Twas The Knight Before Christmas (Something Great #3.5)

by M. Clarke

  “I’m home,” I announced and headed toward the kitchen. After placing my purse down, I went to the family room to see what they were up to. Usually, Cassie would be the first one running to me, but there was no Cassie to greet me. Had Max taken them out? Normally, he would have let me know. Strange.

  Heading out of the family room, I decided to go upstairs. Maybe they were in one of the bedrooms. After almost stepping on one of Cassie’s toys, I bent down to pick it up and peered up to see my family on the first step of the stairs, giving me the widest grin I’d ever seen.

  “Surprise!” they belted out.

  Happy tears pooled in my eyes. On the wall were canvases displaying our wedding pictures, first baby pictures, and each stage with their birthdays, our recent family picture, and even a family picture of the entire group of us—Becky’s family, ours, my parents, and his parents.

  “Oh, Max.” My lips quivered and tears streamed down my face as I relived the day of our wedding, the birth of our children, and the experiences and moments when we had taken all the other photos. “This is amazing. I can’t believe you did this. When did you have time? How did you—?” Then it dawned on me. Matt had gotten me out of the house for Max. I had been set up. I let out a hearty laugh, ran to my family, and tackled them on the stairs with hugs and kisses.

  “Merry Christmas, babe,” Max said, looking at me with all his love—the kind of love I could hear from his words, the kind of love I could feel from everything he touched, and the kind of love I could see from the way he looked at us.

  “Merry Christmas, Max.” I pressed my lips to his tenderly, lovingly, and with all of me. My heart expanded so much, it was impossible to feel anything more.

  “Gross.” Connor laughed.

  “Gross,” Christopher copied Connor.

  “Gross,” Cassie said softly, not understanding what she was saying.

  “Mom, Cassie said gross,” Connor pointed out excitedly.

  Cassie let out her cute sounding laughter.

  Max ruffled Connor’s, Christopher’s, and Cassie’s hair. “She sure did.” Then he started to tickle us.

  Chapter 12

  Becky

  “Merry Christmas,” Matt, Addy, Mason, and I cheered, standing in front of the open doorway.

  “Merry Christmas,” Jenna’s family greeted with the same enthusiasm.

  Then we greeted my in-laws. “Ellen, Rob,” I said. We exchanged hugs and kisses.

  Everyone was dressed according to Max’s suggestion to wear our very best Christmas outfits so we could take family pictures. The children looked especially adorable. Matt carried the oversized bags with wrapped presents inside the house after the greeting.

  “What did you do, buy the whole store?” Max teased, helping him carry the load to the Christmas tree.

  “Don’t worry. They’re all for you.” Matthew blew a kiss to his brother.

  Jenna and I let out chuckles. Jenna headed toward the kitchen while I went by the stairs to admire Max’s Christmas present to Jenna. Matthew had told me of his plan to get Jenna out of the house. When I had asked him if he needed my help, he told me he had it all under control.

  “I love those pictures,” Ellen said. “What a great idea.”

  “I would have thought of that if they had canvas back then,” Rob said, batting his eyelashes, trying to swoon his wife.

  Ellen let out a giggle and held his hand. “I know you would have, my dear.”

  He kissed her head when she leaned it back against his shoulder. It was such a sweet gesture from both of them.

  Ellen lifted her head. “Do you think Jenna needs my help?”

  I grabbed a blanket off the armrest and placed it over their laps. The temperature was perfect, but I knew the elderly got cold easier. I knew this from observing my parents.

  “Thank you, Becky,” Ellen said. “So sweet of you.”

  “You’re welcome,” I said. “It’s good to see you back on your feet. You rest. I’ll go help Jenna.” Then I headed to the kitchen.

  “Everything looks perfect, Jenna,” I complimented, leaning back against the counter, taking in the view. The catered food was beautifully displayed on expensive plates, making it look homemade. The Christmas decorations around the house looked festive. Our mother-in-law was getting better and she was able to join us. The kids were excited and we were spending quality family time. Everything was perfect.

