Chapter 22: Bliss
2012 had finished, a year of mixed feelings over and done with. Kelly had lost her kids to her ex living in France. Gossip Girl had ended, which was truly saddening, but the good thing was that Lily and Rufus got together in the end. But the blessing she counted most these days was that she had Matt by her side. 2012 had been the year they finally confessed their feelings to one another. And now, a new year had begun, a new year in which Kelly was determined to bring her kids back to her, back where they belong. Hermes and Helena had spent their holiday with her in New York and it had been truly wonderful. Kelly decided she didn't want to miss out on any more; Helena had grown so much and Hermes had turned into a boyish adult already. Her new year's resolution was without a doubt to bring her children back to New York City for good, back to her, back home.
Sitting on the plane from New York to Nice and looking back on the time she spent with her kids and Matthew, Kelly can't help but smile at the things that happened during the holidays. It all started two weeks ago. The look on her children's faces when she went to pick them up in France. Their hearts beating in their chests probably just as fast as Kelly's was while she was waiting on Daniel's doorstep for him to open the door. Kelly nearly fell when the door opened and her kids jumped her and smothered her with hugs and kisses. Daniel kindly asked her to come in so he could get the kids' bags. While Daniel was gathering some last minute stuff, Kelly put on their coats and shoes. As soon as they were ready, they bid their father goodbye and left with Kelly who said nothing more to her ex-husband than needed to be said. Finally, she had them back, even if it were only for the next two weeks. But to Kelly it was enough, for now.
The flight home had been all about catching up with her kids. Hermes was sitting by the window, enjoying the view. He never got tired of looking dreamily into the clouds. Helena was sitting on Kelly's lap talking about her new friends at school in France but how she still missed her friends from New York. When Kelly asked Hermes how he was doing in school, he was drawn out of his daydream. 'It's fine', he said simply. 'Have you made some new friends?' Kelly asked him. 'A few', he said. Kelly nodded. Hermes had always been a boy of few words, very much unlike his sister. But if he wasn't ready to talk about it yet, she would ask no further questions and just wait until he was ready to come to her. Kelly knew her son, and eventually, he would come to her. The flight had gone by so fast, it struck Kelly as a surprise when the flight attendant told them to get ready for landing. Hermes looking outside the entire time.
The cab ride home had been a sequel to their flight routine, catching up and cuddling all the way home. When the cab driver pulled up in front of Kelly's building, she pulled a couple of ten dollar bills from her purse and paid him. Since she had paid him too much, he offered to help bring the bags inside. In the lobby, Kelly bid the cab driver goodbye and took her kids upstairs. When she put the key in the lock, Hermes started to speak. 'Mama, I think there's someone inside', he whispered shakily and with a frightened look on his face. 'I hear something too', Helena said getting scared as well. 'You do?' Kelly asked shocked. 'Well, I'll go in first. Hermes, you follow right behind me, but make sure nobody sees you, then you suddenly appear and get ready to attack whoever it is and Helena, if you see someone you don't like just scream really loud. That will scare them and they will probably run really fast, okay?' The kids nodded, but the fear was still written on their faces. Kelly turned the key and slowly opened the door to her apartment. 'The lights are on in the living room', she whispered, 'get ready guys'. They entered the apartment really slowly, Oliver came running to them and joined them on their way to the living room. Kelly went in first followed by her two little ones, brave but scared nonetheless. When they entered the living room, Kelly's face lit up. Hermes and Helena jumped from behind her to chase the bad guys away but when they saw who was there, their fear eradicated immediately. Helena immediately ran to her uncle Anthony and jumped into his arms. Hermes was a little hesitant at first but then Matt approached him. 'Hey big guy, how are you?', Matt dropped down on his knee so he was eye to eye with Hermes. Out of the blue, Hermes stepped closer and put his arms around Matt's neck to give him a hug. Matt looked up at Kelly and smiled at her. Kelly was so overcome that Hermes would hug Matthew tears were starting to form in the corner of her eye. She heard her oldest one say; 'I've really missed you, Matt.' Hermes never was the one to talk about how he felt but he had always felt comfortable with Matt, much to Kelly's relief. 'Do you mind if I give your mother a hug?' Hermes smiled and shook his head. 'Wanna join me?' Matt asked to which he received a nod as response. Matt stood up, scooped Hermes up into his arms and held him in his left arm. Both men approached Kelly and took her into their arms. Matt went to her right side and kissed the corner of her mouth softly before hugging her tightly and whispering his 'I love you' in her ear. Hermes put his arms around Kelly's neck and hugged his mother. 'I love you both so much', Kelly uttered. They kept hugging until they heard Anthony cough. 'Uhum, I think there's someone who wants in too' while he was holding Helena. 'Me, mama, me, me me!' she squealed. 'Well, come here then.' Anthony and Helena joined them. Five people standing in a New York living room, hugging, sharing kisses and speaking soft words of love. And Oliver looking up at them, and making circles around the happy few.
