Oh! Hello James!

Rockies Christmas - Day 11

Warnings:  Hospital stay, Shameless Product Placement, Fluff – I guess

Guide: CBF = Cali’s Boyfriend / CGF = Castor’s Girlfriend / MBF = Marcella’s Boyfriend {I didn’t want to give them names}

It’s still very dark out the window.  Damn but hospital beds suck.  Especially when you’re sharing one.  But I would not have slept anywhere else.  Still cradled in James’ arm.  His bruised body next to mine.  His face, a little less swollen.  Remembering his split helmet still in his truck, I shudder.  This could have been so different.  I try to detangle myself, but James tugs me gently.  “James, I gotta pee.”

He grunts softly.  “I could piss too.”

“Well, let go of me and I’ll help you.”  I kiss his chest.

“mmmmk”

I climb out of the bed, retrieve the bottle and put it in place.  “Ready when you are.”

“Fire!” he smirks.

I put the gown back and flip the covers back up over him when he’s done.  I quickly make it into the bathroom.  When I’m done and washed – leaving the bottle under the sink – I retake my spot next to him.  His arm pulls me closer.  My eyes close.

I blink awake to the room filled with bright sunshine to find the nurse and doctor in the room.  “I suppose I should move, huh?”

“It would make checking the patient a little easier” the doctor laughs gently.

I slide out of the bed and step out of the way.

The doctor gives James a thorough go over, including rolling him to the side to inspect his back.  The nurse whispers into my ear, “Has he had a bowel movement yet?”

“Not yet.”  I look at her, “Should he have?”  She nods.  “Find me a tool catalog.”  I get a look.  “Trust me on this” I grin back.

“Ok.”  She is obviously thinking, “This might take a bit.”

“Check with the maintenance guys.”

She nods, “Yes!  Great idea!”

“What’s a great idea?” James asks as he rolls gently to his back.

The doctor pats his stomach, “You pooping.”  He totally deadpans it.

I snort softly and James laughs.  Not hard, but enough.  He toots.

“That’s a start!” the doctor smiles.   Reaching for the IV lines, “I understand that you know how these work.  Let’s pop the line off for now and see how you do.”  He removes the IV lines, hanging them from the IV bag holder.  “Leave these in” he instructs as he tapes the ports to James’ arms.  “Before I go, let’s make sure you can stand.  Using a bedpan is the worst.”  Looking at me, “Do you think you can help him?”

“I’m gonna try” as I move to the bed.

James flips the covers back and I help him get his feet untangled from the sheet.  He stands holding tightly on to the bed.  Right leg is good.  Left leg, not really happy.  I move to that side, wrapping my arm around his waist and put his arm around my shoulder, “Lean” I say.  It takes us a bit, but we get into the bathroom.

Grabbing the ADA rails, James sinks on to the toilet, “Might as well try to go while I’m in here.”

“Want me to leave?”

“You’re not gonna want to be trapped in here” as he toots again.

“I’ll get some spray” I smile exiting and closing the door.  The nurse is right there with a can, smiling.  “Thanks!”  Looking at the bathroom door, “Can I please get a second gown for him?”  She nods and disappears out the door.   Looking at the bed, it’s already been changed.  The new sheets and blankets flipped back waiting for James.  The nurse returns with the second gown.  “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.”  She pats my shoulder, “At least he’s not being super demanding.  There was a movie star in here that was just a pain!”  She grins at me.  “You got him from here?”  I can hear beeping down the hallway.

“Yeah, I’m good.”  She leaves.  I hear the toilet flush.  Then the sink running.  I crack the door open and spritz the can into the room and close the door.  I can hear him laugh.  Opening the door, he’s leaning on the sink, the hospital gown open in the back.  His bum fully exposed.  “That’s a sight!”  He wiggles it grinning at me through the mirror.  I see the bruises on his back.  “Can you stand a minute more?  I want to put arnica on these.”

“Actually, it feels good to stand.”

I quickly find the bottle and tenderly rub some of the oil into his back, hip and the back of his thigh.  Bending over, I get his shin.  He rests his hand on my lower back, “If I felt better…”

I stand up looking into his wicked grin, “Soon” as I gently rub his penis through the thin fabric.  He groans softly.

“Where are you, Dad?”

“Here, let’s get this on you.”  I pull the second gown on him with the closure in the front covering up his bare ass.  “Be right out!”

I open the door and the kids are all there.  James leans on me to get out of the bathroom.  Castor smacks CBF on the arm.  “Here let us” Castor takes his dad’s arm from me, “We’re a little better height wise.”

“Thanks son.”  James is slow but getting more confident with his left knee.  “Would you mind if we walk the hallway a bit?”

“Not at all Mr. Hetfield.”

James stops and looks CBF, “Call me James.  You are officially part of this family now.”

Cali giggles, “Told you!”

James starts walking, “Forward into the hallway!”

“Isn’t that forward into battle, Dad?” Marcella asks.

“Technically yes, but I am not quite ready for battle” James smirks back.

“I’m going to let you kids take this round.  I want to freshen up some.”

Cali grabs my purple bag and hands it to me.  “I thought you’d like to change clothes.”

I grab her upper arms, “Thank you!” I say a little over dramatically.  She chuckles and follows the others.  I step into the bathroom and close the door.  Grandmother would call what I do a whore’s bath: wet soapy washcloth on the major points.  Face, Pits, Crotch.  In that order.  Then rinsing the cloth out, a wipe down.  Granted, not a full shower, but I do feel better.  I pull on the extra cloths from the bag and stuff the dirties in.  I use the brush quickly on my hair and redo my ponytail.  I’m exiting the bathroom when the little parade re-enters the room, the nurse trailing them in.

James sinks into the bed.  The nurse helps him get his legs under the covers.  Seeing his face a little pale, she says “I think you’re going to want this back.”  She pulls the IV line and reattaches it to the port.  She tapes it securely in place.  “I’ll make it a slow drip.  If you need more, well…” she smiles knowingly at James.  Turning to me, “I’ll check in again later.”  I smile my thanks.

“Hey Dad, what do you want for lunch?”

James lets his head fall back, “A Hopdoddy Bacon Classic!”

“Ahh yes!!  I was hoping you’d say that!” Castor’s face lights up.  “Fries?”

“Both.”

Turning to me, “What would you like?” Castor asks me.  I shrug. 

“Get Kira the Doddy Melt, hold the Comeback sauce on a regular bun.  Or sourdough if they have it.”  James smiles at me, “You’ll love it.”

“Shake?” Castor’s grin is wide.

“Two regular Salted Caramels, please” James is almost drooling.

I dig into my bag, find my wallet and pull out some cash.  I hand it to Cali, “Use this.”

“That’s way too much!”

“What?  You guys aren’t going to eat?”  She smirks at me.  “So, bring me the change.”  I smile back at her.  “And that should cover transportation too.”

“We’ve been using the car service.”  CGF suddenly looks like she said something wrong.

“That’s fine” James grins from the bed.  “Probably cheaper than taxis anyway.  And you’re all in one vehicle.”  There’s a chorus of yeahs and yeses as the kids head to the door.

“Hey!  Don’t forget lots of napkins!” I call out.

“Got it!” comes a couple of responses.

James pats the bed.  I find the bottle of arnica, “This first.”  I pull up the hospital gowns to get to his torso.  I tenderly rub the oil over all the purple spots.  They look horrid.  I gently pull the gowns down and put some on his arm. 

James has closed his eyes.  “That feels good” he rumbles softly.

Wiping off my hands, “The pain meds have kicked in, huh?”

“Not yet.  Just your fingers on my skin feel really good.”  He lifts his head and looks at me.  “When I was in ICU, I had the worst mental image.  Me paralyzed from the neck down.  Not being able to ever feel you again.  Or hold you.”  He scrubs away the tears before they can even fall.

I sit on the bed facing him.  “I cried in the shower that night.”  My hand resting on his belly.  “I take that back.  I sobbed.  I’d spent the helicopter flight in with my own mental images.  The worst was that you’d end up living the horror of your own song.”  I let my tears fall.

“I’m so sorry about all this…”

“James” I cut him off.  “We could have spun out or hit black ice in the Shelby.”  I rub his belly.  “It wasn’t our time then.  This” I wave my hand over his body “isn’t your time either.  The kids have assured everyone who will listen that you weren’t showboating when this happened.  They said that you’d gone to investigate new snow, that your machine started to sink in that snow, so you powered it up some.  And that’s when you turtled.”  I watch James’ face as he nods.  “Castor says that your snowmobile is completely trashed.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised.  But my machine didn’t sink.  I hit something.”

“I saw your helmet, James.”  More tears leave trails down my cheeks.  “If you’d not been wearing it, we’d be planning your funeral.”

He blanches some, “That bad?”

“James.  I wasn’t joking when I said it’s been split in two.  From here” I point to my hairline “to here” my hand stops just past the crown of my head.

He scrubs away another tear.  “Someone upstairs was looking out for me.”  He grabs my hand, “Again.”

I grin, “Being a Leo, you have now used 4 lives.  Please don’t use anymore!”  My fingers trace the flames tattooed there.  I look into his face.  “It wasn’t your time.  You have a grandchild that you need to meet.” 

His head falls back, “I still can’t believe that I’m going to be a Grandpa!”  He looks at me, “So what will that make you?”

“GG” I shrug.  His eyebrows knit together, “Grandpa’s Girlfriend.  What else?” I smirk at him.  He tugs my arm.  I take the hint and lean up over him, planting a deep kiss on him.  I heave a sigh as we pull apart.

“What?”

“I haven’t kissed you in two days.”

He pulls me in for another kiss.  After, “Then we have some kissing to make up on.”

I kiss the end of his nose, “Not here.”  His eyebrows furrow together.  “Because that kind of kissing leads to … well … other activities” as I raise an eyebrow wantonly.

He nods.  “Yeah, this bed is not big enough for those.”