  “Thank you. I try.” She squinted her nose, looking adorable. Speaking of which, Jenna looked sexy and beautiful in her black lacy dress and high heels. “Can’t do much cooking wearing this.” She pointed at her dress.

  “No, you can’t. I love your dress.”

  “Here.” Jenna handed me a glass of wine. “And you look stunning, my sister-in-law, as always.”

  I inhaled the smell of the expensive wine, took a sip, and sighed. “Oh, you mean this old thing?” I let out a soft laugh. Jenna laughed with me. “You’re going to see your parents tomorrow, right? Can you give them something for me?”

  Jenna playfully scowled at me while lining up the glasses on the counter. “Becky. You didn’t have to, but that’s so sweet of you.” Then she bit her bottom lip, looking guilty. “And you’re going to see your side of the family, right? I have something for them too.”

  I gave her the same scowl back. “If you can, then so can I.” I changed the subject, “When are you flying to Mount Mammoth?”

  “The day after tomorrow, early in the morning. Max timed it so that Cassie would take her nap during the plane ride. How about you?”

  “In the afternoon.” I changed the subject again, “I love your gift from Max. I can’t wait for you to see mine.”

  Jenna opened the cabinets and pulled out plates, then went to the top drawer on the island and took out the utensils. “Oh, thank you. I can’t believe Max had it all planned out. And your husband—he got me out of the house.” She paused and froze midpoint between the sink and the island, and then narrowed her eyes at me. “What do you mean, you can’t wait for me to see yours?”

  I took another sip. “Matt told me he got the idea from Max. He gifted me the same thing, except the pictures are different, of course. He told me to be out of the house for two hours with Addy so he could get you to come over to our house while Max arranged the canvases on the wall. Matt needed that second hour so that he could do the same. Our husbands are sneaky.” I laughed.

  Jenna smiled immensely. “Sneaky in a good way. Wait till they get their gifts. We’re sneaky too. A family vacation together in Kauai. Why, what a coincidence.” She shrugged with a giggle. “I can’t wait for them to see the second thing we got for them. They are going to flip out.”

  “Cheers.” I raised my glass to her. She grabbed a glass of wine, tapped mine, and took a sip.

  After placing her glass down, Jenna wrapped her arms around me. “I love my sister-in-law.”

  My heart melted. I couldn’t ask for a better friend and sister-in-law. “I love you too.”

  I felt strong arms around us. “I love both of you,” Matthew said, kissing Jenna on her forehead and turning to kiss my lips.

  The sound of a throat clearing got our attention. Max stood in the doorway with his brows arched, looking baffled. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m enjoying the two most beautiful women in the world,” Matthew replied. “Jealous, big bro?”

  “Kind of.” Max winked at Jenna.

  “Come here,” Jenna waved. “We’re having a group hug.”

  “Yay!” The sound of kids cheering got my attention. Max and the kids behind him that I couldn’t see came charging.

  “I love hugs,” Addy said, holding Matthew’s legs as Mason held on to mine.

  “This is fun,” Connor said, grabbing on to Jenna’s waist with Christopher and Cassie on Max.

  Rob and Ellen entered the kitchen. Ellen was holding their father’s arm for support. “What’s all the noise about?” Rob said, smiling.

  “Come on, Grandpa and Grandma,
” Addy coaxed. “We’re having a group hug. It’s the night before Christmas time.”

  We held on to each other tightly and I knew all the adults were thinking the same thing: how thankful we were for each other.

  Jenna

  After dinner, we took family pictures—Becky’s, mine, and then with everyone. The camera stand Max used came in handy. Our two families had gotten Ellen and Rob two massage chairs and a paid vacation to join us in Kauai over spring break. They were very excited about going away with us. The four of us received matching Rolex watches from Ellen and Rob, and the children got brand new Star Wars bikes along with other toys. As for the children, they got every Star Wars toy they could possibly imagine.

  Becky gave me a gift certificate for a spa treatment. I gave her a new Apple computer she’d been talking about, an utter surprise she had no idea was coming.

  After the hugs and kisses, we all went our separate ways. The kids changed into their PJs, brushed their teeth, and played with their new toys.

