A/N:This chapter is a bit long. After the page break there is a spicy scene. If you do not enjoy spicy, you can stop reading at the page break without missing any plot. Enjoy Xx.
Disclaimer: Same 1-41.
"We'll be back in the morning. Not too early but early enough for breakfast," Gwen announced as she plopped down her overnight bag on the kitchen floor.
Anna was sipping a warm cup of tea as John walked over with his own. "We're not going crazy for breakfast. Remember I'm making Christmas dinner," Anna reminded.
"Oh, I know. I saw the crumpets," Gwen smiled with her hands on her hips.
"Oh!" Anna exclaimed which got both Gwen and John's attention. Anna reached over and grabbed John's forearm. "I almost forgot to mention. I found that raspberry jam I bought in Cork! We can try that tomorrow!"
Gwen rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "Leave it to you to get that excited over jam."
John chuckled. "She's only excited because she mentioned sharing the jam with me."
"You all wrote about some odd stuff didn't ya?" Gwen joked and earned a playful smack on the arm from Anna.
John chortled, and Anna rolled her eyes at him.
"Well, excuse me for being excited about something I had forgotten about," Anna replied in her defense.
"I'm not used to you forgetting anything. You remember everything... holidays... appointments... birthdays," Gwen listed out.
Suddenly, Anna's tea mug slipped out of her grasp and broke into pieces as it hit the kitchen floor.
Gwen and John spoke at the same time.
"Oh my God."
"Anna."
John pulled Anna back from the broken pieces and Gwen went to get a tea towel. John sat his cup down and caressed the side of Anna's face.
"What is it, Darling? What happened?" He asked seriously as his concern piqued.
Anna looked like she was going to cry and John and Gwen looked from her to each other and back to her in utter confusion.
"I'm a horrible person," Anna stated as a tear escaped the corner of her eye.
Gwen scrunched her nose up, and John furrowed his brows at her statement. He used the pad of his thumb to gently wipe the tear away.
"What are you talking about?" Gwen asked. "It's just jam."
Not knowing what to go on, John asked, "Are you upset about the jam?" He hoped she would not be having this sort of reaction to jam.
Anna shook her head and covered her mouth with her hand.
"Anna, you better tell us right now what is in that head of yours," Gwen demanded in the most loving way.
John only continued to stare and attempted to soothe her as his worry grew.
She lowered her hand just enough to say, "I can't believe myself." She looked up to John. "You deserve so much better."
John felt his chest constrict. What could she possibly mean?
"There is nothing nor no one better than you," John replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"John's right," Gwen agreed with a shake of the tea towel. "Now, what is the matter?"
"I-" Anna stammered as she continued to look at John. Her bottom lip trembled. "I forgot your birthday."
Instance relief flooded John. He didn't give a fig about his birthday.
Gwen decided to keep quiet at that and worked on cleaning up the mess instead.
John smiled lovingly at her and said, "We had quite a lot going on during that time, didn't we?"
Anna lowered her gaze. "Well, yes but-"
"Look at me," he stated in that firm yet soft way only he could. She looked back up. "I need you to believe me when I say that is one of the least important things to me."
"But it is important to me," she rebutted. "As Gwen said I never forget."
Gwen was facing the sink but cringed at Anna's words. She wasn't feeling very helpful anymore.
"Be that as it may, everything is okay. We've had a lot to celebrate as of late, yes?" John said in a light, encouraging tone.
Anna didn't reply, and John could see she was still unsure.
"What can we do to help?" John asked. Gwen decided then would be a good time to at least turn around at the sink to look over.
Anna looked away again and was trying to think what could be done to remedy her mess up. When she thought of something, she looked back up and suggested, "Could we celebrate your birthday tonight?" Before John could reply she added, "I know it's Christmas Eve, but we could celebrate both."
John would not have said no for all the tea in China.
"Of course, if you'd like."
Anna gave him a small smile. "Really?"
"Really. We can celebrate both," he reassured.
"You won't think it silly? We can do a full, proper birthday party after Christmas," she rushed to say.
He truly did not want a birthday party. "I think celebrating both today sounds like a great plan."
"You'll even have the place to yourselves to do so," Gwen added with the mug incident completely cleaned up.
"Exactly," John said with a knowing smirk at Anna.
This made Anna smile a little. "That's what we'll do then."
"I can't wait," John replied sincerely and pulled her into a hug.
