AN I started this chapter before watching episode 1/10 Stolen valour. I did think of changing it a little but then the whole chapter and story would have went a bit weird. Hope you don't mind it being OOC as it does not fit with what was shown on there. Hope you like it as it is.
Chapter 6.
Chris was the first to wake as the morning light started to creep through the window. Turning to face the women who was still asleep pressed tight against his side with her head still resting on his chest. Knowing if he tried to get up with her still on his chest she would wake and ruin the things he had planned to do. He needed her to sleep a little longer so he could put some of his plans in motion. As her head rolled off his chest and on to his arm she stirred and opened her eye's. Thinking quickly he pulled her against his chest and cuddled her back in to lull her back to sleep. Waiting a few minutes before he moved he slowly started to move backwards to the edge of the bed and breaking contact with Merri so she stayed asleep.
5 minutes late he was finally up and wandering through Merri's house in just his boxer shorts. He did think of putting his pants back on but since there was only the two of them in he didn't see the point. Looking at the clock he saw it was a little after 6 am. Plenty of time to get things done. Coming in to the kitchen he put the kettle on and got everything ready to make coffee. Going over to the washing machine he pulled all the clean, dry clothes out and filled it back up and started it after watching Merri yesterday. He finished making coffee and went to sort through the clean laundry, putting his clothes in his bag ready to take home. Merri's were placed at the back of the dining table as he had no idea what to do with them or where to put them.
Sitting at the table with his coffee he picked his phone up from the kitchen counter. He didn't bother taking it up stairs last night like he did at home. Going in to the notes section he made a list of the places he needed to go and the things he needed to pick up before the day was done. When he was done making a list he went in to the list of contacts and quickly found the names and numbers he was looking for. Sending a couple of message to call in a few favours he was owed he was about to put the phone back on the table when he remembered the pictures he had taken when they were away. He hesitated for a moment wondering if it was a good idea to look at them considering how that day ended but they had fun that afternoon and he was sure he had some really good pictures.
Taking a deep breath he clicked on the photo album and up popped the pictures. He was glad he looked now, flicking through he had some really good shots of them playing in the snow. It started with pictures of them making their snow angels, then pictures of them making the snowman and even some sneaky ones of Merri covered in snow from their snowball fight. Going back to the first couple of picture he found a beautiful one of Merri lying in the snow when she was making her snow angel with her arms spread wide. Flicking through he found a few more of her that he really liked and a couple of them both together so putting them in album he sent them as mail to his computer to print off at home. Flicking back through them he picked his favourite one of just Merri on her own and set it as his screen saver. Putting his phone down on the table when he was done he got up and set about making breakfast.
Merri woke slowly from a very deep sleep to the smell of coffee and eggs cooking. Stretching her arms out she reached for Chris but felt the sheets were cold. He must have been up awhile going by how cold his side of the bed was and also by the smells drifting up the stairs. Climbing out of bed she picked up her phone and glanced at the time, just after 7.30 am on Christmas eve. Christmas eve all ready, the last few days had been rough on them both and she wanted to do something special for Chris. She had bought him a gift a week ago but now things had changed between them she wanted to get him something else, something a little more personal. Walking in to the bathroom she looked at herself in the mirror, other than the bed hair she looked a lot better than she had done the day before when she looked in the mirror. Coming back out the bathroom she grabbed her bath robe from the back of the bedroom door and made her way down stairs following the smell of coffee.
Arriving in the kitchen she was greeted with the site of a boxer clad Chris making scrambled eggs. Well this was a nice site to come down to first thing in the morning. Walking over she poured herself some coffee then came to stand next to Chris.
"Good morning beautiful, did you sleep well? If you take a seat breakfast is ready to serve " Chris smiled at Merri as she took a drink of her coffee.
Merri smiled back and walked over to the table and put her coffee cup down but didn't sit. Chris followed her over and dished up the egg on to the 2 plates he had set out. He turned and put the pan in the sink before turning back to find Merri standing right in front of him.
