A/N: Sorry for the delay in getting this updated. I know it's been longer than I intended. So much going on with holidays and moving and other stories. A nice long update was certainly in order and one with lots of fluffy moments. It's light on the Chelsie moments, but I do have a nice chapter planned for them in the future and there were plenty of interactions with Anna and Aidan to make up for it. Thanks to A-Lady-To-Me and Terriejane for giving me feedback on this chapter and editing through it. I hope you all enjoy this and please review.
Charles bent down to Aidan's level to look through the store window at the toy display. "Have your eye on that model plane do you?"
"Nope," Aidan answered back with a nod of the head.
Charles tried to follow his eye line, "How about that train set?"
"No thank you."
Charles stood at attention and eyed his grandson with a curious look. This was very peculiar behavior coming from one so young. "Well you must want something special for Christmas this year."
"I do," Aidan said with wide eyes.
"Ah," Charles clapped his hands together. "I knew it. Why don't you tell your Grandpa what it is you want then."
Aidan became tight lipped again. "I can't tell you Grandpa. It's a big gift. Only Santa can get it for me...I think..." the little boy responded sounding unsure of his plan.
Charles was a little upset that Aidan was unwilling to open up about his Christmas wish, but maybe he had already told Anna. He simply ruffled the lad's hair and commented, "Well it's a good thing you've been a good boy this year." Charles smiled down at the little one standing before him. Aidan smiled back at him. "Come on then. Let's find Elsie and let her know we're going to stand in line to meet Santa. We have to make sure we get your wish into the big man on time before it's too late."
"Mr. Bates, so good to see you," a less than sincere voice called out from the door.
John looked up to find Mr. Green leaning against his doorway. He didn't exactly hate the man, but something about Mr. Green rubbed him the wrong way. Mr. Green seemed a little too into Daisy if he was being quite honest, but he supposed there was nothing wrong with a little harmless flirting. Daisy seemed to be reciprocating the sentiment.
"I hate to interrupt but I didn't see that lovely secretary of yours standing guard outside of your office," Mr. Green said, his voice hissing like a serpent in the grass as he placed emphasis on the "s" of each word.
"Daisy, yes, she had to head out early to get ready for a Christmas party," John replied.
"You wouldn't happen to know where would you? Being the new kid in town, I would love to get my feet wet and find a party where I could just let loose," Mr. Green responded.
Something about Mr. Green's response reminded John of a person much younger than he appeared to be. "I'm sorry but I don't think it would be appropriate for me to give out that information. And even if I wanted to I don't know where it is," John answered back as politely as he could while finishing up some reports on his computer.
"Well, I was looking for Robert but I can't seem to find him. What do you say we go out for a night on the town?" Mr. Green said as he took a seat in the chair across from John's desk. He put his feet up on the desk and John shot him a look of displeasure.
"Afraid that's not really my thing."
"That just means you haven't been shown a good time yet. Come on, my treat," Mr. Green replied.
"Listen, Mr. Green…"
"Call me, Henry."
"Henry," John said as he cleared his throat. "I mean no disrespect, but I have plans tonight with my family."
"A little lie never hurt anyone. We don't even have to go out the whole night," Henry said as he removed his feet from the desk and leaned forward. He turned John's computer screen towards him to see what he was looking on. "It's Christmas weekend, you have two more days to spend with family."
"Sorry but I made a promise to my boy that we would assemble his train set tonight," John said more firmly. He turned the screen back to face him.
"I can respect that," Henry said as he picked up a picture frame from John's desk. "Is this him?" He turned the picture frame to face John, it was one from Halloween of Aidan and John together.
"Yes, that's my little monster," John replied with a sense of pride.
"Loving the Captain Hook look on you," Henry said sarcastically. "But in all seriousness, that's great that you dressed up with your kid."
"You have any children?" John said in a half attempt to reach out to Henry.
"God no. Not for me. I can barely tolerate relationships," Henry said, his thoughts seeming far away. "I don't want to hold you up. Go on and have fun, I'll see what kind of trouble I can get into for the night."
As John watched the man walk out of his office he had a feeling he really didn't want to know what kind of trouble Mr. Green was capable of getting into.
Elsie found Charles and Aidan towards the front of the line and made her way up to them. "There you are. I thought you two would be half way back still," she said before placing a kiss on Charles' cheek.
"I guess those that wanted to see Santa already did," Charles replied with a pink tint to his cheeks. His eyes softening at the sight of her. "Where are all the gifts you went shopping for?" he asked.