'Mama, why is there no Christmas tree?' Helena asked her mother. 'Well, darling, I called Santa Clause but he couldn't make it here in time, so he said he would send his wife to bring us a Christmas tree but I guess she got lost along the way but I'm sure she'll be here soon.' Just a couple of seconds after Kelly had spoken the words and Helena's mind working hard to put all the facts of Santa's wife together, Kelly's doorbell rang. 'I'll get it', Helena screamed and ran to the front door followed by her brother. They opened the door to see Santa's wife standing there with a gigantic Christmas tree. 'Ho ho ho Hermes, Ho ho ho Helena, could you kids give me a hand because this tree is really heavy'. The kids were so happy, it was the most perfect Christmas tree, and even though they knew it was Caroline as Santa's wife who brought the tree, they were still happy she dressed up to pretend. 'Hi Caroline', Hermes said with a smile on his face. Kelly, who had snuck up behind the kids smiled at Caroline and gave her a silent apology for having such a bright kid. 'Come on in, let me help you'. Both women pulled the tree inside. 'Did you bring the gifts too?' Kelly silently asked her friend. 'I left them at the reception desk, just to make sure the kids wouldn't see them yet'. Kelly thanked her friend for her good thinking and hugged her as a welcome. 'I'll get the ornaments', Matt said but not before hugging Caroline. 'How've you been, CC?' and putting his hands around Kelly's waist and giving her a soft kiss on the cheek. He let his hands slide down and pinched her butt cheeks softly and quickly so no one noticed. 'I'll help you', Kelly offered, wanting to have him all to herself for a while. Together they went into Kelly's storage closet where she kept all the things she needed only once in a while. The Christmas ornaments definitely belonged there. They went into the closet and Kelly closed the door behind them. She hugged Matt from behind and placed a soft kiss on his neck. 'I've missed you', she whispered in his ear. Matt turned around in her touch. 'I've missed you too,' he admitted before hugging Kelly. He kissed her on the lips, softly yet passionately. 'Come on', he said, 'let's make that tree the most beautiful Christmas tree in the history of the Christmas trees'. He took the boxes and walked past Kelly with a smile on his face. As he walked by her, he pecked her cheek and left her in the closet, knowing all too well she probably had wanted something more to happen. But he had something entirely different in mind for them. Later.