That afternoon, Anna wished her staff a Happy Christmas as they locked up for the holiday. The sentiment was returned, and they all made their way home to their families. When Anna arrived at the car park at her flat, she parked and rounded the car to lift out a small box. She smiled, closed the car door, and walked toward the building. It was a little difficult for her to get inside and to collect her post, but once all the obstacles were out of the way, she made her way up to her home.
Meanwhile, John had been pacing inside the flat. He checked the time yet again and knew Anna would be home any minute. He had made plans for them that day, but with Anna being upset at realizing his birthday had been forgotten, he knew the plans would now be more fluid depending on how the evening went. He was feeling a little anxious. It wasn't as though he had big plans, but he wanted their first Christmas Eve to be special. He so much wanted everything to go right. If that meant only celebrating his birthday, he'd throw his plans out the window. He was mid-stride heading back toward the door when the bell rang. He cleared his throat and went to open the door.
Upon opening, there stood Anna with a white box in her hands.
"Hi, Love," she greeted as John stepped back to let her in.
John closed the door and locked it before greeting her in return. "Hello, darling. What's this?" He asked looking to the box.
"It's your birthday cake," she grinned.
"My birthday cake?" He replied in surprise. "When did you possibly have time to pick it up today?"
"I didn't pick it up. I made it."
"You made it?" He echoed with his eyebrows lifted. "But how."
"I made it first thing so I'd have time to decorate it as well. I'll just place this in the kitchen."
She turned and walked into the next room. She stopped short when she saw the kitchen table. A few seconds later, John was standing next to her. The table had an assortment on it; it was like a mixture of a ploughman's lunch, charcuterie board, and afternoon tea.
"Oh my," Anna voiced as she looked it over.
"I thought this would be fitting for today. Cooking can wait until tomorrow," John said as an explanation.
Anna took quick steps to place the cake box on a worktop before walking right back to John.
"You surely didn't make all of this."
John met Anna's gaze. "No, but I did put it together."
Anna wondered how he had the time and the funds, but she didn't want to spoil the day.
"Seems someone else has been busy this morning as well."
She saw a small bit of shyness cross his features.
"Perhaps," he offered in response.
"Well, it is lovely. You did a wonderful job," she complimented.
"Thank you. Allow me to take your coat."
Once Anna had settled in, they both filled a plate each and decided to eat on the sofa. John had a fire going and the tree lights on. They ate their nibbles and enjoyed conversation, mainly about Anna's morning at the shop. It was a blissfully domestic scene.
"I hope you saved room for cake," Anna said in a sing song voice.
"I did indeed," he replied with a half-smile.
Anna leaned over and pressed a kiss to his lips. "This will be the one and only time I forget your birthday."
"And this will be the one and only time it is brought up the rest of the evening," he replied cheekily.
"Fair enough," she giggled before kissing him again. She then got up, collected their plates, and walked into the kitchen. By the time John joined her, she had unboxed the cake and had a single birthday candle lit in the center of the cake.
John looked at the small cake and gave a lopsided smile. It was covered in white icing and the top written in blue said Happy Birthday John. She had even piped small blue snowflakes on the sides. He almost hated they would be cutting into it; he loved it. The only other person to have ever made him a birthday cake was his mother.
"Anna, it's beautiful. Thank you for going through such trouble."
Anna brought her hand to his lower back and said, "It was no trouble at all. I'm so glad I could make it for you."
"Could we possibly get a photo of it?" He asked.
"Yes! Just a moment!"
Anna left to retrieve her phone and was back almost as quick as she left. She took a photo of the cake and then looked to him. "Okay, now one with you next to it," she grinned.
Past John would have begrudged the photo taking, but he found he wanted photos of his new memories.
He posed next to his cake with a smile.
"That's perfect. Now-"
John interrupted. "Not so fast." He motioned for her to give him her phone and with a giggle she did just that. She pressed herself close to his side and they took a selfie with the cake.
"Now it's perfect," John commented laying her phone down on the worktop.
"Oh no, the candle is melting away," Anna commented. She then broke out into a fast rendition of the happy birthday song, making John blush a little from the attention.
"Happy 45th Birthday! Make a wish!" Anna said as she clapped her hands together.
"Don't remind me," John joked before he leaned over the candle, made a wish, and blew out the candle.
After they enjoyed the birthday cake, Anna offered to put all the food away John had prepared. John grabbed her shoulder to keep her from getting up.
"I'll worry about that," he stated.
"Nonsense, you put it together," she tried to argue, but she wasn't going to win.
"The cake was delicious. Are you going to start offering chocolate cake as well?" He changed the subject.