"I put them in the car already, couldn't risk you or the wee one peeking at your gifts before Christmas morning," she replied back. Elsie bent down to Aidan's level to smooth his hair and straighten his shirt so it would look nice for the picture. "Do you already know what you are going to ask Santa for?" she asked. Elsie pulled a wet nap from her purse and wiped Aidan's face of any sticky residue from the piece of gum she had given him earlier.
Aidan nodded his head up and down determinedly.
"Well what are you going to ask for?" she asked.
"He's keeping mum on that one," Charles replied.
"I see. Well I text Anna earlier, she said she'll be wrapping up her shift around the time we are done here. I was thinking we could go head out to the ice skating rink after this maybe even go take a cruise by Christmas lane to look at the houses with the really nice light displays," she suggested.
"Sounds good. Will Anna be meeting us there?"
Elsie finished texting out a message on her cellphone before her mobile chirped back. "Anna says she is waiting for John to pick her up. They'll be there and then we can do dinner together if that's alright with you."
"You seem to be making all the plans. I'm just along for the ride," he replied feigning exasperation. In truth, he couldn't think of anything better. This was one of the best Christmases Charles had experienced in his life.
"All right. Who's next?" the young lady dressed as an elf asked as she walked towards Aidan.
"Would you like us to go with you?" Elsie asked.
"No thank you," Aidan replied. He hitched his pants up a little as he strutted towards the Santa Claus awaiting him in a chair painted in gold and poised in front of a house meant to look like gingerbread.
"Smile big," Elsie reminded him.
"Don't be shy, speak up," Charles added.
Aidan turned back to them and smiled before giving a small wave. He hopped onto the Santa Claus's lap and skipped through the formalities before craning his neck up to speak into the man's ear that was dressed as St. Nick.
When Aidan was done with his exchange with the department store Santa Claus, Elsie couldn't help but notice how forlorn the little boy looked. He seemed rather deep in thought as he slowly made his way back to his grandpa.
"Did you tell St. Nick what you wanted?" Charles asked.
"Yes."
"What's the matter, sweetheart?" Elsie asked as she brought him closer to her and held his hand.
"I don't think I'll get what I asked for."
"What makes you say that?" Elsie asked.
"I dunno," Aidan responded, but his voice betrayed his words. Aidan let out a small huff as he stared back at the Santa that was talking to another set of children and they all looked so happy as they ran back to their Mummy and Daddy. "Can we go now?" he asked.
"If that's what you want," Charles replied. He reached for Aidan's other hand and the two headed towards the ice skating rink.
Charles and Aidan were lacing up their skates while Elsie sipped on her hot chocolate and kettle corn.
"Ms. Elsie, are you going to come?" Aidan asked.
"Oh no, I'm really more of an observer," she replied. Aidan looked befuddled by her response. "I'll just be watching," she clarified.
"But this was your idea," Charles pointed out as he finished tying the laces on Aidan's skates. "If you won't come out now, you owe me at least one go around before we leave."
"We'll see. For now someone needs to watch the jackets and keep a look out for Anna and John," she said before kissing Aidan on the cheek and bundling him up a little tighter.
"I'm going to hold you to that," Charles said with a scandalous glint in his eyes.
She winked back at him and a loving smile crossed her face. "Now watch over my precious little one. No stitches or broken limbs for Christmas," Elsie warned.
"I'll be careful, I promise," Aidan said as he walked out onto the ice with Charles. His hands were holding tightly onto the wall that lined the edge of the ice. The only little bit of skin that could be seen were the tops of his cheeks and his eyes.
"He'll be fine. Let him live a little," Charles said as he led Aidan out to the center of the ice and began spinning him around.
"Anna!" Elsie called out as she waited by the side of the rink. Elsie waved to get Anna's attention when she noticed the young woman looking for them in the crowded space. Anna waved back as she made her way over to Elsie. "How was the traffic?" she asked when Anna approached the bench she was sitting on.
"Not too bad. I can't say the same for John. He called to let me know he was stuck on the motorway. It seemed quicker to take a cab and meet him here. He should be here in a bit." Anna set her bag down to give the older woman a hug and a kiss on her cheek. "Where's Dad and Aidan?"
"They are running laps around the ice," Elsie pointed out.
Anna followed the direction of her finger and noticed Charles guiding Aidan around while clutching both hands in his own. She couldn't help the smile that crept across her face as she was reminded of the many times her father had taken her for a spin around the lake. She blew Aidan a kiss as he made his way around the wall they were sitting beside. "They look like they are having a grand old time. How was the trip to see Santa?" Anna asked.
