Calling from the other room that they were all going to take Daisy and Primrose for a walk - it was a sunny yet cold day, the best kind of day for Christmas if there is no snow - Bella told them to bundle up, and dinner would be ready in about 45 minutes, so not to be too long.
Jack stayed behind to help Bella get the table set but really so he could watch her in the kitchen while she worked, singing along with the Christmas music, knowing the words to every song that played. She made it all seem effortless, but he knew the amount of preparation she had done. Finally, it was dinner and everyone gathered around the dining table with big appetites. Big G said grace — short and heartfelt — and then they all dug in. Bowls were passed, wine poured for those who wanted it, and jokes and laughter flowed freely.
“Jack, I’m glad you're here. I don’t feel so outnumbered by all these women now,” joked Big G.
“I hear that Big G, I hear that.”
“DAD!!”
“Mr. Genovese, this lasagna is the bomb,” said Piper.
“The bomb? Is that good?” he asked.
“Yes, Grandpa, that means it’s good,” laughed Madeline.
“Aha, well yes, my lasagna is pretty good. I made it with my mother’s recipe, she was from Italy you know”, Big G said - then launched into the story of how his parents emigrated from Sicily - a story he’d told a million times, but this time he had a new audience and he loved to tell the tale. Later, after dessert had been served, everyone was stuffed and happy from the day. Bella’s parents gathered their gifts to head home, and Jack offered to help Big G carry everything out to the car.
Before leaving, Mary pulled Bella aside to say, “He seems to be a wonderful man, Bella. His daughters are lovely. Dad and I are happy for you — after Jasper's death we didn't think we'd ever see you smile again. But you're glowing."
"Thank you, Mom," Bella said, pulling her into a hug.
All four girls declared it an awesome Christmas and promptly declared they were exhausted and going to bed early - Piper and Sloane needed to pack to head back to Houston in the morning. Jack lit the fireplace, and they settled on the sofa, sipping on mulled cider and relaxing.
Bella curled up next to him, and Jack's hand moved absently up and down her leg. “This has been a wonderful Christmas, Bella, thank you for including us. The girls really needed something like this. And I think they’ve got a new tradition with midnight margaritas.”
“I’m glad you all were here. It was nice, wasn’t it?” she said, her head resting on his chest. She felt warm and cozy.
“And that book - Bella, how did you find that? It was the perfect gift.”
“I’m glad you like it, I wasn’t sure if you already had a copy, but it spoke to me.”
“Did you like your gift?”
“Oh yes, the shoe necklace is absolutely, completely me."
“What about the Crocs?” he teased.
“Those? Not so much me, but I love the originality of the gift - you got me!”
He dipped his head to her neck, pressing his lips to the curve of her neck before moving to her ear, tugging gently with his teeth. “Do you think we can sneak away for a bit?”
“There’s not much privacy here, that’s for sure. "What are you suggesting — we go to the car like teenagers?,” she laughed softly, though she was entirely distracted by what he was doing.
“Mm, that’s an idea,” he replied.
“Stop - you know we can’t do that. Besides, I’d probably hurt myself, ha”
“You’re probably right - I’d love to try to explainthatto the doctors at NASA!”
“Do you think this is strange - at our age?” she asked.
“I’m not sure what you mean - what’s strange?”
“This. The passion, the desire. I mean, I love spending time with you — genuinely — the talking and laughing and all of it — but I’m surprised by the other - how much I want you.”
“Oh God, Bella, don’t do that to me right now - not when we can't finish anything I’d love to start. But yes, I think I’m a little surprised by this too - I almost thought that part of me had died, honestly. I haven’t felt anything like this in so long, and then youappear and it’s like I’m some 16-year-old - all hot and bothered at the mere thought of you.”
Bella felt her face grow warm, and it wasn’t because of the fire. He made her feel so alive - sexy and desired - feelings that she too thought were gone forever. “Kiss me. Kiss me and show me you want me just as much as I want you”, she said, her voice low and slightly unsteady.