"Good morning sexy, yes I did sleep well thank you. I think that had a lot to do with you and the fact you kept me safe and warm. I missed you when I woke up, for a moment I thought you had gone and I was dreaming " Merri told Chris as she placed her arms round his neck and brought his head down so she could brush her lips against his in what was supposed to be a brief kiss.
It did start as a simple lip to lip kiss until Chris ran his tongue along Merri's bottom lip tasting the coffee she had just been drinking. Feeling Chris's tongue Merri parted her lips and Chris slipped his tongue passed her lips and started a very in depth exploration of her mouth. As he drew his tongue back a little Merri took the chance and pushed her tongue past his and gave his mouth the same treatment. As they kissed Chris's hands had wove up in to Merri's hair to hold her closer. With the need to breathe growing they broke apart but didn't separate.
"You want to eat breakfast now or continue as we are "Chris asked Merri as he placed a kiss on her nose and put his hands on waist.
"Breakfast or nothing will get done anytime soon if we continue like this " Merri laughed as she brought her hands back down and moved away.
Sitting at the table they both quickly finished the eggs and toast before drinking their coffee.
"Whats your plans for today? I got a couple of messages to do and at some point go home to drop my bag off. If I am coming back here I will need more clean clothes and some other stuff to bring over " Chris told Merri as he placed the dirty dishes in the sink
"I do need to go shopping but it wouldn't take long I hope. I hope your coming back here since we have put the tree up here. You are coming back here aren't you? " Merri asked sounding a little unsure.
Taking Merri in his arms he leaned in and whispered in her ear
"I meant what I said last night.I want you in my arms every night and every morning. I don't care whose house I stop in as long as your there. We can take turns between houses but at the moment I am happy here with you for Christmas " Chris reassured Merri as he kissed her forehead.
"My car is still at work so you fancy dropping me off to pick it up before you do your messages please? " Merri asked as she walked to the foot of the stairs with Chris walking behind her.
"You sure your up to driving and being on your own? I can drop you off and pick you up when your done then we can go back to my together afterwards " Chris said as he followed Merri up the stairs not being able to take his eyes off her underwear clad backside which was right in front of him.
"Sure I can manage, if I need you I will call you. I need to get back to normal before we go back to work so no point putting it off " Merri told Chris as she reached the top of the stairs and turned to see his eyes glued to her ass.
"When you take your eyes off my ass do you want a shower first of second or shall we share to safe water " Merri laughed as she finally got Chris's attention.
"Defiantly the last option but we would never get washed so I will go first then when you're in I can pack my stuff in the car " Chris told Merri as he followed her towards the bathroom door.
Merri went in the bathroom and closed the door leaving Chris standing pouting. Laughing Chris walked in to the bedroom and picked his clothes off the floor before heading back down stairs to pack them with his dirty stuff and get clean clothes out. He kept busy by washing dishes and making coffee while he waited for Merri to get out the shower. Once the dished were washed and the coffee was finally made he was about to sit down and drink his coffee when he heard the Merri shout to tell him the shower was free. As he climbed the stairs he caught sight of the back of Merri disappearing in to the bedroom wearing only a towel.
In the bathroom he dropped his clean clothes on the ottoman and climbing in the shower he switched it on. As the hot water washed over he grabbed the first shower gel he could find which happened to be lotus flower and jasmine. Well at lest he knew what Merri smelled of now but for the rest of day so would he now. Getting washed he decided if he was going to smell like a girl he would go all out and use the strawberry shampoo to finish off his make over. When he was finished he switched the shower off and got out. Looking round for a towel he couldn't find one, cursing himself for not checking first he grabbed his clothes and left the bathroom dripping water as he went. Getting a towel out the cupboard on the way to the bedroom he knocked before entering. Pushing the door open he walked in to the bedroom to find Merri had only got as far as getting dry and putting her underwear on. His bottom jaw dropped slightly and it took all his reserve to not walk over to her and kiss her senseless. Putting his clothes on the bed he sat down with his back to Merri getting himself dry.
