I tried not to giggle.
She sniffed, turning her head as if she could ignore his presence. Brayden and I exchanged a glance. The sexual tension between them was palpable. His gaze locked on her no matter where he was in the room, and whether Gracie admitted it or not, hers did as well. His words said so much. Why wasn’t Gracie listening?
With them sitting that close to each other, you could feel something between them. How on earth they thought no one would catch on today was laughable. I had a feeling today was simply a ticking time bomb, and I wondered who would be caught in the explosion.
Jaxson handed me a lovely box of chocolates and Brayden a small bottle of his favorite whiskey. As with his dad, it was his preferred alcohol, although he didn’t enjoy sampling as much as Maddox did. Brayden had a brand, and he stuck to it.
Ignoring the look Gracie threw me, I stood and kissed Jaxson’s cheek. “Thank you. How on earth did you know these are my favorites?”
He smiled. “I listen.” He glanced at Gracie. “I’m always listening.” He reached into the bag and withdrew a box of chocolate caramels—Gracie’s favorite. The box was larger than the others had been and decorated beautifully. “For my favorite intern.”
“I’m your only intern.”
“Yes, you are. You are both.”
She took the box, touching the lovely bow. I noticed the way her fingers trembled. “Thank you.”
Jaxson folded the bag beside him. “I guess my work is done.” He stood and pulled off his heavy Santa coat and removed the padded stomach. His actions revealed a white dress shirt, covered in a deep navy cable-knit cardigan. He looked casual but dressy at the same time. I noticed the way Gracie’s gaze flickered up and down, then she looked away. He was incredibly well built and sexy. A cross between Aiden and Brayden. Tall and strong. Broad yet slim. I could only imagine the muscles his clothes hid. I had to avert my eyes.
He reached into a pocket of his coat beside him and handed me an envelope. I frowned.
“What is this?”
“For you and your husband.”
Confused, I opened it, finding a wedding card with a donation receipt to the local no-kill shelter we supported. It was generous and kind. Thoughtful.
“You didn’t have to do this.”
He shook his head. “I enjoyed being at your wedding. Meeting your family. Being welcomed so warmly—” his gaze drifted to Gracie, then back to me “—by your family. I wanted to contribute to a cause so dear to your heart.”
It was a thoughtful gesture. I met his gaze, seeing the flare of pain in his eyes as he spoke. He was intense and deep. Serious. But I had a feeling underneath was a man with many complex layers. And whether or not Gracie wanted to admit it, he was trying to open himself up to show her.
I stood and hugged him. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re here today, Jaxson.”
I ignored Gracie’s muffled gasp of outrage. Brayden stood and shook his hand. “Up to a game of air hockey?”
“Sounds like fun.”
“I’m going to help with dinner preparations. You coming with me, Gracie?” I asked.
She pursed her lips. “I would like a moment with Jaxson first.”
Brayden grabbed my hand. “Okay. See you downstairs shortly.”
I tried not to grin as I heard Jaxson’s mutter. “If I survive.”
Brayden
Christmas was always fun. I knew this Christmas would be even more so, having just gotten married. Add in the unexpected behavior and the secret Gracie was hiding?
It was awesome.
When Jaxson joined us, he was cool and calm. He admitted he had never played air hockey but caught on quickly. It was a top-of-the-line machine, complete with all the bells and whistles. Sounds that echoed when you scored. Buzzers. Crowd noises. The kids inside us loved it.
Jaxson was competitive and smart—a great opponent—and the room was loud with smack talk and laughter. I didn’t push or try to get information. I liked to tease Gracie, but I wasn’t an asshole. It was her secret to share, and I wouldn’t break her confidence. It wasn’t hard to notice the way he kept looking for her, though. Every time someone would walk into the room, his gaze would snap to the door. When the sound of a feminine voice would come closer, he would lift his head, and I knew he was hoping it was Gracie. He seemed genuinely infatuated with her, and I was dying to hear the story. His version. I had a feeling it was way different from hers.
