33. Nic

33

NIC

M y life started the day I met Bella, although at the time, I hadn’t realized it. But now I do. I know it as sure as I know Santa brought a shit-ton of gifts for her and the baby.

I watch her sleep next to me in our bed, feeling grateful about all I’ve been given. Not that life is a walk in the park. While the business is mostly under control, there are a few rogue members set on seeking revenge for my father’s death, and none of them buy the idea that I didn’t do it.

My father’s house is in ashes, and I’ve donated the property to a church. If they can’t consecrate the land from the evil that once sat there, no one can.

Bella turns, her naked body snuggling closer to mine. I want to wake her with slow kisses until she’s writhing under me, but I keep my dick in check as I have this fantasy of making love under the Christmas tree. The tree she arranged for us to chop down and drag back up here. I had no ornaments, but she bought some, made some, and in the way only Bella can, made the tree feel like home.

“Merry Christmas,” she says, her voice still laced with sleep.

“Merry Christmas. I think Santa came.”

Her eyes flash open. “Oh?” She reaches down and cups my dick.

I laugh. “That’s my gift to you. Come on. Let’s go see the tree.”

She shakes her head. “You’re just like a kid.”

“It’s been a long time since I enjoyed Christmas. Besides, next year, the baby will be here. I’ve got to figure this out.”

“The baby… right.”

I wonder what she means, but she’s getting out of bed and putting on her robe. I follow her to the living room where the ginormous tree, nearly too big for the elevator we brought it up in, stands. I turn on the lights as Bella gapes at all the presents.

“Goodness, are there any gifts left for other people?”

I tug her to the tree and we sit. “Too much?”

She leans in and kisses me. “No. I love it.”

I have this plan, an order for the gifts, but I quickly toss it aside and reach for the small box that was supposed to be last.

She gives it a shake. “It’s not a puzzle.”

“Open it.” My heart is beating a million miles a minute.

She pulls the ribbon off and flips the box open. Inside sits a Regency-style diamond ring. Her gaze jerks to me.

I take the ring out. “I figure it's something like what Colonel Brandon would have given Marianne, right?”

“Nic.” Her breath catches. I hope it’s for the right reasons.

“I might be old and infirm, but I love you, Bella. You’ve told me you want to stay. You’re having our child. Tell me you love me and will marry me.” I slip the ring on her finger.

She throws her arms around me. “I love you and will marry you.”

Her exuberance in showing her love always fills me with awe. I don’t deserve her, but I vow to spend each day of the rest of my life working toward making her happy.

I kiss her, my hand going to undo her robe as I’m ready to make love.

“Wait.” She stops me. “I have something for you.”

“Yes. I think it’s under here.” I tug at the tie of her robe.

“Nic!” She pushes my hand away. “That can wait. I want to give you my present.”

I sit on my hands. “I’ll behave.”

She laughs as she gives me an envelope. I open it and pull out what looks like X-ray film. On it is a large gray area with three dark areas.

I look up at her. “Is this the baby?” I hated not being able to be there for her ultrasound, but it was more important to kill Wally Tessitore, who was threatening to kidnap Bella and finish off what my father started.

“Well… yes and no.”

“No?” Fuck. “What’s wrong?”

She puts her hands on mine. “Nothing’s wrong. It’s just that… well… there’s three babies.”

It takes a minute for her words to filter through. “Three?” I look down at the sonogram again.

“Yes. Three. Triplets.” Her voice is a little giddy, like she’s excited but scared too.

I laugh. I laugh like I’ve never laughed before.

She gives me a smile. “Scary, eh?”

“Terrifying.” I pull her close. “But we’ll get through it. We always do.”

She settles against me. “You could have warned me that you had supersonic sperm.”

“Not old and infirm after all, eh?”

She pushes me back and straddles me as she takes her robe off. “Not at all.” She runs her hands down my chest and then rises over me, taking me inside her. “Merry Christmas to me.”

I arch back, savoring this beautiful woman who brought joy and light to my life. Merry Christmas, indeed.