Five Days Until You

by Monica Murphy

  My heart aches, it’s so full of love for my husband, my children, my brother and his girlfriend. Not only is my heart full, but so is my life.

  “You okay?” Drew reaches up to cup my cheek, his big, warm hand a comfort, a balm for my chaotic soul. My emotions are all over the place lately and it hasn’t helped that Drew’s been gone the last few days.

  “I’m just glad you’re back,” I admit, my voice raspy, my eyes stinging with tears. I still hate crying. Makes me feel weak.

  “I am too.” He frowns as his calloused fingers stroke my face. “I’m an asshole, though. I didn’t get you a Christmas gift.”

  I shake my head, a watery laugh escaping me. “Don’t bother. You’re my Christmas gift.”

  He makes a face. “Please. Your brother is going to give Chelsea a diamond and I’m giving you nothing? I don’t think so. I’ll go shopping tomorrow.”

  “I’m telling you, it’s not ne—”

  Drew rests his fingers over my lips, silencing me. “Shut it, woman. I’m getting you a gift.”

  “Fine,” I whisper once he removes his fingers from my mouth. “But let me give you a special gift first, okay?”

  He doesn’t protest, doesn’t utter a word. Just offers me a nod as I move down his body and proceed to rock his world.

  I never did talk to Owen last night. I ended up having to lie down in Autumn’s tiny bed with her until she fell back asleep. Problem was, I ended up falling asleep too, waking up past midnight with a crick in my neck and lower back pain since I was crammed into that toddler bed alongside a little girl who sleeps like she’s making angels in the snow.

  As in, legs and arms wide, nearly pushing me off the bed.

  I found Owen crashed out on the couch with a cheesy Hallmark channel movie playing in the background. I turned it off and the Christmas tree lights, then woke Owen and walked him back to the bed we’re sharing in his old room. He didn’t say a word, just tore off his shirt, yanked off his jeans and climbed beneath the thick comforter.

  I followed after him, wondering at his strange mood all night. He’s been antsy for days, really. Like something’s bothering him, but every time I ask, he brushes me off or says he’s fine, just tired and stressed from the finals he took last week. Plus, there’s all the preparation for the draft. I know he’s been extra busy but…

  His excuses are lame. I pretend to accept them when deep down inside, I know something’s bothering him. Something big.

  So it bothers me too.

  The moment I took off my sweat pants and bra and climbed into bed, Owen made a grab for me, pushed me against the mattress and kissed me so hard, he left me breathless. He never said anything—and Owen is a talker during sex, he always has been—just stripped me naked, kissed me everywhere, tore off his underwear and then slid deep inside me from behind, his arm banded across my stomach, his hand gripped my breast, fingers pinched my nipple as he took me hard and fast.

  It surprised me. And…it was awesome.

  Weirder still is how he never mentions it this morning. Not like we can talk about it over the breakfast table with his sister and brother-in-law sitting with us, his niece humming Christmas songs off key and Jake making a mess of himself while Fable attempts to feed him disgusting looking baby food.

  Domestic bliss at its finest.

  I want forever with Owen, I don’t ever doubt that. But oh my gosh, babies? Not yet. I’m too young. I want to explore things and check out the world, not be tied down with a baby. I’ll get my baby fix with Jake and Autumn, thank you very much.

  “What are you guys up to today?” Fable asks, looking at me since she knows I’m the planner and Owen’s more of the doer.

  “I don’t know.” I shrug, looking at Owen, who I already find is watching me. So weird. “What do you want to do?”

  “Whatever you want, Chels,” he says, his voice easygoing but I see the anxiety in his gaze. The poor guy is amped up. And I don’t understand why.

  “He’s going shopping with me,” Drew says, his deep, authoritative voice allowing no arguments. “There are a few things I need to pick up.”

  “Ah, yeah. Right.” Owen flashes me a smile, one that makes everything within me light up. He’s so good looking. I don’t ever get tired of staring at him.

  Truth be told, I don’t get tired of looking at Drew either. Between the two of them, it’s testosterone overload. There is something about them when they’re together…they have such presence. I feel a little dazzled when I end up spending too much time in their company.

