The Ultimate Gentleman (Part 2)

Fifty Six

A few days had passed since Johnny had discovered the big threat against his family, and although him, Sean and Travis were rather jumpy and snappy, they had managed to keep it well hidden that nobody had questioned them yet. Today, The Walton's were flying in for the festive break and Johnny wanted everything to run like clockwork.

"Stop stressing! Everything looks perfect!" Lily exclaimed to her step mother who was straightening up a chunky throw on the couch in the main sitting room. "I know I know, it's just now lots of kids, lots of adults, that's one of the reasons we opted for the hotel but this will be fun, and besides, who knows how many years we will have left of Santa magic with all the littles." Holly said with a sweet smile before embracing her eldest step child. "And don't you forget, I want to here everything about that Chanel Shoot and so does Mum. We'll grab five minutes." Lily smiled back at her before rushing out the room.

A few hours later, the front door opened and Holly was extremely excited to be reunited with some of her family. Her eldest brother was with his in laws, which left just her parents, Ben, Hannah, their two children, Tara and Theo who had returned to Paris after visiting her parents for an early Christmas. "Darling! You look incredible!" Her mother approached hugging her with wide arms. "Mum! How was the trip? Was everything ok?" "Everything was fine sweetheart, it's so kind of Johnny to send the plane." Her father said affectionately before greeting his grandchildren.

The next day after a hearty family breakfast, Holly had noticed the weather had turned for the worse and it was getting rather cold. Johnny appeared in the doorway to the kitchen where she was making coffee. "All ok darling?" "Yes I think we'll make some Christmas cookies today and then set up camp in the movie room. The kids can't be outside in this chill." Johnny nodded smiling, he loved how serious Holly took Christmas. "Well I was hoping you might say that as I was hoping to take the guys to the Cigar rooms, would that at be ok?" "Course darling. I don't expect you to hang out here the entire day with us. The kids will drive everyone mad. You go, have fun. Maybe even treat Dad. It's been quite a while since he smoked I believe." Johnny nodded. "Of course, the best father in law in the world needs a cuban or two for Christmas night." Johnny said wrapping his arms around her.

An hour or two later, Holly had a cute apron on, and had all the children stood on chairs around the kitchen island, they were having a great time making the mix for their festive cookies. The proud grandmother, mothers and Aunts looked on as Jack snapped some photos. "Darling I think that's us ready. Travis and Malcolm are in the office." "What?! Surely you're taking them?! Johnny it's Christmas." "No, security stays." "Excuse us.." Holly said taking Johnny's hand and leading him through to the empty sitting room, the Christmas tree lights were twinkling away. "Johnny, it's Christmas. Travis and Malcolm are as good as family. Go treat them on your lads day. I insist." "Darling.. you need security." "At home?! This place is like a fortress." "But.." "Johnny.. Not Buts. If it makes you feel better I swear, we won't even leave. I won't even open the front door." Johnny took a deep breath and sighed. "Ok. If you really insist. It would be nice to have our blended family all together, wouldn't it?" "It would." Holly said with a smile before kissing her husband. "Thank you." "For what?" He asked. "It means a lot to me, that you're doing this." "No problem sweetheart." Johnny said reluctantly, how much trouble could they get in at home?

Johnny wandered out to the hallway where the majority of the men had gathered with their winter coats on. "Right let's get this show on the road. Travis, Malcolm. You're with me, lady of the house insists on it." Johnny said with a wide eyed look that went unnoticed by a beaming Holly stood behind him. "Have fun guys! Don't spend too much, and don't get Daddy drunk." Jack hugged his step mother. "You're in charge Jacky. Love you!" She said closing the door and turning the key after they had left. "Right who's ready for baking!" She said gleefully re entering the kitchen with a smile.

A while later, trays and trays of cookies were cooling on the kitchen side, as Holly made drinks for everyone. "Mummy, can we build our camp now?" "Of course darling. Lily, would you mind going to help them. In the linen closet there is a tonne of old bed sheets, throws and pillows. Lottie, you can show the others what we do yes?" Lily nodded and took both sister's hands. "Come on littles. Henry are you coming?" Lily asked her cousin. As they left the room Grace put her hand on her heart, she was proudly holding her youngest grandson in her arms. "They are all growing so fast." "I know, I can't keep up." Hannah giggled, before Tara added "Lottie and Theo are thick as thieves aren't they?" "Very much so. Although she's rather bossy to him, I'll have to talk to her about that again!" Holly said sipping her coffee.

After the first movie was finished, Grace stood, "I think I'm going to have a little lie down before dinner. My headache still hasn't shifted." "Are you ok Mum? Can I get you anything?" "No dear. It's fine, just all the excitement, and I really shouldn't have gone so hard on that wine last night." Grace giggled before retreating up the stairs. The children soon cheered for another Christmas movie, which Holly soon dealt with after clicking a button on the nearby IPad. After checking a sleeping Teddy in his bouncy chair, she snuggled closer to her step daughter who was snacking on some chocolate. "I def need to stop eating, I feel sick. We need to get some water or something." Lily giggled. "Yes I agree... they've hardly drank anything all day. Let's go get something." Holly and Lily soon snuck out leaving Tara and Hannah in charge of the tribe. "Hey wait for me. I need to call my Mum anyway. I promised I would this morning but haven't got round to it." Hannah whispered before following the two out the cinema room in the basement and up the stairs to the main ground floor.