Everyone helped decorating the tree. It really was a gorgeous tree. As soon as the lights and balls were in it, Kelly brought out a laundry basket filled with presents. The kids were cheering and impatient to open them. 'Can we open one, mama?' 'Later, my darlings.' Kelly said as she placed the gifts underneath the tree. 'I need your help first. Come on.' The kids followed Kelly who went outside into the hallway and pressed the elevator button. 'Where are we going, mama?' Helena asked. 'I don't have any shoes on', Hermes stated. Kelly laughed. 'Don't worry, Henry needs our help at the front desk.' The kids were curious. As they reached the ground floor, the elevator door opened and Kelly stepped out. 'Come on', she told her kids who were still inside the elevator. 'Oh, Miss Rutherford, I'm glad you're here', Henry exclaimed. 'I have these two visitors for you and they refuse to tell me their names.' 'Where are they, Henry?', Kelly asked politely. 'I told them to wait in the lobby, they are on the couch'. Kelly turned around, took her kids hands in hers and walked over to the lobby. 'Thank you Henry,' she said turning around and winking at the man. The kids walked into the lobby with their mother and saw two little white rabbits on the couch in the lobby. 'Well, I guess these are our visitors. What do you think?' she asked while looking at her children one at a time. 'Can we keep them?' Hermes asked. 'Of course, Kelly said'. 'They're yours.' Helena was jumping up and down. Hermes stuck out his index finger to touch the rabbits nose. Hesitant at first, but when the white mammal licked his finger, Hermes was smitten. He picked it up and took it in his arms carefully. 'Whatever shall we name them?' Kelly asked her kids. 'Because we have to give their names to Henry.' 'I'm gonna name mine Domino', Hermes said. 'And this is Raisin', Helena said with a gigantic smile on her face. 'Come on, let's tell Henry and then get them home'. The three of them walked out of the lobby and after telling Henry the names of the two new residents they went home to introduce them to the rest of their guests.
After dinner, which Anthony had taken care of, it was time for the kids to say goodbye to their uncle who was spending Christmas eve with his girlfriend and her parents. 'I'll be back soon', he promised them. Caroline bid goodbye too since her sons were visiting later tonight. The kids were sad they left and asked Matt if he was leaving too. 'If it's okay with you guys, I'd like to stay with you and your mom'. 'Yeay', Helena said overjoyed giving Matt a kiss on the cheek. After Caroline and Anthony had left, everyone gathered around the Christmas tree, instead of sitting on the couch, Kelly and Matt joined the kids on the floor. Helena was sitting in between Kelly's legs and Hermes was sitting next to Matt. Raisin and Domino were there too, of course. Oliver was lying on the couch, watching the happy scenes like a true coach potato. The kids opened the rest of their presents. Hermes got new Lego material to last a lifetime. Helena got some new barbie dolls and a Hello Kitty teddybear. Both of the kids got some new clothes and shoes as well. The kids were overjoyed with all of their presents. They decided to show Domino and Raisin their new toys, too busy to pay any attention to Matt and Kelly still gathered around the tree. 'Can I give you my present now?' Matt asked. 'I'm dying to get my present', Kelly said with a smile. 'Please don't die', Matt teased, 'I'll get it now'. Matt left the room and came back with an envelope. 'What is it?' Kelly asked. 'Well, the idea of giving a present is that I don't tell you what it is, but that you open it to find out for yourself.' 'You're so smart', Kelly teased back. She opened the envelope and got out six tickets, four of them to France to take the kids back there after the holiday. 'Oh Matt', Kelly exclaimed. 'That way, you don't have to take them back to France all by yourself. I'll go with you and we can spend time with the kids in France. Anthony called Daniel and he agreed we can keep the kids with us till February. I've rented the same house Anthony rented a couple of months ago, so the kids are already accustomed to it. We can take them to school together, make dinner, walk along the beach, whatever we want to do.' 'I love you', was all Kelly could say. She leaned in closer and took his lips in between hers. She put her right arm around his shoulder and deepened the kiss to thank him properly. 'You're welcome', Matt said after the kiss. 'And the tickets to Italy?' Kelly asked curiously. 'Well', Matt said, 'we've always said we wanted to go to Italy together. So I thought it would be a nice idea if we flew to Italy in February. That way we don't have to come back to the US first.' 'You really did think of everything', Kelly winked before kissing him again, thanking him a second time.