“This bed is barely big enough for you!”  I giggle, turn around and lay down next to him.  He grabs the TV controller and finds the news.  I am rather surprised that he actually watches the whole program.  I rock my head back to look up at him.  “Making sure that I’m not page six” he grins.

“Ahhh” I say, snuggling in a little closer. 

He scrolls to the movie offerings.  We find one that is fairly long and start it.  His fingers play with my ponytail.  The movie is about a quarter through when the kids come waltzing back into the room.

Our burgers are handed out.  James sits on the bed, and we share the bed table.  The boys sit on the floor.  Mine is delicious.  James giggles watching me take my first bite.  The milkshake is thick and creamy with lots of caramel.

“We made a second stop.”  Cali pulls out a box.

James’ eyes fly wide open, “Dirty Islander!”

Grinning, “Yeah, we had to get a couple of these for you!”  She pulls out two rather large cookies that look like James’ eye.  “Black Eye Concussion cookies!”  The room erupts in laughter.  James laughs the hardest, holding his ribs.  Cali points to a couple of others, “These are mine.”

“What are they?” I ask.

“They’re called Mum I’m Preggo!”  Again, the room erupts in laughter.

I pass on the cookies – for the time being – as I still have half a shake left.  I sit and watch the kids and James interact.  He is most decidedly getting better.

The burger wrappers were gathered up and tossed out.  The boys take James for another hallway run.  Cali approaches me, “Kira?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”  She was almost in tears.  I gently pull her into a hug.  “I’m sure these are just the hormones” as she scrubs her eyes, “but I wanted to say thank you for everything.  You were so calm.”

“I guess I got that from my Grandmother.  I don’t think I ever saw her lose her cool.  She always told me that to panic is to lose time and to lose time could be very bad.”

Nodding, “I hope I can be that cool.”  She rubs her belly.

“I hope you never have to.”  I hug her again.

I can hear the boys coming back down the hallway laughing.  Evidently James has been in bad dad joke heaven with the boyfriends, as Castor keeps groaning loudly.  They enter the room and James is walking without help.  A nurse is following.

“Now, don’t you overdo!” the nurse scolds him.

“Naw, he’s just showing off” Castor grins.

James sinks onto the bed, “Yeah, I was that time.”

“All right kiddoes, the adults need nap time” the nurse says with a wink at me and a smile for the others.  “Oh!  Dirty Islander!  May I?”

James motions towards the box, “Please.  But check with Cali which ones are hers.”  The nurse gives James a questioning look.  “She’s pregnant” he dramatically whispers.

The nurse looks around.  Marcella and Castor point to their sister.  “You look great!”  Cali blushes and rubs her belly.  “Now, which ones are yours sweetie?”  The nurse picks out a cookie, “Now out.  All of you kids, out.”

There is a chorus of Byes as they are hustled out the door.  Munching on her cookie, the nurse nods her thanks.  James finishes getting back into the bed.  He pats the bed on his right side.  I grab the extra blanket and climb in next to him, his arm pulls me close.  He heaves a sigh.

“You good?” I look into his face.

“Yeah.  Actually I am.”  He sniffs a laugh, “I still can’t believe that Cali is pregnant.  That I’m going to be a Grandpa.”

I stroke his stubbly cheek, “Well.  Ya are.  Mighty Grandpa Het.”

He snorts a laugh, “That doesn’t work!  I’ll have to come up with something new!”  He tightens his arm around me.  I grab the tv controller and we pick a movie.  He’s gently snoring about halfway through.  I heave a sigh and snuggle up closer.

I feel James shifting.  “You ok?”

“Gotta go.”

I unwrap my arms from him, push him vertical, “You got this?”

Nodding, “Yeah, I think I’m good.”  He grabs the IV bag and closes the bathroom door behind him.  I am scrolling through the movie selection when I hear the toilet flush.  Then water running.  James closes the door behind him, “You’ll want to give that a bit.”  He re-hangs the bag and sits on the bed.

I move up the bed and gently tug his shoulders, “Here.”  He rolls into me on his right side, his right arm sliding under my shoulders, his left arm with the IV port drapes over my ribs, his head on my shoulder, his nose against my neck.  My left arm wraps around his head, cradling it, my fingers softly playing with his silvered locks.  I start another movie.  I feel him sag into sleep.  Part way through, I get a text from Castor asking if we need dinner.  I send him the snoring emoji and say thanks anyway.

I watch all of this movie.  James’ breathing is steady.  His fingers on my ribs twitch.  He’s probably writing a song in his sleep.  At least I hope that’s what he’s doing.  I smile and kiss his hairline.  The nurse comes in to check on James.  Seeing that he’s asleep, she takes what vitals she can without waking him.  She pulls the IV line from the port, taping the port in place.  Giving me the thumbs up, she departs the room, closing the door behind her.  My left fingers gently rub his scalp.  After starting another movie to kill the sounds of the hospital, I lay my right hand over his left arm draped over my ribs.  I don’t remember my eyes closing.

Everybody Loves a Parade - Part 5

Warnings: Part NSFW, Smut, Mostly Fluff

Rolling over, I pat his side of the bed.  It’s empty.  I sit up.  It’s still dark out.  There’s music coming from the living room.  Smiling, I lay back down.  Grabbing his pillow, I curl up around it.  Listening to him creating.  In my living room.  My eyes close.

His arms wrapping around wake me.  “Pillow hog!” he whispers into my ear as he tugs the pillow from my arms.

“It smells like you” I whimper happily.

He gently rolls me over and buries my nose in his pit, “I’m right here” he grins.

I inhale deeply, “Actually, not bad this morning.”  He chuckles and pulls me to his chest.  I bury my nose into his chest hairs, “This does smell better” I say with a laugh.

Rolling me to one side quickly he smacks my ass softly, then kisses me  “So.  What do you do the Friday after the parade.”

Pushing myself up some, I look out the window.  It’s still snowing, but the flakes are bigger.  “Usually go see the windows on 5th Ave.”  I curl back into his chest.  “Although, with the snow it’ll be cold.  But fewer people.”  I look up into his blue eyes.  “Thoughts?”

He gently plays with my hair.  I can see he’s considering.  His stomach rumbles.  We both snicker.  “I think better on a full tum” he chuckles.

We detangle ourselves from the sheets and each other.  I grab a dress with a Hawaiian print on it and slip into it.  He pulls on a pair of shorts and a tank top.  As we head into the kitchen he grabs the fabric of my dress.  “Have you been to the Islands?”

“Once.”  I start making the coffee, “I treated myself when I graduated college.”

James pulls out the eggs, bread, cheese and avocados, “Which Island?”

“Maui.  I stayed in Lahaina.”  I turn to him, “It’s sad that it’s gone now.”

Gently resting a hand on my waist, “It is.  I’m hoping that they get the rebuild right.  It was a cool town.”

“You’ve been there?”

Nodding, “I still have property there.  North Shore side.”

“Really?”

“It’s a nice way to warm up in January” he grins as he kisses me.

“I bet!”

We pull together a simple breakfast of avocado toast – I added tomato to mine – with coffee.  Sitting in the living room, we catch up on the local news.  Again, the parade is the lead story, but the snow is the follow up.  Breakfast clean up is quickly done.

He wraps his hands around my waist pulling me into his body.  “So, are these windows really worth getting cold feet over?”

I gently rub my hands over his chest, “Yes.”

His hands reach down to my ass patting it, “Well, I’d like a shower first.”

“ok” I reach up and kiss his chin.  “And a shave please?”

He rubs his fingers over his chin, “I was thinking of letting the beard fill in” as his eyes twinkle.  “You don’t like that idea.”

“I don’t mind, but …. Uhm …” I grind my hips against his thigh “it can be uncomfortable” I grin up at him.

“Not liking rug burn” his hands grip me tighter to him.

“Not really” I look up at him with sultry eyes.

He kisses me, “Then a shower and a shave it will be!”  He pulls me toward the bathroom. 

With no timetable today, we take our time.  Our hands gently caressing each other.  Fingers washing hair.  Mouths gently kissing lips, arms, necks, backs.  Bodies writhing together in the warm water.  Moans gently fill the air in the bathroom.

James wraps a towel around his waist, then one around me.  “You ok?” he gently huffs a laugh.

Leaning into his arm, “Little wibbly” I grin up at him.  We kiss deeply.

“I never get tired of watching you climax” his eyes a glorious blue as a smile softens his lips.  I blush slightly.  He kisses me again.  “If we’re going out, we need to get dressed” he purrs into my ear.

Straightening up out of his arms gently, “Clothes.”  Pointing to the bedroom, “That way.”  He smacks my towel covered butt as I leave the bathroom.  I just giggle.

I find a pair of black heavy jeans, a tank top, a t-shirt and a sweater.  I’m in the process of layering when James comes in. 

He rubs his freshly shaven cheek against my still bare shoulders, “Better?”

“mmmhmmm” I purr looking over my shoulder at him guiding his hand between my legs.

An hour – and a very rumpled bed later – I am getting dressed.  Again.  James is pulling on a sweater.  As he passes me, I smack his ass.

“Hey hey!” 

I just grin at him.

He’s looking all over the floor.

“What are you missing?”

“Boots.”

“Entryway closet.”  He looks at me.  “By the front door.”

“ah”

Taking his hand and tugging down my sweater, I lead him to the closet in question.  Tucked inside are our boots and big jackets from the day before.  He pulls his boots out.  “They’re warm” his eyes in bright surprise.

“mmhmm” I point to the vent in the back of the closet and pull on mine.

“That’s clever” James inspects it.

“Grandmother’s idea.  She hated having wet boots.”

Kissing my forehead, “I do too.”

“Give me your phone, please” I ask.

“Why?”

“I need to put a Metro Pass on it.”

“oh.  Ok.”  He unlocks it and hands it over. 

I download the app and tie it to my account, authorizing it when my phone pings.  Handing it back, “There ya go.”

Collecting our wallets – he hands over my driver’s license - and the front door key, we head out into the snow.  I pull him around the corner to the subway station.  I show him how to use the app on his phone to pay the fare.  I lead him to the correct platform.

