***
Emma
While I did adore Rufus, I was completely gone for the man in front of me. Head over heels in love with Trevor.
Over the last few months, we’d settled into a routine in Dallas. I never thought I’d see the day I’d proudly call myself a Texan, but now I certainly did. A Texan, however, without any opinions about American football teams, politics, or who said words like ‘y’all’ or ‘yonder.’ I had adopted a few ‘bless her heart’s, however, because sarcasm was something I could definitely get behind.
I’d been nervous about the upcoming holidays, but after spending the American Thanksgiving with Peyton’s family, I was less anxious about what Christmas would hold. For the first time ever, I’d even shopped for gifts.
Walking into Trevor’s childhood home, though, I felt gobsmacked with the way Christmas seemed to have thrown up on every surface. Every bannister was adorned with greenery, the massive fireplace boasted stockings and Santas. But the centerpiece was the largest Christmas tree I’d ever seen. Towering up to the ceiling, it had to be sixteen feet tall. I walked up to touch a branch, breathing in the fresh scent of pine.
“It’s real. My sister dragged me out two days ago to pick it out, but thankfully, they delivered it.”
“It’s magical.” Like out of a childhood dream, it was beautifully decorated with white twinkling lights and silver ribbon.
“Come on.” He took my hand, leading me out back to the pool. There were at least a dozen other trees all around it, lit up with colored lights.
“Wow.”
“It’s been ten years since all of these decorations have been out. I’d forgotten how much I love it. How nostalgic it makes me to have all of my mom’s things out for the holidays.”
I hugged him tight, knowing how much he missed his mum. “Where are we staying?”
“Pool house. It not only brings back memories, but we can also be as loud as we want. Plus, as previously discussed regarding pooparoomba, Rufus is banned from the main house.”
I giggled with the reference to that particular story. Truth be told, I was happy to be private in the pool house with him.
We had Christmas Eve dinner that night with Trevor’s father, Avery, and her new boyfriend, someone I really liked. Frankly, it was nice to have someone even newer than I was at the table. It took some of the pressure off the family dinner. Afterwards, we went to the theatre room and watched a movie and then retired for the night. Not that we did much sleeping. After all, I’d brought my Mrs. Claus lingerie to show Trevor.
Waking up in the early morning, I stretched in the bed. When I rolled over to reach for Trevor, I found his side of the bed cold. Huh. Opening up my eyes, I glanced around the bedroom but didn’t see him. Maybe he was out walking Rufus. Donning my robe, I puttered out to the living room. I was happy we had our privacy but didn’t want to take a chance by walking around naked.
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, with dozens of gorgeously wrapped gifts beneath it. This definitely hadn’t been here last night.
Trevor walked in from outside with Rufus and looked surprised to see me up.
“Merry Christmas, Em.”
I smiled, crossing over to hug him. “Merry Christmas. What is all this?”
“Our first Christmas together.”
“In here, not the main house?”
He shrugged out of his jacket. “I figured we’d do our gift exchange here before everyone is up.”
“But all the gifts under the tree aren’t just for us, right?” I’d only bought two for Trevor, and they were still in my suitcase.
“They’re for you. Twenty-seven of them, to be exact. One for every Christmas you missed.”
I couldn’t speak for a moment, overwhelmed with emotion.
“Sugar, say something.” His stare was fixed on me, watching for my reaction.
“I just—Nobody has ever—I never had—” I couldn’t complete a sentence. And then, much to my dismay, and probably to Trevor’s, I burst into tears. I let him hold me while I sobbed quietly into his chest.
Sometimes I still struggled with allowing myself to be loved. But over time, I’d started to believe I deserved it. And when self-doubt crept in, Trevor understood and never wavered in his love for me.
Finally, after I let out the last of the tears, he led me over to the sofa where he put me on his lap. “I’m sorry. I had thought—”
I pulled back, holding a finger to his lips. “Please don’t apologize. It’s the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me. I was overwhelmed by it, but I’m happy.”