"I wasn't there, but I don't think it went quite the way Aidan had hoped it would," Elsie commented.
"That's odd. I wonder why?" Anna asked herself softly.
"How was it running the shop today?" Elsie asked with more curiosity. "Any problems?"
"Well it was slow, which I figured would happen with it being Christmas Eve. But nothing I couldn't handle on my own," Anna said. She checked her phone to see if John had text or tried to call at all.
"So you did alright then?"
"It was no different than any of the other times I took over for you. Only a little longer," Anna commented back with a smile.
"That's great," Elsie replied. "How would you feel about doing it on a daily basis?"
"What?" Anna said. She had fully turned her attentions away from the screen of her cellphone to look at the older woman sitting next to her.
"I'm ready to retire," she answered back simply.
Anna's mouth hung open in shock. It wasn't as if she wasn't expecting this, Anna just hadn't anticipated it would happen so quickly.
"I love the shop, but it's not something I want to be doing forever. I thought that maybe you'd want to take it over," Elsie suggested.
"Oh," Anna said. Her mind was still trying to comprehend what had just been proposed to her. While she loved her job at the shop and was eternally grateful for the flexibility it had allowed her, it wasn't something she wanted to be doing forever either. Anna disliked having to work evenings and occasionally the weekends when she knew that was her time with Aidan. She had hoped to eventually go into a career for which she had studied in her university days. Anna wanted to work a nine to five job that allowed her to spend the weekends with Aidan and provide them with a better future rather than a waitress's salary that was mostly based off tips. "It will be odd you not being there," Anna said.
"Is that a no then?" Elsie asked.
"I'm not sure. I'd need some time to think it over. I have to make sure that I'm making the best decision for Aidan and I," Anna remarked.
"Of course," the older woman wouldn't deny she was a little disappointed that Anna wasn't jumping at the opportunity. But she could understand where Anna was coming from and admired her patience and wanting to mull it over. "Perhaps you could let me know once the new year begins," Elsie said.
"I'll certainly try," Anna said with a nervous smile.
"If your hesitation is because you think you can't handle it, don't doubt yourself my dear. You've practically been running that place on your own since you first started there. Today just proves it. You can do this," Elsie said with a heartwarming smile.
Anna had tears in the corner of her eyes. "I can't thank you enough for the opportunity or all that you've done. But it means the world to me that you think so highly of me."
"That's not necessary. Of course I gave you the opportunity, you earned it. You are very highly valued my dear. Never forget that," Elsie said.
"I won't," Anna said with a half smile.
"Just promise me if you don't take up the position you will bring my god son around for me to visit with every so often," Elsie requested.
"How could I not? Soon he won't just be your god son, he'll be your grandson too," Anna added with a twinkle in her eye before hugging the woman who had been like a mother to her.
"That's a change I am very much looking forward to," Elsie admitted.
"Anna!" John shouted as he walked over to them from the parking lot.
Anna mouthed a 'thank you again' to Elsie before she went to greet John. She threw her arms around him once he was within reach and planted a kiss on his lips before releasing a content sigh. "I didn't think you'd make it here so quickly," she said.
"I hit every green light after that little accident on the freeway. Glad I didn't miss anything," he said before kissing her back.
"Mummy! Look! Grandpa taught me to stop!" Aidan shouted as he showed off his new found skill.
"Well, how about that," Anna cooed as she clapped her hands together. "You'll be skating like the pros in no time."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," Anna replied. She held her hands out to grip Aidan's and held them both tight with him skating forward and her own body skating backwards. His feet were still a bit shaky but the form was there. Maybe he'd want to try his hand at hockey next year. Aidan encouraged her to move him faster and spin him in circles, she wasn't sure when he had turned into such a little dare devil but his laughter was more than enough to convince her to indulge in his requests. "You're doing great sweetheart," she added with a smile before placing a kiss on his button nose.
"Mummy, how did you learn how to skate?" Aidan asked.
"Grandpa taught me," she answered back.
"Really?"
"Uh huh," she responded.
"Did Grandpa have to teach you how to do everything because your Mummy wasn't around?" he asked innocently, not realizing the impact of his question.
