Wanting More(88)

I managed to get through Christmas Eve without having the big reveal. They were all curious, but Conner kept calm and didn't say anything.

Christmas morning was different from what I had experienced for so long. The house filled with people and the children were high on happiness. I'd never felt so much love in one small place before. It was beautiful.

Bella loved her new pony Scotch so much. I was pretty certain I heard her ask Conner if it could sleep in her bedroom at night. He was so good with her and even the babies. I found myself thinking of our situation. He kept holding and playing with Jake and Jax and even chasing around Christian. I guess I had never realized just how much he loved children.

Conner and I had talked about so many things, but there were topics that I just never felt the need to bring up. My fear of him not wanting me anymore, was washed away the moment I saw his face, when he learned I was pregnant. Of course, it hurt me when he asked if it was his, but he had a right to, I guess.

Our casual touches turned into full blown hand holding and hugging as the day progressed. Even though I got several looks, I didn't feel that overwhelmed by judgment. Once the kids went to sleep, us adults hung out and watched television. When Conner was ready for bed, he grabbed my hand and led me to his room.

He'd gone and gotten my bag out of my car, but I preferred sleeping in one of his shirts. I had no sooner pulled it over my head, when he started laughing. "Why are you even botherin'?"

I giggled and climbed into bed beside him. "Behave."

"I don't think you understand just how happy I am." He kissed the top of my head as he pulled me over top of him. "I've waited too long to be able to sleep with you every night." Our fingers came together and he pulled my hand up and kissed it.

I noticed him looking at where my ring used to be and knew he was wondering. "I left it on my bed instead if a note. I guess he got the hint."

He kissed my ring finger, slowly while looking right at me. "I guess I have to get you a replacement."

I was a little shocked to be perfectly honest. Conner wasn't used to having a serious relationship and now he was talking about making a permanent commitment. "I have to get divorced first and we don't have to get married because we have a child. I don't want that kind of relationship."

He laughed. "Yeah, I wasn't talkin' about gettin' hitched, Blaze, but I do want everyone to know that you belong to me. I had to fight real hard for this and I want everyone to know that we're together."

"I get it." I guess because I didn't have much to say, he became all defensive.

"Hey, if I marry anyone, it's goin' to be you. I just thought maybe it would be cool if our son was in the wedding."

"Our son?" I started laughing just thinking about him deciding on the sex of our baby. "What are you going to do if it’s a girl?"

He pinched his nose and shook his head. "I reckon that I'll be buyin' more guns, and keepin' in shape, so I can kick every little dude’s ass that gets within ten feet of her."

"I have so much to look forward to." I traced the cross tattoo over his chest. "I love you so much, Conner. I've never loved anyone like this."

He cupped his hands around my face and made me look into those green eyes of his. "Well, I've never loved anyone before, so I guess I have you beat."

I rolled my eyes. "It isn't a competition."

He stood up and grabbed a package out of his closet. It was small and I could tell it was jewelry. “What’s this?”

“It’s your present from me.” Conner smiled and sat beside down next to me. “Open it.”

I unwrapped the package and opened the little box. Inside of it was a silver necklace. It was a small rope chain with a heart locket hanging from it. “It’s beautiful.”

“Open it up.”

I opened the little locket as he was putting it on my neck. Since I couldn’t see it, he laughed and held it up to read it to me.

“Forever my Blaze”

I wrapped my arms around Conner’s neck. “I love you so much. Thank you, Conner, for everything.” After he kissed me a few times he pulled away.

“You like it?”

“I love it. I have something for you too.” I reached into my purse and pulled out an envelope. He cocked his eyebrow and opened it. When I saw him laughing, I knew he liked it.

He read the certificate out loud. “This certificate is good for ten years’ worth of haircuts by Amy.” He pulled me close to him and kissed my head. “I love it. Thank you.”

“I didn’t have much time or money. It’s probably lame.”

He cupped his hands around my face. “I already had two gifts, the moment you walked in that door. I got you and the little one that’s growin’ inside of you, darlin’. I’d say that’s the best present anyone could get.”