Hey! Thanks for the wonderful comments. Glad you all are enjoying the story so much. Well here is the next chapter. I will try to update before tomorrow night. I might be going away for the weekend. But if you don't see an update, I'm sorry. :) Enjoy!
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Chapter 10: Private Presents
The movie fades from the screen at the same time when I hear Brooke sleepily walking down the steps.
"Merry Christmas family!" She says smiling. She spots James still asleep in Nathan arms and gently sits next to us on the couch.
"Merry Christmas Brooke." Nathan says gently.
"So what are you two watching?" She asks.
"Well, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town was just on, but up next is The Year without a Santa Claus." I explain.
"Oh, nice! I love those movies!" She squeals.
Nathan nods in agreement and I look at him shocked. "So, my husband, Nathan Scott, actually liked the movie."
"Ha-ha. Yes I did. So surprising?" He mocks.
"Yeah kind of, but I'm glad you liked it. They are on all day so it's even better." I say back.
"Well then bring it on." Both Brooke and I laugh at him.
Our laughter is followed by Peyton and Luke coming down the stairs and then moments later, Dan, Sophie, and Karen. We all greet each other with Christmas greetings.
The day is filled with joy, laughter, love, and just having fun. Sophie and James had no idea what was going on. The only thing that interested them was toys that made noise or moved around. The rest of us exchanged presents. Later on, Nathan pulled me aside.
"I have another present for you!" He says smiling.
"Baby you didn't have to get me anything else." I say.
"I know, but I wanted to. Now close your eyes." He points at me "It's a surprise."
"Aww fine, party pooper."
"I'm definitely not a party pooper missy. Is it bad that I want to give my wife her Christmas present?"
"Well, no." I pout before closing my eyes.
He laughs and I hear him scramble around searching for the present. I can hear him walking back towards me. "Open your eyes." He says. I look down and see a velvet box.
"What in the world did you get me Nathan Scott?!"
"C'mon just open it." He utters smirking.
I open the velvet box and gasp. I hold in my hand the precious gift from my husband. It is a heart necklace with a matching diamond ring. They are both engraved with our loving phrase "Always & Forever". But when I turn over the necklace, there are more words engraved. On it reads "To my wife. I love you. Always & Forever. Love, Nathan."
"Oh my goodness Nathan! This is beautiful hunny! Thank you so much. I absolutely love it."
He grins. "I was hoping you would. Merry Christmas Baby!"
"Merry Christmas" I whisper and close the distance between us and kiss him.
He breaks the kiss and turns me around and puts the necklace on me. It truly is beautiful. Then he turns me back around and grabs the ring. He puts it right above my wedding band and kisses it. I blush at his actions and stumble into his embrace. Finally, we are alone.
Is it possible to love someone this much? For me, it is and I'm happy to say that for myself. I know he feels the same way too. He wouldn't open up to me the way he does if he didn't love me that much. He wouldn't kiss me the same way. Nothing would be the way he does them. He has his ways of showing me he cares. His ways are like no one else's.
We just stand for awhile, enjoying each other. I couldn't say how long the time was that passed, but it doesn't matter, does it? I was able to be with my husband, alone, and not have to care about anything or anyone else in that moment. He takes me away from my thoughts and kisses my forehead. His touch is so gentle, so familiar. I tighten my hold on his waist. He surprises me by leaning into me and whispering in my ear.
"Let's just lay down for a little bit."
"That sounds nice."
He grins and picks me up off the floor and gently lays me on our bed. I grab the large blanket from the end of the bed and pull it on top of us. While pulling me close to his chest, he rubs small circles on my lower back where my tattoo of his jersey number is located. I miss this sometimes. After having James, we can barely have alone time. At this point, I could stay here forever. I feel myself relaxing against his strong body and find myself falling into a deep sleep.