Anna was taken aback by his words and took a moment to compose herself. It was moments like these she was reminded all over again of just how much she still missed her mother, even though it had been years since her passing. "No darling. Miss Elsie taught me some things too," Anna said with a far off look as she recounted all the ways Elsie had filled in for her mother. "But Grandma taught me a few things before she passed away."
"Like what?" Aidan asked.
"Like how to make your favorite batch of chocolate chip cookies," she responded.
"I like those," he said all too eagerly.
"And how to dance?"
"I don't like dancing," he commented with a less than enthusiastic look.
"Not now. But one day you will. All girls love to dance and if you want to impress the one you love, you'll do just about anything for her," Anna advised.
"Will you teach me?"
"If you want me to."
"I do," Aidan responded rather determinedly. "That way it will be like Grandma is teaching me how to dance."
His words filled her heart with indescribable joy. She was so proud of the little man Aidan was turning into. Anna only wished her mother could have been here to see it for herself. "I think Grandma would have loved that," she added.
"Mummy, I think you need to teach John how to skate," Aidan noted as they watched John make his way out on to the ice rather uneasily. He was holding onto the wall just as Aidan had been in the beginning and the two of them skated over to help him out.
"First time?" Anna asked as they made their way over to him.
"No, but it's been awhile," he answered back with a hint of embarrassment.
"I can help you, John," Aidan offered with his hand extended for John to take.
"Thanks, but I wouldn't want to hurt you if I fell down," John said.
"It's okay, Grandpa taught me how to fall on my bottom so I don't get hurt," Aidan stated.
"Hmmmm, maybe that is what you'll have to teach me to do first then," John suggested.
Aidan simply laughed in response and John could only smile back with amusement.
"Are you ever planning on joining in on the fun?" Charles teased from the edge of the wall. "Or perhaps you just can't skate at all?"
"I'm on my way you old booby," she returned the favor as she finished lacing up her skates. "I'll have you know I could skate circles around you. I grew up by a pond that froze over every winter."
"I didn't know that," he replied.
"Well, I imagine that there are still a great many things you don't know about me. But it will be fun revealing them little by little. It's like getting a Christmas present every day to open," she said optimistically.
Before long she was joining him on the ice and the two of them were skating side by side. She left Charles in awe as she showed him some of the moves she still knew how to do. Just as graceful as she had been when she was younger, no doubt. He smiled proudly as he regarded the woman that would soon be his wife and it only made him love her more. Elsie held her own, she challenged him, and she was that bit of terrific he'd been missing in his life since the passing of Alice.
"I told Anna about my plans to retire," she revealed.
"Oh."
"I offered her the management position," Elsie added.
"Did she take it?" he asked with interest.
"No."
"What? Why?" he asked. Charles could have bet money Anna would have hopped all over the opportunity to move into a management position.
"Something tells me she's holding out for something more. I think she has other plans in mind."
"Like what?"
"I'm not sure. I only know she said she had to do what was best for her and Aidan," Elsie replied.
"You don't think she has plans to move do you?" Charles inquired with more than a hint of concern. He could bear anything but for Anna and Aidan to move away.
"I don't think it's that serious. I think she has other intentions for her career options. But maybe she's holding out to see what John wants for them. After all it wouldn't make sense for her to start off with a new career elsewhere only for her to give it up if the two of them were to add to their little family," Elsie pointed out.
"Well between you and me, I don't think a proposal is that far off," he said in a low voice.
"Oh Charles, I never pegged you as one for gossiping," she said playfully.
"Well, he did ask for permission, but it was awhile back. I kind of thought he would have asked her by now."
"Maybe he's just choosing his moment carefully," she speculated.
"Maybe," Charles muttered. "I don't know what he's waiting for though."
"You? Said the man who dragged his feet for nearly twenty years to finally come out with his intentions," she chided him.
"Yes, yes. I know. I was a fool for making you wait so long. But if anything it should serve as a lesson for them not to waste time and let the moment pass you by don't you think?"
"I suppose so. If it's meant to happen for them, it will. Just like it did for you and me," she added before lacing her fingers with his and gliding into his embrace. The two of them shared a kiss in the center of the rink as they reminded one another just how lucky they were to have finally made their way to one another.
Later that night
Anna stared down at her little man as she had become accustomed to calling him after spending so much time in John's company. Aidan had fallen asleep with his head propped up on her lap while watching The Wizard of Oz. It wasn't exactly a Christmas themed movie, but it seemed to play every year around the holidays and her son was rather taken with the story as of late. She removed the candy cane from Aidan's hand and set it down on a coaster on the coffee table before tucking the blanket that John's mother had given to Aidan a little more around his shoulders. Anna ran her fingers across his chubby, little cheeks. Her son had a smile that played upon his lips as the various colors from the Christmas tree lights danced across his face. Anna let out a content sigh and admired him a little more as she imagined his reaction to the gifts that awaited him under their tree.