"No, cakes are made special for you," she flirted.
John hummed and replied, "I could get used to that."
"Glad to hear it."
He gave her a peck on the lips before saying, "Did you have more plans in mind for the evening?"
"Not particularly," she answered.
"Would you be willing to follow my lead then?"
Anna's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Now I'm intrigued. Yes, I'll follow your lead."
Her kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear. "I will be drawing you a bath."
"Love-"
John kissed below her ear. "My lead remember?"
Anna didn't reply as John spoke again. "I will be drawing you a bath in which I would like you to fully enjoy. By the time you are out everything will be cleaned up."
"Only if you are sure," she almost whispered back.
"It would make me very happy," he answered honestly.
Her reply was to turn her head and kiss him. When they broke apart, he said, "I'll be just a moment."
John got to his feet and walked toward the bedroom. Once he was out of Anna's sight, he moved as fast as his leg would allow to the bathroom. He had everything in place to create a hopefully relaxing bath. With the water now on, he made sure the temperature was right and added a scented bath bomb. He lit a couple of candles, had towels within arms reach, and found a bluetooth speaker Anna had and set it to low spa-like music using his mobile. He turned and realized he almost forgot he had a fizzy drink chilling in a small container of ice and a single rose laying beside it. He plucked petals and tossed them into the water and placed the cold drink where she could reach it. He turned off the water, and when he was satisfied, he stepped back out into the bedroom. He laid out a new set of festive pyjamas, but not too festive like her Christmas jumper, on the end of the bed and made sure her slippers were right there as well. Not wanting her bath water to cool off too soon, he didn't linger anymore.
"Your bath awaits, milady," he crooned as he ambled back into the lounge. Her smile and eagerness to stand made his heart skip a beat. That was the goal to make her smile just the way she was now for the rest of the evening and every day after that he possibly could. Being able to do acts of love for her gave him such a purpose.
John never took his eyes off of her as she stopped in front of him.
"I won't take long."
"Take as long as you'd like," he encouraged. "We have all night."
His skin tingled when she placed her hands on his chest and slid them up to his shoulders. "Is that so, Mr. Bates?"
He swallowed thickly at her sensual tone.
"I rather like the idea of being with you all night."
He felt his neck flush. The fact a gorgeous young woman was being candid with him about her desire boggled his mind, but that was where he hoped the night would end up. It appeared Anna was hoping the same.
He gave her a knowing look and replied, "Your water will go cold. Go on."
He accepted her peck on the lips and watched her walk into the other room.
He took a deep, silent breath in and out and cleared his mind. He had plenty left to do before Anna came back out. He worked on the kitchen putting everything away with easy access in case either wanted a snack later on. He tidied up the dishes and tended the fire in the lounge. With both areas back in ship shape, he peered into the bedroom and Anna was still in the bath. He decided to change into his festive pyjamas. Yes, he was a sap. He had bought matching Christmas pyjamas. It was mainly for Anna but secretly he liked the idea too.
He was flicking his bedside lamp on when he heard the water start to drain. He quickly placed his mobile into his pocket and walked out of the bedroom. He paced anxiously for a moment not knowing what to do with himself. He decided to stand near the fire and try to tamper down some of his nervous energy.
He heard her giggle before he saw her. The joyous sound made him look over to see a pyjama clad Anna walking closer.
"You are full of surprises," she greeted as she reached him. "Matching pyjamas."
Had he been too cliche? He had to ask. "Is it too much? I can change."
Anna gave him a look as though he had grown a second head.
"Absolutely not. I love it!"
She then launched herself into him, and they embraced each other. John could smell honeyed lavender and his eyes crinkled at the corners.
They continued to talk while hugging.
"You created a tradition with this you know. We now must have matching pyjamas at Christmas," Anna informed.
A Christmas tradition, he thought. It sounded marvelous.
"A tradition it is as long as the pyjamas look nothing like your Christmas jumper."
He felt her shake with laughter in his arms and he too laughed.
"I can agree to that. Thank you for the bath, John. You thought of everything. I enjoyed it so much."
She pulled back just enough so they could look at each other while still embracing.
"You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it," he rasped.
"You even have music going in there. How did you manage that?"
He caressed her back and answered, "All will be revealed."
Her eyebrows perked up. "That sounds mysterious."
"I'm a mysterious man," he quipped back.
She hummed. "That you are when you want to be. So, what do you have in mind now?"
Anna looked into the eyes of her handsome man and saw him prep his next idea. She massaged his lower back.