“How do you navigate this?” his eyes slightly bewildered.

“Experience.”  I pull him closer to me.  “This is how I got to school, work, sometimes shopping.”  I lean into his chest, “The parade.”  He just hugs me.  A train arrives.  “This is us” I pull him in the car.  He backs me into his chest, tucking his hands into my coat pockets.  The ride isn’t that long.  I pull him off the train and we exit up into the street.

With the snow falling it is actually a pretty walk up 5th Ave.  And not that many people around.  Bergdorf’s windows are a fantasy land.  His face lights up when we get to the angels in front of Saks.  I completely enjoy watching his eyes.

He turns to me, “Isn’t there a skating rink around here?”

Taking his hand, “This way.”

The look on his face when the Tree comes into view…  Even without the lights on, it’s an impressive sight.

We take a spin on the ice.  Actually, he takes the spins.  I take a couple of good spills while he laughs.  He picks me up after the last tumble, “I think we’re done here!” he laughs.

Rubbing my ass, “Yes, please!”  We turn in our skates.  “Anything else you want to see while we’re here?” I look up into his face, his cheeks bright red from the cold.

Shaking his head, “I don’t think so.”

“Then let’s head back.  There’s another tradition I want to share with you.”

“This doesn’t involve another Big Guy, does it?” he laughs.

“No!” I answer cheekily.

Taking the subway back home, I pull us off a stop early.  A couple of blocks over, I pull him into a Chinese restaurant.  The little bell over the door jingles merrily.  I reach up and violently shake the bell.  There is only one other customer in the place.

“It can’t be!  Is that Kira!” comes a voice from down by the kitchen.  A tall skinny woman with very long black hair – pulled back in a ponytail – comes almost running up to me, “Nǎinai said that was you on Page 6!!” as she bear hugs me.

“uhf!”  I hug back.  Extracting myself from the hug, “Dang girl!  You’ve gotten stronger!!”

“Someone has to heft the rice bags!” she laughs.  “And whom have you drug in here, huh?” she gives me a look.

“Fannie, this is James.  James, this is Fannie.  We went to college together.”

James pulls off his glove and holds out his hand, “Nice to meet you, Fannie.”

Fannie shakes his hand, “Nǎinai is not going to believe me!  Can I please?” she whips out her phone.

James huffs out a laugh, pulls me closer and says “Sure!” 

Fannie grabs my other shoulder and she snaps a selfie.  I watch as she sends it to Nǎinai.  “Now, the usual?” she rubs her hands together.

I hand James a menu “I know I want the Moo Shu.  James, do you need a minute?”

“hmmm, Can I please get the Sizzling Beef?”

“Sure.”  Fannie starts inputting our order into their system.  “Rangoons?”

“Duh.”

“1?”

“3.”

“Rice?”

“Yes please.”

“Ma Lai Gao?”

“Yes please!”

“2?”

“4.”

Fannie gives me a look.

“I’m hungry.”

She laughs at me, “Windows?”

“And skating” I grin.

“You?” Fannie gives me a look.

“She actually spent more time sitting on the ice than standing” James wraps his arms around me chuckling.

Fannie laughs even harder.  “I’ll go help Jie get this put together.”  She points to a table behind the counter, “Have a seat.”

James and I pull out chairs at the offered table.  He holds out his ungloved hand.  I pull my left glove off and take his hand.  He fiddles with my ring and smiles.  “Ya did good today” I assure him.  He scrunches up his nose and eyes, smiling.

“Hey Kira!  Nǎinai wants to say hi!” Fannie yells holding her phone out the pass-through window.

“Her Grandmother” I smile at James and go collect the phone.  “Hi Nǎinai!”  I walk back to the table and sit with James.  “Yes, it was really beautiful! … We did.      No, it’s James’ first time seeing it live.   Of course!”  James takes my gloved hand in his.   “The windows are a fantasy this year.    They were really weird that year.”  I smile at James.  He smiles back.   “Yes Nǎinai, I was in Colorado.   That’s where James lives.    Yes, it snows in Colorado too.”   We both squeeze hands.   “Thank you Nǎinai!  And Shèngdàn kuàilè to you too!”  I end the call.

“I didn’t know you speak Chinese.”  James cocks his head at me.

Scrunching up my nose, “That’s all I know.”

“And she still mispronounces it” Fannie laughing arrives with a box in her hands.  “Dinner’s ready!” she grins.

“Woah” James says as he pulls his glove back on.

“Watch the bottom of the box.  Oh, and I need that plate back” Fannie passes the box to James.  He gives me a look at the weight.

I hand Fannie her phone back, “Total?”

She grabs me in a hug, “Paid.”

“Thanks Fannie!”  I go to open the door for James.  “Merry Christmas!”

Fannie waves as she heads back to the kitchen.  I quickly pull out a large bill and drop it by the register and follow James out the door.  We get just around the corner, “Thanks Kira!” Fannie yells.  It echoes around the block. 

It’s a quick walk back to my building.  Carl opens the lobby door and quickly hits the elevator call button, “Have a good time?”

“Yes, thanks Carl.”

“Do I smell Moo Shu?” he grins.  I nod as the elevator door opens.  “I’ll have to stop by on the way home!”

I take the box from James as he digs out the key and pushes the door open.  I quickly enter and set the box on the dining room table.  We shrug off our coats and dive into the box with our dinner in it.  In the very bottom of the box wrapped up in a couple of towels is a cast iron plate.  It’s hot.  “That’s why it was heavy.” James quips.

I grab some mitts, “Let me reheat that.”

James watches me start the gas stove and set the plate directly on the burner, “Why?”

“Can’t have sizzling unless the plate is hot.”  I turn off the burner and put the plate on top of a mitt on the butcher block.  I collect the container marked SB.  I open it and upend its contents on the cast iron plate.  It begins sizzling delightfully.  “See?”  Using chopsticks I make sure that everything is sizzling hot.

James comes over and kisses my neck.  “That smells really great!”

I pull out a couple of plates and we fill them.  I carry my plate to the living room and turn on the TV.  The weather again forecasts snow.  James joins me.  I let the news finish and Jeopardy starts.  We both try to get the answers right between bites.  When done, I collect the plates and take them to the kitchen.

“You ready for Ma Lai Gao?” I ask James.

“What is that?”

“Yum is what it is!” I say carrying the container to the living room.

James takes a slice.  I watch his eyes widen as he takes the first bite.  “Dats werawy gowod!”

I pull out a slice for me.  “Fannie doesn’t offer it to just everyone.”  I smile around my first bite.

“What’s that smile for?” James licks his lips pulling out another slice.

“It can be the holidays now” my voice a little wistful as I pick at the cake slice in my hand.  James wraps an arm around my neck and kisses my temple.  I lean my head on his bicep as he finishes the last slice.

“I like that it’s not super sweet” he says standing up, collecting the carry out container.

“It is satisfying” I agree.  A shiver runs up me.

Jame sees it, “You cold?”

“A bit chilly.  Dinner helped.”

“naw” he comes up to me, “let’s warm up.”  He stops a moment looking around.  “Uhm…”

“Office bath” I grin up at him.  “But we need the towels from the big bathroom.”

“You go start the water, I’ll grab the towels.”  I watch as he pulls off his sweater walking towards the bedroom.

I move towards my office shedding my clothes in front of the washer closet on the way.  I’m standing naked beside the tub checking the temp when James comes up behind me.  I can feel that he’s naked too.  I step into the tub holding a hand towel.  The warm water actually stings my toes a little.  I sit and slide forward as James slips in behind me, pulling me back into his body.  Completely soaking the hand towel in the water, I drape it over my chest.  I turn my face towards James’ neck and heave a sigh.

“You good?” his voice rumbles gently.

My left hand gently caresses his cheek, “Very good.”

His left-hand cups mine holding it close to his face.  His lips kiss my fingertips.  His right-hand curls softly around my neck.  I can feel his erection rising into the small of my back.  I wiggle my hips.  He sucks the tip of my left pointer finger.  His right hand slowly, gently, drifts down between my legs.  I move my left leg up over his granting him full access to my pussy.  He starts with gentle caresses to my whole crotch.  His large hand cupping me, holding me firmly.  Gently, his large fingers start exploring my folds.  Pulling my lower lips apart tenderly.  His fingers start running circles around my bud.  I suck in a sharp breath.  His lips warm my temple and work down to my ear.  His left hand moves to my breasts, playing with them.  The circles on my clit become slow strokes reaching down to my opening.  I can only relax into his body as his arms keep me from reaching back to grab his stiffening cock.  “uh huh” his lips right by my ear.  “I want to watch you” a kiss to my ear, “feel you,” a kiss to my neck, “convulse in climax.”  His lips find the magic spot between my neck and shoulder.  I shudder and moan.  His left hand gently holds a nipple, his right-hand slides two digits into my tight hole.  I groan, my body both arching and tightening.  "Fuk, you have a tight pussy” his voice rumbles happily in my ear.  My head rocks back on his shoulder as I start panting softly.  His left knee holds and lifts me as his right hand pushes another digit into me.  I groan and whimper at the same time.  His right thumb finds my clit.  My hips buck up.  His left arm holds me securely.  “don stawhp … don stawhp” escapes my lips, my head rocking back and forth on his shoulder.  “I have no intentions of stopping” more kisses to my neck “until you cum for me.”  I groan louder, my hips buck up again.  His left hand reaches up and cups my chin – a couple fingers wrapping around my throat.  His right fingers curl and uncurl inside me while that thumb speeds up on my clit.  I crash over into orgasm, my hips thrusting completely out of the water, sloshing some out, his left hand turns my chin and his mouth covers mine as I cry out in pure pleasure.  “There’s my good girl” he purrs into my ear as my hips slowly sink back into the water, his fingers gently slid out of me then again cup the juncture between my legs gently yet firmly.  He holds me, his fingers gently making lazy patterns on my body, as I recover laying on his body, his lips randomly kissing my face, ear, neck, hair.  My breathing evens out. 

