His Fia

CHAPTER 20

A family Christmas.

A real family Christmas. The first family Christmas I've had in who knows how long. And I can't stop thinking about it. Like a fucking 5 year old, I can't wait for Christmas.

It's been a week since my Fia asked to bring Clarisse over, and now we're only a week away from Christmas and about to go pick her up from the airport.

I don't know why but I feel nervous, I've never properly met Clarisse before, so I need to make a good first impression. After taking too long to decide what to wear, my Fia pulled out a pair of black dress pants and a black button up, saying that she refused to hear any more on the matter.

I turn and smile when I see her walking into the room again from the ensuite, her image the picture of perfection.

My eyes trail down her body; she's wearing black heeled boots with denim jeans, paired with a black turtle-neck and a black leather jacket, her auburn hair flowing freely down her back.

"Mi niña bonita," I murmur, my hands falling to her waist as I kiss her.
[my pretty girl]

She chuckles as a red blush creeps up her cheeks, her eyes shining as she looks at me. I cup her face with my hands and tilt her head upwards to meet my eyes. She looks at me expectantly and I smile at her before reaching down and pressing my lips onto hers. She immediately kisses me back as her hands fall to my chest, her lips curving into a smile as I deepen the kiss.

A small whimper leaves her lips when I pull away and I chuckle as I tilt her chin up, "We don't want to keep your Mother waiting do we?" I ask, resisting the urge to smirk when she reluctantly shakes her head. "Good girl," I murmur, leaning down to kiss her neck.

I lift my head and loop a protective arm around her waist, walking out of our room and down the stairs to the entryway. I pick up the keys and open the front door for Fia, closing and locking it behind her.

I laugh when she stands in the snow, unable to walk as the heels of her boots get stuck. "I'm coming my Fia," I laugh, trudging through the snow before gently picking her up bridal style and carrying her to the car.

I place her down on the cement ground of the garage and unlock the car, opening her door for her before closing it and walking around to my side. I get in and lock the car, turning it on as I put the heater on.

I put a hand on Fia's thigh and reverse out of the garage, using my left hand to turn the car back around and out into the road.

A comfortable silence falls between us as Fia starts fiddling with the rings on my fingers, settling in for the long drive ahead of us.

————

My Fia leans against me as we wait at the meeting area in the airport, watching people trail out of the gates. I jump when I hear Fia squeal before sprinting over to a rugged up Clarisse. She laughs as her daughter launches herself at her, almost losing her footing upon the impact of the hug.

I smile as the two reunite, Clarisse hugging her daughter so tightly I fear my Fia's oxygen will be cut off. Clarisse sees me and narrows her eyes, gesturing for me to come over as Fia leans into her, their arms around each other.

I chuckle and walk over, butterflies swarming my stomach as they talk in French, not knowing what they're saying making me even more nervous.

We're not even together, we're just friends, so I shouldn't even be nervous to meet Clarisse. Right?

I'm taken aback when Clarisse wraps her arms around me, bringing me in for a hug as I awkwardly hug her back.

"Don't be so tense," Ophelia mutters, flicking my wrist as I feel my body relax.

Clarisse laughs as she pulls away, her hands staying on my shoulders as she looks at me.

"I don't think we've ever properly met," she smiles, "It's good to finally meet the man my daughter is so wrapped up in," she adds, smiling wickedly at Ophelia who instantly turns red and mutters something under her breath.

Clarisse simply laughs and loops her arm though my Fia's, picking up her suitcase as we begin to walk off.

"Let me take that for you," I offer politely, gently taking the suitcase from her. She smiles a motherly smile at me, "What a gentleman," she gasps, putting a hand on her chest. I chuckle and walk alongside them, listening as they chatter together.

"It will be nice to have someone else join us for Christmas," Clarisse sighs, her eyes shining as she looks at me.

I suddenly feel a warmth flood my body, as if my body feels at home.

"I should be thanking you for letting me join," I say sheepishly, realising I'm crashing their tradition.

"Of course, you're always welcome in our home," Clarisse says, and I see my Fia roll her eyes at how nice her Mom is being.

I smile at her but can't bring myself to say anything, overcome with gratitude by this kindly woman.

I open the airport doors for the girls and walk behind them as we make our way to the carport. I unlock the car and load Clarisse's suitcase in the trunk, shutting it before walking around to open her door for her.

She chuckles as she gets into the backseat, like she insisted on being, and I close her door before doing the same for her daughter.

I go around to the drivers side and get in, locking the car and putting my seatbelt on. Out of instinct I immediately start the car and put my hand on my Fia's thigh, instantly feeling Clarisse's eyes on me.

I go to remove my hand but Fia gently grabs my hand and holds it in place. I turn red as I hear Clarisse chuckle and start the car, driving out of the airport.

I feel my body relax as Fia and Clarisse start catching up, talking about anything and everything.

I smile as Clarisse tells us how Adelyn is doing, and how Luca is already stressing about the pregnancy, not letting Adelyn lift a finger at home.

I feel the butterflies in my stomach fly away as I grow more comfortable in Clarisse's presence, tracing small shapes on my Fia's thigh.

Maybe a family Christmas won't be so scary after all?

//

I'm so sorry for the wait and the short chapter, I have exams this week and next week so I've been caught up in them.

I don't think I'll update again until exams are over, I hope you guys understand,

But until then, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3