"He's down for the count," Anna noted in a whisper.
John sat up a little bit to take in the sight of the boy sleeping on her lap. "Mmhmm, takes after his mother."
"Watch yourself, John Bates," she warned with a smile.
"Do you think you'll ever want more?" he asked.
"More?" she asked. There was a moment of silence before understanding set in. "You mean more children?" she asked back. John nodded his head in agreement. "I don't know. I mean when I was a little girl I always envisioned myself with a handful of children and then after having Aidan the thought never occurred to me again."
"Why is that?"
"I guess I just wanted to make sure I did a good job with the one child I had. It would have been different if I was raising him with a husband…" She looked down to check that Aidan was still sleeping, he was snoring gently, but still passed out.
"You mean with Aidan's father?" John asked. He couldn't help it. Sometimes he had to wonder if Anna's inability to share Aidan's father's identity was because she still harbored some feelings for him. Or that she wanted to spare him from getting in trouble after what he did to her.
"No. I would never want to attempt raising a child with that man," Anna clarified.
John eyed her seriously and considered his next words carefully. "What would you think about raising him with me?"
"Wha...what are you saying?" she asked, trying to keep her voice in check so as not to wake Aidan. Anna shifted uneasily as she awaited his next words.
John let his hand stroke hers before their fingers intertwined. "It wouldn't have to be now. But...I know that Aidan told you of my intentions and I meant every word of it."
"John...I…"
"One day we will be married and whenever that day comes I want to do things properly for the both of you," John explained.
"How do you mean?"
"How would you feel about me adopting Aidan?" he asked. John felt her hand squeeze a little tighter within his own at the sound of his words.
"You want to adopt Aidan?" she asked to give herself confirmation.
"Anna he's as much my son as any child I could have with my own blood running through his veins. I want to be his father."
Tears were stinging her eyes as she replayed John's words over in her head. "What about children of your own?"
"Well, we could always have more later...if that's what you want of course," John answered back with a smile. The thought of starting a life with Anna and adding to the little family unit that had already been forming over the last few months brought him endless joy. A kind of happiness that he couldn't quite put into words. "I already think of Aidan as my own. Aidan would no longer be just yours and any other children we have wouldn't be just mine. They would be ours," he reasoned.
Anna had never had reason to doubt John's love for Aidan, but hearing him explain it like this gave her immense relief. Her love for this man was infinite and the feelings that she had for him only grew stronger with every passing day.
"I love you and Aidan. I will keep you safe...the both of you," John vowed as he brought her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
The next morning
"Mummy, John, wake up it's snowing!" Aidan proclaimed as he burst into the room.
Anna and John both let out an audible sigh as they attempted to adjust to the sunlight that was spilling in through the windows along with the very rambunctious little boy that was vying for their attention.
"Did you guys hear me? It's Christmas morning and it's snowing! Wake up sleepy heads!" Aidan said as he tried to climb up onto the bed. He slipped for a moment, but John's hand reached out to pull him up the rest of the way. John propped Aidan up in his arms so that he was floating above them as Anna slowly woke up. "Put me down. Put me down," Aidan insisted.
"Put you down?" John repeated the question back as he lowered Aidan just enough to place a kiss on his cheek. "Alright then." He brought Aidan down to rest between the two of them as he began tickling the boy.
"No. Mummy, save me!" Aidan squealed. His little legs kicked wildly through the air as his arms reached for Anna to help him.
Anna wrapped Aidan in her arms and shielded him from John's hands that were maneuvering to get a better angle. While she hated waking up on her one day at a proper lie in, she sat up and began tickling John.
"No! Stop it!" John shrieked.
Anna smirked mischievously as she found a new weakness of John's. "Can't finish what you started, eh?" she shot back confidently.
"You aren't playing fair," John managed between chuckles as he attempted to catch his breath.
"Yeah, get him Mummy," Aidan cheered. "Gang up on, John." The little boy quickly regained his footing and hopped onto John's back.
"Ooofff," John let out an indecipherable groan as the wind was knocked out of him.
Aidan began tickling around John's neck and Anna refused to let up on the attack around his waist.