I rotate over so that I am now floating face to face with him.  I pull my knees up the outside of his legs, my hands on his shoulders.  His blue eyes pierce into mine.  I kiss him deeply.  Then sitting as best I can over his knees - making sure to not hyperextend them – I move his arms to rest on the edge of the tub.  I let my hands drift over his chest, one fingernail gently tracing his tattoos.  He closes his eyes, shifting in the tub some to rock his hips up.  My right hand slowly runs teasing circles down his chest, sides, belly, finding his happy trail.  His eyes slit open.  “I like watching you too” as I chew on my lower lip.  He rumbles at me and closes his eyes again.  My right fingers tenderly wrap around his hard on.  He groans and his cock thickens.  “mmmmm” I purr and land a kiss on his Adams’ apple.  He sucks in a sharp breath.  I tighten my grip on him as he moans again.  I release my grip – his eyes open - and reaching between my own legs gather the slick he’d done to me and quickly wrap that hand back around his cock.  “That’s wicked” he mumbles.  I raise my eyebrows at him, “That’s payback” slowly beginning to pump him.  He actually growls at me.  My actions on him cause the surface of the water to slosh some.  His head rocks back and rests on the edge of the tub, his breathing quickening.  I plant my left hand over his clavicle divit.  His eyes fly open.  I speed up my right hand, “That’s my good boy.”  He groans and his shaft gets even thicker.  He's trying to keep his hips from bucking up.  I suck my lower lip, “Such a good boy.”  My left fingers grab a little tighter, my right hand moves faster, his eyes close and his groans fill the bathroom.  “close …. so damned …. Close .. close”  My left fingers slid up his throat gently.  I can feel him ready to explode in my right hand.  I lean into his neck, “Now.”  I cover his mouth as his release slams into him.  His arms strain as his hands grab the edge of the tub.  I’m sure his toes curl but I can’t see them.  I slow the motion on his cock but keep a tight grip.  His left hand joins my right around his shaft pulling it slowly up milking the last out of him.  His right arm flops around my shoulders and gently tugs me to him.  His lips still locked with mine.  His left hand pulls my right hand slowly from his deflating cock and puts it on his chest.  He presses his lips to my forehead, “I needed that” he mumbles.  I put both my hands on the tub on either side of his neck, rising and kissing his face.  His eyes drift open.  “hi” I sing softly.  A smile spreads from his lips to his eyes “hi” he sighs.  I lay several quick kisses to his cheeks, nose and lips.  I let my hands drift across his shoulders and down his chest.  “Your knees can’t be comfy” he mumbles shifting me to my left, urging my legs to straighten.  A thread of his cum floats across his tummy.  “uhm, we may need to rinse off in the shower” I grin.

“Ya think” he sighs out.

I push myself up to my feet.  I look to floor, “And some more towels.”

“Puddle?”

“Lake.”

“Yikes.”

I step out and pull a towel from the counter.  I shrug my shoulders and drop my bathsheet into the water on the floor.  James stands up and pulls the plug in the tub.  I hand him his towel, “I’ll be right back.”  I quickly streak across my apartment and grab some more towels, one for me, the rest for the floor.  Returning to the bathroom, I find James on his hands and knees reaching under the tub with his towel.  “That’s not exactly what I was expecting to see.”

He wiggles his hips, “Good view?” he chuckles.

“Very” as my voice cracks.

James laughs as he stands and starts collecting the wet towels, “Washer?”  I show him that just outside the office door is the laundry closet.  My clothes from the day are dumped in front of it.  I open the washer door and he shoves the wet towels in.  I hand him a dry one.  He wraps an arm around me, kissing me.  “I’m hungry again” he says as I start the washer.

“There’s turkey leftovers.”

He pats my ass, “Let’s rinse off first” wrapping an arm around me and pulls me toward my bathroom. 

A quick rinse off and some clean jams, we converge on the fridge.  I make myself a turkey sandwich with some warmed sweet potatoes on the side.  James makes a pile of the turkey and finishes off the stuffing.  “Do you mind?” he asks pointing to the stuffing pile on his plate.  I shake my head smiling at him.  He puts his plate into the microwave.

I take another scoop of the sweet potatoes and head to the living room.  The snow is still falling, pretty heavily.  The path lights in the park are just pools of lighter snow in the dark.

“Wow.  It’s really coming down.”  James is standing behind me holding his plate.

“Yeah it is.”  I take a seat on the sofa.

James rounds the table and sits next to me.  He lifts my left hand, kissing my ring “Reminds me of another night.”

I look him in the eye, “Me too.”  I flip our hands over and kiss his palm.  We smile at each other warmly.  He squeezes my hand, gently letting it go and we dig into our plates.  Afterward, we jointly empty the dishwasher and reload it with the dirties.  I move the potatoes into a smaller container and restore them to the fridge with the last of the turkey.

We return to the living room and sink into the sofa.  James pulls me into his body.  “Hey.”  He gently rubs my shoulder, "You're a million miles away.”

Sighing, “I have to come clean on something.”

“You’re pregnant.”  He totally deadpans that answer.

I smile, “You know I can’t get preggers!”

“Please tell me.”  Both his eyes and voice smiling kindly.

“I told you that my parents died when I was three.”  He nods.  “They were in a plane crash that killed everyone onboard."

"Holy shit.”  His hand squeezes my shoulder.

I grimace a smile.  “I guess Grandmother sued the airline.  They settled out of court.”  I look up into his eyes, “I have a trust fund.”  He just looks at me.  “I don’t use it often.”

“That’s up to you.”  Just a statement from him.

I smile softly.  “That how I bought the Shelby.”  Again, he just nods.  “I used it to pay for my education.  And the remodel.  The trip to Hawaii.”

“That’s it?” his face a little shocked.

I think, “Oh!  I spent last summer in Seattle.”  I look into his eyes, “New York summers suck.”

He smiles and pulls me to him, kissing me.  “Your Grandmother would be proud of you.”  He again rubs my shoulder, “Feel better?”  I nod.  “Any more secrets?”

“At the moment no.”  I look sideways at him as he gives me a look.  “I haven’t started Christmas shopping yet.” 

“Fair enough!” he laughs and kisses me again. 

The washer beeps.  I go forward the load into the dryer.  James meets me by the kitchen.  “C’mon.  You can barely keep your eyes open.” 

I let him guide me to bed.  I drop my robe and slip under the covers that James holds up and curl up next to him. His left hand gently stroking my hair.  I don’t remember the sandman taking me away.

Sneaking a feel there, James?

Oh honey!! Let me help you with that zipper!!!

Rockies Christmas - Day 12

Warnings:  Hospital release, Marvel Universe inferred, Shameless Product Placement, Homecoming, fluff

Guide: CBF = Cali’s Boyfriend / CGF = Castor’s Girlfriend / MBF = Marcella’s Boyfriend {I didn’t want to give them names}

I feel James untangle himself from me.  I help get him turned around and sitting on the bed.  He stretches.  I rub his lower back.  “Uuhngg.  That feels good.”  I rub his back a little more.  “I gotta piss.”  For some reason his bluntness about bodily functions doesn’t upset me.  Other men, I would have been slapping their arms or going on about that isn’t what should be said around a lady.  The very thought of James saying something like I gotta take a leak just doesn’t work.  Giggling to myself, I swing my legs to the edge of the bed.  James comes out of the bathroom.  He walks over to me and stands between my knees.  His hands run down my back, then back up and cups my face.  He kisses me.  There’s passion in it, but he’s holding back because of where we are.  I wrap my hands around his waist.  Pulling back from the kiss, James tucks my head under his chin and hugs me closer.  My nose is pressed up against his chest.  He’s smelt better, but he’s not that bad.  Yet.  “I suppose I need a shower” he huffs.

“You’re ok for another day.  No longer” I look up at him a grin plastered on my face.

“I can make that work!” as he kisses me again. 

“While you are vertical, I’m going to put more arnica on you.”  He nods, stretching.  I gently apply more oil to his bruises.  They are looking ugly.  Most are dark purple, some are going greenish-dark yellow.  “Do they hurt?”

“Not as bad.  My knee is still angry.”  He flexes and straightens his knee.

The doctor walks in.  “You’re vertical.”

“Barely” James grins.

The doctor starts going over James.  Makes James move his arms, legs and twist his head.  “Are you sure you’re not part X-man?”  James’ eyebrows knit together.

“I think he is part Wolverine” I grin up at James.

“You should still be lying flat on your back in agony.”  Pointing at James, “Even with your high pain tolerance.  What happened to you was pretty serious and yet here you are standing.”

“I’ve always healed quickly.”

As I cap the arnica oil, nodding, “Wolverine.”  I smile up at him.

“I am going to release you, only because I know you have someone who will keep you in check” the doctor points at me.  “But if anything feels or looks wonky, call me.”  He hands me a card with a number written on it.  “That’s my personal number.  Any time day or night.”

I nod, “Thank you doctor.”  I put the card with my phone.

“Alright then.  I’ll go do the discharge papers.  It will take a bit for those to process.”  He shakes James’ hand, “You’re going to been fine.  You will look a little shaggy for a time.”

“Thanks Doc!” James smiles.  “I’ll make sure that my number is on the paperwork.  If you ever want to go to a show, let me know.”

With a knowing look, “Show?  Are you in some kind of band or something?” the doctor almost laughs.

Nodding, “Something like that!” James laughs. 

As he walks to the door, “Not really my kind of music, but I might take my kids.”

“I’ll put you on the guest list for the whole package” James smiles.  As the door closes behind the doctor, James stretches.  He looks at the bed.

“Sit in the chair” I tell him.  I can see that he’s sore from being on his back in the crappy bed for so long.  Nodding he moves to the big ugly recliner.  He’s barely in it before standing again.  Rubbing his butt, “The bed is softer.”  I smile at him.  I adjust the bed so that the back is all the way up.  He sits and leans against the upright head of the bed.

I can hear them down the hallway before they barge into the door.  “Kids are here” I grin.  James smiles back me. 

“Hey Dad!” was the chorus.

