Happy Reading Everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

Chapter 24

Christmas day

Tobias' POV

My eyes open, adjusting to the sunlight that peeks through the curtains. For the first time in a long time, I curse the time. Snuggled up against Tris' bare skin is the best thing in the world right now. Just to think last week I didn't know something like this could exist.

Last night after all was cleaned up and settled downstairs, Tris and I came upstairs to my room. What started as an innocent talk about our future plans for the resort, ended up being not so much a talk.

Maybe it was the feeling of finally finding my place in this damn world. Or perhaps it was the adrenaline that her parents actually agreed to letting Tris and I take over, but I just wanted to be with her. I needed to feel her around me and all over me.

Our clothes fell to the floor probably faster than the both of us could even think twice. Our naked bodies joined, moving together in perfect harmony. We went for what felt like hours. We just couldn't get enough of each other. At some point we even made it onto the floor, rolling over, each one of us wanting control while the other gave into a brief submission. I loved every minute of it. Tris from behind, Tris on top, I on top of her and on her side… It was a perfect and endless night.

"It's Christmas!" Uriah screams from down the hall. Tris and I both break out into laughter, leaving it up to Uriah to interrupt us for a moment. We break away from each other in laughter as we both scramble to pull on some clothes before rushing downstairs to see what all the craziness is about. Before the large Christmas tree are dozens of presents that are being ripped open by most of the guests that are staying in the main resort.

Last night Natalie did inform me that most of the guests that rent cabins out here, tend to stay in their cabins on Christmas morning.

I can't help the goofy smile on my face. It definitely feels like it's Christmas morning, only I'm not a child fearing to make the wrong move. I'm a grown man, surrounded by the best people in the world. What else could I ever want more? I glance at Tris who is joining in on the fun of opening presents, I know deep down what I want most in this world and I already have it. Her.

"May I have everyone's attention please?" Andrew asks, clinging his fork against his wine glass. He stands up in the center of all the tables, making sure he has everyone's attention before continuing, "I want you to know how much Natalie and I have always felt so honored to have each and everyone of you here for the Holidays over the years. Watching you kids grow up and now your own kids growing up, it has been a true blessing to have you all a part of our family." Andrew pauses, he glances down at Natalie who smiles in encouragement for him to continue. "And that's why It's been a hard decision for Natalie and I to decide to retire." The room breaks out in awe as they take in the news. "After much back and forth and almost one bad decision, Natalie and I have decided to step down and pass on the business to our daughter Tris and her boyfriend Tobias." The room breaks out in chatter as they all process what that means. "Now things will change around here…."

"Although we hope not too much." Natalie chimes in, smiling proudly at her daughter. I glance around the room, catching many smiles and joyful faces at the news. But one face stared right back at me with nothing but anger on his face, Caleb.

"But we have faith that all the changes that will be made will be much needed. Tobias, Tris… why don't you guys stand up and say a few words," Andrew finishes, my eyes snap back to Andrew forgetting about Caleb altogether for the time being.

Tris and I join them in the center of the room, glancing around. I look at so many of the faces I have known for so long and those that I just met, but already feel like I have known them almost my whole life. I smile at Tris as she takes the lead. She gives kind words of encouragement that although, yes, there will be some changes such as a gym and a convenient store added to the property, the family feel to the environment will remain the same along with many of the traditions. I can't agree more with her. I feel my heart warm for this woman as her words echo throughout the room.

"Wow, Four, looks like you have finally found your place in the world." Zeke says, patting my shoulder as he congratulates me. "I'm so happy you and Tris have found each other. You are perfect together." Zeke says. "At least I'll know where to find you…"

"I hope that means you will continue to join us out here?" I ask. He is right about one thing; I have finally found my place in the world.

"Definitely." He says.

"Oh please… now that you are here… and in his favorite place, no less…. It'll be hard to keep him away from here." Shauna says, jokingly. Although something tells me that it's far from a joke. I can't help but laugh, picturing Zeke bothering Shuana to come back out here once again. I shake my head, clearing the picture out of my head.