  “It’s time for bed,” Max said, sitting on the sofa next to me, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. We held each other as we watched our children admire all the toys. We could have opened up our own toy stores with all the gifts they’d received.

  “Just a little bit longer, Dad,” Connor begged, lining up the storm troopers on the coffee table.

  I stood up to pick up Cassie. She was half asleep, holding her doll. “We have to get cookies and milk for Santa. He’s not going to come to our house if you’re not in bed.”

  “Santa?” Christopher stood up. “Come on, Connor. Let’s get it ready for Santa.”

  We followed the boys as they ran to the kitchen. Connor had already placed a plate on the counter. Opening the fridge, he took out the carton of milk.

  “Let me help you,” Max said, taking the mug out of the top cabinet. After he poured the milk, he put it away, and then placed a few cookies on the plate. Grabbing the plate and mug, we all followed Max to place them near the Christmas tree.

  Connor rubbed his head. “Do you think he will be able see that? What if he steps on it?”

  Connor was very observant. Max picked them up and placed them on the table. “Is that better?”

  “Yup.” Connor nodded.

  “Yup,” Christopher repeated.

  Cassie rubbed her sleepy eyes.

  “Can you read one story before we go to bed?” Connor asked. “Please?” He bobbed up and down.

  Max and I exchanged glances. When I nodded, he said, “Last one on our bed is a rotten egg.”

  “Ahhh!” the boys screamed, startling Cassie, but she seemed too tired to care.

  After we were cuddled up in bed, Max picked out a book from our bookshelf and read the title, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

  “I like that story,” Christopher said, snuggling closer to Max.

  “Want to read the first page, Connor?” Max asked.

  Connor leaned closer to Max on the other side of him and started to read. After the book was read, we tucked everyone in. Then I excused myself to get ready for bed. Max went downstairs to make sure the door was locked, the lights were off, and the house alarm was set. When he closed the bedroom door and I heard the click of the lock, I came out of the bathroom.

  “Hello there, Mr. Knight. I’ve come from far away. My name is Princess Leia,” I said, trying to sound sultry.

  Max rewarded me with the biggest smile and the look in his eyes grew heated. I was wearing a sexy gold Princess Leia bikini-type outfit—the one she wore when she was captured by Jabba the Hutt. It was one of the most revealing costumes I’d ever put on, showing most of my cleavage and exposing lots of skin. Not only that, my hair was braided just like hers, and I even had chains on me.

  “Oh my, Princess Leia.” Max moved toward me with his predatory stride and his eyes targeted on me. “You are breathtaking. I’m going to make you my prisoner.” He yanked the chains around my neck and wrists lightly, pulling me to his chest. Then his hands roamed all over my body.

  “Merry Christmas, Mr. Knight,” I cooed, giving him a sexy smile.

  “It is a Merry Christmas indeed, Princess Leia.” His tone was hot and thick. I quivered from the way he looked at me with lust, passion, and love. Pulling the chains, he anchored me to our bed and gently lay me down.

  “Wait,” I said, going out of my character. “What do we do about the cookies and milk? We need to make it look like Santa was here.”

  Max wasted no time. His lips were on my neck, kissing, licking, and sucking, moving down lower and lower with each spoken word. “I’ve already taken care of that. I’ve left some crumbs on the floor. I ate two of the cookies and drank half the milk.”

  “You’re so on top of things,” I said out of breath, feeling tingles through every inch of me as Max continued to glide his hands over my body.

  “Yes, I am. And I’m going to be on top of you very soon after I have my way with you. I’m going to touch, kiss, lick, and suck every inch of you.”

  “TKLS,” I moaned, exploding with pleasure and arching my back when Max licked my nipples and teased my clit with his finger at the same time.

  He trailed back up again and met my eyes. “I love you, babe.” His smile and the look in his eyes said it all, how much he loved me.

  “I love you too,” I said softly, feeling those words through my heart and soul.

