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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What a better way to celebrate a new year than with a special one shot from one of our special love stories.

A blessing in disguise - A Thanksgiving Story

New Year's Eve special

Tobias' POV

"Is that high enough?" I ask over my shoulder. I take a quick glance at a popcorn eating, contemplating Christina. I fight the urge to roll my eyes for what could only be the thousandth time today. Even after all this time, I still wonder how in the world her and Tris even became friends, let alone best friends…. She is terrible with directions, but yet demands to be heard. She is very opinionated and in my opinion, she is very high maintenance. How in the world does Will put up with her? I have no idea.

I glance back over my shoulder once again, looking for some kind of answer from her before my temper gets the best of me. Five more seconds is all she has left before I drop this damn sign and tell her the hell with it. I finally see her shake her head from side to side, telling me it's not right. She gestures with her index finger with her mouth still full of popcorn as she signals to go up. What I would love to tell her where she can stick that damn finger of hers. I let out a heavy sigh, as I once again raised the damn sign higher.

I've been here since early this morning helping set up for tonight's celebration. Although Natalie wanted to ring in the new year as a more personal, smaller occasion… It was really a no-brainer that we should take this opportunity and hold a fundraiser. Therefore, for the third time this year and since we built it... We are using the convention room that we built onto the shelter.

We all agreed it would be for a good cause. Invitations were sent out and many RSVPs have been returned for the night that said they would be here. We have entertainers, from musicians to comedians. We even set up several items to auction off to the highest bidders, all which were thankfully donated to help with the cause. From vacation trips, to spa days, to the perfect date night… All the profits will go back into helping out our cause, rescuing those that are in need and want help to get off of the streets.

I went along with Tris just a few days ago to the factionless sector of the city. Sure, she can take care of herself, but I still worry about my wife being out there alone. Not everyone is trustworthy. There are about 7 beds available in the shelter that could be filled, we wanted to see to it that they were. After all, what is the best way to celebrate a new year for someone, then to start it off no longer being homeless. To have a roof over their head, clean clothes, food in their stomachs and a warm bed to sleep in. Of course I speak from experience…Still remembering what it was like to lose George and some of the others because of the conditions of the weather and nothing to protect us from it. We had no problem at all finding enough people to fill the empty beds. It took less than ten minutes to find those that looked more than willing to receive help. We let them decide and feel comfortable with their decision to accept the help.

Of course not everyone is so trusting. I don't blame them though, I was skeptical too at first when Uriah and Zeke told me about this place. It's not everyday that someone is so willing to offer a place to stay, free legal help, food and assistance to get your life back on track. Some are led to think that it's too good to be true, again I can't blame them in thinking that.

"Okay. Okay it's perfect," Christina says, connecting her index finger and thumb together to form an "okay" signal for me. Like I can't fucking hear her.

"Alright, I think that's good," I say, stepping down from the ladder. I take a look around the large room. The wooden dance floor is done, the large stage in front of the dance floor is set up with all the instruments and a microphone and the sound effects have already been checked. The lighting has been perfected for the night. All the long tables have been set up along all of the walls for the buffet, drinks, party favors and the New Year's hats and blow horns. There are ten large round tables that are spread throughout the room. They are all set up, some tables are covered with black table linens while the others have gold linens on them. Each table alternates color themes of both black and gold. Each table has the same centerpiece on them that says "Happy New Year! 2022," with gold lettering and a black background to make it all pop.

Some of the newbee boys are blowing up more balloons to hang in the net, while the girls are helping out Natalie in the kitchen. She has been cooking up a storm for the last two days, making all sorts of finger foods, appetizers and desserts. Even the main course… Natalie insists on cooking the meals for all of the fundraisers herself, along with anyone that would lend a helping hand. It's a way to cut costs, along with promoting what the shelter does best. Get the kids off of the streets and get them to realize their self worth in the world.

"I think that's good for now. I gotta get home to shower and change. I'll be back with Tris tonight," I say, as I pick up my cell phone that sits on one of the tables.