Castor grabs his dad’s arm, “When are they letting you out?”

“Today.”

There’s a chorus of yays and woohoos.  “Then you’ll want these” Cali hands me a backpack.  Opening it, there’s clean clothes in it for both me and James. 

“Thank you!”  I dash into the bathroom and quickly put the clothes on.  Laughing to myself, I have to remove the tags off them first.  I exit the bathroom and hand the bag to James.  I hold it a moment giving him a look of do you want help.

He kisses my forehead, “I got this” he tells me quietly.

“I hope you don’t mind, I used the change from lunch to get those” Cali looks with concern at me.

“I don’t mind at all” I re-assure her.  James comes out of the bathroom wearing a pair of loose pants, a sweater.  And sandals.

“Sorry about the shoes Dad, I couldn’t remember your shoe size” Castor grins shyly at his mirror image.

“It’s one smaller than yours” James cocks an eyebrow at his son.

CGF smacks Castor’s bicep, “Told you!”

James gives her a thumbs up, “Keep it up!”

The nurse comes in with James’ release paperwork but has to go over his vitals one more time.  I step into the hallway with my phone.

“Eagle Airport Choppers”

“Hi.  This is Kira.”

“How’s James?”

I recognize the pilot’s voice, “He’s being released today.”

“That is excellent news!  I’m guessing that you’ll need a lift back to collect his big ass truck?”

Laughing, “Yes please!”

“One question: Why did you drive his precious truck?”

“Because I couldn’t put seven into my Shelby.”

“That’s your car?”  The shock in his voice is very evident.

“Yes, the Shelby is mine.”

“That’s a nice car.  I’ve seen it around over the summer.”

“Thank you.”

“So, when will James be released?”

“He’s getting the release paperwork now.”

“I’ll get the big bird in the air in about 10 minutes then.”

“We’ll need to get him fed and then check out of the hotel first.”

I hear the smile on the other end, “Give me a call when you get breakfast.  By the time you guys are done and get to the airport, I’ll be landing.”

“Thank you.  For everything.”

“You are most welcome.  I’ll see you in a bit.”  The call ends.

I return to the room as the nurse is handing James his paperwork.  James immediately hands it to me.  “I’ll just lose it” he says to the nurse.  I just nod.

“The car service will be downstairs in five minutes” Marcella says to the room.

CGF and Cali start gathering up the personal items that have become scattered all over the room.  I drop my phone and James’ paperwork into my big purple bag and shoulder it up.  James stands and pulls me to his left side.  I wrap my arm around his waist.  Castor walks on his Dad’s right side.  The two boyfriends walk behind.  In the elevator, Marcella starts digging into her purse.  Handing James a pair of sunglasses, “You’re going to want these, Dad.”

“How many?”

“About eight in front.”

CGF speaks up, “We’ve been sneaking in through the service entrance.”

“That’s where the van will be this time” Marcella says.

We exit the elevator in the basement.  The kids lead the way through the maze to the service entrance.  Creatively tucked in behind the linen service delivery truck sits the car service van.  Cali, CBF, Marcella, MBF and CGF all pile into the back rows.  I step in and turn offering a hand to James.  Castor is standing behind his Dad, a hand on his back.  James climbs in and sits next to me.  Castor takes the front passenger seat.  James grabs my hand.  I pull the sunglasses off to see his eyes.  He wraps his arm around my shoulders and sighs.

“Where to?”

“Jake, where do you suggest for breakfast?” MBF asks.

James leans his head back, “Black Bear Diner.”

Jake – the driver – looks in the rearview mirror, “I was going to suggest the Black Bear!” he grins.  After getting onto the major roads, “I’m glad that you are doing well, Mr. Hetfield.”

“Please.  James.”

Castor punches Jake’s arm, “Told you.”

Grinning, James nods “Thank you.  Jake, right?”  The driver nods.  “Thank you for taking care of my kids.”

“It’s been a pleasure.”

“I think we should check out of the hotel first” I speak up.

“Then the hotel first.”  Jake makes a turn. 

A few minutes later, the van pulls up to the hotel portico.  I hand James the sunglasses.  There are no photographers there as we quickly make our way to the elevator.  Once in the suite, James is quick to head to the bathroom.  I was surprised that the room is fairly clean.  The random jacket or shopping bag are scattered around the main room, but otherwise it is tidy.  The kids gather up their things from the rooms they’d claimed.  I check the room I’d slept in one night.  I move into the bathroom to do a check as James is washing up.  He pulls me to him, kissing me gently yet passionately.  “I have missed kissing you.”

I run my hands up his back, “I have missed being kissed by you.”  Our lips meet again.  I hear a throat being cleared.

We pull apart, looking at each other.  James lowers his head to my ear, “Later” as he lifts a knee gently between my legs.  I sigh into his chest.  Arms wrapped around each other, we leave the bathroom.  Cali is standing there with a look on her face.  “What?” James cocks a look at his daughter.  She just shakes her head walking back into the main room.

MBF has collected all the room keys and hands them to me in the elevator.  I nod my thanks.  As the kids get the bags and James into the van, I check us out.

“I do hope that you had a pleasant stay Mrs. Hetfield.”

“I’m not Mrs. Hetfield.”  The young man behind the desk blushes.  “I’m Kira Mooreland.”  He looks at me.  “The girlfriend.”  He blushes even more.  “The room was perfect.”

Clearing his throat, “Well, I do hope that you’ll stay with us again soon.”  He hands me the portfolio.  “Everything is taken care of.”

“Thank you” I smile at him.  Then I quickly join the others in the van.

It’s not a long drive to the Diner.  As Jake pulls into the parking lot, “Jake, join us for breakfast” James says.

“I’m not supp…”

“I insist.”

“I’ll park right here then.”  Jake chuckles as he pulls the van into a handicap spot.  He opens the glove box and hangs an ADA placard on the rearview mirror.  “I’m not supposed to use this.  It belongs to my mom.”

I pat his shoulder, “Well, son.  You are an excellent driver.”  Everyone chuckles as we pile out.  Castor and MBF make sure that James exits the van without being obvious about it.  I just smile and wrap an arm around James’ waist as we walk into the restaurant.

With nine of us, we are given a table in the back of the diner.  James sits me to his left side, resting his hand on my thigh.  I place a quick call to the helicopter pilot.  After placing our order, the conversation moves to the shopping that the kids had done.  Evidently, they’d hit up every mall in Denver.  Cali said that she’d found some cute maternity clothes, which Marcella heartly agrees with.  Castor and MBF talk about the music store they’d found and some of the CDs that they’d gotten.  James indicates that he’d love to hear them. 

It takes three servers to bring out our order.  Once everything is sorted, the table falls silent.  When he isn’t cutting his steak, James’ left-hand rests on my thigh.  As plates empty and tummies fill up, the conversation picks back up.  It shocks the boys that I actually like to watch football games.  And that I know – some – stats.  I sit watching James interact with his kids.  I also notice that Cali was apparently able to keep her meal down.  I just raise my eyebrows at her, looking between her plate and her eyes.  She just nods happily gently rubbing her growing belly.  CBF rests his hand on the growing bump, their fingers intertwining.  My phone pings.  The pilot is about 20 minutes out from landing at the airport.  I reply with a thumb’s up emoji.

“Ok.  That’s the pilot.  He’s about 20 minutes out” I inform the table.

“I need to hit up the bathroom” MBF declares. 

“Good idea” James says standing up slowly.  “Got a little stiff sitting” he reassures my look of concern.

Castor pats his Dad’s back, “C’mon Grandpa” grinning.

Wrapping an arm around his sons’ shoulders, “Just wait man.  Just wait” James chuckles.

The girls also head to the ladies room.  I pay the bill – leaving a good-sized tip, Jake goes out to get the van started and then I head to the bathroom.

After we all pile back into the van, Jake points the van north.  I lean into James’ bicep.  His hand gently squeezes my thigh.  Once at the airport, the pilot gets us through the gate and to the chopper.

“James, glad to see you up.  Jacobs said you looked bad.”

“I have looked better” James says pulling down his sunglasses.

“Ouch.”

“It always looks worse before it gets better” MBF chimes in.  The guys all nod.

“Ok then.  I hate to separate you two, but I want Kira in the right seat.”  Seeing the look on James’ face, “Short legs.”

“Ahh.  See?  Your short little legs do pay off every now and again.”  He pats my butt before he climbs into the chopper.

I climb in as the kids and all the various bags are situated in the back.  Once airborne, I feel fingers on my right elbow.  Seeing the tattoos, I reach back, and James’ hand engulfs mine.  It’s an awkward position to sit in the chopper with my right arm squished between the seat and the chassis.  But I don’t care.  James is coming home alive.  In one piece.  Fully functioning.  He doesn’t let go until just before the chopper comes in for a landing.  His truck is parked outside the hanger.  Shiny.  Obviously freshly washed.

“Hey, you didn’t have to wash it” I tell the pilot collecting the key fob from him.

“My kids wanted some pocket money” he shrugs.

“I remember doing that” Castor sighs walking to the vehicle.

“Me too” chorus both girls.

James goes to get in the driver’s side.  “Uh huh.  Other side” as I walk up to the vehicle.

“I’m fine” he complains.

“Dad, she’s actually a really good driver” Castor comes to my defense.  “She got us here in like 25 minutes.”  Or so he thought. 

James gives me a look. 

“I’ll pay the ticket on the truck.  You pay the ticket for the Shelby.”

James snickers a laugh, “Deal.”  He kisses my forehead.  I climb in the driver’s seat, the kids all squish into the back seat, girlfriends on boyfriends laps.  James climbs in the passenger seat.  He picks up his helmet from the floor.  He runs his fingers over the gaping gash in it. 

“Hey Dad.”

“Yes son.”

“Glad you’re home.”

Putting the helmet back on the floor, “Me too.”  Again, James’ left hand drops to my thigh.

