I giggled. "It's not exactly what you're thinking . . . although I'll admit that I love the way your mind works." I took a beat to study my husband's handsome face. "Nicky, I'm sorry that I've been so . . . much these last few weeks. I know that I've been whining and griping about—well, everything. You've been very patient."
"Darling Ky." His smile was tender. "You haven't been thatmuch, as you put it. I just hate to see you so anxious, but I understand it's because you want the people you love to be happy."
"Yes, that's true," I agreed. "But a big part of love is trust, and I need to remember to trust that my sisters and friends to look out for their own well-being. I'm going to try to do better in that regard."
"I'm glad to hear it." He ran one finger lightly down my cheek. "But let's get back to discussing this present you have for me." His eyebrows wagged. "Do I need to search you for it?"
"Funny you should say that, because this gift might not be immediately apparent. It's not one you had asked to receive, and to be honest, I hadn't planned to give it to you just now." Taking his hand in both of my own, I pressed it flat to my abdomen. "But I think it's one that we will both appreciate."
Nicky lifted his eyes to mine. "Kyra . . . are you serious? Are you sure? And how long have you known?"
I laughed softly. "I am serious. I am sure, too, thanks to Brynn, who snuck out yesterday to buy a pregnancy test for me. And I've only known since your grandmother pointed it out to me in the garden yesterday after lunch."
"Granny? How on earth . . .?" Nicky pushed to sit up, still looking a little dazed.
"I poured out all of my woes and worries to the Queen when we happened to come across each other, both of us looking for solitude." I sighed. "She's so wise, and you know, nothing gets by her. She didn't so muchtellme I was pregnant—she merely asked if it was a possibility, in her very discreet way, and when she said it, I realized that in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and just life, I'd missed the signs."
"Another baby." Nicky rubbed a hand over his face. "I know we never planned for Alice to be an only child, but we haven't really discussed this in anything other than the vaguest of terms. How do you feel about the idea?"
"Well, given that it's more reality than idea, I'm firmly on board with it," I teased before my voice sobered. "I'm very happy, Nicky. Alice is the perfect age to be a big sister, and given everything that's happened this past year, I feel that this is a blessing. It's happy news, isn't it? You do like your gift?"
"Like it? I'm amazed. I'm . . . well, I'm grateful, Ky. Grateful for you, for Alice, and for this new little person, whomever she or he may be." Nicky collapsed back into the pillows. "Frankly, I'm bowled over by life and how grand it is."
"Isn't it just?" Inspired by the joy welling up in me, I braced my hands on my husband's chest and shifted to straddle his hips. "And if we're quick and quiet about it, I think we have time to celebrate . . . everything. Life, love and of course, Christmas."
Nicky's hands skimmed up my body to cup my breasts, his thumbs circling the sensitive tips, making me hum in pleasure as my back bowed. "I can be quick if you can be quiet. Is the door locked?"
I nodded. "I had enough forethought to take care of that before I woke you."
"One of the things I love about you, sweetheart—you're always a step ahead of me." He patted my nip. "Take off your nightgown so I can see you."
With a small noise of agreement, I made short work of the long flannel gown, grinning at the expression of appreciation in my husband's eyes. His fingers trailed over my heated skin, coming together just above my core. I felt the flex of his body as he bent his knees.
"Lean back on my legs, darling," he ordered, his voice a mere breath. "Let me reach you."
I did as instructed, resting my spine on his muscled thighs, giving my husband access to the center of me. My eyes drifted shut as his fingers explored my folds and traced enticing circles around the bud of nerves that throbbed for his touch.
"When you come," he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear. "When you come, your cheeks flush, your lips part just a little, and your face takes on this almost other-worldly glow. It's something I can't ever see often enough."
"I think I'd have to agree with that." I drew in a sharp breath as he began to rub my clit with more intention. "It's never often enough."
"So perfect. So beautiful," he crooned just before he slid two fingers inside me, instantly igniting the awaiting spark and pushing me over the edge into blissful oblivion. I was only faintly aware of the small gasps coming from my lips as my body exploded in a cacophony of sensation.
Before my eyes had fluttered open, Nicky had somehow gotten rid of his boxers. His cock stood stiff and thick, and my husband didn't hesitate even a moment as he lifted my hips and guided me to impale myself on his erection.
"Ohhhhh . . ." I moaned, feeling so deliciously filled. My inner channels, still pulsing from the massive orgasm, throbbed around Nicky's cocky, causing him to curse under his breath.
"I wanted this to last longer," he muttered. "But you . . . every time, darling, you entice and bewitch me. I'm powerless to do anything but take my pleasure."
"Hmmmm." I offered him a teasing smile. "Funny, I think I can bewitch just a little bit more." Leveraging myself on hands that gripped my husband's shoulders, I raised myself nearly off him before sliding down again, finding a rhythm that I could tell was perfect for both of us.
"Ky—sweetheart—" Nicky's breath was coming fast now. "Sweetheart—"
And he was lost to the same overwhelming pleasure that plunged us into sweet bliss.
Our timing was perfect. I'd just cleaned up and put on my nightgown again when we heard small fists at our door.
"Mummy! Papa! It's Christmas! It's Christmasmorning!"