"Sounds good. Just make sure you get here no later than seven thirty," Christina demands. Once again, I'm fighting the urge to roll my eyes at her. I walk out of the room and into the main house. I head into the kitchen where my mother in law and many helping hands are busy mixing, cutting and stirring. Natalie looks exhausted, but excited and happy all at the same time. I lean in kissing my mother in law on the cheek, letting her know that I am leaving to go home and get Tris and that I would be back to help finish anything that needed to be done. She smiled appreciatively, thanking me for all I do, like she always does and continues on with her work.

I walk out, closing the door behind me as I leave. Like most days the shelter is buzzing with activities, but today it's a totally different vibe, as everyone is assigned an assignment to get done. I glance down at my watch, noticing the hour. It's already five o'clock in the afternoon, I have a mere two, two and a half hours before we are expected back. Mmm, the prospects are interesting as I think of the millions of things I would love to do in the next two hours.

I think back to our wedding day, the zing of electricity that floated between us was beyond anything that either one of us ever felt before. A part of me wanted to cherish every moment of it, while the other part of me had such a hard time controlling myself. I wanted to just drag my new bride off and consummate our marriage already.

Everything about that day was magical. The long table was decorated with fall leaves and small pumpkins running down the middle of the table. I was pleased when Tris agreed that we keep the occasion small, just friends and loved ones to share the day with. The whole thing was pretty easy to plan. We wanted it centered around a date that was so special to us. It was a no brainer really to come up with the theme. What other theme would have been better than the theme to be thankful. Along with the decor came the agreement of the desserts. As if it wouldn't be thanksgiving without pie, Tris and I came up with the idea of having a pie bar with a large long table filled with several varieties of mini pies. Sitting right next to the large table was a smaller table with our three tier wedding cake that Tris made sure was Dauntless chocolate cake with white icing. There were fall leaves and flowers hanging from every tier that was made from fondant. Just like everything else it was a no brainer for the food, we wanted a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Everything from a massive turkey, ham, loaded mashed potatoes, a sweet potato casserole, a green bean casserole, a salad and Natalie's famous dinner rolls. We wanted it to be family, buffet style. We wanted everyone to feel at home and comfortable.

Our first dance together was nothing less than magical, of course. I held Tris tightly in my arms, loving the feel of her body against mine as we swayed from side to side to "Amazed" by Lonestar. I couldn't help but lean in close to my new bride's ear.

"I don't know how you do what you do

I'm so in love with you

It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side

Forever and ever"

Tris pulled back slightly to look up at my eyes. She teared up, listening to the words of our song, knowing that it was and still is a hundred percent how I feel.

"The smell of your skin

The taste of your kiss

The way you whisper in the dark

Your hair all around me

Baby, you surround me

You touch every place in my heart

Oh, it feels like the first time every time

I wanna spend the whole night in your arms

I don't know how you do what you do

I'm so in love with you

It just keeps getting better"

As the last line to our song came to a close, she leaned in closer to me. I was thankful for her heels making us more even in height for the night, as our lips gently met. Of course our moment was blown when Andrew came up to us and cut in on Tris and I. I smiled politely, relinquishing my bride to her father. I then took the opportunity to ask my new mother in law to dance.

Tris had the top tier of the wedding cake saved before we cut into it. She said it was tradition to have it on our first year anniversary. I wonder if it will still be edible by then… Of course the second tier didn't last very long. As Tris and I both cut large slices of it and then surprised both our best man and maid of honor by instead of stuffing it in our mouths, we turned around and threw it in their direction instead. Zeke laughed, running up and grabbing a handful of his own, before throwing it in our faces, while Christina cried about getting cake in her hair.

Tris changed right before we took off. We had a car pick us up and drive us to the airport for our honeymoon. We decided to run away from the cold weather to sunny and warm Florida for two weeks. The first four days we experienced the whole Disney experience, staying on the property, we stayed at the grand Floridian hotel.

Our stay was out of this world. Upon our arrival we had balloons, mickey and minnie mouse ears with the engraved words newlyweds on the back of them, along with many little gifts waiting for us in our hotel room. But if I'm being completely honest, I didn't care about what was inside of the hotel room, unless it was a bed or a large tub… I didn't really care. I quickly got my girl out of her clothes and shivering under my touch.