I wave bye to the pilot and point the big ass truck toward home.  With the kids all squished into the back and no emergency looming, I obey the speed limit.  I pull the rig into the driveway and park it by the front door.  James gives me a look.  “Will you guys please shift the snowmobiles?” I ask, hitting the button on the garage door remote.  James nods as he sees that the machines are all parked in the space where the truck should go.  I look at him.  “Didn’t want to tempt those pesky squirrels to take one for a joy ride.”  A goofy grin spreads across his face.  He slides out the passenger door once the machines are moved and I put the truck into the garage.  James has gone in the house.  The kids all help to grab the bags from the back of the truck. 

I find James in the kitchen with a Severed Lime can in his hand.  “I needed that” he grins.  I can hear the kids throughout the house, chatting, laughing.  I push James towards our room.  “What?”

“Shower.”

His lets out a huge sigh, his eyes rolling some, “Yes please.”  He takes my hand as he starts walking toward our bedroom.

“Wait.”  I quickly find my purple bag and pull out the arnica oil bottle.  Holding it up as I walk back to James, I smile at him.

“I’m no Wolverine” he kisses my hair.  “You are Nurse Nightingale.”

I take his hand walking backward a couple of steps, “Perhaps it’s a combination.”

“Perhaps.”

As we get into our bathroom, starting the water in the shower we both help pull the clothes off the other.  He tugs me into the stall under the stream.  I reach up and wet his hair.  His hands are resting on the small of my back, just above my ass.  I shampoo his hair using my nails to scrub his scalp.  He sighs heavily.  I saturate his hair with conditioner as he begins to wet my hair in the hot water.  He pulls my head into his chest as he washes my hair.  I wrap one arm around his waist, the other presses on his upper back.  After putting the conditioner in my hair, I grab the scrubbie and load it with shower gel.  I detangle myself from him and turn him toward the shower wall.  He leans his crossed arms on the wall, his head resting on his forearms.  I give his back a good run over with the scrubbie.  He sighs deeply.  I do one arm and pit at a time, then one leg at a time.  Leaning into his back, I reach around and use the scrubbie on his chest and belly.  Pulling some of the soapy bubbles out of the scrubbie, I wash his butt.  Grabbing more bubbles, I reach a little deeper between his legs washing his testicles and penis.  I am careful to not arouse him.  Just wash.  I send the scrubbie over my own body quickly before rinsing and hanging it on the faucet handle.  Using my hands, I rinse his body.  Urging him to stand up, I rinse his hair.  He grabs my left wrist holding me while he turns in my arms.  He tilts my head back and rinses my hair.  His fingers wrap around the back of my neck holding me while his lips find mine.  My hands run up his back holding him close to my body.  Our kiss lingers.  It’s slow.  It’s deliberate.  It hints at the passions we will get to when he can move.  He finally stands up, his hands playing in my wet hair and over my shoulders.  His eyes search mine.  “I am so lucky to have you” he lifts my left-hand kissing both ring and finger.  “I hope that …”  I press my fingers to his lips silencing him.

I pull his left hand up and kiss the tattoo on the back of his hand, “Have I said this to you yet?”  He shakes his head.  “Then you are still working on it.”  I kiss his hand again.  “And after this little adventure” I cock a smile at him, “You have taken a step backward.  Not a big step.”  He pulls me into another kiss. 

His smile lights up his face and eyes.  “Then I will work even harder.”  He kisses my hair, turns off the water and gently letting go of me, reaches for towels.  I rub more arnica oil into the worst colored areas on his torso.

After putting on clean clothes, we walk down the stairs into the living room.  The kids are sprawled on the sofas.  Cali points to the table, “We got the mail.  Castor and CBF set out the cans.  Is this a recycle week?”  James shakes his head.  “And Marcella watered the tree.” 

“That’ll work.  Thanks” I grin.

Cocking one eyebrow up, James looks at the young people, “When did you kids become adults?”  I duck as they all throw pillows at their dad.  James laughs and tosses the pillows back.

“Let’s watch another episode!” Marcella says.  There’s agreement all around.  Getting into the media room, we all stake out our previous claims on the sofa structure.  As the system powers on there’s a pinging noise in the sound system.  Castor grabs the control pad and up pops a screen with Lars and Jess in one square, Kirk in another and Rob with Chloe leaning over his shoulder in another.

“James!” Lars almost yells.  “You need to adjust your camera.  There’s black and blue all over your face.”

“Yeah, it’s all over me” James sits up and lifts his shirt.

All on the screen flinch.  “That has to hurt” Rob says.

“It’s getting better.”

“Mind if I use that idea for next Halloween?” Kirk smiles.

“What?  Mangled Lead Singer?” James laughs.

“Naw!  He rocked so hard he bruised himself” Kirk grins crookedly.

“I like Mangled Lead Singer” CBF snorts.

“If that’s what you look like, what does your snowmobile look like?” Lars asks

“It’s kinda mangled” Castor speaks up.  “As far as I know, it’s still out in that field.”

“Reminds me, I need to get with Jacobs about lifting that out.”

“Right to the junk yard” MBF speaks up.

“That bad?” Lars asks.

“His helmet is split almost in two” I speak up.

There’s silence for a moment.  “But let’s talk the good news.  Cali, the others don’t know yet” Lars is grinning widely.

Cali blushes, she’s rubbing her belly again, “I’m making Dad a Grandpa.”

Kirk, Rob and Chloe erupt in cheers.  “How are you feeling sweetie?” Jess asks.

“Better.  I can actually eat now.”

“Morning sickness that bad?”

The media room choruses “Yes.”

“Have you played yet?” Kirk asks.

“Man, I just got home.  Give me minute!” James chuckles.  “How was you guyses holiday?”

“Compared to yours, dull.” Kirk deadpans.  There’s some giggling. 

The kids talk about their gifts and their adventures in Denver.  Chloe and Cali get into a discussion about pottery.  Lars very obviously yawns.  A pillow smacks him.  There’s more giggling.  Castor asks Lars and Rob about their boys’ bands with the answers being lots of touring coming up in the spring.

“Well, we’re gonna let you guys go now” Lars says.  “James, glad you are alive and at home.”

“Me too buddy.”  I see the look on James’ face of compassion towards the small Dane.  “Happy New Year!” James says.  The rest of us all say it at the same time.  There’s more giggling.

Kirk and Rob exit the call, Lars looks into the camera, “I’ll call you next week James.  I have some ideas cooking” as he points to his head.

“I look forward to it.”  The call ends.

The room is silent a moment, then Castor starts tapping on the control pad, “Where did we leave off?”

Three episodes of Stranger Things later James announces, “I gotta piss.”

Everyone departs the media room for either a bathroom or the kitchen.  Cali and Marcella kick everyone out of the kitchen – including me – saying they got it.  Fifteen minutes later they are yelling for the boys to come help.  They all return with plates.  Each plate has a pulled pork sandwich with mashed potatoes and green beans.  Napkins, silverware and Liquid Death cans are passed around.  MBF starts the next episode. 

James yawns when that episode ends.  “Kids, I’m sorry but I’m toast.”

“Completely understand”   “No worries Dad”   “Glad you’re home Dad”   “Hope you get a good night’s sleep in your own bed”   all come at once.

James slides off the sofa, turns to grab his plate.  “Leave that Dad.  We’ll get it” Cali smiles, rubbing her belly.

“Thanks Cali.”  He takes my hand, “Night kids.”

Almost in unison “Night Dad.”

“Good night everyone.  And thanks for all your help” I grin at the kids.  Cali stands and gives me a hug.

James is waiting for me by the door.  We wrap arms around each other and walk to our bedroom.  As he’s brushing his teeth, I put more arnica on him.  Then quickly brush mine.  James is already in bed.  He holds up the covers for me.  I slide between them only to have James snake an arm around me and pull me close.  “I have missed you” he whispers. 

I kiss his arm, “I have missed you.”

Moments later, we are both snoring softly.

Rockies Christmas - Day 7

Warnings:  Mostly Fluff, Slight parentage angst, Stranger Things mentioned (lots!), Shh! There's a secret! Don't tell James!!

Guide: CBF = Cali’s Boyfriend / CGF = Castor’s Girlfriend / MBF = Marcella’s Boyfriend {I didn’t want to give them names}

Getting this posted early. I suddenly have a craving for sugar cookies....

We both roll over at the same time stretching and yawning.  The sun is just climbing above the mountain tops.  James checks his phone.  “The kids are on the way.”

I flip the covers off us, “I should check the sheets on the other beds” as I get out of bed.

Climbing out on the other side of our bed, “I’ll help you.”

Pulling on sweats, tidying up our own bed, we both check on the other bedrooms.  Fortunately, there was only one bed that needed to have sheets put on it.  Once that is done, James sets about making his pulled pork.  I turn on the Christmas tree lights and start the stereo playing Christmas music.  “Kira?”

“Yes?” I return to the kitchen.

“Would you please turn on the outside lights on the patio?”

“Sure.”  I go to the patio door and flip on the switch.  I also check on the water in the tree stand, which was full.  Then I turn on the fireplace on low. 

Returning to the kitchen, James is scrambling eggs for us.  I put some sourdough bread into the toaster.  I’m buttering the slices just as James is covering the eggs with shredded cheese.  We sat at the kitchen table to eat.  Between bites, James fills out the name tags on his gifts.  I put them under the tree.  When I get back to the table, James is working on unloading the dishwasher.  I help him reload with the breakfast things and the pulled pork prep.  It’s not quite full when he starts it.  “We’re going to need some of those things later” is his reasoning.  He gives a quick check on the pork, then wrapping his hands over my shoulders, he moves us to our bathroom.  It’s by no means a short shower, nor one of our longest ones.  But most enjoyable.

Knowing that it’s the first time I’ll be meeting his kids, I pick out a pair of black loose-fitting pants and a bright red sweater.  I spend a little bit of time on my hair, French braiding it back.  James kisses my exposed neck that is usually covered by my hair.  I smile at him through the mirror.  He’s wearing a pair of black jeans and a green sweater.  I head to the living room just to make sure everything is tidy.  James wraps his arms around me, “It looks great” he whispers into my ear.  “They are going to like you” I feel his lips smile on my neck.  I breath out a small smile pressing my cheek into his.  His phone buzzes.  James makes sure that I’m steady before collecting his phone from the charger in the kitchen.  “The kids are in Denver.  Their flight here is on time.  At the moment.”  He scrolls on his phone, “And the roast is ready to pick up.”

