Christmas Choices, page 13
She ran to him when he walked through the door. Sweeping her up in his arms, he spun her around and kissed her softly before setting her down again. She grabbed his hand. “I’m so nervous about opening these boxes.”
“Why? I can’t wait to see what you painted. I’ve already decided where I want to hang them when you finally decide to move in with me.”
She swatted his arm. “You know we already discussed this. I’ll move in after the wedding. Right now, we have to concentrate on the café. The sooner you finish, the sooner I can plan the wedding. There isn’t anything I can’t do when I set my mind to it; you should know that by now.” She gave him a hug. “Now, help me with these.”
Kellen walked over to the first crate and opened it. He carefully lifted the painting, set it against the wall, and stood back. “Wow, this is beautiful. Where did you paint this one?”
“It’s the view behind the villa.”
“I love the way you captured the sunlight playing over the hills. The colors are amazing.” He turned toward her. “You really have a talent for this.”
He went back to the crate, pulled out the next painting, and placed it beside the first. He stepped back, and his mouth dropped open. “You painted me. When did you get a picture of me?”
She took his hand. “I didn’t. I painted it from memory.”
“I look lost.” He glanced down at her. “Do I still look like that?”
“No, you don’t. There was a sadness you carried deep inside that seems to be gone. Now your eyes sparkle with hope and love. I guess I have to paint a new portrait of you.”
“No, we need to keep this one around as a reminder of who I never want to be again.” He pulled her close and laid his chin on top of her head. “I love you so much. Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“I’ll never give up on you, Kellen. I love you way too much. Please, never give up on me either.”
“I promise. You know, these paintings will look great in our home. I wish you would just marry me already.”
“How much longer until Grandfather can open the café?” she asked, batting her eyelashes at him.
“The painters finish today and Harry wants you to do a mural on the one wall. You could start in two days.” He cocked his head and batted his eyelashes back at her.
She threw her head back and laughed. “Stop that! You look silly.”
He tipped up her chin and batted his lashes until tears streamed down her face. Suddenly, he pulled her against him and kissed her hard. Rhian’s breath came quickly and she put her arms around his neck in a tight hug. Her body responded to him as she moaned into his mouth.
Kellen picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. He placed her on the bed and smiled when he saw the candles and heard the soft music playing on her stereo. “Oh, you little sneak. You planned this little tryst, didn’t you?” He walked over to the stereo, cranked up the music, and slowly took off his shirt. Rhian sat up on the bed and watched the way his muscles moved as he undulated his hips. He watched her face and smiled as she licked her lips. Slowly, he unbuttoned his jeans and slid the zipper down as he rolled his stomach muscles. With his back to her, the striptease ended when the jeans slid down over his cheeks.
He glanced over his shoulder and caught her smiling at his bare ass. “Yeah, I knew you’d like that. You checked out my ass the first day we met.” Her eyes flew to his and he saw the flame of desire and love. “Oh, you are so in trouble little girl if you keep looking at me like that.”
Rhian licked her lips again and beckoned him with her finger. She lifted herself up on her knees and unhooked her bra, let it fall off her arms, and then slid her thongs down over her hips.
“Freeze!”
Rhian froze, eyes wide. “What’s wrong?” she asked with a pout on her lips. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Nope.” He strode to the bed in two long steps, took her in his arms, and kissed her softly. “Let me take those off of you when I’m ready. I want you to leave them on for a few more minutes,” he said, his voice husky with desire. Lowering her to the bed, he kissed down her neck, along her breasts, and circled each nipple with his tongue before taking each into his mouth. With just a little nip, her back arched and she moaned.
***
Kellen couldn’t get enough of this woman. He gradually moved down her stomach, his tongue trailing just over her navel. His hand moved over her breast, rolling her nipple between his thumb and finger.
“Oh Kellen, what are you doing to me?” She barely managed a whisper.
Kellen smiled, knowing he brought her pleasure. Her breath caught when he kissed her mound through the thongs. He pulled the material to the side and touched her nub gently with his tongue. The look of wonder on her face told him she’d never done this with anyone.
“Lift your hips for me, Rhian,” he whispered, pulling the thongs off. He blew on her sweet spot, took her into his mouth, and moaned at the first taste of her smooth nectar. Teasing her, his tongue moved into her core and out again.
“Oh, Kellen,” she whispered, opening herself to him even more. He knew if he didn’t stop soon, she would go over the edge.
Suddenly she reached down grabbing his head. “Please stop.”
He looked up, brows raised. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No! I want you inside of me. I always want you inside of me.” She felt her face blushing crimson.
He smiled and crawled up her body, licking her, teasing her nipples again with his mouth and tongue.
He smiled and watched her face as he slowly slid himself into her. She looked up at him, smiling blissfully. He moved his hips slowly, loving the way she took in every inch of him. He felt her body shake and knew she was ready for him to take them over the edge.
He felt her urgency building along with his and leaned down to capture her mouth. “Come with me, baby.” She spasmed around him and he pushed into her one more time, craving release. As Kellen collapsed on top of her, they sighed together. “I don’t ever want to stop feeling like this.”
“Me, either,” she whispered, snuggling closer. “Don’t move yet.”