"How on earth can I get a full shower and all you managed was getting dry and some underwear? "Chris questioned Merri as he slid his clean boxer shorts on and dropped the towel on the floor.
"Easy, I had to dry my hair and I can't decided what to wear " Merri smiled sweetly as she came to stand in front of him.
"If you don't hurry up I will leave without you "Chris told Merri as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards him.
Not expecting Chris to pull her towards him Merri lost her footing and fell forward which in turn pushed Chris backwards on to the bed with Merri falling on top of him. Chris braced himself to catch Merri as she fell and when she landed on top of him he quickly flipped her over so he was top. Looking down in to her face and seeing her laugh made him smile. He loved that smile as it lit her whole face and she looked so happy. He lowered his face till he was a inch away from her and kissed her quickly before rolling over and lying beside her.
"We really need to get up and go so hurry up and get ready " Chris told a very un-happy looking Merri at being rushed to get ready.
20 minutes later they were both ready and at the front door. Walking to the car Chris put his bag in the boot and went and opened the door for Merri to get in the car. Once in he came round and got in doing his seat belt up then starting the engine they pulled away. Once they arrived at he office Merri got out the car and walked up to her car getting the keys out her bag a she went. Chris was right behind her asking if she was sure and generally fussing. Climbing in the drives seat of her car she shut the door and pressed the button to draw the window down. Chris leaned in the window and making sure she had her phone he told her to be careful and call if she need anything. Turing her head towards him she kissed him softly at the same time as running her hand down his cheek. Saying good-bye he stepped back and watched as she drove away.
Climbing back in his car he first went to the florists and picked up the order he had text his friend that morning. Then it was on to the card shop to pick up a card which took longer than he thought. Next stop was the local market to visit a couple of the stalls there as he knew they would have the items he wanted. The next shop was the hardest as he was rubbish at picking stuff but with a little help from the store assistant he got a couple of things and left. Sitting back in the car he pulled his phone out to go through is check list to make sure he didn't forget anything. There was 1 thing left on the list to get so calling in a photography shop he got the last item on his list and headed to his place to drop of his bag and pick up the pictures he had sent over that morning. As he pulled up at home he grabbed his bag out the trunk making sure he didn't damage anything he had in there before looking the car and going in the house.
In the house he made coffee and a sandwich before he went up stairs and dumped the contents of his bag on the bed. Sorting through what was there he put away what he didn't need and got out clothes to last a few days which he put in the bag with the stuff he had left on the bed. Once done he stocked his wash kit up and dropping that on top of the clothes he zipped the bag up and took it down stairs. Putting the bag in the hall he went and sat down to drink his coffee and eat his lunch before he did anything else.
After finishing his lunch and washing the dishes he went and collected a few of the things he bought out the trunk. Coming back in he went to the kitchen table and placed everything on it. Looking at the pile he went to the printer and picked up the pictures he had printed then going on his computer he pulled up a couple more to print off. Once they were done he went in the kitchen and dug the big picture frame out he had bought. It held 10 pictures and across the middle of the frame it had the word memories in big letters. Putting the pictures in the frame he the proceeded to wrap it up and place it out the way and the counter top.
Next he sat and wrote the card out he bought and sealing it in the envelope it joined the picture frame. Taking the 2 small boxes up opened them to check them then wrapped then up to add to the pile. It was then he remembered the gift he got a few weeks back so had to go upstairs to get it. Once it was wrapped it went on the counter to join the small pile that now sat there. Doing a mental check to make sure he had everything he started to put the stuff back in the car. Once the car was loaded and he had locked up he made his way back over to Merri's house wondering if she was back from shopping yet. In some ways he wanted her to be back so that he knew so was okay but also he missed her. After spending so much time together he felt kind of lost without her by his side. Yet if she wasn't home to got to do a few jobs when he got back to add to his list of surprise for her. He would have to wait till he got back to find out.
