Chapter 18
Clem
The next morning after Whitney had sneaked into my bed last night, I gave her a wake-up call that I can give her every morning for the rest of our lives. Earning a second session, which shows how good a cowgirl she could have been.
Once we’ve all eaten breakfast and I’ve kissed Whitney thoroughly, much to Oren’s delight, I walk next door to help her clean up from the girls’ night.
It doesn’t take long because Lee is already awake, and has been a while as there are no dirty dishes, no sign of the night before.
Lee gives us a bright smile. “Well, I need to go shopping. Hmm, I wonder if anyone will come with me?”
I chuckle when Oren immediately jumps on the idea. “I will, I will.”
“Okay, let’s see if your daddy is okay with that before we skedaddle.” Lee grabs her purse, coat and slides her feet into ankle boots and heads over to my place where she and Oren will be speaking with Myles. I’m sure he’ll be going on this shopping trip, too.
I leave Whitney at the cottage and dash into town myself.
I have a date with the jewelry shop. I can tell you it is not easy to choose what you want when there are so many choices.
I describe Whitney to the lady behind the counter, and she points to two rings that she feels would suit the personality that I’ve described to her.
I just hope that Whitney will love the choice I made.
The ring has a gold band, a central diamond, and surrounding sapphires.
It's not too big, and I doubt Whitney would like a massive rock on her finger. Though not small, it is big enough to be shown off, yet small enough to be worn on her finger. I purchased the matching wedding bands. I'd be delighted to have a wedding ring on my finger. But it would have to be worn after work as I don’t want to rip my finger off as I’ve seen done once before.
Walking out of the jeweler’s I smirk. But somehow I have to get the ring that I borrowed from her jewelry box back before she misses it.
Whitney
After having a great start to the day, I wave Myles, Oren and Lee off as they go shopping. Clem throws his arm around my shoulders. “Didn’t see that coming, did you?”
“Well, Lee said she thought she could climb him like a tree, so I think she likes the look of him.” I giggle as Clem wraps his arms around me and kisses me silly.
“I’m going shopping to get the last things I need. I’m still cooking aren’t I?”
Clem laughs, “Well, you are cooking, but we will all help. If you don’t do it, we’ll be having another TV dinner as we have for the last few years.”
Now, I’m shocked at that, and disappointed that Oren has not had the pleasure of a Christmas lunch with all the fuss that goes into and along with it. “Jesus, Clem, that is not good. Oren should have had a proper Christmas…”
That’s as far as I get before I am wrapped in his arms again. “We know, and we’ve discussed watching YouTube for how to make a good Christmas meal and day for Oren.”
“You don’t need to do that now. Lee and I will organize and order you all around,” I giggle at the last of my comment, and Clem mumbles that I can order him around anytime I like.
That has me blushing a little as I remember telling him to lie on his back earlier this morning so I could have my wicked way with him.
There are only three days until Christmas, and the shops are heaving with people.
It’s hard to get to anything in the store.
I think I may regret coming on my own. My cart is piled high, and I’m excited to get everything home and put away ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I am so excited for Oren to have his first full Christmas experience.
Lee, I was surprised came a week earlier than she was supposed to arrive. She’s been having issues with her boss and has talked to me about relocating. She has put out feelers to two law firms in town, but as yet has had no reply.
When we spoke about it, I told her to stay with me until she at least had her job settled. It would be silly to spend her savings on a house until she knew everything was going to work out with the new job.
Paying at the register, I stop my mind wandering and get everything through and paid. I haul the cart to my vehicle and pile it all in. I’m not sure how much of this I need at the cottage, so it may be better to just take it to Clem’s house!
Clem has gone into the neighboring town to pick up a battery-operated car for Oren. It’s going to be exciting to see him use it because it’s like he’ll have his own vehicle. I’m excited to see his reaction to it. It’s a gift that Clem and Myles have purchased together, along with small things, too.
“Did you buy the shop, Whitney?”
Looking up from where I’m hauling bags to Clem’s house, I smirk. “I think I nearly did. What time did you get back?”
“I’ve been home about fifteen minutes is all. I’ve hidden everything in the garage, but I’m not sure about wrapping it. I got eight rolls of matching gift wrap, but will that be enough?” Clem grabs four bags in each hand and hauls them past me into the house.
“I’ll wrap it up with Lee later. If we run short which I don’t think we will, you can run and get more.”
“Okay, that’s cool.” Clem steps back outside to my vehicle. I open the bags and get started on putting things away.
An hour later, I stand with a drink of soda in my hand, looking around the dining area. “You need to move all this stuff.” I point at a pile of car maintenance magazines. “They need to be gone before I set the table for Christmas.”
Clem grabs the magazines and takes them outside. I watch through the kitchen window as he throws them into the back of the truck cab. It’s a good thing it’s a double cab, or he’d have a real mess to move before he can drive.