by L Chapman
“Rider is one of the spare reindeer. He steps in when needed, and he’s a very special rare one. He loves carrots and people feeding him. He helps out the other reindeer by going and meeting people so the rest of the crew is able to have a rest before the big night,” Andre says.
We spend over an hour with them, taking pictures and walking around the field as the snow continues to fall. I have not seen Kate smile as much as I have today.
“Rider has a little present for you,” Andre says as he passes her a red bag with white snowflakes decorating it.
Kate slowly takes it from him and turns around to face Connor. “Can I open it, Daddy?” she asks enthusiastically.
“Go on. Don’t tell though,” he replies.
A huge smile covers her face as she opens the bag and pulls out a brown teddy bear with a sparkly purple bow in her hair. A little note is attached to the bear.
My name is Lexi. Please, look after me. I’m yours forever, and I will always be there when you need me.
“Look what I got, Daddy,” she says, waving the teddy at him. He kneels on the cold snow and reads the note to her.
“Megan, I have a new teddy,” she says, running up to me. “Can she sleep at your house with me?”
I pretend to talk to the teddy. “Of course, she can. Nice to meet you, Lexi.”
Kate runs around, showing everyone else her teddy before climbing into her dad’s arms and slowly going quiet. We stand there listening to Andre tell Warren about his past and the animals he has cared for on his farm. I look over at Kate to see she has fallen asleep.
When Mark called me to arrange everything, we had to choose a name for the reindeer for Kate. Deciding on a name was so hard, because to my knowledge, they are all males and Kate doesn’t respond well to men. She is going through a stage in which she doesn’t like their names.
“Connor, Kate’s asleep,” I whisper into his ear.
“Thanks, I might take her home,” he says.
“Good idea.”
Mark goes over to Connor and chats before coming over to me. “Connor is going to take Lucy and Kate home. You’re staying with me,” he says sheepishly.
“How are we getting home then?” I ask.
“Oh, my other car is in the car park,” he answers with a smirk on his face.
“Such a show off. Is Connor sure?” I ask.
“Yes,” he says. “You’re mine for the next hour.”
I smile. “Okay then.”
Jenny and Warren say their goodbyes. They are planning to place some flowers on Martin’s grave before heading back to Warren’s. I’m left standing in the cold in at least five inches of snow. Mark stands there talking to Andre before he departs.
“It’s just you and me. Now, what are we going to do?” I ask.
“Nothing. I just wanted to spend some special time with you, alone.”
Chapter Eight
He slides his hand in mine before looking down at me and smiling. He starts to walk farther along the park near the river. I don’t know how many times this river has flooded, but I still like it. It’s such a quiet place to sit. A few years ago there were benches lined around the edges of the park, all dedicated to special people, but some kids threw them into the river. No one has ever replaced them. We make our way over to a wobbly, wooden bridge. It has a little bit of wood missing and is very scary to cross, but worth it. There is an amazing flower garden on the other side with so many flowers that it feels like you’re walking through a field of dreams. It is adorned with colours I have never seen before, a few scattered benches, and wildlife. It’s truly magnificent. I love coming here to be alone with my thoughts, because it is so tranquil and exquisite. You can see the flowers from the other side and rabbits jumping around. It’s a great place to be one with nature. In the summer months, there are ducks that swim in the water, and in the winter, it turns to a playground of ice. I would love to bring Annabella here someday.
“Carson River.” He pauses. “I know how much you like it here. I thought we could just spend a little us time.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
“The only problem is I forgot to bring a blanket.”
“That’s fine.”
“We can just use my coat,” he says, undoing his jacket.
“No, you’re just wearing a thin T-shirt.”
I undo the zipper of my coat and slide it down my arms as I pass it to Mark. He bends down and places it on the grass to the side of us. I sit down on part of the coat, letting Mark sit down beside me. I didn’t realize how cold it is until now. As I sit on the ground with only my black leggings and grey jumper, I realize this may not have been a good idea after all. The snow is fresh and just fallen, and I can feel the coldness through my clothes.
“Baby, I did think of doing a picnic, but I changed my mind. I got you this instead,” he says, pulling out a milk chocolate bar from his coat pocket. I can’t help but laugh. He’s a man after my own heart. I love chocolate; it’s my thing.
“Aw, thank you. Share?” I ask, offering him the bar.
“Only if you want, baby,” he says.
I open the bar, breaking it into the individual squares.
I place the open packet on Mark’s knee before taking a square. Now, I’m in heaven. Mark wraps his arm around me before pulling me closer to him. I feel so safe, so loved, and so wanted. Mark knows me well, and just being close to him is enough for me. I don’t need flashy, expensive treats; I just need him. Well, the chocolate helps, too. We both sit there in each other’s arms, quietly watching the world go by. I feel his chest rise and fall and his warm breath blow on my neck, causing a tickling sensation and making my hairs stand on end. If it weren’t for the cold air, I could get up to some real naughty fun. I still could, but icicles in some places…Eww… no thank you.
“What are you thinking?” Mark whispers into my ear.
“Nothing,” I say, looking down at my knee.
“Tell me the truth, baby.”
