Deadly Christmas (22 page)

“You bitch! Do you have any idea how much that hurt?”

“Actually, no,” Mandy said, grabbing the taser and circling the table. “My husband knows how much this hurts, though. How would you like a taste of it?”

“You can’t electrocute me,” Ava wailed. “I’m pregnant. You’ll hurt the baby.”

Mandy’s mind drifted to Emma’s stomach and the soft fluttering she’d felt there. She hated Ava, but the woman was right. She couldn’t do that to a baby. Mandy switched the taser off and took a step back. “You’re going to jail, Ava. I hope you have a plan for making your new life fantastic and lucrative.”

Ava didn’t get a chance to respond because the saloon door flew open. James stood in the entryway, his chest heaving as he scanned the room. Grady stood behind him, although he seemed amused by the situation.

“Baby, are you okay?”

Mandy nodded, her demeanor calm. “I threw a pool ball and hit Ava in the eye.”

“That sounds fun,” James said, taking a step toward his wife. “Does she have a weapon?”

Mandy held up the taser. “I was going to shock her with it but … well … she’s pregnant. I’m mean, but I’m not that mean.”

James laughed, the sound taking Mandy by surprise.

“Are you laughing at me?”

“Baby, I just raced across six different cities because I was convinced you were in trouble,” James said. “When we got to the house, we found Sven rubbing his head on the back porch. He’s really pissed, by the way. You’re lucky he doesn’t hit women, Ava.”

“Yeah, I feel really lucky,” Ava deadpanned.

“I ran to this guesthouse and I was sure you were going to be hurt … or about to die … or even crying,” James continued. “Instead, you already won what turned out to be a non-existent fight and you disarmed your enemy.”

“She wasn’t much of an enemy.”

“You amaze me, my baby,” James said, grabbing Mandy and pulling her into his arms. “I love you so much.”

“You people are so annoying,” Ava complained.

Grady moved toward her. “You’re coming with me,” he said. “We’re transporting you to the sheriff’s department.”

“I don’t suppose you’d settle for sex on the pool table and letting me go, would you?” Ava asked hopefully.

“Oh, honey, you don’t hold a candle to my girl,” Grady replied. “There’s nothing you could offer me to let you go.”

“What is it with you people?” Ava groused. “You can’t possibly all love each other this much.”

“You be surprised how much we love each other,” Grady said, grabbing her by the elbow. “You just don’t understand it because you’re not capable of love.”

“Is that supposed to be an insult?” Ava sneered.

“That’s supposed to be a … you know what? Shut your mouth,” Grady snapped. “I can’t even look at you.”

“Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you,” Ava shot back.

Mandy smiled as she watched Grady lead Ava away. “It looks like Christmas is going to be merry this year.”

“Baby, our life is going to be merry … and happy … and eternally wonderful,” James said, kissing her deeply. “Our life is going to be spectacular. Don’t you ever doubt that.”

“Good morning, baby,” James murmured, tightening his arms around Mandy’s naked back and snuggling her close. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.”

James was in no hurry to get up. They’d celebrated with the family late into the evening, enjoying some wine, stories, and love before separating for the holiday. Mandy presented Sophie and Emma with their portraits, both women squealing with delight while the men in their lives merely shook their heads.

“At least I don’t look whipped,” Grady muttered.

They enjoyed a big dinner and Skyped with Rose and Louis Hardy over the computer, Ally enthusiastically catching them up on all the happenings. Everyone watched as Finn felt the baby kick for the first time and was overwhelmed to the point where he shed a few tears. They exchanged gifts and hugs, and then everyone went on their merry way.

Upon retiring to their bedroom, Mandy and James shared their own brand of love and welcomed Christmas like only they could. For now, James was perfectly happy cuddling his wife for the entire day. He knew that wouldn’t happen, though. She was too anxious to get her gifts.

“It’s snowing,” Mandy said, glancing out the bedroom window. “We should make a snowman later.”

James snorted. “You want to get all bundled up and hang out in the snow after your ordeal? That sounds … so annoying.”

Mandy rolled her eyes until they landed on his face. She leaned forward and rubbed her nose against his stubbled chin and then lightly kissed it. “It’s not fair you look so hot in the morning.”

“Baby, you’re smoking hot and you know it,” James said. “If I thought I could convince you to fornicate instead of opening presents, I would tie you to the bed and keep you here all day.”

“We’ll do that later,” Mandy said. “I was thinking we could get in the hot tub. With the snow falling like this, it will be beautiful.”

James stilled. “Do you want to get back in the hot tub?”

“I always want to get in the hot tub as long as you’re there,” Mandy said. “Don’t worry about it, James. I’m not going to have some wicked flashback. I love the hot tub. I love you. Don’t get all … weird … on me.”