  “I’m going to try and make cookies.” Fable grimaces. “I’ve never been much of a baker, but I want to create Christmas traditions with the kids and thought this year would be perfect to start.”

  Autumn bangs her hands against the edge of the table, making everything rattle. “I’ll help.”

  “I’m sure you will,” Fable says dryly, sending me a tired smile.

  “I will too,” I say. “My mom and I used to make cookies together every Christmas. Frosted sugar cookies.”

  “That’s what I wanted to do today,” Fable says, her voice lowering. “But I’m going to cheat and make the dough straight out of those bags. Just add an egg and a stick of butter and boom, you’re done.”

  I laugh. “Perfect. I remember my mom’s frosting recipe she got from my grandma so I’ll be in charge of that.”

  “I’ll frost the cookies!” Autumn crows, making Drew and Owen wince.

  “Sounds perfect,” I say, my gaze meeting Owen’s once more. I send him a reassuring smile, one that says, whatever’s bothering you, it’s all going to be okay.

  I hope he understands it. I hope he realizes that’s true. I’m not going anywhere. His family is my family now too. Owen’s all mine.

  And I’m all his.

  “I couldn’t wait.” I hold out my hand towards Fable, the small box wrapped in shiny gold paper and topped with a vivid red bow sitting on my palm. “Merry Christmas.”

  She stares at the gift for a long, quiet moment, her expression incredulous. “That’s not jewelry, is it?”

  “Open it and find out.” Now I feel as anxious as Owen. I tried to talk him down off the ledge while we went out shopping earlier, reassuring him that Chelsea loves him and won’t say no to anything he has to offer, but he’s still nervous. Poor guy.

  “Shouldn’t I wait until tomorrow?” She’s still studying the gift, her teeth sinking into her plump lower lip, looking sexy as hell. She’s fresh out of the shower after putting our kids down to bed, her hair hanging in a damp braid down her back, wearing a red T-shirt with a way too jolly looking Santa Claus on it and a pair of little black sleeping shorts.

  All I want to do is strip her down and have my way with her but I restrain myself. For now.

  “I want you to open it tonight. It’s Christmas Eve.” I shrug and shove my hand closer to her. “Take it.”

  She plucks the gift from my palm and contemplates it, running a finger over the bow. “Did you wrap it?”

  I chuckle. “No. I’m not that talented.”

  Fable sends me a smirk. “You are pretty talented, Drew. Magic hands and all that.”

  “Football and making my wife feel good, those are my handy talents,” I tell her with a wink, making her laugh. “Come on, Fable. You’re driving me nuts. Open the damn gift.”

  “If you say so.” She gently tugs the bow off the top and sets it on the dresser, then slides her finger beneath the wrapping paper and tape, opening it like she’s going to save the paper for later or something. I’m bouncing on the balls of my feet, impatient as I watch her carefully open it and I sort of want to rip it out of her hands and help her along.

  But I don’t.

  With the paper gone, all that’s left is a small, black velvety box. “Drew…” Her voice drifts and she shakes her head. “You spent too much money, didn’t you?”

  “Stop worrying about money.” She’s always so practical. Growing up poor does that to a person, but I’ve always had mo
re money than I know what to do with. If I want to spoil her, then it’s my damn right to do so. Stepping closer to her, I slip my arm around her waist. “Open the box, Fable.”

  She does so, slowly, as if she wants to savor the moment. When she pops the lid open, I hear her gasp. Nestled inside is a diamond band, the dim light from the nearby lamp catching on the stones, making them sparkle. Her eyes, when they lift to mine, are sparkling too, filled with unshed tears. And my Fable doesn’t cry much. The sight tugs at my heart. “It’s beautiful.”

  With my free hand, I take the ring from the box and hold it out to her. “Not as beautiful as you.” She holds out her trembling right hand and I slip it on her ring finger. The ring is simple, the flawless round stones covering the entire band. “I saw it and knew I had to get it. The stones are bright and beautiful, like you.” I pause, worry suddenly gnawing t me. “You like it?”