Kellen felt a calmness wash over him. This was where he wanted to be. All the harshness, hate, and sorrow of the past ebbed away like the tide going out. She smothered the fire of self-hatred he had carried with him all those years. The promise he had made himself, shattered into a million pieces as he lay holding the woman who loved him—the real Kellen—not the man he had created. She knew his flaws and weaknesses and still wanted him. It overwhelmed him.
“Thank you, Rhian. Thank you for loving all of me,” he whispered in her ear and tightened his arms around her. “I promise to cherish every minute with you.” Tears welled in his eyes, but for the first time in his life, he didn’t feel foolish. These were tears of joy. Rhian reached up and wiped them from his cheeks.
“Oh baby, you didn’t make it easy.” She smiled. “But nothing worth having is ever easy. I couldn’t give up. My grandmother told me that very thing years ago. I knew deep in my heart you were worth it.” She kissed him softly.
“Sometimes broken promises lead you to where you’re supposed to be. I’m glad I figured that out before it was too late. I’m glad you saw through my façade.”
“You were figuring it out too, Kellen. It just took both of us to make it happen.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Rhian finished the last stroke on the mural in the café and stepped back to admire her work. She had captured the scene from her memory, and she hoped her grandfather loved it as much as she did. Turning, she looked around the newly finished structure. Kellen had finished as promised and everything was perfect. As she was putting her paints back into the box and cleaning her brushes, she heard everyone coming in through the back door laughing and talking. Perfect timing, she thought as she pulled off her gloves. “I’ve just finished up. Come see what you think.”
Kellen, her grandfather, and Denny walked in from the kitchen. Everyone stopped; different emotions moved over their faces. Denny stepped forward and walked down the wall trying to take everything in. He turned and looked at her, his arms open and palms up. “Miss Rhian, I do believe this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I feel like I’m lookin’ out a window at them. How’d you do that? How’d you make your mom and grandmom on the wall?”
“I just painted what I saw in my memory.”
He walked over to her and took her hand. “I’m so glad you and Mr. Kellen figured each other out. I knew he was a good man. I told you, didn’t I? Look at that ring! Wow,” he said in an exaggerated whisper.
Rhian heard a gasp, looked up, and saw her father staring at the wall. His mouth was set angrily, his hands clenched. She glanced at Kellen for reassurance, and then realized what had happened.
“Daddy, Grandfather didn't tell you I was painting Mom and Grandmother, did he?”
Rhian's father stared at her, and then his eyes widened even more as his gaze dropped to the ring on her hand. He turned questioningly from her to Kellen. “What is going on here? Harry mentioned something about the two of you, but I didn’t think—”
Denny put his hands on his hips and faced her father squarely. “Mr. St. Claire, you may think you know everything about everything but listen to me. Just because you are a fancy rich man doesn’t mean everyone else is beneath you. I’ve been around a long time. Did you forget your wife came from nothin’, sir? And Mr. Harry and Ms. Hazel built this place with their own hands. Your daddy didn’t like you with their daughter, but you followed your heart. Now, that’s all Miss Rhian is doin’. She is happy. You just let her be now, you hear me?”
Rhian looked at her father, trembling as fear sliced through her. Then she straightened her shoulders and stepped up beside Denny. “I’m going to marry Kellen, Father. You can either be a part of my life and accept him as Grandfather and Grandmother accepted you into Mom’s life, or you can turn around and walk out the door and leave us alone.”
Harry walked over to stand beside Rhian. “I wanted Rhian to tell you about the engagement herself. They already have my blessing and you couldn’t stop it if you wanted to. Don’t be a fool, son.”
Rhian’s father looked around at the united faces staring him down. Then Kellen quietly spoke, “I would love to have your blessing for your daughter's sake, sir. I know it would mean a lot to her. I can promise your daughter will never want for love while she is with me. She will be safe, protected, and cherished. What do you say, sir?” He extended his hand.
***
Jonathan looked down at Kellen’s hand and back up into the man’s eyes. He saw determination, love, hope, and devotion in those eyes. He thought back to how much he had loved Rhian’s mother. God help him, this young man loved his daughter with all his being. Who was he to stand in the way? Reaching out, he took Kellen’s hand. “You both have my blessings. I hope to eventually have many grandchildren to spoil. Why don’t you call me Jonathan?”
He stepped over to give Rhian a big hug that brought tears to her eyes. “I love you, girl. Don’t you ever forget it. I was angry when I saw the portrait on the wall. They look so real. Was I really so different when she was here?” he whispered.
“Yes, you were. You loved her so much. She made you a bit gentler, I think.” She took his hand. “I love you.”
“I know you do. Now, you kids make me proud. Kellen?”
“Yes sir?”
“I know you’re a self-made man. Your work is above reproach, and you’re very good at what you do. Harry and I have been talking about some investments. I’d like to be a silent partner and help expand your business. Denny here has been talking you up all over town.”
“Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it. I’m sure any advice you can give me would be helpful. Can we discuss your offer after Rhian and I are married?”
“Fine. Girl, I guess you better get working on the wedding. There are a lot of people that will want to come.” He turned to walk away.
