Chapter 27
Samuel
“Merry Christmas, sunshine,” I whisper into Marcy’s ear. She grunts and tries to pull away from me. Someone is grumpy this morning. I guess I had something to do with that since I kept her up most of the night devouring her perfect body. It’s an addiction and I can’t get enough. I want her more than I’ve wanted anything in my life.
Marcy covers her head with a pillow, making me chuckle. I pull it from her grasp, tossing it to the end of the bed.
“Five more minutes, please,” she whines. I pull her body back against mine, loving the feel of her warmth against me.
“Nope, it’s time to get up.” Leaning over, I pepper her face with kisses making her giggle and squeal trying to push me away.
“Good, now that you’re awake, I have a surprise for you.” I can’t contain my excitement. I feel like a little boy on Christmas morning.
“Sam,” she says groggily, “it’s barely even light outside. Are you crazy? This is the kind of thing that pushes wives to kill their husbands on those crime shows.” She peeks at me from underneath the curtain of her hair covering her face.
“Aw, you think of me as your husband?” I brush her hair away so she can see..
“That’s all you took from that?” She laughs and rolls her eyes.
“Hmm, you know brats get different kinds of presents. I guess I could take this one back since you don’t want it.”
“Wait!” She sits up quickly looking around for the present. Her messy hair whips around as she glances all over. She looks at me questioningly. “What am I missing?”
“What do you say?” I raise my eyebrow at her.
“Please can I have my present, sir,” she emphasized, making me smile at her stubbornness. I open the bedside table drawer to find the box I placed in there last night. She’s going to laugh when she sees what it’s wrapped in, but in my defense at least it’s wrapped.
The shine from the box reflects the sunlight streaming through a crack in the curtains. Marcy’s eyes widen first then a smile appears.
“Please tell me you didn’t wrap my Christmas present in tinfoil?” she giggles as she takes the box from me and examines it.
“I thought it was a good idea. I mean it’s basically wrapping paper, or wrapping foil, same thing. Plus it’s shiny.”
“Have I told you how much I adore you?” She tangles her hand through the back of my hair then brings me closer for a kiss. My hands cup her face as I take control of the kiss. It’s commanding, passionate, everything. This woman has my heart and there’s not a damn thing I want to do about it.
“Open it, sunshine,” I whisper along her lips as my mouth roams over her jaw then down her neck. I smile at the goosebumps that rise on her skin. My girl loves my warm breath coating her skin.
“I can’t if you’re doing that…” she breathes.
“Fine, I’ll stop.” I kiss her forehead then lean back against the headboard waiting on her to open the gift. She shakes it and hears the metal clanking together. Marcy looks at me, her eyes full of questions. She could never guess what it is.
Marcy begins pulling the foil away leaving a white box in her hands. She looks at me for permission before she opens it. I nod with a smile.
She opens the box and is motionless for a moment, taking in what she”s seeing. Her hands begin to tremble but she picks up the necklace, dropping the box on the bed. Marcy stares at it with tears in her eyes as she continues holding it up in front of her. I lean up to kiss her shoulder, wrapping my arm around her waist to pull her closer.
“I thought it was time to pass these along,” I utter, emotion filling my chest as well.
“They’re,” she swallows, “they’re his.” She pulls her gaze away from the gift long enough for me to see the tears falling down her cheeks with a small smile on her face.
“I knew you would want Matt’s dog tags. They should have been yours all along.” I kiss her temple as she clutches them to her chest.
“Thank you. They’re perfect. They’re everything. Thank you, Sam,” she smiles.
“Now, let’s go downstairs so you can tear into all the other things I got you,” I insist as I rise from the bed pulling on a pair of red plaid pajama pants that I got just for today. I even got her a matching set. I know it’s cheesy but I want all the things with her and I knew she would be ecstatic with matching pajamas. What my baby wants, she gets. She watches me from the bed with a smile.
“You got Christmas pajamas?” she laughs.
“Not just me, princess.” I toss her set on the bed. “Now get your ass up so we can go celebrate.” she crawls to the end of the bed to grab the clothes, running the soft material under her fingers.
“You’re crazy, you know that?” I walk back over to the bed to lean down and whisper in her ear.
“Not as crazy as you for wanting to marry me, princess. What does that say about you?” I chuckle as I turn to head downstairs to start the coffee. A pillow hits the back of my head. So that’s how she wants to play it? I slowly turn, then take slow steps back to her.
“Oh, baby. Didn’t I say you better be careful or the beast would come out to play?” She nibbles on her bottom lip as she scoots backward on the bed.
“Oops?” She chuckles. I guess her ass isn’t sore enough from last night. I can definitely fix that.
“Oh, sunshine…” I tsk as I pounce on the bed, her squeals ringing through the apartment.
