A Christmas Treasure [The Men of Treasure Cove 9] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Rebecca Joyce

  * * * *

  Snow fell all around him as he stood under the large oak. Tugging his coat closer around him, he knelt down and placed the small bouquet of roses against the hard marble stone.

  Today was her birthday.

  Sniffling, he wiped his nose with the back of his coat sleeve and then chuckled. He could almost hear her sigh of disgust and see her rolling her eyes. She never could get him to behave let alone teach him any manners.

  He missed her.

  Of course, he would never admit that to anyone. But to her, alone, just the two of them, he could be honest. He missed her terribly.

  “Happy birthday, Momma,” he whispered, trying desperately to keep the tears at bay. “Everything is going good. Jeff is with Janie. He would have been here, but Janie can’t move around too much. She’s pregnant again and so far so good this time. We’re both so worried about her, but she assures us that this time, everything is going to be okay,” he said, wishing he could believe the words.

  “Annie’s doing great. Gabe and Alex are doing as they promised. She is never far from their sight. They’re good to her, Momma. You would be impressed. They’re good men. Aunt Anne and Aunt Sophie are enjoying themselves with Miz Raven in Italy. They sent us a postcard a couple of days ago. It was in Italian. I didn’t understand a word of it. Macie’s boys are getting big. Those boys look so much like Matthew and Andy it’s ridiculous. Kelly and her men are still going strong. No news on the baby front from them, but we’re all figuring it won’t be long before she starts having a litter of her own,” he said, chuckling. “I know that was wrong. I’m sorry.”

  A tree branch snapped, falling close to him. The wind blew and snow billowed furiously around him. Scowling, he sighed, “Okay! I’ll watch my mouth. Jeez, woman, no need to get violent. I only came out here to give you an update, but if you’re gonna start throwing shit at me, I’ll leave.”

  The wind slowed. “That’s better. I guess everyone is all right. We’re all getting together tonight so Janie can have some fun. She’s been real down lately, Mom. I don’t know how to make her happy. She’s worried about the baby, and Jeff and I are, too. Can you do me a favor? Can you put in a good word with the big guy? I know I’m not his favorite person half the time, but if he can see to it that Janie makes it through this okay, I would be much appreciative. She’s everything to me, Momma. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to her. Therefore, if you’re not too busy, can you keep an eye on her for me?

  “Well, I had better head back. Everyone should be arriving soon. Wouldn’t want to be a bad host and all. God knows why you insisted on manners and all. It’s a bunch of crap, you know. Nobody really gives a damn. Hell, most of them are family. Why we have to cater to them, I’ll never understand, but Jeff says it’s the right thing to do. Oh well. Whelp, it was nice talkin’ to ya, Ma. At least this time, you can’t yell back.” Caleb laughed as he turned to walk back to the house.

  The snow picked up as he headed toward the main house. Pulling his coat closer around him, the wind howled. He knew that if his mother was still around she would chastise his ass for cursing, and he smiled at the thought. Just then, he tripped and fell flat on his face, in the mud.

  Looking up he cursed, loudly, “Oh come on, really! Was that fucking necessary?”

  The wind swirled, and he swore he could hear his mother laughing at him.

  Getting to his feet, he stomped the rest of the way home. He had just entered the house when Jeff walked into the kitchen and laughed. “What the hell happened to you?”

  “Mom still has a sick sense of humor!”

  * * * *

  Matthew and Andrew sat with Trace and Colin watching Macie run around the house like a chicken with her head cut off. She was a force to be reckoned with today. In her element, they decided it was best to get out of her way, in fear of being plowed down by the veritable bulldozer that was their wife.

  “Where are the boys’ playpens!” their wife shouted from the dining room.

  “Should we tell her that everything is already packed?” Matthew asked quietly as Macie raced from the dining room, heading for the stairs.

  “What happened to their bags!” she shouted from upstairs.

  “Nope.” Andrew smiled, bouncing Colin on his lap.

  “She’s gonna be pissed, bro.” Matthew snickered.

