Page 82 of Brought By the Storm

“Just read the inscription,” I barked, pretending to be impatient.

He looked at the face of the coin, which had an engraving of a tree blowing in the wind. The words around the perimeter read ‘brought by the storm.’ The flipside read ‘and by your side through all future ones.’ I could tell from his eyes moistening that he understood the sentiment. “Carrington, I love it. I will treasure it always.”

I brushed my thumb over a tear that was trickling down his cheek. I began to unbutton his pajama top until his lovely chest was exposed. Taking the chain from his hand, I slipped it over his head and pressed the medallion against his breastbone. “Beautiful,” I murmured.

He wrapped his arms around me and we stayed in an embrace for a couple of minutes. When he pulled away, he melted my heart with his innocent-looking face staring at me. “Thank you, Carrington. This was the best Christmas ever.”

“What? You’re talking like it’s done,” I protested.

He seemed surprised. “But it is, isn’t it?”

I put his face in my hands. “I have a whole Christmas day planned for us.”

Eric looked at me with wonder. “You do?”

I nodded. “Providing you want to. I thought we’d start by having breakfast. I’ll even make it whilst you play with your new toys.” He rolled his eyes, but grinned like an excited child who wanted to do just that. “Then, after we clean up, I thought we could go over to Washington Square and play in the snow. I’m quite good at snowball fighting, I should warn you.” He laughed. His excitement was evident. “And I want you to make a snow angel.”

“What? People will think I’m crazy,” he laughed.

“No. They’ll all take pictures of the impression left by a real, live angel,” I insisted. He rolled his eyes again, but he smiled despite himself. “After we’re done frolicking, I thought we could come back here and enjoy that feast you were planning to heat up for us. Then, we can cuddle on the sofa and watch Christmas movies.”

“I thought you said they’re corny,” he reminded me.

I shrugged. “I didn’t say I hate corny.” He smiled. “When those are over, and it’s dark outside, I thought I could light a fire in the fireplace.”

He laughed. “You mean turn the switch to the gas line on.”

“Mmhmm,” I responded, ignoring the snark. “I think we should put some blankets and pillows on the floor, then I’m going to take off your clothes and worship every part of you with kisses, enjoying how your beautiful skin glows from the fire and Christmas lights.”

“Oh,” he whispered, as was his habit when he was too overwhelmed to respond. Then he gulped and it took everything in me to avoid skipping to the love-making right then and there.

“Uh, that’s if my plans meet your approval, of course.”

He nodded, swallowing once again. “Yes. I like your plans.”

* * * *

The day had gone as I had hoped, right down to gentle, caring love-making. Eric exceeded any work of art, lying naked on white fur blankets in the darkened room, lit by the fireplace and holiday lights. His expression said everything—a man who was sated, awed and in love. I had cleaned him up after we had climaxed, and I was enjoying holding him, smelling him and kissing him.

“Baby, come sit on the sofa with me. We can wrap the fur around us,” I coaxed.

I could tell he was reluctant to leave his spot on the floor, but he took my hand and let me lead him to the seating. Once we were under the coverlet, I kissed his cheek.

“Did you get everything you wanted?” I asked him.

“Yes.” I knew he had been hoping I would propose to him, but I let his fib slide.

“Hmm,” I acknowledged. “I’m glad. I received most of what I wanted.”

He picked up on my qualifier and looked at me with worry. “Most? Was there something you wanted that I didn’t get? I didn’t know…”

I nodded. I knew I was a tease, but watching him get worked up was always comical. “I guess you didn’t know. I thought you would have.”

“What?” he pressed. “I’m sorry, Carrington. What did you want?”

I looked at him side-eyed, unable to hide my mischievous grin. “I thought, since the day is so special to you, you might have proposed to me.”

I could hear his intake of air. “Me? You wanted me to propose?”