Gracie's Christmas Wish

Chapter Eight

The week flew by and before she knew it, it was Saturday. Everything including the cats was moved that needed to be moved or was placed in storage and Charlotte and her family drove to Aiden's home.

They had never seen their new home before and were blown away by how beautiful it was.

Mrs. Harrison greeted them and brought them inside. She showed them where everyone's rooms were and that their wedding clothes were all set out for them to wear. Mrs. Harrison brought Charlotte to her room and it was so beautiful, and it was right next to Aiden's she pointed out. Mrs. Harrison thought the whole situation was crazy but she was hopeful for everyone's sake that it would work out.

Before she changed, Charlotte walked out on to the balcony and admired the view.

She could see a little white canopy set up in the distance and a few people including someone that looked like Aiden and Gracie overseeing things. It looked beautiful. She went back inside and changed into her dress.

Charlotte went to check on her kids and they had already changed. The boys were wearing matching black pants and a white button down shirt and red ties. Madison was wearing a pretty red dress. They gasped when they saw her because she looked so pretty. Charlotte wore her long curly hair down and wore a crown of red roses Mrs. Harrison had brought to her. She looked beautiful they told her. Charlotte said she hoped so.

"Now guys, this is our last moment of just the 4 of us. I want you to know how much I love you and that I'm doing this for you and for Gracie, your new sister. I hope we can all be one big happy family together. I really would like this to work. They are such wonderful people."

"Of course Mom." They all said and they enveloped her in a big group hug.

Mrs. Harrison had come over to bring them down to the beach and overheard them. She was pleased that Charlotte really wanted to make things work and thought so highly of "her family."

"Ms. Morgan, It's time." Mrs. Harrison said. She escorted Charlotte's family to the beach.

Gracie saw them coming first and she was so excited.

"My new mommy's here!" She said and Aiden turned around to see her. She looked so pretty he thought.

Aiden walked over to her and welcomed Charlotte and her kids to their new home. Gracie happily hugged everyone. The officiant, the minister from their church, suggested they get things started. Cecily handed Charlotte a bouquet of red roses that matched her flower crown and kissed her on the cheek. "Good luck and I'm looking forward to you being part of our family." She told her.

The ceremony started and very quickly and quietly, Charlotte Morgan became Charlotte Wilson. Gracie held the rings proudly for Aiden and he slipped the ring on Charlotte's finger. Charlotte slipped Aiden's ring on his finger and smiled at him sweetly. Before she knew it, the minister said "You may now kiss the bride."

Aiden smiled and leaned in and gave Charlotte a sweet kiss on the mouth, the first time he'd kissed anyone since his wife died. To his surprise he liked it far more than he thought he should or would. He hugged her and then Gracie jumped in and hugged them both. Charlotte's kids joined in the group hug too. It was a sweet moment. Cecily got teary eyed.

Gracie was so excited. "Come on mommy! We've got a party to go to!" She said and she took her new stepmother by the hand and brought her back up to the house.

Mrs. Harrison had a beautiful luncheon planned for them. Aiden sat at the head of the table and Gracie sat to his left and Charlotte to his right. The new family ate their first meal together and it was nice. Aiden had already met the kids, but was really getting to know them for the first time. He was impressed with Charlotte's kids and that pleased Charlotte.

After lunch, Gracie suggested they have a pool party. The kids all thought that was a great idea. They all went and changed and met back at the pool.

The new family had a blast playing together for hours in the pool. Charlotte was so happy that her kids were enjoying their new surroundings and their new family. Aiden was wonderful with her kids and her kids enjoyed having a man in their lives, other than their own father, for the first time. Gracie had fun playing with her new brothers and sister and mommy. Aiden watched Charlotte as she got out of the pool. He took in her curves and couldn't keep his eyes off of her until Gracie swam over and distracted him. She wanted him to throw her in the pool, a game they played.

That night Charlotte tucked Gracie in and she said "Good night Mommy." It melted Charlotte's heart. She checked on each of her kids and made sure they were settling in. Both boys were playing video games in bed and Madison was watching an anime show she loved.

Charlotte went back to her room and changed into a night gown and then went to stand out on the balcony. She loved the sound of the ocean and just took in the salt water breeze.

"I hope you'll be comfortable here." Aiden said. He was also on the balcony which connected to his room's balcony. He was standing in the door way to his room.

"This is the most beautiful home I've ever seen." Charlotte said. "I'm sure we'll be more than comfortable."

"Thank you for doing this Charlotte." Aiden said and came over to her.

"If we have more days like today, I think everyone's going to really enjoy it." Charlotte admitted.

"Today was fun." Aiden said chuckling. "And I didn't even look at my phone all day." He joked.

"Good for you!" Charlotte teased "Keep up the good work." She patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm going away for a few days and after you get your passport you may be coming with me when I travel."

"You said I might be." Charlotte reminded him.

"Great." He said. The moon came out from behind the clouds and in the moon light, he could see Charlotte's braless silhouette through her night gown. He came closer to her "So, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes Aiden. Good night." She said and he was surprised when she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Good night Charlotte." He said and he went back to his room. As he lay in bed, going to sleep, he remembered how it felt when she hugged him and he could feel her breasts brushing against his chest.

That night, Aiden dreamed he was back on the balcony with Charlotte and that instead of saying good night to her, he took her into his arms and kissed her. He woke up suddenly and took a long time to get back to sleep.

ds.+++G