  “I’m counting on it.”

  “Jeff said the room is ready for us,” Matthew informed his brother as Macie ran down the stairs, mumbling something incoherent.

  “Good.”

  “You think she will ever learn?” Matthew asked.

  “Nope.”

  “All right, what did you two do with the boys’ stuff?” their wife asked, coming to a halt before them. If Matthew didn’t know any better, he would swear he was being disciplined like a small child from the look in his wife’s eyes.

  “Are you going to calm down and relax? Because if you’re not, you are going to waste precious energy you’re going to need,” Andrew asked.

  “What are you talking about, Andy? We have to leave soon. Where is the boys’ stuff? I need to make sure I packed everything,” Macie said angrily, stomping her foot.

  “Oh, sweetheart, that’s ten. Wanna go for twenty?” Andrew said seriously. When Macie blanched, Andrew grinned. “Now that I have your attention, the vehicle is already packed. Matthew and I thought we would help you out this morning so you could enjoy your first Christmas with the boys, but as usual, you chose to do everything yourself. Macie, if you don’t let loose of the reins, you’re going to be spending an awful lot of time in the playroom. Are we clear?”

  “You could have told me,” she whispered, blushing.

  “Would you have listened?” Matthew asked.

  “No.”

  “Exactly,” Andrew said. “Now, if you’re done acting like a madwoman, it’s time to go.”

  Getting to his feet, he handed Colin over to Macie and kissed her cheek. “So looking forward to tonight, love.”

  Walking out of the house, Andrew and Matthew quickly had the boys in their car seats, listening to Macie ramble on about chains and ball gags.

  * * * *

  Janie still couldn’t believe her husbands had pulled this night off without her ever finding out. Christmas had always been a day that she overlooked. It wasn’t that she didn’t love the sentiment of the day, she did, but after growing up in foster care and then living alone, well she never really had the chance to celebrate it with anyone. That was until she met Jeff and Caleb. This was their second Christmas together. Moreover, other than the first Christmas being her favorite, this one was coming in a close second.

  Everyone was enjoying themselves. Children were running around, laughing and playing, couples huddled together, hugging and kissing. Even her sister was sitting with her husbands as she allowed Jordan to rub her expanded belly.

  Tonight was perfect.

  She couldn’t ask for a more wonderful Christmas, even if she planned it herself.

  “Having a good time?” Jeff asked, coming up behind her and kissing her cheek. Even with a house full of guests, she’d still been regulated to the couch. It irked her not to move about, talking and visiting with her friends, but they didn’t seem to mind. Emma and Macie made perfect stand-in hosts and made sure that everyone was comfortable.

  “It’s so wonderful, Jeff. Thank you,” she said, smiling up at him.

  “Merry Christmas, cupcake.”

  “Merry Christmas, Jeff,” she replied. “Just one question though.”

  “Sure, what is it?” he asked, sitting down beside her.

  “Where are we going to put everyone? It’s getting late, and I am assuming they are all staying the night.”

  “You would be correct. The families with kids are staying with us, and the single folks are going to stay with the Mastersons. They’ve offered to host those people since they live the closest. Maria made sure that all the extra rooms were cleaned and stocked. That’s why sh
e had some of the ranch hands working in the house yesterday. Did you know that when my great-granddad built this place, he wanted to fill it with children? That’s why he built all those extra rooms. When he and his wife only had two sons, they opened their house during the holidays to friends and family members. Technically, we are carrying on that same tradition. Of course, if we have all those kids Granddad wanted to have, then the house will be full enough. However, if this one,” Jeff said, placing his hand on her still flat stomach, caressing it, “if this is our only, he or she will still have a house full of playmates every Christmas. We will start our own tradition.”

  “Janie, Janie, Janie!” a loud boisterous voice boomed over the crowd of people, though nobody really paid any attention to it. Hearing Tabitha Quinn yell was just par for the course in Treasure Cove. Unless it was a bloodcurdling scream or tears, nobody really cared.