'Are you ready for your gift?' Kelly asked Matt. 'I thought you'd never ask', he replied. Kelly stood up, walked over to the large closet in her living room but not without placing a kiss on her kids' heads along her way. She opened one of the cupboard doors. She took out a heavy present and brought it back to where Matt was sitting on the floor. Matt took it from her and tore the gift open. 'My, you're impatient', Kelly teased. 'What can I say, I like to unpack', Matt smiled. Once he got rid of the gift wrap, he was left with a large wooden box with an inscription on the top lid 'To Matt, my darling'. He looked at Kelly and then back at the box. 'Open it', she whispered. He opened the box and didn't know what it was. 'What is it', he asked. 'Take a closer look', she told him. Matt pulled out a CD, but didn't know who it was from. He stood up and put it in the CD-player. The first thing he heard was Kelly's voice: 'Good morning, darling. Kelly here. You're one and only love for the rest of our lives together. Xoxo Kelly' They both started laughing hysterically. Then, Everytime started playing, the song Rufus sang to Lily in the first season of Gossip Girl, six years ago. He let the CD play and went back to Kelly and his box. He pulled out a photo album that contained hundreds of pictures of their holiday in Cannes last year. The last item in the box was a black leather box from Hermes and in it was a stunning watch. 'Waw, Kel, this is…' he paused. 'This is amazing!' 'Now we both have an Hermes watch. But... yours is inscribed'. Matt took the watch out of the box carefully and turned it around to read the inscription 'To my love, always be my darling - Kelly'. 'Do you like it?' Kelly asked him. 'No', he retorted, 'I love it!' He put on the watch, put the box aside and stood up. Kelly looked up at him as he extended his hands to her. She took his hands and he pulled her up in one swift motion, taking her in his arms, swaying her, kissing her, loving her. 'I'll always be your darling', he whispered in her ear, followed by 'I love you'. Kelly let him guide her while swaying through the living room. 'I love you too', she said before capturing his lips.
The kids brought them back to reality. 'Mammaaaa', Helena practically screamed. 'What's wrong, sweetheart?' Kelly rushed to Helena's side. 'Something's wrong with Raisin', she cried. 'I don't think so, honey. I think he's sleeping. Look, you can see his body go up and down slightly. It must have been tired from playing with your barbie dolls all evening.' She took Helena in her arms and hugged her while they both looked at Raisin. She kissed her daughter's cheek. 'Do feel a little tired too?' Helena yawned and rubbed her eyes. She nodded and hugged her mother close. 'Let's get you to bed then'. While Kelly took care of Helena, Matt joined Hermes and his lego. He helped the young man building a house for Domino. When they were finished they put Domino inside the house. 'That's one lucky guy, having such a beautiful bunny house', Matt said, earning a smile from ear to ear from Hermes. He rubbed over his head. Suddenly Hermes asked 'Do you love mama?' Matt was struck by the boy's directness. 'Yes, yes I do,' Matt said. 'I want to be with her every single day, every single moment'. Hermes looked at Matt. 'Is that okay with you?' Matt asked. 'As long as you make mama happy'. 'I intend to do just that, and I want to make you and your sister happy too', Matt informed him, 'so if ever you have a problem or you want to talk about something, I want you to know you can always come to me'. Hermes nodded. 'Do we have a deal?' Matt asked him. 'Yes,' Hermes said before extending his hand and shaking on their agreement. Matt smiled at how businessmanlike Hermes already was.
'I've missed my room, mama.' Helena said as Kelly tucked her in. 'I know, darling.' 'And I've missed you, mama, can I come and live here again?' Kelly's breath started shaking. 'Well, for the next few weeks, you are going to stay here and then you and I, Hermes and Matt are going to France together to live together for a while. What do you say?' Helena smiled. 'Do you want me to read you a bedtime story?' Helena didn't answer Kelly's question. 'Will you wake me up when Raisin wakes up in the morning?' 'Of course darling, you get some rest now so you can play with Raisin tomorrow.' 'I love you mama!' 'I love you too, my darling. Good night!' There was no need for Kelly to read her daughter a bedtime story as her eyes were already fluttering. Kelly turned on the bedside lamp and turned off the big lights. Helena already being fast asleep.
She went back into the living room and found Matt and Hermes shaking hands. 'What are the two of you up to?' Both men looked at each other and smiled, not sharing their secret. 'Can I watch some television, mama?' 'Of course, Hermes. What do you want to watch?' 'Just Nick Junior'. Kelly knew her son, he was tired as well. It won't be long before he falls asleep on the couch cuddling up next to Oliver, who was already asleep. 'Go ahead, darling, can Matt and I join you?' Hermes looked at the couple holding each other by the waist. 'That's cool', was all he replied.
