Tom and Desai are brought together by circumstance, friendship, and understanding of what each other really need from the other. A monster threatens their happiness, but they rise above to reach the pinnacle they both want and need. True love always...
Desai called her step-father Jack Lockland the next day, after tending to her hangover, a bit too much wine was had the night before. But almost all of the presents were wrapped and the rest were being delivered if not today then from now until Christmas Eve. Three weeks away.
Her conversation with Jack was long and heart-filled, she learned that she had three half-brothers and two half-sisters and that they and their spouses all wanted to meet her and Tom.
Tom smiled and kept her in tea and snacks as she talked on the phone. He was so very happy for her. She had thought that everyone was gone and that she had no true family. Was she ever wrong! He was looking forward to meeting everyone, after all, that's what family was all about and since there were going to be so many they would need to have the gathering at Desai's house.
"Would you like to – I mean do you have passports?"
"We do," he said with a laugh.
"Then let me know when all of you can come over! I have the means for travel, I just need to know how many there are of you."
Arrangements were made and they said their, "I'll see you soon's." Desai also made a few more calls to make arrangements for her house to be cleaned and readied for her family.
Family.
Finally.
She would need to get all the decorations at her house and get started there after she finished here at home.
Tom, Desai, and Diana set up the big tree in front of the living room window then they watched as Desai began decorating it. He had only seen her this happy on the day they were married. She was a happy person a joyous soul and when he looked at her he could see something that he had never seen in any other's eyes.
Forever.
They had been through so much and yet together they had overcome not only her fears but his as well. However, that didn't mean he was putting a stop to the bodyguards.
She walked around and around the tree placing an ornament there and here another tuck of the ribbon until she was satisfied that it was perfect. "There, this one's finished. I just need the tree skirt."
Tom watched as she unpacked the plush faux fur skirt then carefully placed it under the tree.
"That's the most beautiful tree I've ever seen," Diana said as she gazed at the tree.
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Desai smiled and said, "Oh, this is just the first one. I've been picking out spots for a while now for various trees and not just here. I have plans to place them in my house too which is where Jack and the rest of my family are going to stay." She looked at Tom and said, "We need to get Da' here. He can stay here with us and so can you Diana as well as Sarah and Emma and the guys."
Tears of happiness overcame her as she said, "I have family! I never thought I would have that. Ever! Tom, you gave that back to me! I have a mum, da', two das! Sisters, brothers, nieces all because of you! I have so much because you love me! I love you!" she said as she opened her arms and not disappointing her he pulled her into his arms.
