A Merry Vested Wedding - Melanie Moreland Page 0,39

when he was handed his first gift. It was a handsome scarf, one I had, in fact, been admiring, and from the fast, apologetic look my mother cast me, I knew it was, indeed, the same one. But I was fine with it, especially seeing his delight. There was a nice bottle of scotch from Nan and Pops, and a few other gifts that he opened. Each one, he exclaimed over—even the socks we all got every year—and with each gift, I saw him relax and enjoy himself. I always knew the women in my family were special, but seeing how they had strived to make sure this man was included made me proud to be part of this family.

There were the usual gag gifts. Silk underwear for Aiden he was all too happy to model. A book, 101 Ways to Relax, for Bentley. A pocket calculator for my dad. A tiny hammer for Van. Small things that made everyone laugh.

Addi got the raciest set of lingerie I had ever seen. Her cheeks were bright red as she held up the scraps of black lace, and I felt my ears get warm as I pictured her in it. The catcalls and whoops made me chuckle. The way the triplets high-fived one another left me no doubt who the culprits were.

The Costco-sized box of condoms I got made me laugh out loud.

After the gifts were done, we cleaned up the paper and lunch remnants. Some people drifted back to the basement. The women checked on dinner and then decided quiet relaxation with some wine was called for in the library. The snow had stopped, at least for now, so some donned their skates and headed outside.

I wanted a little time alone with Addi. We bundled up and went for a walk down by the water. The beach was covered in snow, piles beginning to accumulate by the rocks. The inner bay was frozen, and the laughter from the skaters floated over the air. We walked into the woods, finding a quiet spot. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. She wrapped her hands around my neck, returning my caresses with enthusiasm. Moments passed as we lost ourselves to the other. The cold ceased to exist, the raging fire of desire racing through me. I gathered her close and pulled her to my lap as I sat down heavily on a broken tree behind a clump of bushes. We were hidden and private. We kissed, our tongues stroking together, at times deeply, other times teasing and light. I nibbled on her bottom lip, and she licked along my teeth and teased the roof of my mouth. I slid my fingers over her neck, holding her close. She whimpered as I thrust against the heat of her, wrapping her legs tight around my waist.

I broke away, burying my face into her neck. “If we don’t stop, I am taking you right here,” I warned.

“What’s stopping you?”

“Explaining to your father how you got frostbite on your ass.”

She began to giggle. Light, airy sounds that made me chuckle. I pulled her closer, letting her nestle into my chest. “Ah, Addi. I love you.”

“I love you.”

We sat in the silence, wrapped around each other.

The sounds of footsteps approaching startled us, and we looked at each other. Addi raised her finger to her lips, telling me to stay silent. Hopefully whoever it was wouldn’t notice us sitting off the path and keep moving. I knew Aiden was planning on a marshmallow roast, and it was probably him looking for branches to whittle for it later.

But it wasn’t Aiden.

“Okay, Jaxson, we’ve gone far enough. You wanted privacy, you got it. Now say whatever it is you want to say.”

Addi’s panicked gaze met mine, and I shrugged.

“Is it wrong for a man to want a few moments alone with his wife on Christmas Day?”

“I’m not your wife.”

“I have a certificate that says otherwise.”

“Stop it, Jaxson. It was a mistake.”

“I disagree.”

She huffed a sigh, the sound so Gracie-like, I had to bite back my laughter.

There was movement, and Gracie spoke.

“What is that?” she said, sounding horrified.

“A Christmas gift for you.”

“I don’t want a gift.”

“Too bad, my darling. Take it.”

There was a beat of silence, and he spoke again. “Take it now, or I’ll hand it to you in front of your family.”

The sound of paper being torn met my ears, and I shared an amused glance with Addi. Jaxson was a determined man.

“What have you done? This is