  “Yes, Tabby. What is it?” she said sweetly, giving the precocious eight-year-old her undivided attention.

  “I know a secret, and it’s a whopper!” the little girl gasped, almost out of breath.

  “Why are you breathing heavily?” Janie asked curiously.

  “’Cause Daddy is trying to catch me.”

  “Which daddy?”

  “All of them.” She giggled. “But I’m faster.”

  “I see. So what’s this big secret that your fathers are trying to keep you from telling?”

  “Tabitha McKenzie Quinn!” a firm voice shouted over the party. The room instantly quieted and parted, all eyes turning toward the little girl. Tabby shrieked and jumped in between Janie and Jeff, seeking sanctuary as the three Quinn brothers barreled their way.

  “But, Daddy, I gotta tell!” she shouted back at them as they moved swiftly toward her.

  “Not a word, Tabitha,” Tate ordered, smiling.

  “But everyone’s gonna find out when the new baby makes Momma’s tummy bigger!”

  The room erupted in hoots and laughter. Congratulations flew around the room as everyone hugged Emma and shook or slapped the Quinn brothers’ backs. Janie smiled, watching the whole scene before her. It was a wonderful occasion. Another baby was coming soon to her extended family. Her sister smiled as she came to sit in the seat Jeff vacated, taking Tabitha with him.

  “Happy?” Charlotte asked, taking her hand in hers.

  “Oh yes. Today was a wonderful surprise. This is a Christmas I will never forget.”

  “I bet I can top that surprise,” Charlotte said cryptically.

  “What do you mean?” Janie asked, and then she felt it. Looking down between her legs, water dripped onto the floor. She stared wide-eyed. Quickly shifting her gaze to her sister, words fled her mind.

  Oh God!

  “Charlie?”

  “It’s all right. I’ve been so flustered and moody for the last three days. I thought the parasite was practicing the Taekwondo videos I’ve been showing it on my back. However, on the ride over here, when pain moved to my stomach, I knew it was something else. Janie, I think the parasite wants out,” Charlotte whispered as she hugged her. “Just promise me, if it shoots out of my stomach, don’t let Braxton shoot it. Jordan said he would love it regardless, even if it was an alien species that sucked the internal organs out of him.”

  Stifling her laughter, Janie asked, “Does it hurt? Are you in pain?”

  “Naw, not really. I’ve been watching all those birthing videos on YouTube. You know where the women are screaming like banshees, well, I don’t get it. What I am feeling really doesn’t warrant a bloodcurdling scream. It’s more like a…” Charlotte said, and then turned ghostly white. The next words out of her mouth solidified exactly what was going to happen next. “Shit, you little fucker…that hurt!”

  Charlotte screamed and grabbed her stomach as Janie stared wide-eyed.

  Everyone fell silent.

  Chapter Nine

  There were over thirty people in the Hicks house, and in that one minuscule millisecond, what was a joyous occasion turned into pandemonium. Everything happened so fast Janie swore she was witnessing Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls.

  Before Janie could blink, Braxton had Charlotte in his arms, as Kelly, Andy and Jordan paved the way to the back of the house, to one of the empty bedrooms. Charlotte’s screams were loud and clear as she yelled for drugs. Unable to move, Janie itched to get off the couch. When Charlie let out a bloodcurdling scream, Janie couldn’t take it anymore. Getting to her feet, she made it two steps before Caleb had her in his arms. “Nuh-uh, baby. Doc said you are to stay put.”

  “Caleb, you either take me to my sister right now, or this child will be the only one you have, because I will cut off your balls and feed them to Peaches!”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Caleb grimaced and proceeded to take her toward the back of the house where her sister was.

  * * * *

  “Come on, kids. Let’s go to the basement and watch some cartoons,” Tucker said as he, Micah, and Jacks hurriedly ushered them downstairs.

  “Is Ms. Charlotte gonna have her baby now?” Molly asked.

  “Yep, and she is hoppin’ mad about it, too. Momma said that when the baby comes, the gates of hell were gonna open and only God himself were gonna be able to save us,” Tabitha said.

