Twas The Knight Before Christmas (Something Great #3.5)

by M. Clarke

  He gave me a crooked smile as we walked to his office. Keeping a small gap between us, I gave him a playful smile. It had been difficult to spend time alone together the last couple of weeks. With three children, both of us working full-time, meeting deadlines, and not to mention trying to get Christmas shopping done, it was about all I could handle.

  When we entered Max’s office, the smell of catered lunch rumbled hungrily through my stomach. A cup of coffee was all I’d had for breakfast. Sometimes I would forget to feed myself. The nanny did many things around the house for me, but when I came home, I liked to do as much as I could. Maybe I should give her more responsibilities. I had to remind myself that it didn’t mean I was a bad mother or that I had failed at being a mom if I asked for help. Sometimes I wondered if I should take time off and be a full-time mom. If I could have the best of both worlds, then why not?

  Max pulled out a chair for me and sat beside me. Reaching over, he grabbed a plate and filled it with salad, baked salmon, and a scoop of rice pilaf, and then handed it to me. “Since I have a meeting with Thomas, our lawyer, after lunch, I thought we’d have lunch together here. It’s going to be another long night. You know how it is in December. It’s our busiest time of the year.”

  “Thanks,” I said, taking the plate from him. I grabbed a fork and took a bite. “I know. I can’t wait till we get the whole week to ourselves and cuddle up with our babies.”

  Max opened the cap of the bottled water and placed it in front of me. “Me too, babe. I’m so tired and beat. I knew M. Knights fashion line was going to be successful, but I didn’t think it would take off this quickly. Matthew is doing double duty for the magazine department, and I’ve been spreading myself thin, overseeing the designs and distribution. We’re going to have to hire more employees just for the clothing line.”

  I swallowed a bite of salad. “That’s wonderful, right?”

  “It is,” he agreed, taking a bite of his salmon. “We weren’t prepared for the demands. But it’s okay. We’ll get it handled.”

  I reached over and kissed his lips. “I know. I have faith in you. You’re a smart, handsome businessman, Mr. Knight. You can do anything.”

  Max curled his lips wickedly and gave me the most heated look. “You’re lucky I have to make our lunch short, Mrs. Knight, or I would take you on my table.”

  I gulped and took a sip of water. “Then I’ll have to think about it all day and wait till you get home to take me on your desk and pretend we’re at work.”

  Max slammed his lips on mine, taking in some of the rice pilaf I’d just scooped into my mouth. It was the kind of toe-curling kiss I would be thinking about all day. He growled lightly and pulled away. “Hold on to that kiss until tonight, babe.” He winked.

  “I’ll be waiting,” I said in the sexiest voice I could muster.

  As we quickly finished our meal, we talked about what we planned to get our children for Christmas. We’d already bought most of the gifts, but wanted to add few more things. Wrapping them was going to be a pain, but Max promised to help. We also talked about what type of food to have catered for Christmas Eve dinner. And we also talked about how terrible it was that we’d been so busy that the only time we had a chance to talk was during our lunch breaks at work. Any free time was saved for family and tending to our children’s needs.

  The phone ringing interrupted our loving eyes for each other. Max reached over and pressed a button. “Yes?”

  “Thomas is here to see you,” his secretary announced.

  Max looked at his watch and frowned. “Is it that time already?” He planted a kiss on my lips and helped me up. “Sorry, babe.”

  “It’s okay. I have to get back to work too, but it was nice catching up. I’ll see you at home. Try not to be so late.”

  “It’s only till Christmas. After New Year’s we’ll be back on track. I promise.” Max gave me another kiss and led me out the door.

  Chapter 6

  Becky

  After I gave the kids a bath, we cuddled in bed. Matthew had already said goodnight over the phone. He tried not to sound worried, but it couldn’t be easy when his family’s enterprise was being sued. It wasn’t the first and it wouldn’t be the last time, but still, it was stressful and something we shouldn’t need to deal with during the holidays. There had been a case when Max’s ex, Crystal, wanted to sue him and his company, but he was able to pay her off. But Matthew felt like he had a good case against Victor. He had presented the evidence to his lawyer. Now, all we could do was wait.