“Fine,” James said, pinching her bare rear end. “What do you want to do first? Do you want presents or breakfast?”

“What do you think?”

“Presents it is,” James said, grinning. “I need to go and collect yours from my office.”

“Ally helped me move yours into the closet downstairs last night,” Mandy said. “I’ll meet you in the living room in ten minutes.” She moved to roll off of him, but James held her tight.

“Give me a kiss first,” James ordered.

“You’re so bossy,” Mandy said. She slammed her mouth against his, letting her tongue wander until she managed to connect it with his. After a few moments, she pulled away. “How was that?”

“You might have just convinced me to make that snowman later,” James said. “Get your cute little butt moving, wife. It’s going to take you hours to unwrap everything I bought you.”

BY THE
time Mandy and James hauled all of the gifts into the living room, it looked as if Santa’s sleigh crashed landed in their living room.

“This might be a little sick,” Mandy said, glancing around.

“Yeah, we need to set a limit next year,” James said, nodding. “I’m sending out another big check to some charities, too. I … we are really irresponsible consumers.”

“We could take some of it back,” Mandy offered, although James could tell her heart wasn’t in it.

“Sit down and start opening,” James instructed, tossing a small package toward her. “Start with that one.”

Mandy caught the box in mid-air. It was the same size as a jewelry box, so she had at least an idea of what was inside. “Is this my big gift?”

“You’re not getting the big one until the end.”

“Wow, there are so many dirty ways I could go with that statement,” Mandy said, her eyes sparkling. She’d slipped into a satin robe while collecting gifts, and even though James would prefer her naked for the entire day – he didn’t complain. They had days to celebrate. They could take their time. He planned to enjoy every second.

“Open your gift,” James ordered, sliding onto the couch so he could watch her.

Mandy tore open the wrapping paper and flipped the box open, grinning when she saw the sterling silver earrings sitting in the middle of the velvet box. They were shaped like sharks. In fact, they matched the shark charm James gave her on the day of their wedding almost perfectly. “I love them.”

“You don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but I figured you would like those.”

“I do.”

Mandy surveyed the pile of gifts at James’ feet and pointed. “I want you to open that one first.”

James grabbed the oddly shaped, rectangular box. “Is this my big gift?”

“You don’t get that until the end,” Mandy shot back.

James opened the box, furrowing his brow as he studied the brochure inside. “What is this?”

“That is the finest snow blower money can buy,” Mandy replied. “It’s out in the garage. Grady snuck it in there yesterday. It’s under the tarp in the back. I didn’t want to risk you seeing it.”

“You bought me a snow blower?”

“You complained about your back hurting for two straight days after shoveling,” Mandy reminded him. “Christmas can be both practical and fun.”

“I hate to say it, baby, but this is probably the best gift you could’ve gotten me. Thank you.”

“I got it for me, too,” Mandy said.

“How so?”

“You’re no good to me if you can’t move.”

“You’re lucky I love you,” James muttered, wagging his finger. “Otherwise I’d be throwing you in the snow bank and turning you into a snowman.”

Mandy giggled. “What next?”

They took turns pointing out gifts to one another, enjoying the morning. Mandy squealed at the
Shark Week
collection. James laughed when he saw the shark-themed boxer shorts she bought him. Mandy immediately put all the Pandora charms he purchased on the bracelet while James studied the expensive Nikon camera with a look of puzzlement.

“I like the camera, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not sure what I would use this for,” James admitted. “I’m not taking a gift you got me out on a job.”

“It goes with your big gift,” Mandy explained.

“What is that?”

Mandy smiled. “Is everything else done? Are the big gifts all we have left?”

James nodded, curious. “You have to give me the big gift now. It’s going to drive me crazy if you don’t.”

“Hold on,” Mandy said, jumping to her feet and disappearing into the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later with an envelope, handing it to her husband expectantly and then shuffling from foot to foot as she waited for him to open it. “Well?”

“Why are you so nervous?” James asked. “Are there sex coupons in here?”

“Sex coupons?”

“You know, sex coupons,” James pressed. “Vouchers I can turn in whenever I want something … specific.”

“Do I ever turn you down for those things?”

“No.”

“It’s not sex coupons,” Mandy said. “Maybe for Valentine’s Day. I still think that’s a little weird – especially knowing that you thought you were going to take photos of it.”

“We’re setting a limit for Valentine’s Day,” James said. “This is … unhealthy.”

“We’re probably out of things to buy anyway,” Mandy said. “Come on. Open it.”

James opened the envelope, taking the time to read the heartfelt card inside. Every word touched him. Every proclamation of love rolled his heart. He would never tell her, but out of everything she’d purchased for him, the thing he loved most was the card. “I … .”

