Of Witches and Warlocks: The Complete Series

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Christmas morning dawned clear and beautiful.

My family, Brad, Shelly, and the rest of the coven gathered at the base of the tree to open the few presents we had for each other. The wrapping paper soon piled around us, as we laughed and smiled over each other's gifts.

Vance seemed to love the pullover sweater I bought him, though I felt completely cheap when he surprised me with a diamond tennis bracelet.

"You really shouldn't have," I said during a private moment together.

"Why not?" he asked as he smiled softly. "I love you, and I enjoy showering you with beautiful things."

"Yes, but all I got you was a sweater," I complained, feeling badly.

"That's exactly what I needed," he said. "I love it! It's perfect!" He grinned brightly.

"Whatever," I mumbled, moving away from him.

"Hey," he said, reaching and turning me back so he could look deep into my eyes. "I've never received a bad gift from you. I absolutely treasure everything you've ever given me, whether it's a physical gift or an emotional one." He lifted my hand and ran his finger over the diamond ring there.

"You agreeing to marry me was the one thing I really wanted. Nothing I could buy for you will ever trump that." He stroked a hand over my hair. "I love you, Portia."

My eyes watered slightly, and I threw my arms around his neck, hugging him close.

"I love you too, Vance. Thanks for being so good to me," I replied, right as my mom interrupted, calling out that it was time for the blessing on our Christmas breakfast.

We had a great meal, which Mom, Grandma, Shelly, and I prepared for everyone. It was complete with eggs, ham, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and hash browns. We also had eggnog and orange juice to drink.

When the meal was over, everyone spent the day hanging around visiting, watching movies, and eating way too much food.

"I feel like a stuffed turkey," Vance commented with a laugh, as we lounged together on the couch that afternoon. "See? Look how fat I am!" he added, patting his sculpted abdomen.

"Whatever," I said rolling my eyes. "I could scrub laundry on that washboard stomach of yours."

He leaned over to give me a quick peck on the cheek, flashing his baby blues at me in the process.

"So you still find me attractive even when I'm fat dogging it on the couch?" he asked, his eyes sparkling in amusement.

"I always find you attractive, no matter what you're doing." I smiled back at him, meaning every word of it.

"Good to know. And I wouldn't be too horribly opposed to watching you try to wash stuff on my abs," he added in a whisper, his expression clearly flirting with me.

I blushed furiously at his remark, the image of me scrubbing wet material across his chiseled stomach burned into my mind, but I didn't get a chance to answer him as our conversation was interrupted.

"Portia, Vance?" my dad called to us from the patio where he was sitting with Mom. "Could the two of you come out here?"

I stood up, turning and pulling Vance to his feet. The two of us walked hand in hand out onto the balcony.

"Close the door," Mom said.

Vance did as she asked, before joining me at the outdoor table.

"Have a seat, kids," Dad said, as he patted the chair next to him.