◆◆◆
“What time are we supposed to be there?” Marcy calls from the bathroom.
“We need to leave here in five minutes.”
She steps out of the bathroom in a new dress with her hair and makeup done. She’s breathtakingly stunning. I know I won’t be able to keep my eye off her tonight. Her green sparkle dress compliments her in all the best ways. I can’t wait to show her off. Showing everyone she’s mine.
“Well, what do you think?” She twirls around giving me a full view.
“You are the most captivating, radiant, sexiest woman in the world.” I lean down kissing behind her ear. “I want to devour you,” I whisper.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she beams up at me.
“Shall we, princess?” I hold my arm out for her to take. She places her hand on my arm and nods.
“Wait, I-uh…” she hesitates, pulling her plump bottom lip into her mouth.
“What is it, sunshine?” I lift her chin, forcing her gaze on me and not at her feet.
“I’m kinda nervous.” She shrugs her shoulders like it isn’t a big deal then tries to move away from me.
“Hey, where do you think you’re going? We’re talking and we weren’t finished. Don”t you know the consequences of that by now?” I chuckle darkly as her eyes flare with desire.
“I just thought we needed to leave,” she counters.
“We do but this is more important. I don”t want you to be nervous or uncomfortable or anything besides blissfully happy.” I pull her back against me looking deeply in her radiant green eyes. “You are my family now and they’ve basically adopted you as well. There isn’t anything to worry about but if at any point during the night you feel uncomfortable just let me know and I’ll make some excuse to get us out of there. Okay?”
She nods, whispering, “you would do that?”
“Sunshine, don’t you know I would do anything for you? I would strike a match, toss it away then watch as the world burns down around us. I’d even hand you the match for yourself. Anything for you.” Marcy dabs the corners of her eyes that glisten with tears.
“Are you trying to ruin my makeup?” she huffs, smiling up at me. Leaning over, I press my lips to her forehead.
“Just telling you the facts. Seemed like you needed a reminder.”
“Thank you, babe.”
“Oh, ‘babe’, hmm I like the sound of that. Now, how about we get outta here.”
“I’ll go anywhere with you.” My heart aches from the love I have for this woman.
We arrive at Aunt Amelia’s estate right outside the city. Descending through her long winding driveway brings back so many memories from when I was younger and I would come play with Miles and Sebastian. I haven’t been here in so long, yet, it still remains familiar like I never really left.
I park beside Miles’ gray Aston Martin then race around to the passenger side to help Marcy out. She steps out onto the gravel driveway, her high heels making her stumble. I steady her, my arm around her waist. She leans into me, trusting I’ll stay by her side throughout the evening.
“You’re not alone. I’ll be right here with you.” I press my hand against the small of her back as I lead her up the stairs.
Marcy fixes her hair as I knock on the door. She looks delectable. I wish she could see herself the way I see her.
“Samuel, Marcy, I’m so happy you could make it! Merry Christmas!” Aunt Amelia gushes as she ushers us inside then takes us both in a tight embrace. I slip Marcy’s jacket from her shoulders and hang it up, along with my own before we continue into the main part of the house.
“Thank you for inviting us, Amelia,” Marcy expresses.
“Are you kidding? I’ve been trying to get this one here for years. Now, thanks to you, he comes.” She leans up to kiss Sam’s cheek then wipes away the lipstick that she left behind.
“Well, I’m here now. That’s all that matters.” I remark, wrapping my arm around my girl.
“Is that Sammy I hear coming in?” Sebastian booms from the kitchen. We walk further into Amelia’s home, enjoying the wonderful food and smiling faces.
Sebastian and Miles both come to slap me on the back at the same time. Fuckers.
“Nice to see you both,” I roll my eyes but smile.
“We’re glad you finally grew a pair and went after what you wanted.” The three of us look over at the girls catching up with one another. I admit, I missed this. Having people that always have your back. Marcy has opened my eyes to so many things. I feel like we both got a family when she came into my life.
“Yeah, it was inevitable. I think the universe has always been pulling us together,” I respond.
“Care for a whiskey?” Miles asks, holding his glass up. Normally I would say yes but I think I’ve had enough alcohol for two lifetimes. That’s not me anymore.
“I’m good, thanks.” We stand there watching the girls pass the new babies around. Marcy glances at me as she takes baby River into her arms. Stormy and Sebastian welcomed a beautiful baby girl a few months ago.
Seeing her holding a child in her arms makes me hope that she gets pregnant soon. The possibility of sooner rather than later is real with the way we can’t keep our hands off of each other.
Miles comes over holding little Benjamin in his arm.
“Want to meet your smallest cousin?” He hands him over.
“Hey, little fella. I’m your cousin but I’m going to say uncle as well.” Miles chuckles but nods.
“I guess that’s accurate. We’re brothers at heart.”