John jerked his head back and forth as he attempted to block Aidan, but Anna was an entirely different situation. He picked her up and flopped her on the bed before letting his fingers work their magic around her ribs.
"John Bates, don't you dare," she warned.
"Oh suddenly, she wants me to play fair," John commented aloud to no one in particular. He lifted her shirt enough to expose her bellybutton and licked his lips.
"John, no!" she shrieked.
John stared at her with hungry eyes, like he might devour her whole.
Anna's breath caught in her chest in the moment before his lips tasted her sweet skin and blew out a puff of air that vibrated against her skin. She laughed and pushed her arms in protest, but John had never heard a sweeter sound. Anna was laughing so hard that tears were streaming down her face and she could hardly catch her breath.
John finally relented and let his mouth capture hers in a passion filled kiss before he pulled her shirt gently back down into place. He kissed her once more for good measure. "Come now, this man has worked up a hearty appetite. We should start making breakfast."
"Hooray! Then can we go in the snow?" Aidan asked.
"I don't see why not. It's Christmas day after all." John said as he hoisted Aidan up onto his shoulders and made his way out to the kitchen. He stopped at the bedroom door before he left and turned to face Anna, "Aren't you coming, love?"
There was something so utterly sweet and adorable about the look in his eyes and what made it all the more endearing was that Aidan's face mirrored John's. "I'll be right behind you," she answered back still enveloped in the sheets and duvet. When they left the room Anna sat there contemplating what had just happened. She had felt herself overcome with a familiar stirring in the pit of her stomach that would have prompted her to want more than a kiss. They had always been there for John, but normally once they were in such close proximity the feeling would subside and her fear would take over her desire to be with him. That was not the case this time. Quite the opposite. When John pulled away from that first kiss her lips had sought his out again and she hated the way it felt when they broke apart. Perhaps she was finally ready for something more.
Christmas had come and gone. There was no sign of a proposal or a ring. Anna supposed she was alright with this. It wasn't as if she had thrown up a sign saying, "I'm ready now." But Aidan's revelation had made her rather curious as to just how soon John planned on making her his wife and becoming a permanent fixture in Aidan's life. Anna wouldn't lie to herself and say that if he were to ask her that she would be at a loss for words. She was sure that deep down she'd always been in love with him and that being his wife would bring her more pleasure than she could ever express. When Christmas day had come to a close Anna came to the conclusion that it would be some other time in the future and she'd just have to be patient.
John had asked her if she had wanted to do anything special for New Years Eve, sighting that Robert would be throwing his annual party with the Crawley clan and that they were welcome to join. But Anna had declined. Her father and Elsie had offered to take Aidan for the evening and New Years day. They were going to be heading to Scotland for the first week of the new year to visit Elsie's sister, Becky. Anna rather enjoyed the idea of spending some quality time with John where they didn't have to live under a Crawley magnifying glass.
"I know we already exchanged gifts, but I saw this in the store and I just couldn't pass it up," John said. He handed her the small flat box and waited eagerly for her to unveil the gift.
Anna's eyes kept travelling back and forth from the gift to his eyes. She couldn't imagine what he had gotten her that would fit in a box of this sized. As her fingers slid the satin, red ribbon from the box she removed the cap and the tissue paper to find what appeared to be a Christmas ornament.
"My Mum had this tradition of getting one new ornament every year to hang on the tree. And I wanted to share that with you," John said in a whisper.
"That was sweet of you," Anna replied with a smile. She slowly turned the ornament over in her hand that was decorated like a snowflake and saw a picture of their little trio a few weeks ago decked out in winter gear as they picked out their tree. Anna smiled at the memory of Aidan encouraging John to chop down the biggest one they could find. She was certain there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her little boy as he pulled Aidan around on the sled that was meant to haul the tree back to the car as Aidan encouraged him to go "faster". It was certainly beautiful and then as she pulled her fingers back to admire the photo a little more closely she saw the writing beneath it that said "The Bateses. Christmas 2014."
Anna's free hand flew up to her mouth. "I...this...um." But as her eyes searched out John's she saw he was already bending down on one knee, his features perfectly highlighted by the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights.
John cradled her hand like a most prized possession and he pulled the ring out from his pocket. "Anna, you and Aidan have made me happier than I ever thought possible. I know that I'm probably asking this too soon of you, but I couldn't think of a reason to delay. Not when I love you as much as I do. Not when you fill me so completely and make me dream of a future that I had long given up. I want to protect you both and always keep you happy. All I ask in return is that you love me back," John said with tears in his eyes.