"We could watch a Christmas film," he suggested.
Anna had wanted to do that as well so his suggestion was a welcome one. They had spoken on more than one occasion in their writings about sitting and simply watching the telly together. Something so small felt so significant.
"Yes!" She enthused, causing his eyes to twinkle. "We can see what is available."
She stepped back and sat down on the middle sofa cushion so John could have the one to her right. Taking up the remote, she turned on the telly as John joined her.
"Did you have one in mind?" She asked as they began to browse.
"No, but I'm sure any of them will be fine."
Anna's mind was thinking of two things at once, the film and what they had described in their letters. She recalled mentioning a blanket and tea and therefore needed to run something past John.
She lowered the remote to her lap and looked over to him.
"What are your thoughts on opening gifts tonight instead of tomorrow?"
She could tell he had not expected that question.
She followed up by saying, "It's just tomorrow we'll have Gwen and Jack here, and I'll be in the kitchen cooking dinner. I think we'd be able to enjoy them more tonight."
He thought it over for a few seconds before he agreed with her.
"Yes, all right. We will open them tonight."
She laid the remote on the low table. "You'll open one now and then we can save the rest for after the film."
His slight confusion was so cute.
"One now?"
"Yes, you'll see why," she grinned.
He nodded in understanding, and Anna rose and walked the short distance to the tree. She bent down, collected the box she had in mind, and placed the box in John's lap. She retook her seat and commented with a soft smile, "Open it."
John did as instructed and ripped at the red and green paper until a cardboard box was revealed. He opened the box flaps and Anna watched as he looked down inside.
A short, breathy chuckle left him as he lifted out a tin of Assam tea. He sat it on the armrest of the sofa and collected the other item in the box which was a large red and black plaid blanket.
"I thought this would complement our film," she reasoned.
"And so it will," he agreed readily. "The Assam might keep us up though."
"Isn't that the point?" She asked cheekily.
"You never told me what a minx you are," he joked.
"Didn't I? I rather thought the sealed with a kiss letters informed you otherwise," she quipped before she stood up and leaned over to kiss him soundly.
He placed a hand on the side of her neck to keep her there a bit longer. "It's nice to be reminded," he said against her lips.
"Good to know." She kissed him once more before she backed up and took the tea tin in hand. "I'll be back with this." She also took the box and destroyed paper. "See what you can find."
Anna left the room and placed the box in a corner of the kitchen. They could break them down the next day. She disposed of the paper and got the electric kettle going. She opened the tin, got two mugs, and placed a tea bag in each. While the water was waiting to boil, she stepped back and peered into the main room where John was looking through the options. She didn't mind what he picked, but it would be considered their first film watched together. That was the important bit; them watching something together.
When the tea was made to their liking, she padded back into the room to see John had settled on White Christmas. Anna already decided it was a good fit.
"Here we are," she announced and rounded the sofa.
Anna lowered a mug to John which he took gratefully.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
"Of course. I see you made a selection," she said as she took her spot next to him.
John started spreading the large blanket over both their laps as he responded, "Is this one acceptable?"
Anna helped with the blanket until they were both comfortable. "Yes, this is a classic."
John started the film, and they got cozy with their warm drinks. They both took a sip and sighed in appreciation.
"Thank you for the tea and blanket," John whispered.
Anna turned her head to meet his gaze. "Our letters are coming true, Love," she whispered back with emotion creeping in at the end.
"All thanks to you," he continued to speak softly.
She shook her head lightly. "Because of us. I love you."
John lifted his left arm and laid it along the back of the sofa. "I love you, too."
Anna kissed John's cheek then they turned to watch the film.
After a bit of time, Anna motioned for John to hand her his empty mug and she placed them on the low table out of the way. She then snuggled in closer to his side. Her right arm slipped under the blanket allowing her hand to rest on his left leg and she lowered her head to his shoulder. She felt a kiss pressed to the top of her head and sighed in contentment. It was perfect being there with him like that. They had both dreamed of it, and now they were living it. It was getting close to a full year since she first wrote to John. What a wonderful handwritten love they had formed. She hoped it would always be this way; this easy, comfortable love they were able to now share freely. She knew they each needed it in their own way.
When the film ended, they both stretched and commented how they enjoyed the movie. John leaned in for a kiss in which she readily participated.
"I could get used to this," he rasped after he pulled back.
"I should hope so," she teased happily. "This whole day has been nothing but pure joy."
"Well, there is still plenty left, and someone mentioned opening the rest of our gifts," he hinted with barely concealed anticipation. It melted her heart to know he was excited.