We played, taking turns until Addi appeared downstairs. Her face was flushed, and she was wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Snacks are ready, and Aiden wants to get to the presents.”
Everyone laughed. Aiden was always big on the presents. Funnily enough, his favorite part was watching people open the gifts and seeing their enjoyment. The big man was really just a giant teddy bear.
For the first time since arriving, Jaxson looked uncomfortable. He set down his pusher as the room emptied, the offer of food and gifts too tempting to resist.
“I believe I’ll find a quiet corner and perhaps read for a while.”
Addi shook her head, walking over and wrapping her arm through his. “No, you have to come join us.”
“This is for family. Your gift time. I’m quite fine on my own.”
She leaned close, smiling at him. “It’s Christmas, Jaxson. Santa visits everyone here.” She tugged on his arm. “Everyone.”
A delighted smile tugged on his mouth. “I don’t wish to intrude. It wasn’t my intention.”
“You aren’t intruding. And you have to come.”
Watching how he responded to Addi, the way his tension melted under her gentle urgings, I understood. She was hard to resist. They walked past me, Addi holding on to his arm, making sure he wasn’t left alone.
I followed behind, smiling.
And I fell in love with her all over again.
There were platters of sandwiches, bowls of chips and snacks, and trays of cookies. The spicy scent of hot cider laced the air. We all helped ourselves and headed toward the tree. Outside, the sky was heavy and the snow falling thick and fast.
“Thank god we’re all here and safe,” Nan breathed. “No one is leaving this compound until it’s over.”
We all laughed since none of us planned on doing so. Jaxson looked pleased at the thought, and I noticed the glance he and Gracie shared.
We ate, enjoying the food and one another’s company. It was the same way all the time when we were all together. We seemed to drift into our own little pods. The triplets sat close together as usual, their dark heads bent over their plates. Liam sat next to them, and beside him, Aiden. All were quiet as they consumed their lunch. In the Callaghan family, eating was serious business. Cami and Ava were the softness in the family, yet I wouldn’t want to cross either of them. Both were fierce and strong—in many ways, stronger than the boys. They were adored by all the males in the family.
Shelby was perched on the stairs, eating as she drew. She always had a sketchbook close at hand, and I knew she would be busy all day. My mom and dad were together on a sofa close to her, my mom making sure my sister ate since she tended to get lost in her art. My mom fussed over them, chiding my dad about how many stuffed pepper poppers he took and teasing him about heartburn. He responded by kissing her nose and telling her he was fine.
Bentley sat in a chair, Emmy perched on his lap. They always stayed close. He would often tuck a blanket over her knees and tug her shawl over her shoulder if it slipped off. She fed him tidbits, their intimate gestures never changing over the years. Thomas sat in a chair close to Bentley, the two of them talking quietly as they ate. I heard him telling his parents about some changes to the marine biology program and being excited by the new direction. They listened intently, obviously pleased to have their son close for a short time. Chloe sat nearby, her knees tucked to her chest, nibbling away, lost in thought.
Richard and Katy were nestled in the corner, Gracie perched close by and the twins, Gavin and Penny, talking up a storm as usual,
often finishing each other’s sentences. Their youngest, Matthew, was the quiet one of the group. He sat on the ottoman, listening and observing as always. Addi and I were beside them, and Jaxson had eased his big body to the floor, angled so he faced Gracie directly. She had relaxed somewhat and was cordial, although I had a feeling it was more to show her parents that all was well rather than how she really felt.
Not far away, Reed sat on the floor in front of Heather, his head leaning against her lap. They always sat between their two families, equal and happy.
Van and his girls sat together, Liv watching Reed with a smile. They loved Heather, and I knew they were hoping Reed made it official soon.
Reid and Becca and their crew were close to the tree. That was their spot and always had been. Reid was a big kid himself and loved the holidays. Halton and his gang rounded out our group. They took up a whole section of the room, and the laughter was constant with them.