Pulling in to the car park at the super market Merri had to admit it felt good to be out the house and have some independence back. She got out the car and got a shopping cart as she knew she would a lot more than she normally bought as she was shopping to feed Chris and herself. Walking round the shop she got all the usual stuff and a few bits she has seen Chris eat at work and some stuff she knew he liked. Once the grocery shopping was done she now had to think of a gift to get him. He didn't do jewelery so that was a no and clothes just wasn't going to cut it. Pulling out her phone to check the time it was then she thought of a couple of things she could get him. Paying for the grocery she quickly got them in the car and after returning the trolley she got in and drove to the nearest photography shop she could think of.
After buying the first gift she came out and only had to go a couple of shops down to buy her second gift. Happy with what she bought Chris she got back in the car and placing the gifts in with the shopping she set off to return home. On arriving home she saw Chris's car parked on the drive so pulled up behind it. Getting out the car the first thing she noticed was the wreath of holly hung on the front door. She wasn't sure if it was real or fake but in this heat she would doubt if it was real. Opening the front door she shouted for Chris who appeared at the kitchen door smiling.
"Can you give me a hand with the shopping please it's in the trunk of the car " she said as she passed him on the way in to the kitchen with the first lot of shopping.
Chris went to the car and loaded his arms with shopping leaving only 1 bag in the trunk for Merri to get when she came back out. Passing each other on the porch Chris went and put the shopping in the kitchen and started to un-pack it and put it away. Merri appeared a minute or so later carrying the last bag from the car. Placing it on the counter with the other bags she joined Chris putting the stuff away. After all the shopping was put away Merri made coffee as Chris made a quick salad and placed it on the table. Merri brought the coffee over and sat down next to Chris who was serving the salad up. As they ate their salad they talked about what Christmas was like when they were growing up. Neither seemed that thrilled to re-live the memories so the subject was changed to what they thought Christmas should be about and what they each thought a perfect Christmas would be like.
"Christmas to me is about being with the people that mean the most to you. Having the people you love around you and having friends over for dinner " Merri told Chris as she looked at him and smiled.
"I agree that Christmas is a time to share with the people you love, weather that's just as a couple or with the wider family. Children make Christmas even more magical and special with there excitement and impatience for Santa coming " Chris said taking Merri's hand in his and squeezed it.
"Have you ever thought about having kids " Chris asked looking at Merri with that twinkle in his eye.
"Maybe one day I suppose but I need to find a man whose baby making material with first. A man who I know will make a good husband and father. A man a lot like you " Merri told a now speechless Chris.
Chris sat opening and shutting his mouth like a goldfish before finally finding his voice again.
"You got something you want to ask me there or was that you asking in a round about way for me to fill the 2 roles you just mentioned " Chris said making sure he had eye contact with Merri when he asked.
Merri stared in to the big deep eye's of Chris and knew she couldn't lie. Seeing and hearing the hope and fear in his question as he asked it she knew she would tell the truth.
"I suppose I am yes, but not just yet. I have a few things I want to do first before I give it all up to be a wife and mother ".
They finished their salad and walked in to the lounge with their coffee to finished the conversation about Christmas. As Chris went to sit down he remembered one of the presents he bought that day so jumping back up walked back in to the kitchen to retrieve the gift. Bringing it back through with him he sat down next to Merri and pulled the small gift out. Passing it to Merri he watched as she looked between the gift and Chris. Chris nodded his head and that was all it took for paper to fly all over as she ripped the paper off.
As she opened the box Chris caught a glimpse of her reaction as she lifted out a small bear with the name Merri across the front. Then reaching in she lifted out another bear with the name Chris on it. They were beautiful little bears with little Santa hats on and strings to hang them from the Christmas tree. As she went to but the box down she caught a glimpse of something else in the box. Carefully she lifted out a small pair of white doves who were joined at the wing. In small black letters written on the doves were their names and in between was the words Christmas 2014. Merri ran her fingers over the doves and their names and it brought a tear to her eye. It was a beautiful ornament so standing up she took Chris's hand and pulled him to standing. Taking the doves in one hand she passed the bears to Chris, walking over to the tree she stood looking at it and finding a spot right in the front of the tree in the middle she placed the doves. Then taking the bears she placed one either side of the doves. Stepping back she wrapped her arm around Chris's waist and leaning up she kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you there beautiful and they look perfect on our Christmas tree ".