  “‘Twas the night…” I started to read to my children. Reading to them while they were cuddled up in my bed was one of my favorite times of the day. It was even better when Matthew and I read to them together. We would animate the character’s voices and make it as if they were listening to an audio book. When I got to the last page, I said, “The end.”

  “When is Daddy coming home?” Addy asked with a pout.

  Still holding the book in one hand, I stroked her face with the other. “It’ll just be until Christmas. Then he’ll be able to spend more time with us. We’re going to see snow with Connor’s family after Christmas at Mount Mammoth.” Seeing her frown, I tried to tell her something to be excited about.

  “Yay!” Abby shouted, followed by Mason.

  That seemed to brighten their moods, except Mason had no idea what I was saying. He always copied Addy which I thought was too adorable.

  “You want me to read another?” I asked.

  Addy and Mason rubbed their sleepy eyes and yawned. Their yawns were contagious. “Okay,” Addy murmured softly, her eyes closing.

  Mason’s eyes were droopy. He was fighting sleep.

  “Let’s see…” I began. When it seemed as though they were asleep, I picked up the phone to call Mom and then Rachel. I thought about calling Ellen, my mother-in-law, but looking at the time, I was sure she was asleep. We were going to see them tomorrow night at Addy’s school Christmas performance anyway. Since Addy and Connor went to the same school, it would be easier for their grandparents. Having to choose which grandchild’s performance to watch would have been terrible. How could they choose?

  Matthew would be home soon. I should probably take the kids to their own beds, but I was so tired that I didn’t want to move. Thinking I would do it in a few minutes, I closed my eyes. Not a good idea.

  Matthew

  It was past midnight when I got home. Max and I had had our meeting with Thomas, followed by our meeting to discuss an action plan for the upcoming year. Part of that involved looking at resumes of potential managers—pinpointing people who could handle some of our responsibilities to free us up to leave the office at a decent time. God, I missed my family.

  When I got home, Becca and the kids were asleep. My heart melted at the sight of them cuddled in our bed. Becca’s right hand was still holding a Christmas book. I carefully removed the book so I wouldn’t disturb her and pulled the blanket up higher. The heater kept the house warm, but the temperature automatically lowered a little during the night. Mom’s words stuck with me, reminding me it wasn’t good to sleep with the heater on all night.

  After I washed up, I checked my email and messages on my phone. Becca had texted me to remind me about Addy’s Christmas show tomorrow. Shit! My own wife and I didn’t have the time to talk to each other on the phone because of my work schedule. This is not the family life I wanted for us. It reminded me of my parents’ schedules. I loved them dearly, but when they had just started their business, things were so hectic that they hardly had any time for us. A part of me had resented them when I was growing up, but the other half of me understood. Our company had done well since Max and I had taken over the family business, but we had to make it work for us.

  I lightly smacked my head. I had forgotten about Addy’s show. Realizing how much Victor Cummings had been consuming my thoughts, I wanted to kick his ass. If I had it my way, I would beat the crap out of him. Not only was he giving me a headache, he was taking my time
away from the family. I was going to bring him down. He had not met Matthew the family man.

  After I washed up, instead of taking the kids to their own beds, I decided to sleep in the guest bedroom. Checking my notes on my cell, I remembered that I hadn’t called Mom back yet. I was sure everything was fine. I made a mental note to call her first thing in the morning.

  Chapter 7

  Jenna

  “Connor, eat your breakfast. We need to hurry or you’re going to be late,” I said sternly. Connor was frowning. Something was bothering him. I shifted my attention to the nanny. “Carry, can you make sure to have Cassie dressed and ready for tonight? We need to leave by five. Also, I need you to pick up Connor and Christopher.”

  “Will do, Jenna,” Carry said, picking up the mess Cassie had dropped from her high chair.

  “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy.” Cassie laughed, banging her spoon on the tray.