Anna brought the ornament to her chest and held it close to her heart. Her free hand came up to rest on his cheek, "You...adorable, sweet man. Of course I'll love you back. How could you ever think that I wouldn't? Or that I didn't already?"
"I just meant...I'm not expecting anything more," he replied.
She knew all too well to what he was referring. "I know you aren't, but it only makes me want you more," Anna replied with a meek smile. For weeks she'd been feeling her desire for him building in the pit of her stomach, almost bringing her to her knees with the sheer force of want. But her courage had been lacking, her insecurities getting the better of her, the past still haunting her. Looking into his eyes now Anna felt her heart melt and she'd never been more sure of what she wanted and how she should go about getting it. Her nerves subsided the more she stared into his gorgeous hazel eyes. Anna set the ornament aside. She bent down to kiss him fully, letting her lips linger along the edge of his. The stubble from his upper lip caressing her mouth, scratching it in the most delicious way.
He hated to interrupt the moment but he wouldn't be able to go on with so much hinging on her answer. "Anna..." he gasped between kisses. "Not that I'm not thoroughly enjoying this..." John said and he felt her smile against his lips, "but...um..." His mouth continued to mirror her motions but his fingertips held up the ring. "I'm still waiting for an answer," John added as he pulled away enough to view her face in all its glory.
"You haven't asked me anything yet Mr. Bates," she pointed out in a teasing tone. Each syllable of his name rolling off her tongue like a symphony.
"Oh gosh," he muttered. His cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.
"It's quite alright," Anna said with an amused grin on her face. She patted his shoulder gently to assure him.
"Anna, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?" he asked.
"Of course I will marry you," Anna answered with a brilliant smile that would prove a match for the most picturesque sunrise.
He let out a sigh of relief. If he was being honest with himself he knew there was a possibility she would reject him. But John would have only taken that gamble on her.
She helped John to his feet and he slid the ring on her finger.
He admired the way the Christmas tree lights reflected off it and how utterly perfect it looked on her tiny fingers. His large hands trumping hers in size but he knew that this was the hand designed for him, the one he would hold for life and seek during times of struggle and celebration. John couldn't imagine a better person to be his partner in life. John looked up and beamed proudly, "You've made me the happiest man alive, I'm not sure what could top this moment."
"I think I can help with that," she commented with a new found confidence.
There was something sultry about her voice that he hadn't quite heard before but nothing could have prepared him for what she did next.
Anna removed her hair tie and her blonde curls came tumbling down. John could only stare with rapt attention. Then she slipped out of her sweater leaving only her white silk blouse. Anna began to undo the buttons but John stopped her hands.
"May I?" he asked.
She could tell he was nervous but somehow it made her feel better. Anna was sure he was more sexually experienced than she was even if it had been some time since he'd last slept with someone. Still, Anna knew her hands were shaking like leaves in the breeze and she hated to give him reason to doubt that she wanted this.
Anna nodded her head in agreement and John began to work the buttons free.
He slid the blouse off her shoulders letting it pool around her arms and pressed a series of kisses along her bare shoulders and collarbone. His fingertips played aimlessly with the straps of her bra, partly because history told him he should wait for her to stop him. But when she ran her fingers through his hair in the most pleasant way, John took it as a sign to continue. His mouth continued on the path he originally planned on and let his lips trail between her breasts. His eyes were boring into her; John was trying to take it all in and he made no effort to conceal his excitement. If there was ever a moment of hesitation she gave no indication of it. He planted a tender kiss just above her navel and listened to her hum with content. John took a moment to taste her skin and rested his hands on either side of her hips. His thumb caressed the patch of skin just above the hem of her jeans.
His head tilted back to look up at her for silent permission to move forward.
She looked back at him with passion filled eyes and let her blouse fall to the floor. Anna then moved her hands with skilled practice to discard her bra. Her breasts were released from their lace confines and John was left awestruck. They were suspended in their natural state, her nipples left slightly hardened from the cold air. "Come here, John," she beckoned him in the sweetest voice he'd ever heard.
John's feet almost forgot how to work and his mouth went dry at the sound of her request. His hands instantly reaching out to touch her as he drank in the sight set before him. In a moment of clarity he remembered his manners and retracted his hands. "Sorry," he mumbled.
"It's alright," she consoled him and reached for his hand. "I want you to touch me, John," Anna encouraged as she brought his hand to her breast.