He lifted a brow. “Are you sure?”
Oh, God, I felt awful for ruining his beautiful surprise. “Yes. Positive. Those were, er, sobs of happiness.”
His laughter rumbled up from his chest, causing me to join in until we were both smiling. Gentle thumbs caressed under my eyes, wiping my tears, which now included those of actual joy. “Sobs of happiness it is, then. You want to start opening gifts?”
I had a moment of panic because I’d only gotten him two gifts, one of which was a picture of the two of us with Rufus. But I recognized that Trevor wasn’t looking for reciprocation. He was looking to make up for the things I’d never had. Little did he know how much he did that on a daily basis. I now absolutely looked forward to my future with this man.
“Yes. Definitely. But first I want to make sure you know how much I love you. How you’ve changed my life and how much I appreciate you.” Although I couldn’t say the words as naturally as they came to other people, I absolutely meant them with all of my heart.
He stroked my face. “I love you, too, sugar.”
An hour later, I’d opened up twenty-six gifts. Each one was well thought out. A trip to New York along with a certificate to my favorite spa there for a future weekend. My very own motorbike helmet for our rides on his Harley. My favorite scented bubble bath along with candles. And a trip to Mexico for New Year’s. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the last gift.
I opened it to see the most beautiful opal pendant in what appeared to be a platinum setting. It looked vintage.
“It belonged to my mother, then my father’s mother before her.”
My eyes went big. A family heirloom. Something passed down. “Trevor, I can’t possibly take this. I’m not part of your family—”
He was already taking the necklace out. “Yet. That’s how your sentence ends. Because you’re my forever. It would’ve made my mom happy to know it’s no longer sitting in a box somewhere collecting dust but instead being passed on to the woman I love.”
He lifted it up and put it around my neck, fastening the clasp and letting it lie against my skin. The necklace was exquisite. And the implication about being his forever—Well, it no longer made me panic as I couldn’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with this beautiful man.
“No more sobs of happiness?” he asked, seeing my eyes well up.
“I can’t make any promises when you keep doing sweet things like this. I’m looking forward to Mexico over New Year’s.”
“Me, too.”
Just then, a knock came on the front door. “Breakfast is ready whenever you two are,” Avery’s voice said.
He chuckled. “Any regrets about staying in Texas or coming home with me for the holidays?”
I knew without a doubt my home was wherever he was. “Not a one.” I flashed him a smile before kissing down his neck. “And I think we may be a little late for breakfast.”
About Aubrey Bondurant
Aubrey Bondurant is a working mom who loves to write, read, and travel.
She describes her writing style as: "Adult Contemporary Erotic Romantic Comedy," which is just another way of saying she likes her characters funny, her bedroom scenes hot, and her romances with a happy ending.
When Aubrey isn't working her day job or spending time with her family, she's on her laptop typing away on her next story. She only wishes there were more ho
urs of the day!
She's a former member of the US Marine Corps and passionate about veteran charities and giving back to the community. She loves a big drooly dog, a fantastic margarita, and football.
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Books by Aubrey Bondurant:
The Something Series
Tell Me Something
Ask Me Something
Bet Me Something
Teach Me Something
Show Me Something
The Without Series
Without Apology
Without Regret
Dirty Intentions (part of the Dirty It Up Anthology)
Dirty It Up
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you so much for embracing this new series! And yes, before you ask, I do have plans for Avery’s story at some point!! So many stories in my head and not enough time to get them all out. I appreciate your patience! I have a new series coming out before the end of the year that you do not want to miss! Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter here so you know when!!
It’s so hard to believe that three years ago, I started this journey with releasing Tell Me Something. It not only launched my dream of becoming a published author, it opened a whole new world of meeting new friends all over the world! I look forward to continuing that with my first international book signings this year.
As always, a special thanks to my editor Alyssa Kress who has been with me since day one encouraging me, teaching me and most of all making my stories shine!
And to my family: Appreciate your patience and understanding while I balance my passion for writing with all the rest!
Without Regret Page 22