her. He brushed her hair aside to see it again. "I'm glad I was with you that day."
He flashed back to twenty years ago. They had been walking down the sidewalks of the Strip. Well, she had a slight limp but she insisted on walking. She'd taken a fall one night at the French Palace in her six inch heels after her set. Gil was taking care of her until she got better.
When they had passed an antique jewelry shop, she had dragged him inside with her. She'd always loved antique jewelry ever since she was a young girl back in Montana. She hardly ever saw it though.
She had taken an immediate liking to a silver necklace with a diamond in the middle and outlined with aquamarines and sapphires. It had reminded her on one she had seen when she was around Sam Braun and a woman he was with at the time. She'd always dreamed of owning it and now she did.
"I still can't believe you bought this for me. And after all these years!" she exclaimed.
"It took me a while to track it down."
"How much did it cost?"
He shied his eyes away for a brief second. "A lady should never know the cost of jewelry given to her," he said.
"It cost a small fortune, didn't it?" Her face cringed at the thought.
"It doesn't matter," he assured her. "I was more than happy to buy it for you."
She still couldn't shake the potential price though. When she started to walk away, he quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him. Very close.
"You know, you look every bit like your mother's side but those eyes…" she observed.
"That would be from my father's side as my mother always told me," he explained.
"I love your eyes. I ever tell you that?" Her voice was a whisper now. He shook his head.
"You still cold?" he wondered, looking down into her eyes. She took an involuntary step and wrapped her arms around his waist, already feeling warmer as his open jacket moved passed her arms.
She nodded. "Very."
His arms wrapped tightly around her small frame. There was something undeniable happening between them, some cosmic force pulling them together finally after twenty one years. Their hearts were pounding insanely but in synch. Their breathing was becoming short and shallow but they could still smell their surroundings vividly. Their eyes were locked and didn't dare move. Their bodies were pressed together intimately now. They fit like a pair of gloves and yet they sometimes acted like fire and water.
"Can I warm you up?" Gil offered, his throat becoming dry.
"Please."
Faster than she could register, his lips were on hers, caressing gently. She held fast to him, not wanting to lose this new glorious feel. Her hands pressed firmly against his lower back, gently caressing as she made her way up. She moaned deeply as his hands passed across her tush, gripping just a little. He certainly left her wanting more of his touch. They were so absorbed in their embrace that they didn't even register the freshly falling snow.
His tongue found entrance to her mouth when she gladly complied to his unspoken wishes. Tongues fondled and dueled for control but neither wanted to give it up. She never knew he was so talented in this department.
"Where'd you learn to do that?" she asked, trying to catch her breath.
"No idea. Feeling warm yet?" he asked with a smile on his face at her smile.
"A little," she said coyly. Her hands ran over his fabulous tush she loved to look at so much. "But my lips are a little cold now."
"I guess I could help with that."
"You better."
She accepted his lips with a contented sigh. His hands pressed her closer to him, enjoying the feel of her body. He tugged at her lower lips, a favor which she returned to him, causing him to growl and her to moan. She could feel herself being pressed against the railing; she could also feel his evident arousal.
Armed with a plan, she ran a hand around to his chest, feeling muscles move beneath her fingertips. Wanting to tease him, her nimble hand traveled lower until she ran it across the bulge in his jeans. He immediately groaned into her mouth, his pleasure obvious. She grinned against his mouth and slowly let her hand travel back upwards.
"Now that's just mean," he gasped out, pulling away from her.
"But I'm a tease, Gil. You know that," she reminded with an innocent smile.
"You've been teasing me for the last two decades. I'm already hooked."
"That's good." She kissed him this time, unable to resist. It was a mix between wanting it to be hungry and wanting to take it slow. So far hungry was winning.
"Hey you two, break it up for five minutes. It's time for pictures," Linda interrupted from a door down the way. "You can finish that back in Vegas."
Gil groaned in complaint at his family's impeccable timing. Catherine giggled as she turned around, dragging Gil with her, making sure to stay in front of him.
"Thanks, Aunt Linda," Gil muttered, walking by her.
"Hey, just be happy I wasn't your mother."
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Laughter went around the room as families figured out how to work different cameras. Children complained about the pictures. Adults held them back to make sure they were in the picture. Princess was running around happily, confused as to what was going on. Catherine just had to laugh. That dog was certainly a character.
"So I heard about what happened outside," Noreen said, sitting next to Catheirne at the dining room table. "Was this a spur of the moment or hopefully everlasting?"
"It definitely wasn't a spur of the moment," she laughed. "I'm hoping it's everlasting."
"Me, too." She grabbed Catherine by the hand, pulling her up with her. "Now come one. You don't actually think you and Lindsey wouldn't be in the pictures, did you?"
Catherine tried to stop her. "I don't want to intrude. I mean, these are family pictures and me and Lindsey aren't family."
Noreen stopped them in stride. "Of course you are, Catherine. You're like a daughter to me and Lindsey's like the granddaughter I'm still hoping to have."
"We feel the same way about you."
"Then you won't object to a few pictures."
Catherine and Lindsey joined them in a family picture, taken by Josh's girlfriend Rochelle. Unbeknownst to her, Noreen had managed to get a few pictures of her and Gil throughout the evening. She would definitely be making copies of those.
Before long, everyone was gathering up their things. They were slow at it though, wanting to stay just a bit longer. But they couldn't seeing as how it was close to eleven at night. Most of them had quite the drive home.
"Did you have a good time, Catherine?" Peggy asked when the woman in question was helping her clean up the dining room a little more.
"I had the best time I've had in a while," she emphasized.
Linda stepped in. "Bet I know why."
Catherine smiled. "That's a part of it, but no."
Peggy looked confused. Obviously she hadn't been told. Catherine sent Linda a look telling her she was allowed to tell Peggy just not while Catherine was around.
"Truthfully," Catherine continued, "this was the best time I've ever spent with a family. My family never did anything like this."
"I'm glad you came," Peggy told her.
"We all are," Linda added. "We kind of think you're the reason Gil actually came this year."
"You guys talking about me?" Gil asked, entering the kitchen in search of Catherine.
Linda and Peggy both left quickly, answers of no coming from their lips. Catherine's radiant smile never left her face.
"No, we weren't talking about you," she lied, throwing away the last of the trash." "We were having girl talk."
He slowly walked up to her, his head nodding. "Sure you were. And what was this girl talk about?"
"You."
"That's what I thought."
He wrapped his arms around her waist. She moved closer to him, her hands traveling up his arms.
"Hi," he whispered, his lips brushing against hers.
"Hi, is Lindsey ready yet?"
"Yeah, she's getting her coat on. I have yours." He motioned beside him where their coats were draped over a chair.
She nodded but her attention wasn't on the coats.
"Tonight, will you stay over? It'll be late when we get back anyways," she said to him. "I know Lindsey would like it if you were there tomorrow morning."
"Of course I will. You don't even have to ask."
She smiled when he kissed her. His lips were soft against hers, caressing softly just as she remembered. Just as she was about to deepen the kiss, Peggy's voice entered the room.
"Oh nevermind, Linda. I know why now."