  “Wow, really!” Molly explained.

  “All right, Ms. Gossip Queen, downstairs with the both of you.” Tucker snickered.

  “Annie, Lilly, how about a game of poker?” Macie asked, walking toward the kitchen with Hazel.

  “I’ll start it off,” Annie said, smiling. “Fifty she delivers in the next hour.”

  “You’re on!” Hazel said, reaching into Steven’s back pocket and taking his wallet.

  “Hey!” He grinned.

  “Oh, did you want to place a bet, too?” she asked, looking up at the ashen man.

  “Uh, no,” he replied, looking for an escape. “I need a drink.”

  “Booze is in the barn, boys!” Caleb offered as he returned to the room with his brother.

  “All right, folks,” Jeff said. “It looks like tonight is the night. For those spending the night with the Mastersons, they will have the wagon ready and are looking to disembark within the next fifteen minutes. Apparently, they believe it will be less traumatic for those with sensitive sensibilities. Basically, if you’re not married, and you have not witnessed the joy of birth, you’re invited to an after-hours party, and the drinks are on them.”

  “Thank god!” Vanessa said, grabbing her coat as she walked over toward the Masterson brothers. “No offense, Macie, but I am forever scarred thanks to you and your boys. Lead the way, men. I need to reacquaint myself with my friend Johnny Walker!”

  “None taken, sweetie. Have a drink for me, will ya?” Macie said, hugging the woman.

  “Honey, I’m gonna drink the whole bottle. I will also be praying you all survive the night.”

  “Oh Charlie isn’t going to be that bad,” Lilly said as a crystal-clear voice screamed from down the hall. “You motherfucker, stop hurting me! Braxton, shoot it!”

  “Um, yeah, okay…Van, I’d start praying now,” Lilly said, grimacing.

  * * * *

  Over the next few hours, the Jenkins house became ground zero for the event of the century. Most of the men headed downstairs to escape the screams and threats from down the hall. Especially when Charlotte had made it perfectly clear that any person with a dick was a walking dead man.

  The women all sat around the kitchen table, listening to the comedic commentary as they played cards and kept the coffee pot full.

  “Well, she’s three hours in. Emma, you owe the jar fifty bucks,” Macie said, handing Emma the mason jar she found in the cupboard. They had all decided that the money won from tonight’s bidding was going into a college fund for the little parasite. Annie and Hazel had already placed their money in the jar when the first hour passed.

  After Emma deposited the money in the jar, she said, “I wish someone would come out and give us an update.”

/>   “I think they have their hands full in there with Charlotte,” Lilly said.

  “Oh to be a fly on the wall in that room.” Hazel grinned.

  “You know something, I bet Charlie comes out of this unscathed. I would even go as far to bet her men make it out without a scratch on them,” Lilly inferred.

  The women at the table all gaped at Lilly in shock, and then said in unison, “You’re on!”

  Macie was dealing a new hand when Jeff, Travis, and Gabriel walked in. When Macie shook her head no, the men filled their cups and quickly headed back downstairs. Macie knew the men weren’t running away. Okay, they were, but any one of them would face danger head-on and live to tell the tale if need be. However, no one, not even her, had the balls to confront that hellcat down the hall. There was just something about Charlotte that even scared the living crap out of her, and she was her sister-in-law!

  “I’m gonna go check on the kids,” Emma said.

  “I’ll go with you,” Lilly agreed, getting up from the table.

  Looking at the clock, Macie made note of the time. “Five hours to midnight.” It was going to be a long night. There was nothing for any one of them to do but get the kids bedded down and put on another pot of coffee. Because no one was going to get any sleep until the drama was over. “Hang on, girls, I’ll come with you.”

  It was ten minutes to ten. All the kids were finally sleeping. The men were with Jeff and Caleb in the playroom, where they hooked up a television and were watching ESPN and drinking beer. Macie and the girls cleaned up the house and just sat down for another game of cards when they noticed the house had gotten quiet, too quiet.