"That I did!"
"You next," John stated and shuffled from under the blanket so he could collect her gift. He bent at the waist and grabbed a festively wrapped box.
As he made his way back to the sofa and sat down, Anna said, "I must say someone has been rather sneaky to get all of this in this flat without me finding any of it."
"I could say the same about you," he smirked as he moved the box towards her.
"I guess you could couldn't you?" She responded and took the box.
Not being able to hold out any longer, Anna ripped off the paper. She then worked the lid off the box until it lifted. She laid the lid to the side and pulled back the tissue paper to see a white picture frame with a photograph inside. She turned the box and could see it was a photo of the two of them. When she realized what she was looking at, she looked up and smiled at John.
"This is from when we decorated," she said in surprise.
John nodded and had a small, satisfied smirk on his face.
"But how did you get this printed? It was on my phone." She then picked it up out of the box to get a better look. Surely she wasn't going to cry.
"Well... I may have a couple confessions while we open gifts, and one of them being I got Gwen's help with the photo. But also... I got a new mobile."
Anna gasped and took her eyes off the picture to look back at John. "A mobile? When?"
Looking a little sheepish, John answered, "It's been a few days."
"Well..." she contemplated for a moment. "As long as I can get your number, Mr. Bates, I'll be fine," she flirted.
He reached into the right pocket of his pyjama bottoms and pulled out the phone. He handed it over. "My number is all yours and anything else that ends up on there."
Anna smiled brightly and laid the phone on the low table. "I'll copy it into my phone. Would you mind if I text or ring you?"
"You better," he said playfully.
"Oh! Let's listen to some Christmas music while we open, and that's how you got music to play in the other room. Does it have a password?"
"It doesn't. We can make one some other time."
She quickly typed and tapped away until music was flowing through the phone then placed it back down.
Anna looked to the photo again. "I love it so much. This is such a thought gift. A photo of us. This is going on our desk."
"I'm glad you like it," he replied genuinely.
She placed the photo back into the box for safe keeping and collected another gift for John. She placed the large box onto his lap.
"What in the world could this be," John said aloud as he began to open. Anna chuckled in delight at watching him.
Once the lid was lifted, his eyes widened at what was inside. He picked up his new coat by the shoulders and his mouth gaped open at the brand name.
"Anna," he tried to protest.
"I wanted you to have it. It's a black British warm overcoat," she insisted while trying not be overly excited.
John lifted it until he could see almost the full coat. It was impeccably made, and he knew she had spent a pretty penny on it.
Looking at the piece almost in a daze, he said, "I don't know what to say."
"Just say you'll accept it and wear it. You have been freezing me to death," she tried to fuss.
"Well," he breathed out and turned his head. "We can't have that." He then looked back at the coat and lowered it back into the box. Shifting forward, he placed the gift box under the coffee table so they would have more room. He turned his upper body and reached for her hand.
"I've never had a coat of such quality. Thank you, Anna," he said sincerely.
"You're very welcome. Maybe you can try it out tomorrow," she replied, squeezing his hand.
He nodded his agreement and in a few seconds Anna had another gift held out to her.
"You're spoiling me," she said as she took the box.
John laughed heartily making Anna feel warm all over. She loved the sound of his true laugh. He hadn't laughed like that enough since being out. She was going to change that.
"A photo is hardly spoiling," he rebutted.
"But you've forgotten all the food, the bath, the pyjamas," she countered.
He waved her off as though that was nothing. She lightly shook her head. "You silly beggar."
He grinned and she opened the next box.
Inside laid two items, a book which she noticed was the one she kept eyeing while they had visited the bookshop, and the other was a necklace. She lifted the necklace and held the bottom against her palm. The necklace was brassy gold in color and it had three flat circles. The large one seemed to have lavender stamped into it and the two smaller circles had an A and a J. When she moved the chain, the two smaller pedants overlapped in front of the larger one. Lavender, her, and John. Had she fallen for the most thoughtful man in existence? He was definitely in the running.
"Those times when you'd spray the pages with your lavender scent I could imagine you in the same space as me not to mention it helped freshen up the place," John spoke.
Anna lifted up and turned around until her back was to him. She held out the necklace to the side of her. "Would you?"
Without a verbal reply, John took up the necklace. He fumbled a bit with the small clasp, but when he finally worked it open, he rasped, "Your hair."