Tris was the one that wanted to get out and about, sometime during our stay. She had to coax me into wearing those damn Mickey Mouse ears of ours. Which only worked once in the parks. Afterwards, I refused to wear those things again. We were congratulated about being newlyweds by someone at almost every minute while we were in the parks and Tris just about laughed at the unwanted attention it cost us. Of course, we didn't just attend the parks, we also swimmed A LOT. Turns out that's just about what you do in Florida. I didn't mind though, watching my girl in a bathing suit all day had me nothing but wanting. By the time we got back to our hotel room I would rip off her bathing suit the minute we got there and have my way with her.

After our stay at Disney was over and done with, we ended up renting a house on the beach in Daytona. Although we loved our time at Disney, we really loved the house on the beach. If we weren't in the water, we were on the porch watching the waves roll in or in the house making love.

Of course, Tris felt bad when we had to make a small detour to the nearest E.R. She began running a small fever and her ears were killing her. It turned out that all that swimming in the ocean caused her to have ear infections in both of her ears. But the doctor easily wrote out a prescription for antibiotics and sent us on our way. I felt helpless watching Tris curled up on the couch, while I made her soup. But that didn't last long, thank god.

Since we got back from Florida it feels like we haven't stopped. For Tris' and my first Christmas together, I surprised her with the keys to our new house. A house where Tris and I could one day raise a family of our own in. A house to celebrate many Christmas' to come. I can't even begin to describe the excitement that was written all over Tris' face as I removed her blindfold on the sidewalk in front of our new house. Dangling the keys in front of her face, it didn't take her long to put two and two together. She grabbed for the keys to the house, while she embraced me, before of course she ran towards the door, unlocked it and ventured into the new house. It's a comfortable four bedroom, two bath home. It has plenty of space for a growing family and it also has a large fenced in yard. The large tree out front is perfect for a tire swing in the future.

I pull up in the driveway, sitting back to catch myself for a moment. Two months, just two months… It has been the best two months of my life. I left a sleeping Tris in our bed this morning. She looked too peaceful and sedated to wake up. Either way she had a few things to take care of before tonight. What would that all be? I have no idea.

I walk into the house, locking the door behind me. I take in the smell, the smell of Tris and me, the smell of home. I shake my head out of my fog and make my way towards our bedroom. Within a matter of less than two weeks, Tris, Natalie, and of course Christina have really transformed this place from a house into a home. Natalie graciously gave us some things that have been passed down from generation to generation... Things like a handmade rocking chair that we have on the front porch, to an ancient lamp that we have in the entryway. It's all set up in a comfortable layout. It's a one story home of course, with an open layout, which makes it ideal for a growing family. I think of the day that Tris and I will bring home a little bundle of joy. To watch him or her grow, turn over for the first time, sit up and laugh on the floor, take their first steps, the carvings on the door jam marking their growth in height, and the endless amount of family time spent together. I walk into our bedroom, stepping out of my shoes. Sighing, as relief of being home floods over me.

"Tris, I'm home," I call out. I hear her in the bathroom. I'm wondering if she is busy doing her hair for tonight. I know she has been extra tired lately, a sign that her period might be coming soon. I sit down on the edge of our bed, taking my socks off and rubbing my feet, tirelessly. I glance at the clock, wondering if I can fit in an hour nap. I finally give in to the exhaustion that I feel. Taking off my shirt, followed by my jeans, as I slip in between the sheets and let sleep take me over.

I wake up groggy, glancing over at the clock that sits on my nightstand. It reads seven o'clock. Shit, I've been asleep for more than two hours. I sit up quickly, trying to snap out of my sleep. The room is dark, the only light comes from underneath the door to the bathroom. I wipe my face from the sleep and stand up from the bed. Flipping on the light switch. I make my way to the bathroom, knocking on the door softly.

"Tris? Tris, are you alright?" I ask, waiting as patiently as I can.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she says, clearing her voice as she speaks. Is she coming down with something?

"It's seven o'clock. I told everyone we would be back before eight," I speak through the door.

"Okay, I'll be right out," she says, I can hear the hesitation in her voice. I wonder if she is nervous about this whole New Year's Eve thing.