“About how much naughty fun we could have if it weren’t so cold.”
“Oh, Miss Madden, I love your naughty side. The car is warm though,” he replies with a wink.
I turn around to look at him. “It is indeed. Is that the plan, Mr. Reed?”
“Only if you want.”
“Come on then, Mr. Reed, or I’ll throw snowballs at you.” I quickly spring to my feet and run a little bit away from him.
“Oh, that’s it, Miss Madden,” he says, jumping up and grabbing my coat before chasing behind me. He slows down as he gets closer to me and bends down to pick up some snow, forming it into a snowball.
“Mark, don’t you dare,” I say as I start walking backwards.
I slowly lie down on the snow and begin making snow angels. Mark stands to the side of me and laughs as he watches me kick my legs and move my arms up and down.
“Don’t you laugh at me,” I say.
“Baby, you look so sexy. I could just jump on you.”
“Oh, please do.”
Mark falls to his knees and places his lips on my cheek and neck, while his hand slides down my stomach.
“You’re my angel.” His voice is barely above a whisper.
I place my hand under his T-shirt and slowly trail it down his stomach, ending my seduction by rubbing over his trousers.
“That’s it, baby. Car now,” he says.
I smile, standing up in front of him. “How fast can you move?” I ask.
Mark takes hold of my hand and walks as fast as he can towards the car. “I can’t believe you have gotten me all hot, again. Twice in one day. You’re naughty.”
“But nice,” I say as we reach the car park. “Where is the car?”
“Over there,” he says, pointing towards the wooden cabin, which contains the dog warden’s office. As we walk towards the car, I see people in the office and hear children as they run towards the park with their parents.
“Oh crap, where are we going to go?” I ask.
�
�I know where we are going, baby. I’m not letting you go until I have made you smile in that special way. I want you to go back into the house with that special twinkle in your eye. I love it,” he says while opening my car door.
I slide into the car and fasten my seat belt. Mark closes the door before running around the car and jumping inside. He starts the ignition as soon as he shuts the door. I’m glad it’s not slippery outside, or Mark would have fallen because he was moving so quickly. There is no question at all how much he wants me. I have never felt so desired, and not just in a sexual manner. That is an added bonus. He has such good stamina. I could never be unhappy with him. I feel like a teenager right now with trying to find somewhere to hide and have fun, so no one will see us. How bad is that?
I sit with my eyes on the road as Mark drives through the busy town traffic. Everyone is rushing around getting their last minute gifts and traveling to their relatives for the Christmas holiday. So many cars have silly flags on them. It makes me smile to see everyone’s Christmas spirit come out. My hand slides over to Mark’s leg, and I start rubbing it up and down slowly. I then move it around a little bit so it’s more on his inner thigh.
“Oh, you’re going to kill me doing that, baby,” he murmurs.
I don’t answer; instead, I continue rubbing. His breathing becomes heavier as he gets closer to quiet country lanes. I wish he would hurry. I don’t know how much longer I can wait before I jump him.
“We are here,” he says as he turns off the engine and moves his chair farther back.
I undo my seatbelt and turn to face him. Smiling, he moves my seat back as he moves over towards me. He kisses me, and his hands fly through my hair. “Oh baby,” he whispers as he slips his fingers down my spine, making me moan.
“Bad day to wear leggings,” he says as he lifts my bum at one side, pulling them down and then repeating with the other side.
“Don’t I know it?” I say as I help him as much as I can. I’m thankful we are in his 4x4, because there’s more room.
I slide my hand over his trousers, undoing his button with one hand. That really impresses him, and he is forever telling me that I’m super talented for being able to do that.
“Oh, not yet, baby,” he says as he gently pushes me back. He smiles at me before he pushes up my jumper a bit and places a kiss on my navel. He follows down with little kisses, all the way to my entrance.
He slowly slides one finger into me, immediately making me gasp. He slides it out and then adds another, followed by another. He pushes them in and out slowly as he brings his head closer and blows on my clit. “Oh my,” I moan.
His fingers start to speed up. As he moves closer to my clit, he lets his tongue slowly lick over it before he gently tugs on it with his teeth. I feel myself about to lose control, and I arch my back. He starts blowing on my clit again, knowing what it does to me. I finally lose control. He tips me over the edge.
Unable to move, I lie there with my legs wobbling like jelly. “I love how you look post orgasm, baby. You look so pretty.”
I cover my face. I can’t believe he said that.
“Don’t you do that,” he says, pulling down my arms.
“It’s your turn now,” I say as I sit up.
“Oh, is it?” he questions.
“Yes.”
“Only if it’s with you.” He lifts me over onto his lap, facing him. “This is what I want.”
“Oh, well, I’m sure I can do that.” I wink. Mark’s hands attach to my hips, lifting me up and lowering me onto him. I don’t even remember him moving his trousers down. I lean back, placing my hands on either side of the steering wheel before moving up and down on him. I look straight into his loving eyes.
“You’re giving me that look. You’re going to kill me,” he says as he moans.
I continue rising and falling on him, speeding up slowly, because I know how to tease him. He places his arm around my back, forcing me forward onto him while his breath blows on my neck and his hands slide through my hair.