  “I love it. Anything from you, I love.” She turns her hand this way and that, the stones bright on her slender finger. “It fits perfectly.”

  “I have my ways.” I kiss her cheek and she turns her head toward mine, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. “I love you, baby. Thanks for making my world brighter.”

  “I love you, too.” She pouts, her lips brushing against mine. “Now the lame presents I got you are going to seem extra lame.”

  I laugh and grab hold of her waist, hear the box drop to the floor with a dull thud when I push her onto the mattress. “No way. Everything you give me is perfect.”

  Instead of reading a book all cozied up in the overstuffed chair by the Christmas tree like she was last night, now I’m sitting in the chair with Chelsea in my lap, her head on my shoulder, face pressed against my neck. I can feel her warm breath, her lips moving on my skin when she speaks and it’s making me crazy.

  “We should go to bed soon,” she murmurs, her voice sleepy. She drapes her arm across my chest, her hand clutching my other shoulder and I poke her in the side, making her lift her head up. “What?”

  “I have something for you.” Shit, is my voice shaking? What the hell is wrong with me? I need to man up.

  She frowns, her dark eyebrows drawing together. “You do?”

  “Yeah. It’s this.” I hold out a small black box. I didn’t bother wrapping it. What’s the point?

  Chelsea’s lips part and she stares at the box as if it’s a poisonous snake about to bite her. “What is it?”

  “Open it.”

  She takes the box from me and pops the lid open, sucking in a harsh breath when she sees what’s inside. Her gaze lifts to mine, shock written all over her face. “Owen. Is this a…”

  “I want you to marry me,” I say, interrupting her. When she gapes, I hurriedly add, “Someday. Not now. Not even a year from now, unless you want to. Because I’m ready whenever you are. Last summer when we were apart, it made me realize just how much I need you. How much I want to make you a permanent part of my life. But I know we’re both young and we’re trying to figure out what we’re doing here. I do know this, though. I love you. I love you so much, Chels. I know I don’t tell you that enough, and I’m sorry, but I lo—”

  Chelsea cuts me off with a kiss, her lips firm against mine before she pulls away slightly. “Yes,” she whispers. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love the ring. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  “Are you sure?” I take the ring from the box and slip it on her finger. It looks perfect there, just like I knew it would. “I know I can be a stubborn ass sometimes. And a pain in your ass, too. I’m almost done with school, thank God. But there’s the possibility I could…go pro and then I’d be busy and you’ll be busy. We probably won’t see each other much.”

  “I don’t care about any of that.” She shakes her head, her head dropping to stare at the ring before she lifts her gaze to mine once more. “All I care about is you. And us. Together.”

  I smile, my heart lighter at her words. I have to say it again. I need to keep saying it so she understands just how I feel. “I love you.”

  She smiles and leans in to kiss me again. “I love you, too.”

  “Thank you for saying yes,” I whisper when we end the kiss minutes later. I can’t help but thank her, I’m so damn relieved.

  “Thank you for asking,” she says, laughter tingeing her voice. “Now let’s go to bed.”

  “Nice ring,” I say to Chelsea, flashing a knowing smile in Owen’s direction. “Guess he couldn’t wait to give it to you, huh?”

  Chelsea grins and holds out her hand. It’s a simple round diamond, not too big, not too small, tiny diamonds lining the band. “I love it.”

  “You did good, Owen,” I say. “With the ring and the girl.”

  He smiles in response as I pull Chelsea into a quick hug.

  It’s Christmas morning and we’ve come out to the living room, though I’ve been snuggling with Jake in bed for the last hour while feeding him. Drew finally woke up and watched us with a sleepy smile and a contented expression, his hair a wreck, sticking up all over his head. I’ve never seen him look better.

  But I think that all the time since I’m so completely biased.

  Finally Autumn came running into our room, yelling about Santa, so we climbed out of bed to find Owen and Chelsea already sitting by the tree, smooching on each other. Then I noticed the ring on her finger.

  All is right in our world.