She gathered her locks to one side making it easier for him. Her neck was now exposed on one side, and John leaned forward to caress the skin there with his lips. He felt her shiver when his mouth made contact making him smile against her warm, smooth flesh. He placed a couple more kisses in a trail up to her ear making a faint gasp be vocalized. He then pulled back and proceeded to place the necklace around her neck and secure it. He watched her turn around and their eyes met.
"Tease," she said a little bashfully.
He only smiled with his eyes in victory that she liked his attentions. She lifted her hand to touch where the circles lay at a nice length on her upper chest.
"How does it look?"
Not looking at the necklace and instead looking at her, he replied languidly, "Beautiful."
"Charmer. Thank you, John, and thank you for the book. Does that mean you stopped by The Printed Page without stopping in to see me?" She bantered.
He swallowed and said, "Well, I-"
He felt her hand lay on his chest. "I'm joking. You owe no explanation. I would have asked what you were up to and that would have put you in a pickle. Thank you for going back and getting it."
He exhaled. "You're welcome. Hopefully it is a good read."
"I have high expectations. Now you again! I believe this is the last one."
John looked over to under the tree as Anna collected a small box.
"I believe you have one more as well," he commented.
"Perfect!" She said and handed him the box.
She sat down next to him but turned so she was fully facing him. John could tell she looked the most excited for this present. He made his pulse quicken wondering what it was.
"Go ahead," she encouraged.
With careful hands, he unwrapped the box. As he lifted the lid he looked at Anna who was beaming. This made him a bit nervous, but he removed the lid and laid it aside. In the box was an envelope that had Happy Christmas written on the front.
He felt a little confused. "You wrapped up a letter?"
"You'll have to find out."
He picked up the packet and gently opened the flap. He could tell it wasn't a letter and pulled out what was inside. Lowering the envelope, he read what was in his hands. It was two train tickets to London. His tried to remain stoic as he attempted to process why Anna had purchased train tickets. He couldn't quite figure it out.
"Darling, are we going to London?" He asked.
Anna nodded her head, and he studied her face. She must have saw him struggling because she offered up the reasoning before he asked further questions.
"We are leaving on Boxing Day, and we will return on the twenty-eighth," she paused for only a moment. "I thought it would be nice for us to go visit your mother."
John felt himself freeze. It wasn't from terror. It wasn't from feeling cold. It was from being completely stunned. Out of anything Anna could have said, he hadn't expected her to say that, to bring up his mother. Of course the woman beside him would though. She would think of his mother. She would remember his regret at not being able to attend her funeral or say goodbye. He missed her greatly and now knowing he was holding train tickets so they could pay their respects was almost too much.
"Everything is taken care of. I've booked a place to stay and even made reservations at a posh place Gwen gushed about," Anna said though he was just barely listening by that point. His mind was clouded, completely bombarded with love and gratitude.
"Come here," he said above a whisper. He lowered his tickets back down and curled his hand around the side of her neck to bring her into a breathtaking kiss.
"What was that for?" She asked breathy when they pulled back.
His eyes searched hers. His hand rubbed gently against the nape of her neck. "That was me needing to know I've not gone mad and made you up. You really bought the tickets for us to go see my mother?"
"Yes, but if it's too much too soon, we can reschedule."
"No," he replied in a low tone. "I know we've both said thank you so much tonight, but Anna..." He wouldn't allow himself to get emotional not now.
He felt her hand come in contact with his cheek. She lightly stroked against his temple. "There's no need. The tickets are just as much for me. I've wanted to pay respects to the woman who created such a wonderful man. Taking a short trip with you will be nice."
He pulled her in once more and when they broke apart Anna said with an understanding smile, "I believe we have one more gift to go."
He appreciated her trying to bring him out of himself. He took the hint and collected himself.
"Right. Yes."
Anna took the box with the tickets and moved them out of the way. John carefully got up and retrieved the last Christmas gift between them.
"Here you are," he announced and sat a gift bag with Rudolph on it on her lap.
"I love the bag. It's very cute." John remained standing as she opened the gift bag and pulled what appeared to be a book or folder of some kind from the bag. An envelope fell out, and John helped by removing the gift bag.
"The folder first," he instructed.
She placed the what came to be a ring binder on her lap and flipped open the cover. It had been filled with sheet protectors, and Anna could see the very first letter she had ever written.
John felt content seeing how she looked at the first page. She flipped through a couple more and looked up to him.
"John, did you put all of our letters in here?" She asked with misty eyes.
"Just mine from you. I didn't feel right snooping around to find the ones from me," he admitted.
