STAY

Seventy Five

"Do you remember Christmas last year?" Jared asked me as I decorated the tree. He was lying on the sofa watching me, occasionally getting up to help place something high. I turned to smile at him. The memories flooding back. "That was, the most wonderful Christmas" I sighed. He nodded, "it sure was, in that little cottage. Lying in front of the fire, it was absolutely perfect" he said wistfully. I suddenly remembered that I had drunkenly confided to him my true feelings about children. God, I had been so sure of myself and my life decisions, now look at me. I felt hands on my shoulders, "yeah, I was pretty sure of myself as well. We've had a few curve balls thrown at us haven't we?" he said laughing. I nodded, "that's an understatement" I said smiling. "Do you remember your birthday?" he asked raising an eyebrow. My stomach flipped as I recalled the memory of us together, in a department store change room. "Yes" I said almost breathlessly. I turned to face him, he was smiling wickedly. I felt a thrill run through me. "What do you want for your birthday this year?" he said, I shrugged, "nothing, that goes for Christmas too. I have everything I want, I have you" I said leaning up to kiss him. His arms wrapped around me holding me close, well as close as he could get with my belly in the way. "I'll think of something" he said against my lips. He had decided that we were having a big joint dinner to celebrate as it was all our birthdays. His moms, mine and his, all within days of each other. Caroline and my dad had flown in to spend Christmas with us and to celebrate my birthday. My mother had made an excuse to stay away, I barely paid attention to her when she was rambling on. I had wished her happy holidays nonetheless and was secretly happy not to have to deal with her drama.
*
It was a hectic few days, by the time Christmas Day arrived, I was exhausted. Jared woke me up my absolute favorite way, soft intoxicating kisses, then making love to me fast and furiously. I was breathless but very satisfied. As I picked at my plate, I wondered at how different my life was now. Married, baby, big family Christmas. All at once I felt overwhelmed, but very blessed. It was what I had always wanted, but never dared dream would happen to me. Jared was walking around with a Santa hat on, looking pleased as punch. Our eyes would meet every so often and he would give me the most wonderful smile. My insides would turn to mush. "Genevieve, I know you won't admit it, but this is what you always wanted isn't it? Christmas, surrounded by a big loving family" said my dad quietly. I looked at him curiously, "I .... I was always happy with what we had" I said, he shook his head smiling wryly, "That may be, but I know you always wanted more, I'm so sorry I couldn't give you that" he said. "Did mom ever want any more children, after me?" I asked him. He raised an eyebrow at my question, "no, she didn't, I begged her for more, but she was no longer interested in a family, in me. After she had you, she realized she wasn't very maternal"  he said sadly. "I'm scared .... what if .... I ...?" I couldn't finish the sentence. "No, you won't be, you're nothing like her. If you were, you'd never have become a nurse, that's a caring, unselfish career. You will be a great mother, trust me" he said smiling. I nodded unsurely, but hoping he was right. "What are you looking so serious about?" said Jared appearing next to me. "Nothing, just .... how different this Christmas is, compared to the past" I said lightly. "It's very different, for both of us" he agreed. "For all of us. But it's lovely" said my father smiling and getting up and heading over to Caroline. "Have you had a nice day?" he asked me sitting down next to me. I sighed nodding, "yes, I couldn't have asked for a better day. You?" I said smiling at him. "Yes, it's been great" he agreed. "And you've still got your birthday" I said. "Hmm, it's no big deal" he said offhandedly. "I hate getting older too, but it's still a reason to celebrate" I said grabbing his hand. He finally turned to look at me and smiled, "yeah I guess you're right" he said. "We can do whatever you like, all day ...." I whispered. He raised an eyebrow, a sly smile crossing his face. "Whatever I like?" he asked. I nodded, wondering what thoughts were behind that smile. "Well, we can start downstairs, in the grey room" he suggested. My heart started beating, fast. Despite my initial reluctance to go in there a while back, he had once again begged me. He'd even changed all the furniture, everything was new. The sofas, the benches .... the toys. All new, all for me. So I had relented and found that I had liked being in there with him. "And ....?" I said breathlessly. "Lets just start off slow. You, naked, on your knees" he hissed. I exhaled, nodding slowly. Someone called my name and I was jolted back to the here and now. He stood up and held out his hand helping me stand. "Thanks" I said smiling. "Enjoy it, I won't be so nice tomorrow" he said wickedly. I almost groaned in anticipation and walked off.

Jared's POV -
I watched her walk off in a daze. I smiled, loving the effect I had on her. I worried sometimes that I might hurt her or the baby, our lovemaking was often very intense. But she reassured me that she was fine and she'd tell me to stop if she was concerned. I found her more and more enticing. She lamented  that her belly was getting in the way and making her less attractive. It only made her look more beautiful, she was as sexy as ever and I reminded her every day. I looked forward to having her at my mercy.