We continue to go down the line, accepting congratulations and answering any questions and concerns that the guests may have. I glance at Andrew and Natalie who are overwhelmed with love and hugs and good luck that they are receiving.

I sit down on the window bench, staring out at the world that is nothing but stars and Christmas lights. I sigh, feeling at ease and for the first time in my life, home. Today was an insane day as Tris and I took over the resort. Sure, Natalie and Andrew were there, but after their announcement they kindly stood back and allowed Tris and I to run things. But of course, things weren't all cheer and happiness as we would have wanted them to be.

"You really think I'm just going to stand back and let you take over this place?" Caleb yelled, the moment the door between the kitchen and the dining room was closed. I was relieved that he at least waited until the door was closed before he began to raise his voice. I could tell from the moment Andrew and Natalie announced the takeover that Caleb was not too pleased with the news.

"Take over? Tris says, stepping between the both of us. She crosses her arms across her chest. For a second I'm happy I am with him right now, that stare of hers is enough to kill someone. "How can he just take over…That would mean that you would have had a part in all of this all along."

"What the hell do you think I have been doing here all this time?" He says, pointing his finger at her. "Do you think I dragged Susan out here for my health?"

"Oh no… You did it dragging your feet. We all know how content you were with your old life and how much you are dying to get back to it."

"You know you are something else, right? You're just going to let this scum just waltz in here and take this all over." He accuses me, it takes everything in me not to lash out at him. He obviously doesn't know what the hell is going on. "Come on, Beatrice, open your eyes."

"Open my eyes… Take this all over. You mean after he has invested his own money into this place so Mom and Dad can buy a little place in Florida to retire." Tris corrects him. The look of dumbfounded on his face is nearly hysterical.

"What?" He asks, shocked as he glances my way. Yup, who is the scumbag now? "I thought this decision contains us all… not just them. Shouldn't they have informed me about how much they were selling this place for and whether or not it would be just a part?"

"You are something else you know that Caleb,"

"Oh, please Beatrice, like you never thought about how much this land was truly worth. We have all put a part into this place. Don't Susan and I deserve a little something for what we have done?" Caleb points out, with the anger rising in his voice once again.

"Right, because keeping our family business in our family is worth less than some amount of cash. God, you are pathetic!" Tris says, raising her voice higher than I have ever heard her before.

"Fuck you, Beatrice. Come morning, we're out of here… Don't call me when this dirt bag skips town and leaves you with nothing." He makes his way out of the kitchen through the back door slamming it on his way out.

"What is all this chaos about?" Natalie asks, pushing her way through the swinging door. Tris and I both sigh, hating the thought of having to recall all that had just occurred. Natalie is beyond disgusted and disappointed in her son as she hears all that just happened.

"I'm sorry you both had to deal with that. Sometimes Caleb can be rather selfish if you ask me…I'll speak with him in the morning." She says, her voice betraying how exhausted she truly is. This Holiday season obviously took a toll on her. More than she would rather admit. We all say goodnight, heading upstairs for the night.

"You, okay?" Tris asks, coming up from behind me. I'm beyond dazed out. Staring outside into the world on Christmas night.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I finally whispered.

"I'm sorry about Caleb." Tris says. Gently, she sits down on the window bench beside me, taking my hand as we gaze in each other's eyes.

"This has been the best Christmas ever… even Caleb couldn't have ruined it," I confess.

"Me too." She says, smirking at me.

"Thank you, Tris." I begin. Pausing for just a moment to make sure that I have her full attention. "Thank you for everything," I say, leaning in to claim her delicious lips. I feel the spark between us ignite, the magic of the night all around us.

"I love you," she says, when we finally break away from our kiss.

"Say it again," I ask.

"I love you, Tobias."

"I love you too, Tris. So much. Merry Christmas, Baby."

I always heard that there was magic at Christmas time. My mother used to talk about it, the love and joy of it all, but I never saw it. Never wanted to see it, until now. I finally found it. I finally found the Magic of Christmas.