Gary and Libby - Take Two

Chapter Forty Four

"Can you see him yet?" Gary sounds more excited than Ethan as my two leading men sit in the large bay window of the lounge gazing up at a cloudless Christmas Eve sky. It's only about 5 O'clock in the evening, but dark enough for Ethan to assume otherwise. "There!" The toddler extends a small finger, pressing it against the cool glass as he staggers to his feet, wobbling on Garys thighs. "There?!" Gary gasps, grabbing Ethan round the waist and leaning over his shoulder. "Where? Daddy can't see!"Ethan collapses immediately into a fit of proud laughter as he falls backwards toppling against Garys chest. "Joking daddy! Joke! Joke!" An appalled gasp leaves Gary in a gush, his smile widening. "Don't trick me like that Monster! You got my hopes up!" As I watch from my spot in the doorway, I smile shamlessly as Garys relentless fingers begin to tickle Ethan mercilessly, shrill sounds of tormented delight piercing the room. He catches my eye and his beams again as he hauls Ethan up to his chest, laughing loudly and squeezing him until he screams once again in hysteria. Blowing a kiss against Ethan's head, Gary leans close enough to him to whisper something that I can't hear before setting the toddler down onto solid ground. Immediately, Ethan begins tottering towards me, stumbling enough for me to lower myself to my knees, just so I could catch him if he were to fall. When he reaches me, he grabs my hand.

"Come see Father Christmas mumma!" Flashing a smile that much resembles one of his fathers, Ethan tugs at my hand, leaning me towards the perch by the window. "Have you seen him yet?" Indulging myself in the childhood pretence, I grin at Gary, who's sparkling eyes shine back at me and I haul myself up to meet him, nestling between his jeans clad legs before I go to pull Ethan up after me. But the toddler shakes his head in determined response. "I no need see him again mumma." He explains with perfect precision of each word. "Me an' 'Lizbeth already see." "You've already seen Father Christmas?" I gape, and Ethan nods surely. "I go play now." He smiles again before turning on his less that steady feet and disappearing into his toy corner. For a second i continue to watch him as he seemingly converses with the toy rabbit before disappearing under the coffee table.
"Mind your head Ethan." Gary admonishes before i have chance to open my mouth, but Ethan is too engaged in his own world to care.
"Youre so good with him." Smiling slowly, i extend my legs and stare down at my bare feet, resting on top of Garys, whos response is to wrap his hands around my waist, pulling me closer against him.
"Yeah." He nuzzles his nose under my ear, tickling me enough with his stubble for me to squirm and face him.
Garys hair is fluffy and unstyled, still slightly damn after his post workout shower. I dont even try to resist the urge to run my fingers though it, combing it backwards until he leans his head into my hands. His stubble is shorter than usual, but is apple green t-shirt seems to be reflected in his eyes as the sparkle more than ever. -Or maybe thats just Christmas.

"Its been quite a year hasnt it?"
I shift to face Gary completely as he speaks, and his hands take hold of the backs of my knees, pulling them over his thighs until my legs half over his and half around his waist. Tangled beyond all hope none the less.
"Its been a bit mad." I agree with a small nod, my mind debriefing the year at lightening speed. There was moving, and then Dads stroke, and after that Ethan got ill and Gary wasn't even there, and then there was the accident.. and the miscarriage. My brow caves as i wind myself with the memory. The pain.
"Oi." Gary moves a hand to poke my side. "Whats wrong?"
I shake my head, not willing to forget the ordeal, but not wishing to experience the pain just now either. "Nothing." Pasting on a grin, i slip my hands under the bottom of his t-shirt, running my fingers along the deepening grooves of his abs. My distraction ploy works and Garys eyes widen, his bottom lip falling away from the top.
"I really hope you like what iev got for you." The corners of his lips twitch into a slow, steady simper. My brows raise, knowing ill love it regardless.
"Gimmie a clue."
"No." Gary leads forward and kisses my nose. "Im giving you one tonight anyway."
"Oh really." My teeth sink over my bottom lip and i scold myself for feeling the flutter of excitement induced by the look in his eyes. Gary nods.
"As long as you give me one of mine."
Taking a second to consider the offer, and after a beat i decide what it is ill give him and agree. "Deal."