Matt, Kelly, Hermes and Oliver were sitting on the couch, all watching Nick Jr. Hermes' eyes ere closing, but he was fighting the sleep ready to overtake him. Kelly thought now was the time to ask what Matt and Hermes were talking about earlier. 'So, what are you and my son up to?' Kelly asked Matt in a hushed voice, so as not the disturb Hermes. 'I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about', Matt admitted. 'Damn', Kelly thought to herself. Well, if he wasn't telling, she'd just had to get it out of him later and she knew just how to do it. At 9.30, Hermes had given up the battle and let sleep overcome him. Matt picked him up. Kelly gave her son a kiss on the forehead resting on Matt's shoulder before Matt brought him to his room. Kelly wondered what was taking him so long but continued putting the wrapping paper in the trash, clearing the kids toys off the table. 'He's fast asleep', Matt said twenty minutes later while walking up behind Kelly who was still clearing up the living room. 'Need any help?' Matt asked. 'No, I just need to put Domino in his basket and then I'm finished.' 'How 'bout I draw us a hot bath?' he grabbed Kelly from behind and hugged her tightly. 'That sounds heavenly', she replied, letting her head rest against his chest. He kissed her hair and smelled it. 'I'll be waiting,' he said before leaving for the bathroom. Kelly smiled.
When Kelly entered the bathroom, Matt was nowhere to be seen. The bathtub was filled to the brim with hot water and bubbles, candles were randomly placed on the edge. Kelly's cd was playing. She looked around and found Matt coming from her adjacent bedroom, already in his robe, closing the door behind him. 'I thought you'd drowned', she joked. 'I'm drowning right now, in your beautiful eyes', he spoke softly before kissing her cheek, jawline and then her neck. 'Cheeky', Kelly teased but hugging him tightly while he was placing soft kisses all over her upper body. Matt's hands snuck behind her and he pulled her sweater up and over her head. He let his hands roam her back and then her stomach. Kelly unzipped her pants and slid them down while Matt was still smothering her with kissed. His hands found the middle of her back and started to unhook her bra. Once he had it loose, he let it fall to the floor. Kelly stepped out of her pants and she slid down her panties. Matt unhooked the knot in his robe and let if fall to the floor to gather with Kelly's clothes. He took her hand. He stepped into the bathtub first, and extended his hand to Kelly. She stepped in the tub with him and both knelt down at the same time. Matt rested his back against the tub wall, and Kelly let herself slide in between Matt's legs, resting her head against his chest as they both lay there, enjoying the moment together. 'Today was one of the best days of my life', Kelly spoke softly. Matt massaged her shoulders and placed his arms around her chest. 'Thank you', she spoke in front of her, but resting her right hand on his right thigh, squeezing it softly. 'Anytime, Kel.'
After their relaxing bath, both were ready to call it a day. They put on their night's attire and went to Kelly's bedroom, candles were lit everywhere, rose petals covered the hardwood floor and still Kelly's cd was playing. This time 'Come Home' by One Republic was on. 'When did you do all of this?' Kelly asked clearly touched by all of Matt's efforts. 'I got help from Santa's little helper, called Hermes'. Kelly's mouth fell open. 'So, that's what you two were being all secret about earlier'. Matt walked over to where Kelly was standing: 'How bout we grab something to drink before we go to bed?' Matt asked. 'I'll get us a bottle of wine', Kelly suggested. 'Red or white?' 'Whichever you want', Matt replied. Kelly left her bedroom and she noticed rose petals were spread all over the apartment too. 'What on earth…' she whispered as she made her way to the kitchen. She never made it to the kitchen, instead she followed the trail of rose petals which guided her to the Christmas tree. There was one more present underneath the tree. A tiny black box that had a tag around it. 'For Kel'. She knelt down and picked it up. She was in awe. Should she look and see what's inside? She picked up the present and carried it back to her bedroom. She opened the door while saying, 'Matt, darling, what is this?' her eyes still fixated on the tiny box inside her hand. Until she noticed him. At the foot of the bed. Down one knee. 'Marry me, Kelly'.