Nan and Pops never sat anywhere for long. They perched and visited each group, checking everyone was good and that we were all happy. I knew Nan was disappointed that her grandson Colin and his family weren’t here this year. It was his wife’s turn to have Christmas with her family, but they would be here before New Year’s. Jordan’s kids stayed home this year since his eldest granddaughter was pregnant and too far along to travel. He and Nan were headed to BC in a few days and would have their holiday time with them then.
It occurred to me that one day, hopefully not too far in the future, Addi and I would have our own little pod. That our parents would be fussing over our child, and we would claim our own space in the room. The thought did something to my chest, warming it and making me smile.
Addi leaned close, whispering. “What are you thinking about, Brayden? You’re smiling like you just won the lottery.”
I bent low and kissed her. I could do that now without worry. She was my wife, and Bentley could no longer clear his throat if he thought I was getting too close or lingering on her lips too long. I could kiss her anytime I wanted to. But I kept it respectful. For today.
“I did win the lottery. I got you.” I kissed her again, making her smile. “I was thinking about the future, Addi. Adding our kids to this crazy mix. Watching them grow up the way we did, surrounded by this outrageous family.”
Her eyes widened. “Can you imagine?” she whispered back.
“Yeah, I can. It’s gonna be awesome.”
“But we’re going to wait a while.”
I brushed my mouth to hers again. “Yes. I need you to myself for a while. Just you and me.” I touched her cheek, drifting my fingers down her skin. “I’m not ready to share just yet.” I moved in for another kiss when the familiar sound of a throat clearing caught my attention. I looked up and met Bentley’s eyes. He waved his fingers between us, indicating he was still watching me, but he did so with a wink and a grin. I couldn’t resist kissing Addi one last time.
He and I both chuckled.
After eating, we turned to the tree and the mountain of gifts it contained. Our tradition was that each person got a gift to open, and we all admired them. Nothing was hurried or rushed. When we were kids, it was different, but over the years, we had learned how to enjoy it. Savor the time. Admire the wrapping and the gift that lay under the festive bows.
Jaxson looked startled when he was handed his first gift. It was a handsome scarf, one I had, in fact, been admiring, and from the fast, apologetic look my mother cast me, I knew it was, indeed, the same one. But I was fine with it, especially seeing his delight. There was a nice bottle of scotch from Nan and Pops, and a few other gifts that he opened. Each one, he exclaimed over—even the socks we all got every year—and with each gift, I saw him relax and enjoy himself. I always knew the women in my family were special, but seeing how they had strived to make sure this man was included made me proud to be part of this family.
There were the usual gag gifts. Silk underwear for Aiden he was all too happy to model. A book, 101 Ways to Relax, for Bentley. A pocket calculator for my dad. A tiny hammer for Van. Small things that made everyone laugh.
Addi got the raciest set of lingerie I had ever seen. Her cheeks were bright red as she held up the scraps of black lace, and I felt my ears get warm as I pictured her in it. The catcalls and whoops made me chuckle. The way the triplets high-fived one another left me no doubt who the culprits were.
The Costco-sized box of condoms I got made me laugh out loud.
After the gifts were done, we cleaned up the paper and lunch remnants. Some people drifted back to the basement. The women checked on dinner and then decided quiet relaxation with some wine was called for in the library. The snow had stopped, at least for now, so some donned their skates and headed outside.
I wanted a little time alone with Addi. We bundled up and went for a walk down by the water. The beach was covered in snow, piles beginning to accumulate by the rocks. The inner bay was frozen, and the laughter from the skaters floated over the air. We walked into the woods, finding a quiet spot. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. She wrapped her hands around my neck, returning my caresses with enthusiasm. Moments passed as we lost ourselves to the other. The cold ceased to exist, the raging fire of desire racing through me. I gathered her close and pulled her to my lap as I sat down heavily on a broken tree behind a clump of bushes. We were hidden and private. We kissed, our tongues stroking together, at times deeply, other times teasing and light. I nibbled on her bottom lip, and she licked along my teeth and teased the roof of my mouth. I slid my fingers over her neck, holding her close. She whimpered as I thrust against the heat of her, wrapping her legs tight around my waist.