  Max made love to me ever so slowly, tenderly, and passionately. He took his time, making sure my needs were fulfilled and more. Somehow he managed to take off my costume and our bodies molded as one through the night. It was a very, very, very Merry Christmas indeed.

  Chapter 13

  Becky

  After we came home, we put out the cookies and milk for Santa and then put the kids to bed. While Matthew was making sure we had turned out all the lights downstairs and turned on the house alarm, I got ready for his surprise. Hearing a text bing, I looked at my phone.

  Matthew: Come downstairs.

  Me: Why?

  Matthew: It’s warm down here with the fireplace on. Also I’ve laid out blankets for us.

  He ruined my plan, but I could make it work. He’d have to see me in my Princess Leia outfit; Jenna and I had bought the same one online with her phone when we went Christmas shopping together.

  Me: I’ll be right down.

  Slipping on my white robe, I quietly headed out of the room. As I took step after step down the stairs, I admired Matt’s gift on the wall, every one of the canvases of our family. And I loved each one of them, every precious moment. Shifting my attention to finding Matt, I only saw the fireplace blazing when I reached the last step. By the fireplace was a fluffy blanket, a bottle of wine, and two glasses.

  “Matthew,” I whispered. Feeling a cool draft slip through my robe, I folded my arms around me to keep warm. Quickening my steps, I headed to the fireplace and released a sigh. Heat wrapped around me like a warm blanket. When I heard a tiny noise, I turned toward the sound to see Matt coming for me without a shirt and with a Santa hat on.

  Holy Cow! My husband was hot, but seeing the glistening of the fire illuminating the areas of his perfectly defined chest made the temperature rise ten degrees more. I had been warming up, but it suddenly got hot real fast.

  “Hello, Becca.” He sang my name just the way I loved to hear it when he was just a foot away from me, and I saw he was chewing on something.

  Flirtatiously, I ever so softly glided a finger from his Adam’s apple, straight down to the jeans he had changed into after we got home. “It’s Princess Leia. Becca isn’t here right now.”

  “Thus the braids, I see. What’s under that robe?” He waggled his brows, reaching for me.

  I backed away, making him frown. “First tell me what you’re eating?”

  “Why don’t you kiss me and find out?” he challenged.

  I planted my lips on his, giving him my tongue and the kind of kiss that would leave him begging for more. “Chocolate chip cookies. Did you lea
ve some crumbs and drink at least half the milk?”

  “Of course. I left evidence Santa was here.” He pointed to his hat. “I even left the presents under the tree and pretended I was him. So, now that I’ve been a good boy, it’s my turn. What are you wearing?”

  My hands traveled around his shoulders. “Why don’t you take the robe off and see for yourself?” I murmured. “Or you can use the power of the force and undress me.”

  Matt chuckled and began to untie the robe, then guided it to slip off one shoulder, then the next. His eyes darkened and grew lustful when he saw my skimpy costume.

  “My, my, my, don’t you look edible.” His words escaped his mouth in the most tantalizing way. “No amount of force power could keep me away from you.”

  I backed away and turned for him, so he could see every inch of it, exposing every curve of my body.

  “Come here.” Matt yanked me to him. “I need to touch you, Princess Leia.”

  There was no more talking after that. Matt and I finally got our alone time together. We savored every second, minute, hour, and made love to each other.

  “Round two?” he asked, kissing me softly near my belly button.

  “Maybe more,” I hummed and moaned, enjoying his hands gingerly caressing my legs.

  Matt not only gave me round two, but round three as well. We made up for the times we had been too busy to spend quality time together. Promising each other that we would do this more often, we went upstairs hand in hand.

  Chapter 14

  Matthew

  The flight to Mount Mammoth was exciting for the children, but the drive to our rented house sucked. I wasn’t a fan of driving in the snow, but it was one of the most fun times of the year for the children, and that alone kept me going, as well as the view. Snow blanketed the land from the rooftops to the leaves on the trees, and over every inch of the streets. Somehow it gave the feeling of serenity. Or maybe it was the fact that Thomas had called to let us know Victor had dropped the case. It was the best news of all. Thomas was going to get a fat bonus from us for sure.