“Father!”
Glancing back, “Yes, Rhian?”
“This is our wedding. Kellen and I don’t want something big. So please, no invitation list with your business friends. I’m planning my wedding my way. It will be a few days before Christmas.” She took Kellen’s hand. “I want Christmas to be special for both of us and I think this will be perfect.”
A smile spread over her father’s face. “Got it.” Shaking his head, he chuckled. “You are a lot like your mother. It’s about time I saw that spunk. Okay, I’ll leave you to it, just let me know where to send the check.” He walked out the door laughing.
“Christmas?” Kellen looked down at her with his brows drawn together.
“Christmas has always been a special time for me. My parents made it magical, yours didn’t. I want to make it a special, happy time for you. Is that all right?”
His eyes sparkled as he pulled her close. “I think Christmas is going to become very special for me from now on. Thank you,” he said in a voice husky with emotion.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Rhian and Kellen stood in the garden behind the cafe. Beautiful ceramic heaters chased away the December chill, keeping the guests comfortable. White lights sparkled in the trees and along the pathway leading to the café door. Kellen and Denny had built an arbor and woven twinkling lights all around it. Poinsettias stood on either side adding just a touch of color.
Grandfather, her father, Denny, Deanna, and a handful of friends stood in attendance. Rhian wore a strapless, pale-blue satin wedding gown with a beaded bodice, fitted waist, and a full, flowing skirt. She wore her hair pulled back from her face with small white flowers pinned throughout. She glanced at her handsome groom in his suit and tie.
They had written their own vows and she glowed as Kellen began. He reached out and took her hand. “Rhian, you saw through my facade to the man I am deep inside. You believed in me enough to not give up on us, to fight for what you wanted. I trust you with my heart, my soul, and my life. I promise to honor you and stand by you always. I love you more than life itself, and you've made me the luckiest man alive by being my wife.”
She smiled, tears clouding her vision, and took a deep breath. “Kellen, you are everything I ever dreamed of. You are strong, gentle, kind, and accepting. You see all my flaws and love me in spite of them. You have given me your love, the most wonderful gift I could ever hope to receive. I promise to honor you and stand by you always. I am the luckiest woman alive to have you as my husband. I'll love you always.” She leaned close and whispered, “I saw through to the diamond inside.”
The preacher held out his hand with their rings in his palm.
Kellen took hers and placed it on her finger. “With this ring, I take you for my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward.”
Rhian placed the ring on his finger. “With this ring, I take you for my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward.”
“You may kiss your bride.”
Kellen pulled her into his arms, claiming her lips with his. “Always,” he whispered.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Kellen Slade.”
Her grandfather held their reception at the café. Her father approached them near the end of the celebration. “Can I talk to you both for a few minutes?”
“Sure what’s up?” she said, putting her arm through his.
“I have a wedding gift for you. He pulled a large envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Kellen. “I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
She kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Father!”
“Rhian!” Deanna came bounding up with a blond man in tow. “You remember Preston, don’t you?”
Shaking his hand, Rhian tried to recall the tall good-looking man. Just as she was about to say no, she realized he was the bartender at the blues club. “Nice to meet you, Preston. Thank you for coming.”
“Hey, we wouldn’t have missed it. Nice wedding and this is an awesome café. We’ll be back for dinner one evening. Deanna said the food is great here.”
Glancing over at her friend, she saw genuine happiness in her eyes. Grabbing her in a big hug, she whispered, “So this is the secret you’ve been hiding. Thank you for coming. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Now, go have fun. It’s your wedding night!” Deanna clapped her hands. “We’ll see you later.” She grabbed Preston’s hand and pulled him towards the jukebox.
“Are you ready to head home, Mr. Slade?”
“I think so, Mrs. Slade.”
When they arrived at their home, Kellen insisted on carrying her over the threshold. “Welcome home, Mrs. Slade.” He kissed her as she slid out of his arms.
“I’m so happy to be home, Mr. Slade.” She reached up and pulled him down to kiss him. “I love you.”
“Ditto. Hey, want to open some of these gifts?” Deanna and her mother had brought the gifts by earlier and placed them near the Christmas tree.
“Sure, where do we start?” she asked, looking at the stack of presents. “They look so pretty sitting around the tree.”
“Well, we could start with the envelope your dad gave us.” He pulled it out of his suit coat and handed it to her.
She opened it and held up two first class tickets to Italy. “He gave us a honeymoon to Italy. Why would he do that?”
“Because he knows you love Italy and figures you would want to go back there with me? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing's wrong. I’m so happy he came around. He left the flight open so we can visit any city we choose. There’s a note saying we can make any arrangements we want. He is covering everything.” She wiped away a tear.
“What’s wrong, baby?”
“I’m just overwhelmed with his gift. But can we afford for you to be gone for a honeymoon like this?”
“Why not? I can take some time off. Rhian, you know we won’t have to worry about money, right?”
“Of course not! But I know you worked hard to build your business, and I don’t want anything to happen because we take an extended honeymoon.”
He pulled her close and sighed. “Rhian, nothing is going to happen to my business. We don’t have to leave tomorrow. You said the tickets are open, right?”