I nod, “I’ll go get the roast.”

Looking out the window, “Take the truck” James says.  It’s snowing lightly.

“No.  I’ll take the Shelby.”  His eyebrows furrow ogether.  “If something happens to the rental van, everyone can squeeze into the truck.”  I look at him kindly.  “It would take a million runs in the Shelby.”

Nodding, “You’re right.”  He kisses my hair, “Just be careful.  There will be all kinds of idiots out there today.”

Wrapping my arms around his waist, I look up into his blue eyes, “I promise I will be good on the road.”  He leans down and kisses me gently.  I smile at him as we break the kiss.  “So, roast and food coloring.  Anything else?”

“The roast should be XX pounds and have good marbling….”

I press my fingers to his lips, then press his hand holding his phone into his chest.  “I’ll send you a picture.”

He laughs, “Ok.”

I grab my coat from the hooks by the garage door along with my wallet, boots, phone and the keyfob.  “I’ll let you know when I get to the store.”

“Please do.”

Smiling at him, I head into the garage hitting the button to raise the big overhead door.  I had to seriously move the driver seat forward on the tracks after James drove it to Denver and back.  Backing the little speedster out, I hit the remote button and the big door lowers.  The roads are slushy, but not too bad.  I only hope that they stay that way until his kids get to the house safely.  The parking lot at the store is a little crowded.  I deliberately park in the back of the lot in the Shelby.  Yes, it’s a longer trek into the store.  But it’s a Shelby.  I send a quick text to James.

Grabbing a cart from the parking lot, I push it in the store and to the butcher’s counter.  I give them the order number.  “Ahh.  There was a mix up and the big one that James ordered isn’t here.  But I have two for him to select from.”  I pull out my phone and make the butcher spin each roast while I video it.  I send the file to James.  I stand there a minute in awkward silence, giving the butcher a wonky smile.  My phone rings.

“That’s not what I ordered.”

“Hi.  There was a mix up.  These are what they have.”

“Can we get both of those?”

“James wants both.  Is that ok?”

The butcher nods, “For James, yes” he grins.

I smile at the man, “Thank you.”  Into my phone, “He’s wrapping them both up now.”

“Thank you.  Oh.  Horseradish please.”

“I’ll get some.  I’ll text you when I’m heading back.”

“Ok.  The kids flight is delayed 20 minutes.  Their flight crew is an inbound flight that was delayed.”

“I hope that’s the only delay for them.”

“Me too.  See you soon.”  He ends the call.

Taking the first wrapped roast from the butcher, “James wants horseradish.  I have no clue.”

Nodding, he sets the second wrapped roast in the cart, “Here, let me show you.”

Thirty minutes later and three texts from James, I have the roasts, horseradish, food coloring, pecans, buns for the pulled pork, sweet potatoes, sprinkles of all kinds and marshmallows paid for and in the trunk of the Shelby.  I fire it up and dial James’ phone.

“Hi!”

“Hey, I’m leaving the parking lot now.”

“Perfect!  The kid’s flight is in the air.  And I checked on the rental van.  It’s ready for them to collect.”

“Good.  I’ll be home soon!”

“See you then!”

I end the call.  The traffic is a little busy.  The snowplows have been through making the roads less slushy.  I get home without incident.  Parking in the garage, I make James hoist the roasts into the kitchen.  He’s smiling like a Cheshire cat as he checks them out.  His pulled pork is beginning to fill the house with a delicious aroma.  He settles the roasts in the fridge, and I kick him out to finish the icing for the cookies.

“Did you leave any sprinkles on the store shelf?” as he looks through the bags on the counter.

Shrugging my shoulders, “A few.  Maybe.”

As I’m finishing up with the icing, the doorbell rings and the front door is thrown open at the same time.  “Hey Dad!  We’re home!”

“I hope you don’t plan on doing laundry!”  James yells back as he heads to the front door.

I hear them greeting each other in the hallway, the voices getting louder as they approach the kitchen.  One of his daughters sees me in the kitchen.  She almost slams her purse onto the counter - I jump slightly - “I’m not calling you Mom.”

“Marcella!” James admonishes, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

“James” I hold up a calm hand at him.  Looking to Marcella, “I don’t want you to call me Mom.”  That took the wind out of her sails.

“Why not?”  Obviously, Castor.  He’s the spitting image of his Dad in his 20’s.

“I’m not your mom.”  I can see the looks passing between the three kids.  “Just because I am involved with your Dad does not automatically make me your Mom.”  I smile gently at them, “You have a Mom.   And it’s not me.”

“Sooo what do we call you?” Cali asks. 

“Kira.”

Marcella moves her purse to the end of the counter.  “I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have slammed my purse.”

“No worries” I smile at her.  “Do you guys want anything to drink?”

James has moved behind me and puts his hands on my hips and shifts me toward the kitchen table, “They know where the fridge is” he smiles at me.  Then he checks on the pork.

CBF looks over the counter, “Is that pork?” his eyes filled with joy.  And the two of them start to compare notes on pulled pork.

“Wow Dad!  The tree is gorgeous!” Cali says from the living room.

I watch James as he smiles, “Thanks!”  He grins at me, “It’s Kira’s first real tree!”

Cali joins me at the kitchen table, “Really?”  I just nod.  “I loved the picture of you two at the Parade on Thanksgiving.”

“That was a great day” I smile, fingering my ring.  James gives me a knowing look.

Castor sits by his sister, CGF on his knee, “Where are you from?”

“New York City.”

Cali, nibbling on a slice of bread, “What do you do?”

“As in work?” I ask back.  She nods.  “I’m an editor.”

“Books?” CGF asks.

“Books, articles.  I have done a couple of technical papers, but not really good at those.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not a scientist.”

There are some chuckles.

CBF stands behind her, rubbing her shoulders.  She has stopped nibbling the bread.  As the others are discussing books they’ve read – a couple that I know the editors – Cali pales a little.  Then she quietly gets up and finds a bathroom.  Books are still the topic of discussion when she returns, her cheeks a little pink.  CBF returns to rubbing her shoulders.  The general topic of books shifts to comics and graphic novels.  Cali nibbles on the slice of bread again.

James joins us at the table, pulling his chair close to mine, leaning on the table.  His eyes are sparkling. 

A phone rings.  Everyone checks their pockets.  Castor answers his.  “Hi Mom.   Yeah, sorry.   We landed about an hour ago.   The flight from Denver was a bit bumpy.”  He crosses his eyes.  James smothers a laugh.  “The roads were plowed.    Snow is light right now.   Supposed to get heavier tonight.   Hang on” he turns his phone to the table while hitting speaker, “Ok.”

“Merry Christmas kids!” their mother’s voice comes from the phone.  The kids all respond, “Merry Christmas!”  James rests his hand on my thigh.  I just smile at him.  Castor turns off the speaker, “Ok Mom.   We will.    Love you too!”  He gives me a look as he ends the call.  I just smile at him.  There’s a moment of silence.

“Did you kids leave all your luggage in the hallway?” James asks.

MBF pops up, “There’s still a couple of bags in the van.”   The kids all get up and head into the hallway.  I can hear James’ three tell their significant others where to find their rooms.  The front door opens and closes a couple of times, I am assuming bringing in luggage.

James leans over to me, his fingers gently lifting my chin, and kisses me.  I caress his chin, my thumb gently teasing his funky little soul patch.  He grins at me.  A couple of toilets flush.  He taps his forehead against mine, “It’s going to get noisy.”

I peck a kiss to the end of his nose, “That’s ok.”

From down the hall by his studio, “Hey Dad, mind if I play?”

“Yeah, go ahead.”  James gives me a lopsided grin as the drum kit in his studio gets a beating.  He pats my back between my shoulder blades and goes to join Castor in the studio.  Moments later his guitar is adding to the music.  Occasionally they stop playing and laughter is heard coming down the hallway.

Cali and CBF re-join me at the kitchen table.  “What do you think of Colorado?”

“It’s a lot different from New York.”

“What’s the biggest difference?” CBF asks.

“The number of people per square inch” I deadpan.

Cali giggles, “I have been there with Dad a couple of times.  How did you get him to the Parade.  He usually hates crowds.”

Shrugging slightly, “It was his idea.”

Cali leans on the table pointing toward the studio, “Who is that and what have you done with my Dad?”  Then she breaks out laughing.

“Oh my gawd!  Cali get in here!” Marcella calls from the living room. 

I follow Cali and CBF to the living room.  Marcella is pointing to one of their school made ornaments.  “I can’t believe Dad still has these!”

“I remember making that!  Ms Green was a fun teacher!” Cali’s eyes light up.

They spend time pointing out different ornaments reminiscing about them.  Cali points to my snowflake. “That’s new.”

“That one is Kira’s” James says as he and Castor enter the living room.  I hope my blush isn’t too evident as I remember what happened immediately after hanging the snowflake.  James claps his hands together, “I think the pulled pork is ready.  Who’s hungry?” 

There’s a chorus of “Me!”  I notice that Cali blanches a little and forces a smile.  CBF is right there beside her, his arm around her waist. He gently kisses her temple.  She smiles at him.

James puts the final touches on his pulled pork.  I pull out some sides.  Marcella and MBF pull out plates for everyone along with silverware.  It doesn’t take long for everyone to fix their plate and find a place in the kitchen to sit.  I sit on a barstool at the counter with CGF.

CGF points to my ring, “Did you two get married?”

“No.”  I set my fork down seeing the look in her eyes.  “That’s a long story.  And now isn’t the time” as I watch James and his kids.  “And it’s not an engagement ring” seeing the look in CGF’s eyes. 

“It’s complicated?” she asks quietly.

“A little” I say gently.