Chapter Nine
“I love you, Megan,” he says as he pulls me back in for another kiss.
“I love you, too,” I say as I wiggle my leggings back up.
“You’re amazing, sexy, and perfect. So carefree when it comes down to it.”
“I know, but we need to get back. I have things to do,” I state as I put my seat back to normal.
“I know,” he says as he sorts his chair and then turns on the engine. “The windows are a bit steamed up.”
“They are indeed.”
Mark turns on the air-conditioner to clear the windows and starts to drive. I reach for my phone.
Megan, I can’t believe what happened. Someone has written all over Martin’s grave with paint. XX
WHAT? XX
Yes, all over his gravestone. It says “Burn in hell like your son.” XX
Oh my, where are you? XX
Just about to hit your house. You? XX
About 10 mins away. Have you called your mum? XX
No, she will flip. I don’t know what to do. XX
What about ringing Uncle Dave? XX
I’ll do that. See you in 10. XX
I turn to face Mark. He’s smiling from ear to ear, looking all relaxed and calm. I love him in this work-free mood. I inform him of what Jenny has just told me.
“What sick bastards,” he says.
“Exactly. Do you know what would take it off?” I enquire.
“No, I don’t. Message Connor. He will find out. I’ll go with him and get it cleaned off. I’m sure we can do it. I don’t want this on Jen’s mind over Christmas,” he informs me.
“Thank you, Mark.”
“Anything for you, baby.”
Hi, Connor. Do you know what cleans paint off gravestones?
Hi, Megan. Yes, I do. Why do you ask?
Someone has painted on Jenny’s brother’s grave. Mark wants to go and get it cleaned today.
Okay, I’ll give him a hand. Local supermarkets will sell it. Kate is waiting for you.
Thank you. Tell her I will be with her shortly. Get the kettle on. I need a brew. I’m freezing. Lol
“He knows. He will give you a hand,” I tell him.
“Good.”
Who could do this? Who would do it to a child’s grave? I hope I never find out, or I will blow and I mean really blow. I know Jenny is going to be seriously upset. She blames herself for it as it is, so I need to calm down before I see her. It will not help her if she knows that it has gotten to me. We hit the street where I live, and I start taking deep breaths, counting to ten, and telling myself that I can do this. Jenny needs me. As we turn onto the driveway at the front of the house, I see Warren’s car parked to the side. Kate is standing in the front window, waving at me.
I step out of the car and wave back. “I love you, Mark,” I say as he takes hold of my hand and walks towards the front door.
“Megan!” Kate yells as I walk inside. She runs straight into my arms, and I begin to look forward to baking with her.
“Hey, Kate, I hear you have been waiting for me.”
“I have. I have. Can we bake now?” she questions.
“Of course, just let me get changed and then I’ll be down. I don’t want to get my new jumper mucky,” I state.
“Should I get changed, Daddy?” she asks, turning to face Connor.
“You can if you want, Kate.”
“Come on, Megan,” she says as she runs up the stairs.
“I’ll be up in a minute.” I turn to face Connor. “Where is Lucy?”
“She is asleep in her cot. She’s been an angel.”
“Thank you.”
“Come on!” Kate shouts from the top of the stairs.
“I’ll be right back,” I say as I run up to her. “Right, what are you going to wear?”
“This,” she says, pulling out a red top with holes in it. It looks like it’s never been washed. Ever. It’s so unclean.
“Why?” I ask.
“Grandma Betty gave it to me,” she answers.
She quickly changes her top before running downstairs to put on her apron, or so she says. It’s one of mine, so it will be too big for her. I believe there is one under the tree for her though. I peer into Lucy’s room, checking to make sure she is okay. She is flat out asleep. Bless her. Before toddling into my room, I grab fresh underwear, a grey T-shirt and some clean leggings from the drawer. I change quickly, throwing my clothes into the washing basket before running downstairs to find Kate.
Chapter Ten
I walk into the front room to see Warren, Mark and Connor all standing near the back window in deep conversation. They’re whispering, so we can’t hear them. What are they up to?
I turn to look at the sofa. Jenny is sitting there, talking with Kate.
“Megan is my best friend,” Kate says, placing her hands on her hips.
“Oh, is she?” Jenny questions.
“Yeah, that’s why we are baking together.”
“I’m baking, too.”
“Oh, well, you can be my friend, too,” Kate says.
I can’t help but smile. Kate has finally let Jenny in. “Who wants a brew?” I ask everyone in the room.
“Me,” Jenny says.
“No, thank you, baby. We are going to sort that problem,” Mark says as all three men walk out of the house.
“No hurting anyone,” I tell them before Mark closes the door.
“Right, let’s bake.” I pause, “Come on, Jenny.” We walk into the kitchen. Kate runs straight over to the chairs at the table and kneels on one of them. I’m glad I measured everything yesterday. I even did the pastry, and I didn’t think Kate would enjoy it as much as she did. She can play with the leftover pastry. I remember playing with it as a child. It kept me entertained. My nan would keep it in the fridge in cling film until I came around for the afternoon, and I would spend hours making different things. I had so much fun.