I decided not to push her any further. Tris is Tris, she will tell me whatever is happening when she is ready. Pushing her, only leads into arguments. Trust me, I learned from experience. I open the door and walk into our large closet. I step in, pulling on the string to turn on the light. I don't think much about what to wear, as I pull down a pair of black pants and a black and grey striped shirt that Tris loves on me. Actually for some reason, Tris can't stand to have it on me for too long. She loves to rip it off of me, as her lips attack mine.

I decide to go into the hallway bathroom to have a quick shower since it seems like Tris may have lost her way in ours. I guess it's another reason why I love this house.. It has enough space for the both of us. What can I say, my girl can be very aggressive as I am in the sack. I step back into our bedroom, finishing fastening my last button when Tris finally emerges from the bathroom herself.

My eyes immediately go to her bare legs. The high, black heels that she is wearing make her legs appear even longer than they are. I have to swallow hard past the lump in my throat. The image of her legs wrapped around my head, with her heels dangling in the air, come to mind. I shake my head from the sexual fog, we definitely don't have the time for that. Her dress stops mid thigh, showing off her well built thighs and calves. Fuck me. Her dress is tighter than she would normally wear it, showing off and highlighting her delicious curves. The swell of her breasts barely peek out of her dress, causing my mouth to dry instantly. The dress is gold with long sleeves to help Tris stay warm. But if I have it my way, I will be the one to keep her warm tonight. I'm suddenly wishing it was after midnight already and we were home having our own little after party. No doubt, no one is getting sleep tonight.

"You look gorgeous, baby." I say, I can hear the want I have for her in my own voice. How in the world am I going to keep myself in check tonight. I have no idea.

"Tobias," Tris says, clearing her voice. My eyes finally connect with her intense glare. "Eyes up here baby." She jokes. I suddenly fear that I might embarrass the both of us tonight if I don't get myself under control. Her eyes are full of black makeup, making her greyish blue eyes pop out even more. Her lips are colored red and her hair is in large curls framing her gorgeous face. She is nothing less than stunning. My girl, my wife… I might have to beat men off of her with a stick tonight.

"You like?" She asks, as if she needs more clarification. She twirls around, showing me the back of her dress. Fuck, her ass looks so good in this dress. What I would give-

"Tobias?" She asks, smiling widely. She obviously knows that I'm distracted by her perfect ass. "We need to be going before we are late," she says, laughing as she glances down at my very well known predicament. I don't care, I want her to see what she does to me just by standing there. God knows how badly I want to just turn her around and slam myself into her.

"Yes. Yes," I say, clearing my throat. "We better be going," I say, reaching for her hand.

"What about…" She says, gesturing down at my very known predicament.

"What's the matter baby, don't you want everyone to know how big your man is?" I ask, wiggling my eyebrows

"More like, I don't want you giving Zeke the wrong idea," she says, laughing.

"Mmm. Don't worry baby, your father will be the antidote for my problem." No kidding, who would want to think about their father in law during a time like that? Tris' laughter suddenly dies down, I glanced up to see her looking a shade lighter than her normal skin color.

"You okay, baby?" I ask.

"Yeah, I think it's just nerves," she says, placing a hand on her stomach. I can see the sudden change in her demeanor. She can't fool me as she tries to put on a brave face for me.

"Are you sure? I can call Natalie?" I ask, I don't want her going out if she doesn't feel well.

"Don't be silly. I'm fine. Really," she says, trying to reassure me. But like I said before, she will tell me what's going on in her own time.

"Alright," I say, giving in.

"Don't worry," she says, leaning in to kiss me gently on my lips. Another highlight to those damn sexy ass heels of hers, easier access to each other.

"Can I have everyone's attention please," Andrew calls out over the microphone. He stands on the center of the stage waiting patiently for all of his guests to gather around and give him their undivided attention.

The night went off without a hitch, everyone raved about the decor and of course Natalie's food. Which I'm not surprised about, my mother in law is quite the chef. Of course, I have stayed extra close to Tris tonight for more reasons than one. She looks gorgeous in that tight little number of hers. I also have noticed her lack of interest in alcoholic beverages tonight and certain foods that she normally can't resist. Once again, I'm left to wonder if she is indeed on the verge of PMS, or could it be more serious like a flu coming on. Maybe I should insist that she sees a Doctor?