Kelly was flabbergasted. She stood in the door opening. Staring back and forth between Matt and the tiny box inside her hand. 'Kel', Matt started, 'this would be where you say 'yes'... or 'no'.' She hesitated, 'Matt, I...', she paused, 'I... You took me by surprise'. At this point, Matt stood up and walked over to Kelly who clearly forgot how to move her legs. She was nailed to the floor. He took her hands in his. 'Maybe we should open the box first', Matt joked, taking the box out of Kelly's hand and opening it for her. Inside was a silver band, with a small round sparkling diamond on top of it. 'Matt,' she sighed, 'I love it'. Matt nodded, 'Good, that's a start.' He gave her one of his smiles. 'Now, do you love me?' he asked her straightforwardly. 'You know I do', she replied immediately. 'Okay, we're getting there,' still joking. 'Now, all jokes aside, do you think you'll want to spend the rest of your life with a guy like me?' She smiled at him. 'Yes', she whispered. 'Okay, good, so, Kel, euhm, will you please marry me?' he was scared, you could see it in his eyes. Scared she was going to reject him. 'Yes', barely audible, but she had said it. Matt took the ring out of the box, threw the box over his shoulder and slid the ring onto her delicate finger. Kelly looked down at her hand, Matt brought it to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. A tear was escaping from Kelly's eye, Matt caught it before it could descend any further. He took her head in his hands and brought her lips to his mouth. 'I love you, Kel', he said before kissing her. Their first kiss as an engaged couple. Matt scooped her up and walked them both over to Kelly's bed where they made love. Their first time as an engaged couple.
After their lovemaking, they lay entangled on Kelly's bed. Matt was playing with her hand, admiring the ring on her finger. 'I really love it', Kelly said. Matt smiled and let his lips linger on hers for a couple of seconds. 'So, do you have any idea on when you want to get married?' she asked him, propping her head up on her left hand, looking up at Matt. 'I was thinking about a January wedding.' Kelly smiled, 'That gives us an entire year to arrange everything, perfect!' She kissed him hard on the lips. 'No, actually, I'm thinking January as in a couple of weeks'. 'What?' Kelly was shocked. 'Well, the weather is nice in France, the kids are with us.' She looked at him, 'Where will I find a wedding dress in only one week.' Matt laughed and thought back to Rufus' sentence yet again: 'No matter what you wear, you look fantastic'. Kelly eyed him, 'This isn't funny'. Matt hugged her close, 'Kel, I'm just joking, because, honestly, I've already taken care of everything.' This time, suspicion obvious in her eyes, 'What do you mean, taken care of everything?' 'Exactly what it means', he leaned down and kissed her forehead, 'the kids are here with you now, I don't want you to worry about anything', he kissed her left cheek, 'I've found us a place to get married in France, a nice small chapel,' he kissed her right cheek, 'the priest has been arranged', he kissed her nose, 'the guests are invited,' he kissed her chin, 'our honeymoon has been arranged,' he kissed the right corner of her mouth this time, Kelly already starting to give in to temptation and letting her mind race back to the tickets she got as a Christmas present. Rome was their honeymoon destination. 'I just need to take care of one more thing', he kissed the left corner of her mouth. 'What's that?' she hissed. 'You', he kissed her fully on the lips. 'Please tell me you'll marry me in France and come to Italy with me?' She kissed him back, passionately, and whispered into his mouth, 'Yes'. They made love again, the second time as an engaged couple.
She looked to her left and saw Hermes staring out of the window into the endless sky. Over the past two weeks, he had really opened up to Kelly, and Matt in particular. Helena was in the seat next to Kelly, sleeping while holding her Hello Kitty teddybear close to her. Next to Helena, Kelly's fiancé. Matt, the love of her love, approved of by her kids when they told them they were engaged at New Year's. Her darling who was now holding her hand over Helena's lap, taking her away to make her his bride.