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We are lying in front of the fire, wrapped in blankets and each other's arms. This feels so right; it wasn't always like this with us; I remember those first few months of tension. I laugh about it now. But Conrad and I were meant to be, no doubt about it.
"I think I know the perfect gift to give you." I roll over to face him.
"Darling, you don't need to get me anything." He strokes my hair.
"I think you're going to love this."
"Well, now you've got my attention."
I sit up, pulling the blankets with me, and he does the same. Looking at his face, I don't want to miss his reaction. "Let's have a baby."
His eyes widen, and I can see a wave of emotions play through them. Excitement, fear, worry, happiness. I feel the same way.
"It doesn't have to be now or soon. I want you to know I am ready whenever you are ready."
He suddenly pulls me into a fierce hug and kisses me. "This is the best gift anyone could have ever given me." He mumbles into the side of my head. "I love you." He pulls back and kisses me again.
"Merry Christmas, Conrad."
"Merry Christmas, Penny."
And just like that, this highjacked holiday will become one of my favourites.
Chapter 8- Conrad
I look around the room to the crowded living room, thinking it was just like this only a week ago at Burt and Donna's wedding. During that time, Penny and I enjoyed alone time bliss. Christmas was just for us. We didn't leave the house; we just made love, overate food and napped. We napped. I don't remember the last time I did that, maybe when I was a child.
After Christmas, our days were quiet. We worked the farm together, got caught up with paperwork, and watched her train the yearlings. It may have been hard work, but we are used to that; the important thing is that we were together. Now that we've had our alone time, Penny was eager to get caught up with her family and the newlyweds.
Penny's mom stands beside me as I refill my drink. "Conrad, you're a good man." She gives me an affectionate hug.
"I appreciate that." I hug her back.
"I know this was a lot; we surprised you guys. And I know deep down Penny wanted something lowkey and special. I'm sorry if we caused so much trouble."
I'm not going to tell her just how much stress and worry this whole mess caused Penny. "Everyone got the holiday they wanted, and they are happy. That's all that matters." I reassure her.
Giving her one more hug, I step away and move to Penny. She's talking to her brother about the horse training year. "I'm going to steal her away," I tell Oscar.
"Surprised you even asked," Oscar smirks.
I grab her hand and pull her into my office. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows show the farm in all its winter glory. The decorations are still as stunning as ever.
"Why did you pull me in here?" she asks with a sexy smile. "Everyone is outside; we're not having sex right now."
I chuckle. "That wasn't what I was thinking." I pause, knowing that's not true. "I just wanted to have some alone time. We've been a part of this whole new year party." I complain.
She lets out a sigh. "I know but having our family away for the last week highlighted how selfish I've been. I have been so silly."
"I don't think you were selfish, but I do feel like some alone time all year round and not just over the holidays is what's needed." It's something I've been thinking a lot about. We were so burnt out and overworked and were banking on holiday to reconnect and recuperate. But in reality, we need to make time for that all year round. And I'm going to make it my mission to find that balance; it's even more critical now that we are thinking about having children.
"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I will miss my family and having Burt and Donna as roommates."
"But just think about the big empty house we will have." I wiggle my browns at her making her laugh.
I pull her onto the office couch, and we cuddle while watching the snow fall outside the window. I look at the clock and see it's almost midnight. "Shall we return to the family?" I ask.
"I'm going to see Opus." She stands up.