Marcy beams when she sees me holding Ben. I wonder if she’s thinking about our future child? She better be because I’m not stopping until she’s pregnant. Even then I’ll keep going. We can have a whole soccer team as far as I’m concerned. Although, Marcy may have something to say about that. The thought makes me grin.
Marcy
I’m finally home. I found it with the Knights. I never understood the expression “home is where the heart is” but it’s true. These people are my family now and forever. They welcomed and embraced me without a second thought. They treat me like I’ve always been one of their own. I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas. The warmth of being surrounded by caring people makes it truly special. My heart is overflowing. I know Matthew is here with me, he’s always with me. Forever in my heart.
“Dessert is up next. Hope you all saved room. I have several pies and sweets for you to choose from,” Amelia announces.
“Mother, you really overdid yourself this year. Everything was amazing,” Miles praises.
“Oh, hush. I wanted it all to be perfect. It’s been so long since we’ve had everyone here. And now with my new grandbabies, Benjamin and River, it couldn’t be any ‘ol celebration. I only wish your father was here to see this. He loved his family,” she remarks.
“I think we should send a toast up to father. After all, none of us would be here without him,” Sebastian resounds.
“I agree,” Sam concurs.
Miles pushes his chair out then rises to his feet with a flute of champagne in his hand. “To my father, Benjamin Miles Knight Senior, thank you for showing us the value of family and how it makes the world a better place. You raised us to cherish all the moments, good and bad, because they shape who we are. We miss you, we love you, we’ll see you again. Cheers!” He raises his glass in the air as we all join in.
“Cheers!” we all exclaim.
We all retire to the living room while we let the feast settle in our stomachs. I think we all overdid ourselves but it was the best home cooked meal that I’ve had in a long time. With the exception of Sam’s of course.
“So, when are you guys planning on getting married?” Stormy asks as she holds a sleeping River in her arms. Her silver hair cascades down her back in beautiful waves.
“I guess we haven’t had much time to talk about it.” I look at Sam but he’s smiling like he knows a secret. What has he gotten into this time? I swear these Knights are trouble.
“Well, I would love to paint a portrait of you in your wedding dress so you can hang it over the mantle.” Stormy smiles as she looks down at the sleeping bundle wrapped in her arms.
“Wow, thank you. We would love that, Stormy. Thank you. I will definitely need you girls to go with me to pick the right dress.” I look at Amelia and Lizzie to make sure they know I mean them as well.
“Oh dear, we wouldn’t miss it. We’ll make a day of it after the holidays. I’ll make a few calls to ensure we have the shops to ourselves,” Amelia chimes in and flurries of excitement roll through me. I can’t believe I’m actually going to marry my childhood crush. The man that I’ve compared every other to. Marcy Knight, I like the sound of that.
“Your love story has sparked an idea for my next book,” Lizzie grins.”I can’t wait to get back to writing, but this one here insists that I rest the appropriate amount of time before I return to work.” She rolls her eyes but smiles up at Miles. You can see the love they hold for each other. It’s truly magical.
“I’m only taking care of my favorite girl,” Miles insists.
“Hey! When did I get replaced?” Amelia chuckles.
“Sorry, mother, no one can compete with my wife.”
“Well, that’s the way it should be.” Amelia smiles at her eldest son.
River begins stirring and whimpering, making Sebastian jump up to come to Stormy’s aid. I can’t help but to see the crazy transformations these men have undergone since finding their forevers. The once famous playboys of New York City have settled down and are in for the long haul. Maybe my job will be less stressful with these women reeling them in. Hell, what am I saying? The Knights can sneeze and make the front page. My job is never done, but I like it like that.
As the night winds down, we begin our goodbyes. It’s a bittersweet moment, saying farewell to the warmth and camaraderie I’ve found with the Knights this Christmas. But I know that I’ll carry these memories with me forever. And this isn’t goodbye, it’s a see you later.
“Come, wife,” Sam smirks down at me, holding my jacket in his hands.
“I’m not your wife yet,” I retort as he helps me into my coat. Pulling my hair free, I turn to look up at him.
“Sunshine, don’t pretend that you didn’t always imagine me beside you while twirling around in your dresses. It’s been written in the stars forever. You were destined to be my wife once we found our way back to one another.”
Sam twirls me around then pulls me in close, our breaths mingling as our eyes dance with desire. In that moment, the world fades away, leaving only the two of us. He softly brushes his lips over mine, igniting a fire within, a longing that transcends time. The air crackles with electricity, and every nerve ending hums with anticipation.
His fingers trace the curve of my jaw, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. Sam’s eyes hold mine, a silent promise of forever. As his lips press harder against mine, I yield willingly, lost in the intoxicating feeling of Samuel Knight, my lover, my best friend, my always.