He didn't know why but John found himself waiting for Aidan to come bursting in at any second. John had to remind himself that they were alone. And he could not be more grateful in that moment. His hands molded to her breasts as he cupped them and fondled her nipples. Her pink peaks were practically aching for him to continue with his ministrations. And her mouth was praising his name as she arched her body further into his touch. John was doing had damnedest to keep his body in check, but he was pleasantly surprised to see that she was just as responsive as he was. It had occurred to him that it had been sometime since she'd been with a man so he made every effort to be as gentle as possible.
Anna hastily began working on his belt buckle. Her hands briefly grazed the hardness that had formed between his legs.
The two of them chuckled when their foreheads briefly collided as they both moved their heads to look down. "Oh god, I'm sorry," John apologized as he brushed the hair away from her face to check her for a mark. He swept his thumb along her forehead and sealed it with a soothing kiss.
She halted her motions for a second and bit down shyly on her lower lip.
"There. All better," he said as the corner of his eyes crinkled.
Anna pulled the belt through the loops and unbuttoned his pants. His pants slid down the length of his legs and crumpled in a pile on the floor.
John took his turn in doing the same with her pants. Their bodies seeking each other out immediately. Her hands swept across his body and sent tingles all over. John grabbed at her ass and lifted her up in his arms as her legs wrapped around his waist. She covered his face and neck in kisses while his chest hair tickled her breasts.
"Bedroom?" John managed to ask between breaths.
"Bedroom," she agreed without a second thought.
The room was still heated by passion as the afterglow of their lovemaking settled in. Their ragged breaths returning to normal and falling in sync with one another; John rolled onto his side and sidled up behind Anna before wrapping her in his arms. "Oh Anna, that was..."
"Incredible," she filled in.
"I'm glad you thought so. I'm sorry it couldn't have lasted longer, but it has been awhile," he explained.
"No. It was perfect," Anna corrected him as she squeezed his arms tighter around her. Their bodies are still slick with sweat from their exertions but she had never felt more at ease with his breath on her shoulder and his heart beating against her back. Anna turned in his arms to face him and smiled brightly when he pulled the sheets up over her to keep her warm from the evening chill. "Besides we have the rest of our lives to spend just like this."
"Now that is something I am very much looking forward to," John said as he toyed with the ring on her finger. "Does it fit alright?" he inquired.
"It does. It's everything I ever wanted. Honestly I would have been just as happy without a ring so long as I had you," Anna added.
Her fingers were tracing lazy circles in his thick chest hair; a hypnotic motion that was resurrecting his urges for her all over again. "So would it be too soon for me to call my Mum and let her know of our pending nuptials?" he asked with a boyishly handsome face.
"Mmm, maybe wait until morning," Anna said as she brushed his hair from his eye line. They both laid there in silence simply enjoying one another's presence. Then a thought dawned on her with the timing of things. "John?"
"Hmmm?"
"Did you ask my father for permission to marry me?"
John simply smiled back at her. "I did."
Her face lit up in response. Anna knew Charlie would appreciate the gesture and it would go a long way in strengthening the bond between the two men. She also had an inkling her father had been an accomplice in taking Aidan for the night.
"But I needed someone else's blessing first. And I'm fairly certain he'll be over the moon when he gets wind of our announcement."
"Shall we tell Aidan together in the morning then when we pick him up from my dad's?"
"I don't see why not. But I did have one more thing to ask you?"
Anna couldn't fathom what more he had to ask her, but the night had gone so splendidly she was sure it would only get better. "What's that?"
"How would you feel about me drawing up paperwork to adopt Aidan on Monday morning?" he asked timidly.
The question seemed to hold more weight than his proposal, but she could only think of one answer. "I think that would be fantastic. It's so soon though."
"I just want to make sure everything is squared away before the wedding...whenever that might be. I want us to be a family in every sense of the word and I don't want Aidan feeling left out when you take my last name."
Anna lay there in stunned silence. She had never considered herself a lucky person until she met John Bates. They had come such a long way in a few short months. Watching John's relationship with Aidan blossom had been just as special to her as it had been for them.
"You don't think he'd mind do you?" John asked.
"On the contrary. I think he'd be disappointed if you didn't," she said with a knowing smile. "It's a great idea and I love you even more for it," she said before kissing him languidly. "You have no idea how happy you've made me; how happy you've made us."
"I assure you darling, the feeling is mutual," he said before reciprocating the action. Their lips met once again and he rolled himself on top of her before they lost themselves in each other for the rest of the night.