I broke away, burying my face into her neck. “If we don’t stop, I am taking you right here,” I warned.
“What’s stopping you?”
“Explaining to your father how you got frostbite on your ass.”
She began to giggle. Light, airy sounds that made me chuckle. I pulled her closer, letting her nestle into my chest. “Ah, Addi. I love you.”
“I love you.”
We sat in the silence, wrapped around each other.
The sounds of footsteps approaching startled us, and we looked at each other. Addi raised her finger to her lips, telling me to stay silent. Hopefully whoever it was wouldn’t notice us sitting off the path and keep moving. I knew Aiden was planning on a marshmallow roast, and it was probably him looking for branches to whittle for it later.
But it wasn’t Aiden.
“Okay, Jaxson, we’ve gone far enough. You wanted privacy, you got it. Now say whatever it is you want to say.”
Addi’s panicked gaze met mine, and I shrugged.
“Is it wrong for a man to want a few moments alone with his wife on Christmas Day?”
“I’m not your wife.”
“I have a certificate that says otherwise.”
“Stop it, Jaxson. It was a mistake.”
“I disagree.”
She huffed a sigh, the sound so Gracie-like, I had to bite back my laughter.
There was movement, and Gracie spoke.
“What is that?” she said, sounding horrified.
“A Christmas gift for you.”
“I don’t want a gift.”
“Too bad, my darling. Take it.”
There was a beat of silence, and he spoke again. “Take it now, or I’ll hand it to you in front of your family.”
The sound of paper being torn met my ears, and I shared an amused glance with Addi. Jaxson was a determined man.
“What have you done? This is not necessary, Jaxson.”
“Our rings didn’t fit. I wanted you to have a real one. One as beautiful as you.”
“I am not your wife!”
“Yes, you are.”
“We both know I married you drunk and out of my mind. We’re getting a divorce.”
His reply cut through the air, the lone word potent. “No.”
“Give me one good reason why not.”
There was the so
und of rustling and a muffled gasp, followed by silence, then a low, almost painful sound.
Curious, Addi and I leaned over, tugging aside the branches that concealed us.
Gracie was locked in Jaxson’s arms, and he was kissing her. The interesting part, considering how much she protested, was that she was kissing him back. He had her hair fisted in his hands, holding her tight to his mouth. She gripped his neck, her fingers moving restlessly on his skin. The low moans they both made were erotic.
I sat back, letting the branches fall into place. I gazed at Addi, her eyes wide with shock. I knew she wanted to stand up—let them know we were here, but it was too late. We had to hope they moved on.
I only prayed they didn’t get carried away and stumble in our direction, looking for a place to continue their amorous clutch.
That was going to be awkward.
Suddenly, there was movement, and Gracie gasped. “Stop doing that!”
“Why? Give in, Gracie. Admit you feel something, and let’s work on it. Tell your family. I’ll stand by you.”
“I am not staying married to you.”
“Yes, you are.”
Something shiny and bright sailed over our heads. It landed beside Addi, and she picked it up, staring at it. A thick band set with diamonds glittering in the overcast, muted light. It was beautiful and elegant. Much like Gracie.
When she wasn’t furious and spitting like a crazy person. I wasn’t sure I could get used to this side of her.
“That’s what I think of your gift and this marriage. It’s not happening, Jaxson. Keep your gifts and your lips to yourself!”
“Gracie,” he admonished gently.
“I mean it, Jaxson. I will be polite because my mother and aunts invited you. You leave as soon as dinner is over, and I don’t want to see you until I return to the office. And the first thing we’re going to do is file for divorce.”
She stomped away. I waited for an outburst from Jaxson. Expletives. But he was silent. Then he spoke up.
A Merry Vested Wedding Page 10