Standing watching the light play across the new decorations she was amazed how natural it felt to be standing side by side with Chris looking at their ornaments on their Christmas tree. Merri knew that no matter what happened, what she had now she would fight tooth and nail to keep. For the first time in a long time she belonged somewhere and she belonged with someone.
"You want to help me hang the rest of the decorations up I got today " Chris asked he looked at Merri and she smiled back at him.
"Sure, lets get stuck in " letting go off Chris she walked in to the kitchen to pick up some holly garlands she had seen lying on the bench.
Coming back in to the living room she placed a couple on the ends of the fire mantle and then went in the passage to place the other. Chris just followed behind adding his left a bit right a bit speech. Merri seemed happy to hang the decorations up so he let her. Even the ceiling decorations were soon up as they worked together to put them up. After an hour and half the place looked well and truly decorated. There was enough decorations in the house to decorate a whole street never mind one house. Sitting down on the couch and flopping back in to it they both sat and admired their handy work.
"We done good in here Merri, you can tell its Christmas now " Chris smiled as he took Merri's hand in his and kissed her knuckles.
"Lets go find dinner I am famished "Chris told Merri as he stood from the couch and pulled her up with him.
Going in to the kitchen they set about making dinner together before sitting at the table to eat. They ate and talked about what they would have for Christmas dinner the next day. Once they cleared away the dishes and they had washed, dried and put away they went in to the living room an sat on the couch. Chris sat at the end and Merri lay down with her head resting in his lap. Switching the TV on Merri found a music channel playing Christmas music and start with she lay humming along and slowly started to sing along and then she got up and dragging Chris to his feet she managed to get him to dance with her to a couple of the slower one. It was then Chris had an idea. Telling Merri to get ready he went and got ready himself.
Once they were ready they left the house and went in to town to watch the carol signing. Merri's face lit up when she saw where they were. She was turning in to a holiday junkie just like him and he loved her even more for it. Taking her in his arms Chris did a very slow sway to the Christmas carols making sure he joined in with her singing as they went round. When the signing was finished he stepped back from her a little so he could see her face. The smile on her face it all so taking her face in his hands her bent in and kissed her slowly, drawing out the kiss.
"I love you Merri, more than you will ever know " he whispered against her lips before pulling back and linking her arm to go home.
When they got home it was getting late so Chris made hot chocolate instead off coffee while Merri went and got ready for bed. When she came back down Chris was sat on the couch with the 2 cups of hot chocolate on the coffee table. Sitting a little side ways on the couch Chris picked his hot chocolate up and lifted his arm for Merri to squish up against him. Merri picked her drink up and did just that, getting a close as she could to Chris. they hadn't put the main light on in the room but the tree lights flashed on the tree. Sitting drinking their hot chocolate they were happy to just cuddle up and drink watching the light on the tree.
Merri finished her drink and sat up yawing. Turning to Chris she took his cup off him and put them both in the sink in the kitchen. Coming back in to the lounge she pulled Chris to his feet and putting her arms round him she kissed him.
"If we don't get to bed then Santa won't come and we won't get any presents " Merri told Chris as she took his hand and turning the tree light off she pulled him up the stairs.
Merri climbed in to bed and waited for Chris to get ready for bed. When Chris climbed in to bed she shuffled in to his arms and they fell asleep with in minutes both dreaming of how magical Christmas was turning out.
AN2 I thought I might get this finished in this chapter but I just couldn't wrap it up so to speak. So there will be at least one more chapter to follow which should bring the story to an end.