"Well, we will organize this so it reads back and forth. I'll be adding all the ones from you as well. This was a wonderful idea. Thank you."
She sniffled back some tears. "We sure have put ourselves through an emotional ringer with our gifts haven't we?"
John leaned down and pressed a kiss into her hair. "We have," he whispered. "I love you. You have one more thing." He straightened back up.
Anna looked to her right and collected the envelope. "If you've bought us train tickets," she tried to joke to keep herself from tearing up more.
John chortled, "I did not."
"Good," she replied and opened the envelope. John watched her eyes widened and mouth slightly open. "John, why are you giving me this?"
She looked up, and he met her gaze. "That is repayment, though probably still not near enough, for everything you have bought because of me."
She looked back down at the envelope which was full of money.
"How in the world did you get this?" She asked.
"Robert called it a sign on bonus for accepting my job back," John explained. "That is the second confession. Robert gave me some money."
She just stared at the packet of money not really knowing what to do or say.
"It means a great deal to me that you accept it, Anna. Words cannot express my gratitude for everything this year, but I will feel better knowing I was able to pay you back even if just a portion," he stated sincerely.
He watched Anna worry her bottom lip and then close up the envelope. She then sat the folder aside and stood to her feet.
"I will accept it this one time. Whatever debt you think you owe is now paid, and you will never be indebted to me."
He would disagree but only internally. He would forever be indebted to her, but he wouldn't have it any other way.
"Yes, Miss Smith," he smirked.
"Happy Christmas, John," she said sweetly and motioned for a hug.
"Happy Christmas, Anna," he responded and swept her up in an embrace.
The room was quiet except for the soft melody of I'll Be Home for Christmas beginning to play through his phone. Anna pulled back but grabbed hold of his hands. "Care to dance, Mr. Bates?"
She walked backwards pulling him with her until they were standing behind the sofa in a much clearer space. John placed his hands against her lower back as she curled her hands over his shoulders. They swayed together as everything else around them faded away into nothingness. It was just them and the music. They moved in closer and Anna laid her head against his chest.
"Christmas Eve will find me. Where the love light gleams. I'll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams."
"I'm so very glad you're home for Christmas," Anna voiced against him. "I would have been terribly lonely without you here," she confessed.
"I can't even fathom not being with you tonight. It's been the happiest Christmas and birthday of my life," he admitted.
She lifted her head and raised up on her toes to kiss him. She pressed herself harder into him and deepened their kiss for only a few seconds. She pulled back first and leaned her forehead against his while still looking into his eyes.
"John," she began and John understood the look he was being given. He was very much thinking the same. "I know we agreed to go our own pace, but... I want you so much. I've wanted you for such a long time."
He caressed her lower back and replied, "God knows how I've wanted you too, my darling."
To show her he meant it, he lowered one hand to cup her pert bottom as his mouth found hers again. He felt one of her hands slip up into his hair as they kissed deeply. Dear God, he wanted to ravish her in a way she wouldn't forget. It was the least she deserved. If he couldn't be a whole man standing up at least he could be one lying down. His other hand wandered down to grab the other side of her bottom pressing her even closer to him making her moan into his mouth.
He pulled back and said, "Bedroom." He almost laughed when she didn't have to be told twice and led him by the hand into the other room. He barely had the time to close the door behind him before Anna was on him. He grabbed her waist to steady them as she attacked his lips with heated, desire filled kisses. He groaned at the feel of her hands exploring. Her tiny hands felt hot against his clothed body, and her breathy moans were starting to drive him wild. They stayed just like that for a couple of minutes, kissing and exploring, until Anna was tugging upward on his pyjama shirt.
"Would you like for this to come off?" He teased in a sinful tone.
He should have known better than to tease his feisty minx.
"As nice as that sounds, I would prefer everything to come off," she smirked devilishly.
"You naughty girl," he replied to her boldness.
"You're about to find out just how much."
That shut him up because his shirt was making its way up and off of him. Anna tossed the now offensive garment to the floor then began touching his exposed torso. Her fingertips found the thin pinkish white scar where he was attacked with the shiv. She lovingly touched along the line as he watched her face become contemplative.
"Does it hurt?" She almost whispered.
He shook his head. "Not anymore." He distracted her by tugging on her shirt hem. This got her attention, and she stepped back. "Allow me."
She lifted her shirt up and over her head. She dropped the shirt to the floor before she lowered her pyjama bottoms. John felt his blood rush south and his eyes widen at the beautiful woman before him. She stepped out of the fabric leaving her completely bare except for her necklace.