  “Cassie. Mommy has to go. I’ll be back soon. Be a good girl.” I kissed her cheek and turned to Connor, but Cassie started to sob. “No, Mommy,” she whined.

  I sighed and turned back to Connor. “Come on, sweetheart. What’s taking you so long?”

  “Mommy.” Cassie raised her hands, demanding to be picked up. I had to ignore her to talk to Connor.

  With his elbow on the table, Connor rested his head on his fist and released a long tired breath. “Daddy isn’t coming tonight, is he?”

  “Why would you say that? Of course he is.” I bent down to meet his gaze. His eyes were pooling with tears. “Daddy promised to be there tonight. Don’t you remember what he said last night on the phone?”

  Connor shook his head, covering his ears. Cassie was screaming for attention. Her cry was cut short when Carry picked her up.

  “I’ll distract her,” Carry said and walked away.

  “Thank you,” I said to Carry and looked at Connor. “Oh, sweetheart.” I caressed his hair, feeling guilty for not attending to Cassie. “You were so tired when you spoke to Daddy on the phone. You forgot. But I promise, he’ll be there tonight.”

  I offered him a fist, just like how Max did it. Connor bumped his fist to mine lightly, but not as enthusiastically as he did with Max.

  “That’s a good boy,” I mimicked Max. “I’m going to text Dad to let him know we’re on our way to drop you off at school before I head to work, and then I’m going to get my purse and workbag. So please be finished with your cereal when I get back.”

  Connor’s lips slightly curled into a hint of a smile. “Okay, Mom.”

  Thank God! “Okay.” I nodded and turned to Christopher who had already finished his breakfast and was playing with his toy. I loved my children more than anything in this world, but there were days when I just wished they were a little bit older. I knew each stage had its challenges, and I should cherish them before they flashed before my eyes, but sometimes I just needed Mommy time. I couldn’t wait till Christmas, when we could finally relax and make happy family memories.

  Max

  It was the first time I didn’t get to hear my children’s voices while I was home. I’d had a late night at work and I had to leave again early in the morning. When I had arrived home, Cassie and Christopher were in Jenna’s bed so I slept in the guest bedroom. I couldn’t wait for the busiest time of the year to be over so I could spend some quality time with my family.

  Jenna had texted me to let me know she was on her way to work. I knew it seemed possessive of me, but I always wanted to know when she was leaving and when she had arrived safely to and from work. Today had gone by so fast, I couldn’t believe it was almost time for me to leave. I had been on conference calls and in meetings all day. I would have to work this weekend, but at least I would have some time to spend with my family. I couldn’t wait to see my little boy on the stage. He had performed at preschool, but this was different. This was kindergarten. He was going to perform like a big boy with other big kids. I knew he was excited. He couldn’t stop talking about it all week, especially since he had a speaking part.

  When the phone rang in my office, I knew it was Thomas. I had emailed everyone not to disturb me since I was waiting to speak to Thomas. He was the last person on my agenda for the day.

  “Thomas. I hope you have good news for me,” I said without greeting him. We’d been talking throughout the day. Sometimes it was in a conference call with Matthew.

  “You know what they’re asking for. I’m just letting you know they haven’t made a decision yet,” Thomas said over the phone.

  “You can tell that bastard of a lawyer we’re not giving his client a penny. He has no case. They’re fishing for anything they can grab on to.” I tried not to sound irate, especially since I was speaking to Thomas. I knew he was working overtime, not just on our case but others as well.

  “I know, Max. Just calm down. As your lawyer, I have to let you know. I’m not saying to give him anything. I agree with you—they have no case. I’ll do anything to make sure this doesn’t go to court or to the press. I’m making your case top priority.”

  I released the long breath I’d been holding. “I know,” I groaned, feeling bad for slightly blowing up at him. I needed to get things cleared up early enough that I could go to Connor’s Christmas show. I wasn’t going to miss his first show for anything, and I certainly didn’t want to take phone calls during it either. “Do me a favor, Thomas. Please don’t contact me between six and seven. I’m going to be at my kid’s show. I can’t take any calls during that hour. Matthew will be with me, so don’t call him either.”