  “Ooh, look at your ring!” Chelsea snags my right hand in hers, admiring the present Drew gave me last night. “It’s so pretty.”

  “I thought you were going to wait,” Owen says accusingly to Drew.

  He shrugs and goes to the tree, where he gets down on his knees and starts going through the presents. “I couldn’t. I’m impatient like you. Autumn, you have one from Santa right here.”

  “Yay!” Autumn goes to her daddy and tackles him, wrapping her little arms around his neck. He grabs hold of her and tickles her belly, making her giggle before he hands her the present.

  After that it’s a flurry of paper flying everywhere, gifts being admired and stockings becoming unstuffed. About an hour later, I go to the kitchen after every present is unwrapped and start the coffee before I grab the stuff I need to begin making breakfast.

  “Hey.”

  I turn to find Drew standing in the doorway and I admire his outfit. He’s wearing green and red plaid pajama pants—ones I bought him for Christmas last year that he never wears—and a white T-shirt. He looks good. When does he not look good? “I just started coffee,” I tell him because I know he’s probably eager for some.

  “I don’t care about the coffee.” He walks toward me and wraps me in his arms. “Thanks again for the presents.”

  “They were nothing special.” A shirt I found that reminded me of the color of his eyes, and a watch. A bag of his favorite candy stashed in his stocking and the newest Madden video game because, oh my God, do you think he gets enough football out on the field? That would be a no. I figure by early this afternoon he and Owen will be completely engrossed in the game, yelling and cursing at each other. I’ll have to hide the children.

  “They were awesome.” He kisses me. “Just like you are.”

  I roll my eyes. “You’re such a flatterer.”

  “I’m just speaking the truth.” He holds me close, smiling down at me. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

  “Merry Christmas to you, too,” I murmur, standing on my tiptoes so I can deliver a kiss to his perfect lips.

  “I’m so tired. It was a great day.” I snuggle up close to Owen in bed, sighing when he rolls over to face me, his arm going around me and hauling me to him.

  “Are you too tired for this?” He makes a grab for my waist, his hand sneaking beneath my shirt to cup my breast.

  “Never,” I whisper as his head descends and he kisses me thoroughly.

  “Did you have a good Christmas?” he asks minutes later, when we’re both breathless from too much kissing.

  “Oh, yeah.” I nod, skimming
my fingers down his bare chest, across his stomach. “I love my gift.”

  “I’m glad.” I can hear the happiness in his voice. Now I get why he was so anxious. He was worried I was going to say no, which is the silliest thing ever.

  “I think I want a big wedding,” I say nonchalantly as he rolls over and pins me beneath him.

  “Really?” He looks surprised.

  “Mmm, hmmm.” I slip my arm around him and rest my hand on his butt. “At least six bridesmaids.”

  Now he looks worried. “Six?”

  “Yes. And we’ll invite a ton of people. Fable told me of a few places where we could possibly hold the reception. Though she did mention they’re pretty expensive.”

  I think he’s starting to sweat. I bite my lip, trying my best to contain the laughter that wants to spill.

  “You really want to go all out, huh? Because, uh, that might take me a while, to save up the money.”

  Finally I can’t take it any longer and I start to laugh. “I’m kidding. I don’t care about a big wedding.”

  “You sure? Because I’d give it to you. I’ll give you whatever you want,” he says, utter sincerity in his voice, glowing in his eyes.

  My heart threatens to burst. “I’m sure. All I want is you.”

  “I feel the same way, Chels.” He kisses me. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “Merry Christmas, babe.”

  Closing my eyes, I pinch his butt and he nibbles on my ear, the both of us laughing. “Merry Christmas.”

  Check out the first chapter of FAIR GAME (Book One of The Rules series), coming May 12th!

  Chapter One

  Jade

  “I hate Shepard Prescott.”

  “Of course you do. Heaven forbid you’re normal and think he’s hot like the rest of the female population on campus.” Kelli rolls her eyes, flicking her long, perfectly wavy brown hair over her shoulder. I dodge out of the way before all that glossy perfect hair smacks me in the face.