She smiles, “I get it.”  She takes a couple of bites.  “You two look really happy.”  I just smile.  “Castor said that he hasn’t seen his Dad this happy in a long time.”

“That makes me happy.”  I smile at her then turn my gaze to the table as laughter breaks out.  CGF also smiles.  “I know that he’s happy you kids are all here.”  CGF smiles back.

“Ok.  Let’s clean this mess up and make another!” James says taking his plate to the kitchen, scraping it into the compost bin and putting it into the dishwasher.  He looks up at the silence from his kids.  “What?”

Cali points to her Dad but looks at me, “Again, who is that and what have you done with my Dad?”

James rests his hands on the counter, “She made me better” he grins at me.

Collecting my plate, “And I can say the same thing about you” as I scrape my plate and put it into the dishwasher.

James grabs and dips me, planting a solid kiss on me.  My arms automatically wrap around his head.  There’s a chorus of “Ewww!”   “Get a room!”   “Dad!” from the table.  I know that I’m blushing when he puts me back on my feet.  Looking at the table, his kids are all smiling.

With so many hands helping, that meal is quickly put away.  I notice that Cali didn’t eat a whole lot.  James rubs his hands together.  “Now, someone was busy yesterday!” he gives me partial psycho grin.  He pulls out the big bins I’d found to store the cookies.

Marcella’s eyebrows are in her hairline, “You made those?”  I just nod.  “How many did you make?”

I shrug, “I tripled the recipe, so maybe 100?”

Castor collects the bin from James, “Holy shit!  You had to spend a lot of time baking!”

Hoisting a thumb at James, “He was cranking out something amazing, so I just kept baking.”

Putting his hands on hips, “So this is my fault?”  The grin on his face belays his words.  I just smile and nod at him.  Nodding, “I’m good with that.”

I pull all the frosting bowls out of the fridge, “These might be a little stiff since they are cold.”   There are eight different containers that I’d colored.  I pull all the butter knives out of the drawer.  James locates a couple of small spatulas.  He also grabs the bag of sprinkles.

I see Cali quietly rejoin the table.  CBF gives her a look.  She just smiles at him and takes a seat.

Castor pulls out a cookie and munches it.  “These are really good!”

“Thanks” I smile.

James munches one too.  “Grandmother?”  I nod.

“Grandmother?” Marcella asks.

“My Grandmother has an amazing collection of recipes.”

Asking softly, “Is she still around?”

“No.  She passed when I was twenty-six.”  Looking around, “We need something to put these on.”  I go grab a couple of big platters from the dining room table and turning almost face plant into James.

“You ok?” his concern genuine.

“Yes.”  I stand on tip toe and kiss his chin.  Seeing the look in his eyes, “I promise.  I’m ok.”

Looking at the platters in my hands, “We’re going to need more.”  He pats my ass as we go back to the kitchen.

The kids have dug into the cookie decorating with glee.  I set the platters on the table.  James comes back with some big plastic platters that he puts on the counter.  Then he joins in the fun.

Again, with so many hands, the cookies are mostly decorated in a short time.  Like anything with sprinkles, they are all over the table and floor.  Some of the cookies are elaborately done.  I feel like the few I did look as though they have been done by a grade schooler.  James smiles at me.  Then sucks frosting off his finger.  I squeeze my thighs together.  His grin goes mildly wicked.

“I have an idea!” James speaks up, “Let’s watch Stranger Things!”  Everyone is in agreement.

“Right after I’m done making cookies” Castor smiles at him.  “Please Dad?”

“Sure.  Let me help.”  James grabs about three undecorated ones and takes a bite out of the stack, his eyes sparkling.

I watch as Cali slips away quietly again.  I take one of the empty frosting dishes to the kitchen, put it into the dishwasher and fix a glass for Cali.

When she returns, “Hey Cali, come here a sec please.”  She comes into the kitchen.  “Here.”  I hand Cali the glass.

“What’s this?”

“A bicarb.”  She just looks at me.  “It’ll help your tum.”  I look at her, “And it won’t hurt the baby” I say softly.

She pales, “How do you know?”

Smiling gently at her, “Before Covid, I worked in an office that was mostly women.  Chug that.  Don’t sip.”  She does and gags slightly.  “I know it tastes weird and bad.” 

“What is it?”

“Baking soda and water.”

“That’s it?”

“Uh huh.  Give it a minute.  But be aware, that sometimes it might make you throw up more.”  I give her a lopsided smile.  “Is there anything that you can keep down?”

“Mostly just bread.”  She smiles gently, “And the cookies are ok.”

“I’ll make sure that there’s bread on the table for you.”  Suddenly she lets out a very large belch.  “You are your father’s daughter.”  She laughs.  “Feel better?”

“Yeah.  Thanks.”  She rubs her belly. 

I take the glass, “I’ll leave the box here.  A good sized spoonful and cold water.”

“Do you think Dad will be mad?”

“Why would he be mad?”

“We’re not married.”

“Ah.”  I look at her, “I don’t think so.  You are going to make him a Grandpa.”

Huffing a laugh, “Yeah.  The Mighty Papa Het will become The Mighty Grandpa Het!”  We both giggle.  “I have this”  she pulls out a sonogram photo from her purse, “I didn’t have the time to get a frame for it.”

Taking her hand, “Come with me.”

From the kitchen table, “Where are you two going?” came James’ voice.

Cali winces.  “Gift stuff” I say back.

“Hurry up!  We want to watch the show!” as he finishes munching the cookies in his hand.

“This will just take a minute Dad.”

I take her to the room that I’d claimed as my office.  Picking up the silver frame off my desk with two doodled post it notes, I pull them out and hand Cali the frame.

“This is from Tiffany’s.”  Her eyes wide.

“uh huh.”

“What did you take out?” her curiosity genuine.

I pick up the post it notes, “We got stuck in that September snowstorm.  We’d had a fight.  As an apology your Dad invited to me to dinner in the formal dining room by leaving these on the floor.”

“What are they?”

Holding out one, “Rose petals.”  Showing her the last one he’d given me where he’d drawn a full rose.

“That’s so romantic!”  She smiled.   “Are you sure it was Dad?”

“Yes, it was your Dad.”

“Why didn’t he just get a real rose?”

“Well, the 21 to 24 inches of snow on the ground and zero visibility might have had something to do with that.”  Cali just nods with a smile.  I open the closet and pull out the wrapping box, “Here’s a bag and some tissue.”  In a short time, the frame is wrapped in tissue and tucked into the bag.  Cali adds the gift tag and we were headed back up the stairs.  “Drop that under the tree” I whisper to her.  The kitchen table has been cleaned up.  The floor has even been swept.  I kinda like having a lot of hands to help out.  Going to James, I grab his hand, “C’mon.  You said that you wanted to watch the show” as I tug him towards the media room.  Within minutes, the eight of us are in the media room tucked under blankets and James starts Stranger Things, episode 1.

We only get three episodes watched when everyone is either yawning or lightly snoozing.  James powers off the system.  “Ok you dorks.  Bed time.”

There isn’t any push back from the kids.  As I walk past the kitchen, I start the dishwasher.  Looking out the window, James wraps an arm around me, his lips right by my ear, “Your Christmas wish.”  It’s snowing.  Hard.  I just smile up at him.  James takes my hand, and we go to our bedroom.  He pulls me to him and kisses me deeply.  “I told you that they’d like you.”  I caress his face and smile.  “I’m sorry about how it started with Marcella.  I should have ask…”

I press my fingers to his lips, “It’s ok.  So, there was a bump at the beginning.  At least it got taken care of.”  I pull his head to mine and kiss him.  “They are good kids.”  I kiss the end of his nose, “They are good young adults.”

He rolls his eyes.  “I know.  I can’t believe that they are all in their twenties.”

I squeeze a little tighter, “They will always be your kids.”

“And speaking of kids” James lets go of me and disappears into the closet.  He comes back with a shopping bag, “I need to stuff the stockings.”

“Hang on a second.”  I go into the closet and pull out the bag of stuffers I’d bought.  Going back to James, “I’ll help!”

He snakes an arm around me, kisses me, “Let’s do this!” he whispers conspiratorially.  As we make our way to the living room, James is softly humming the Mission Impossible theme.  I’m trying to not burst out laughing.  Once the items in our bags are distributed into the stockings we almost run back to our bedroom. 

He literally tosses me onto the bed before launching himself at me.  I grimace slightly and close my eyes.  He lands to my side but immediately grabs me and pulls me to him kissing me deeply.  We tug the clothes off the other, our lips not leaving each other’s except to pull off sweaters.  His hands are roaming my body when he suddenly stops.  His head pops up.  Then I hear it.  The unmistakable sounds of sex.  And not from us.  James drops his head to my neck.  “oooohh!”  I wrap my arms around his head trying to not giggle too hard.

“That’s not right” he mumbles into my neck.  “Them’s my kids.”  I stroke his hair.  His lips kiss my neck.  Leaning up on his elbow, “This is weird.”

“What?” my fingers gently caressing the nape of his neck.

“I mean I know it’s natural and all” there’s the loud noise of climax “but my kids.”  He whines and his eyebrows are knotted up.

“Here, let me help.  Computer, play classic Christmas music.”  The robotic voice answers, “Playing Christmas music from Kira’s Amazon Music.”  Mannheim Steamroller starts.  The sounds from outside our room are blurred out.  James rests his forehead against mine.  “Better?”  He nods.  I tug the covers behind me down and roll us that direction. 

He grabs the covers from under his hips and tugs them out then up over us as he lays down.  I rotate in his arms, curling around his right arm as my pillow, his left arm snugging me closer to his body.  His nose is buried in the back of my neck.  “Kira, Merry Christmas” as he gently kisses my neck.

I kiss his bicep, my fingers cupping his elbow, “Merry Christmas James” I whisper back.  His left arm tightens for a bit, then loosens as he drifts off to sleep.  I am not long behind him.

Somebody's happy!

Da bulge......

What are you hiding there James, hmmmm????

Ohhhh myyyyy!!!!!

James and his spirit animal??