But be as it may, I have not let Tris too far out of my sight tonight. Most of the night we spent dancing the night away in each other's arms. The auction also went extremely well. The guests tonight were most generous after seeing what the Prior's have done for the city and those that need the help the most. Which in the end, made it a no brainer for those to open their pockets more than they normally would have, which in the end brought in a lot of money for the shelter.

"In just a few short minutes we will be celebrating a new year. A fresh start for most… I know just like so many others… This year has come with its ups and downs. I ask for my family to come join me on the stage," Andrew says, gesturing for us all to make our way to the stage. I stand, holding my hand out for my gorgeous wife as I guide her around to the stairs and up the three steps. I stand with my arm around my wife's waist as she stands next to her mother. I glance at Caleb on the other side of Andrew. I can't believe all of this time has passed and I swear he still doesn't approve of me. Even growing up as kids, he would always have it out for me. Waiting for the right moment to rat Tris and I out for something. I haven't seen him since the wedding and even then we were all surprised that he even made an appearance on our big day. After all, he did sit in the back row during the ceremony and then he sneaked out during the reception without so much of a goodbye, even to his mother.

We are each handed a glass of champagne to ring in the new year. I happily take mine, ready to ring in the new year with the woman I love most in my arms. I look up at the clock, noticing that we are just seven minutes away from midnight.

"I'm proud to say that my son, Caleb Prior has graduated from Boston University with honors this year. My lovely wife, Natalie, has stuck by my side as we expanded the shelter and we were able to help more of those in need than we have in the past.. And to my beautiful daughter and my new son in law," Andrew says, turning his attention towards us. "Who were just married on Thanksgiving… We couldn't be prouder…" Andrew says, although he is cut off before he can even continue on.

"Actually Dad, there is something else that we should be thankful for this year…" Tris says, holding her hand out for the mic. My eyebrows crease together, not sure what she is going on about. She smiles, her cheeks blushing hotter than ever, as she holds the mic up to her lips as she looks around the room and then lastly at me. I see the intensity in her eyes, I wonder what it is that she has to say, "Like I said… We have one more thing to be grateful for this year... " She continues. "Tobias, I'm pregnant!" "We are having a baby," she says, full of excitement in her voice. Pregnant? But how? I mean I know how, but she was on birth control. The crowd cheers with excitement.

I hear what I would imagine is the count down to the new year, "59,58,57,56"

"I just found out yesterday morning." She begins to explain. "The Doctor said it must have been the antibiotics that I had to take for my ear infections that affected the birth control," she says, answering my unspoken question. "Are you happy?" She asks. It's at this moment that I realize I'm still standing here with my mouth open and my eyes wide open in shock. I glance down at her hand, that rests against her still flat stomach. Am I happy? I hear the crowd scream out the last 25 seconds until the new year. Am I happy? I can't think of a better way to start out a new year than as a family. The three of us.

"I'm going to be a Daddy!" I finally say, smiling. "Of course I'm happy. Baby, why didn't you tell me…I would have gone to the doctor with you?" I ask, hearing the crowd begin the countdown.

"I was scared," she says, smiling back at me, as I cradle her face between my hands.

"I love you and this baby," I say, hearing the last five seconds till the new year. "Happy New year, I can't think of a better way to start the new year than to start a family with the love of my life." I finish just in time to hear the words "HAPPY NEW YEAR" being screamed out from the crowd. I close the distance between us, claiming her delicious lips with mine. Happy New Year indeed.

A/N

So come on… Did anyone see that coming? A new year, a new baby!

Speaking of the NEW YEAR! I'm so excited to announce my new story for the new year…. The first chapter of "Hope after the storm," will be released on Tuesday, January 4th.

About:

Tris escapes her abusive and power hungry husband to not only find a new life in a safe and small beach town, but she also finds what true friendship and true love is really all about.

I hope you all tune in and let us know all your thoughts about our new upcoming story.

Revised by: FDFobsessed

Till then, happy reading, Happy New Year, be safe and stay healthy,

Trini