To keep himself sane, he said, "No knickers?"
She flashed a cheeky grin. "Is that a problem?"
"Absolutely not," was he too quick reply. He stepped over and practically threw the bed clothes back. He then turned, lifted Anna, and tossed her over and onto the bed as she giggled.
She leaned up on her elbows. "My Mr. Bates, I think I may just love you tossing me around."
He was in big big trouble. She had such a cheeky mouth this one. "You're nothing but a feather," he replied before joining her on the bed.
They snuggled in close and resumed their kissing and caressing. John rolled them until Anna was on her back, and he was halfway over her. He placed kisses along her jawline, her throat, her collarbones. He felt her squirm and heard her whine at his attentions. He took his time as he kissed lower between the valley of her breasts, stopping to pay special attention to both the left and the right making her say his name aloud. Hearing his name said with such desire fueled him to continue, and so he kissed down her abdomen and further still.
"Oh, John," she keened when he finally touched her where she longed to be touched. His own desire was pressed firmly against the mattress and he was thankful for the loose fabric of the trousers. He took pride in how responsive she was to his touch. One of her hands combed its way into his hair when he began using both his mouth and fingers to pleasure her. She gasped making him groan against her. He glanced at her, and he marveled at the sight. Her eyes were tightly closed with her head slightly back. She was biting her lower lip which caused her to be muffled.
"I want to hear you, Anna," he said then curled his fingers in a way that made her cry out. He wanted to hear that sound again, so he did the same thing again making her cry out louder.
"John, oh!" He heard when he lowered his head back down. He kept up his pace and began to feel her legs shake. "Love," she sang out in warning, but he didn't stop. He wouldn't stop until she had reached her peak. She made a few incoherent sounds before she broke and fell in a blissful sea of pleasure.
When she had come down from her peak, John crawled back up the bed beside her.
"Off," she said while tugging at the waistband of his bottoms. "I need you now."
It only took a few seconds for him to rid himself of any remaining clothing, and it was then they were completely bare to each other for the first time.
"You are so handsome," she complimented as she looked him over.
"Not nearly as beautiful as you," he complimented back.
She slid a hand down his chest. "Make me yours, John," she whispered seductively.
His. Anna was his, and he wanted to show her every day how much it meant. He moved until he was settled over her and checked to make sure she looked comfortable.
He suddenly thought about protection and how he hadn't purchased any. He called himself an idiot mentally.
"Anna, before we do I have to confess I didn't buy protection," he admitted as much as he didn't want to at the moment.
"It's okay, love. I'm on the pill," she assured and pulled him in for a languid kiss. He said against her lips, "But I can going forward if you'd like me to."
She grinned against his lips. "What a gentleman though I prefer to feel all of you... naturally."
"You're going to be the death of me," he rasped.
She giggled and kissed him deeply once more. He moved into place and stopped kissing her. He reached for one of her hands instead and laced their fingers together.
While gazing into her eyes, he said, "I love you, Anna Smith. Are you sure this is what you want?"
She placed her free hand on his upper back and replied, "I love you, John Bates. I've never wanted anything more than to share all of me with you and you with me."
At that, John kept his eyes locked on hers as he shifted his hips forward. When he was about halfway there he checked on her. "Are you okay, beautiful?"
She nodded and whispered, "Yes, make love to me."
When he was fully seated within her, they groaned at being joined together. He gave them just a moment to adjust before he began to move. He lowered his head and peppered kisses to her neck as they now moved together.
"You feel so good around me. My God, Anna," he moaned into her ear.
She squeezed his hand harder and moved her other hand to his lower back. She turned her head to kiss his temple then he met her lips with his own. They moaned and kissed as they rocked together in a rhythm as old as time, but it felt different to the both of them to be with someone they loved so deeply. It felt as though their already strong bond had just strengthened ten fold.
They looked at each other, it was like the could read each other's minds.
"Yes, please John," Anna pleaded in desire and pressed her heels into John's bottom.
John picked up the pace and after a few seconds they were both falling over the edge. They held on tightly to each other, spoke soft loving words, and kissed slowly.
When they came back to the present, John retrieved a damp flannel and gave it to Anna. He kissed her soundly before he took a minute to tidy himself in the en suite. He then collected the flannel from Anna and then a moment later rejoined her in bed. They cuddled in close embracing each other. They could not remember a better day.
Anna yawned making John smile as he held her close.
"Happy Christmas and birthday, Love," Anna said into his neck.
"A very happy Christmas and birthday indeed."