  I heard him lightly chuckle over the phone. “I know, Max. Matthew emailed me this morning. He told me not to bother you. I think it’s awesome how you two look out for each other. I wish I had a brother.”

  I smiled at that fact. Matthew and I had a strong relationship. Knowing how some of my friends weren’t as close to their siblings, I appreciated the fact I was lucky to have a brother like Matthew. Though we’d driven each other nuts in younger days, having the right wives and families kept us on a straight line to happy lives.

  “Anyway,” Thomas continued, “have a great time and enjoy your family. You’ll never get a first Christmas show ever again with Connor.”

  I looked at my watch. “Thomas. I need to get going. You know how traffic is at this time of the year.”

  “Yeah, I know. Get going. I’ll email you later if I get good news.”

  After we hung up, I rushed out of there, hoping the traffic would be in my favor. Sure enough, just like always, it wasn’t. On the way to Connor’s school, I honked at a car that cut in front of me. He almost made me hit another car to the left of me. Why couldn’t people just drive like they had brains? Finally, I arrived and parked the car. However, unable to find a parking space, I made my own. They could fine me, I didn’t care. I was probably the last dad to enter, but at least I was there. Releasing a sigh of relief for making it there on time, I had to calm down. I texted Jenna.

  Me: I’m here.

  Jenna: We’re up in the front. Matthew is here. I have a seat saved for you.

  Me: Are my parents here?

  Jenna: Your father called. Your mom isn’t feeling well. They can’t make it.

  I clenched my teeth. Shit! I kept forgetting to call my parents. Guilt crept into me. I hadn’t been a good son this past month. A simple phone call would suffice. My parents were relaxed and not demanding in any way. I made a mental note to call them after Connor’s performance.

  Me: I’ve entered. I’ll find you.

  Walking down to the cafeteria, I noted how full the room was, filled with exhilarated parents who were eager and ready to see their children show off their talents and cuteness. The stage was elevated high enough so that everyone in the audience had a great view. On the stage, the background was decorated like a village and a large festive banner was hung that read “Christmas Carol.” The dim lights indicated the show was about to start. Finding Jenna, I slipped into my seat and planted a kiss on her lips. God, she smelled so good.<
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  “Hi, family.” I gave them a big smile.

  “Daddy,” Cassie squealed softly.

  I kissed her cheek. Christopher came to me and gave me a hug, and then went back to his seat. He used to want to sit on my lap, but he claimed to be a big boy now. I missed those days. Then I turned behind me to greet Matthew and his family.

  “Don’t forget to turn off your cell,” Matthew reminded, holding on to Mason who was sitting on his lap.

  “I’ve already done that,” I said. “No one is reaching us. I was talking to Thomas just before I left.”

  “Got any good news?”

  “Nope.” I rolled my eyes and changed the subject, “Mom is sick? Did Dad call you?”

  “I called them when Becky told me she got a phone call from Dad, but there was no answer. Dad told Becky that Mom’s just under the weather and was going to stay home so it wouldn’t get worse. I’m sure everything is fine.”

  “Okay,” I nodded, agreeing with him. Then I turned when the music began. Jenna and I had our phones ready to record.

  The curtains opened. All the kindergarten students were in the first row. I could see Connor’s eyes scanning the audience. Was he scared? He was singing but he didn’t look happy. When his eyes met mine, his whole face and demeanor lit up.

  “Daddy,” he mouthed and gave me a quick wave close to his chest, trying not to draw attention to himself.

  I melted. Connor filled me with a joy that was indescribable. When I gave him a thumbs up, his smile grew bigger. I was a proud father and so was Matthew. Addy was standing next to Connor, dressed in Christmas PJs, just like everyone else. Everyone cheered and clapped when the song was over. When they cleared the stage for the Christmas story to begin, I shifted my attention to Jenna. We stared into each other’s eyes. Her eyes were glistening with happy tears. I knew how she felt because I was feeling the same way.