“Don’t get schmaltzy,” Mandy warned. “I meant every word, but … if you cry, I’m going to cry. I don’t want to cry on Christmas.”

James snapped himself out of his reverie. “No crying on Christmas,” he agreed. He pulled the sheet of paper from inside the card and opened it, scanning what looked to be a travel itinerary. “I … is this what I think it is?”

Mandy broke into a wide grin, her excitement practically swallowing her lovely face. “It’s not until late in the fall,” she cautioned. “I got us a trip to New Zealand, though, just like we talked about. I used some of the money from the inheritance I got from my dad. We can see hobbit holes and everything.”

James smirked, the mere idea of her excitement at seeing the hobbit holes thrilling him. “This is great, baby, but … can you get two weeks off from work in the fall?”

Mandy licked her lips as she regarded her husband. “That’s part of your present, too,” she said. “By October, whether I’m making money with my art or not, I’ve decided to leave the courthouse.”

James’ heart flopped. “Seriously?”

“I need a few more months,” Mandy cautioned. “You have to put up with that. I … need those months to get things in order. I need those months to at least try to sell my art.”

“Baby, you can have as much time as you want,” James said, giving in to his tears. He reached for her, pulling her close as she settled on his lap. “I didn’t need anything this Christmas but that.”

“Aren’t you excited about the trip?”

“I’m thrilled about the trip,” James said. “Two weeks of you, me, and hobbit holes sounds … spectacular.”

“I’m so relieved,” Mandy admitted, sighing as she snuggled closer to him. “It’s really a gift for both of us.”

“No, it’s a gift for me,” James said. “You’re my gift. You’ll always be my gift. You have no idea what … you’ve just done for me.”

“I know you worry about me being there, James,” Mandy said. “I always knew it wouldn’t be forever. I realized you didn’t know that, though. You needed reassurance and … well … this is how I decided to give it to you.”

“You’re definitely getting your snowman now,” James growled, turning her so he could kiss her senseless.

After separating, Mandy rested her head against his shoulder and surveyed the room. “How about I make omelets and you clean up all the wrapping paper? Does that sound like a fair tradeoff?”

“You have one gift left, baby,” James whispered, kissing her cheek. “I have trouble believing you forgot I had a big gift for you, too.”

“I thought you were going to give me that in the hot tub,” Mandy teased.

James instinctively rubbed his hardening length against his wife’s rounded bottom, sucking her earlobe into his mouth. “I’m going to give you that gift so many times today you’re going to lose count. That’s not your big present, though.”

Mandy glanced around. “We’ve opened everything.”

James reached behind the cushion he was resting against and withdrew a white cylinder, handing it over to Mandy wordlessly.

Confused, Mandy opened the end of the cylinder and tipped out the sheets of paper inside. “I don’t understand,” she admitted. “These look like building plans.”

“They are building plans,” James said. He took the sheets of paper from her and shifted them to make sure she was looking at them properly. “In April, we will officially be starting on the expansion project I hinted around about months ago.”

“You never told me what that project is,” Mandy reminded him.

“You, my love, are getting your very own arboretum,” James said.

Mandy stiffened, her eyes widening as she turned to look at James. “No way.”

“Peter hooked me up with a guy,” James explained. “The windows in his arboretum are hard to find. That’s what took me so long. I was on a waiting list. Your arboretum is going to open at the back of the house and be set … kind of behind the garage. I can’t really show you until all the snow is gone.”

“Is this for real?”

“Of course it’s for real,” James said. “I … do you like it?”

“I can’t believe you did this for me,” Mandy said, her eyes filling with tears. “It’s way too expensive.”

“Something tells me you’re worth it.”

Mandy threw her arms around James’ neck, hugging him for all he was worth. “I should have gotten you those sex coupons.”

James hugged her back, chuckling as he pressed her as close as he could manage without fusing their bodies together. “We won’t need them, baby.”

“Holy crap!”

Mandy’s excitement was contagious. “I think we officially just had the best Christmas ever,” James said.

“And we haven’t even gotten into the hot tub yet,” Mandy said, jumping to her feet.

“Where are you going?”

“Screw breakfast,” Mandy answered, stripping out of her robe and revealing her nakedness to James. “The last one in the hot tub has to clean up the mess.” Mandy bolted toward the sliding glass doors.

“I love you, Mandy,” James called to her back, stripping his boxer shorts off as he moved to follow her.

“I love you, too. Now … come on! It’s snowing and I’m naked. Let’s make another Christmas fantasy come true.”

James didn’t have the heart to tell her that she’d already made every fantasy he’d ever had come true. In truth, they’d overdone it on Christmas. In reality, they had everything they’d ever need whenever they held each other.