Silent Night (Silence #3.5)
Natasha Preston
For Zo? Lowdon
Dear reader,
Four days ago I had the idea to write a Christmas short story for the Silence series. Three sleepless nights later and here it is! Thank you so much for supporting this series. Silent Night is a 7,000 word short story showing Cole and Oakley’s Christmas day.
Merry Christmas!
Oakley
I woke early – at six in the morning – and smiled. Today was Christmas, and it wouldn’t be long before Everleigh would be up and bouncing off the walls. She was always the same – vibrating with excitement and extra loud.
This year was also special because it was Bentley’s first Christmas. He was only six months old and wouldn’t have a clue what was going on. But I was sure he’d enjoy the lights, new toys to chew, and having the attention of all of his family at once.
Cole slept peacefully beside me. Like every morning when I was the first one up I took a minute to drink him in. I would never, ever get over how lucky I was to have him.
Cole forgave me for leaving him for four years. He was the most incredible man, and I was honoured to call him my husband. Of course, he said the exact same thing about me because he was obviously a delusional fool.
I brushed his brown hair, letting my fingers glide to the back of his head. Slowly, two perfect blue eyes opened and stared back at me.
“Good morning,” he whispered, pulling me closer. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.”
We curled around each other, and I closed my eyes. I’d loved Cole for a very long time now, but he still gave me butterflies and made my heart race. I didn’t ever want that to end.
“How long do you think we have?” he asked, sliding his hand down my naked back.
“Probably about thirty seconds.”
Everleigh was five and an early riser. I didn’t mind because being woken by my little girl jumping all over me was the best way to get up. Bentley was a lazy baby and usually only woke when he heard his big sister.
“Damn, what I had planned would definitely take longer than thirty seconds. Although I can probably work something with that.”
I snuggled closer, my face pressed against his hard muscles and soft skin. It sounded very tempting, but too many times he’d got me all worked up then we’d have to stop because a little voice was calling us. Spending Christmas sexually frustrated didn’t sound appealing.
Laughing, I said, “We can do that tonight. A lot.”
After everything I’d been through as a child I never expected to want anyone to touch me but when I was with Cole he made every touch special. He made me feel safe, loved, and like the woman I never thought I’d get to be. He gave me back what I thought they’d robbed.
“I love you, Cole,” I murmured against his skin. The words didn’t seem nearly enough for what I felt for him.
“I love you, too, baby.”
“Mummy,” Everleigh called, waking Bentley at the same time. His baby babble was the sweetest thing.
Sighing softly, I kissed Cole’s chest and got up. “We didn’t even get thirty seconds.”
Cole rolled onto his back, put his hands behind his head and raised his eyebrow as he watched me get dressed. “Later.”
Definitely, definitely later.
“I’m coming, Everleigh,” I said, giving Cole one last longing look.
My heart swelled as I left our room and set eyes on our perfect daughter. Her big blue eyes lit up when she saw me. Blonde ringlets fell down her back.
She bounced up and down on her bed, pointing to the full stocking hanging on her wall. “He’s been!”
“I can see. Merry Christmas,” I said, opening my arms for a hug. She bound off the bed and tackled my legs. “I’m just going to get Bentley up, why don’t you go and see Daddy.”
“Okay!” she shouted and took off.
“Bentley,” I whispered, leaving her room pushing his door open. He always had a big smile whenever he saw me or Cole. Or his grandparents and Uncle Jasper. He’d pulled himself up, so he was sitting in his cot.
Reaching over I picked him up and kissed his head. “Happy first Christmas, baby boy. Let’s go see Daddy and your big sister,” I said, taking him back to my room.
I couldn’t help laughing as I saw Everleigh jumping on our bed with her legs either side of Cole. He’d tensed up in case she fell onto an area he really wouldn’t want to be hit.
“How about I change Bentley, then go downstairs and get ready?” I said.
“Yes!” Everleigh shrieked. I thought that would get her seal of approval. “Merry Christmas, Bentley.”
“First Christmas,” Cole added. “Everleigh, let me up so I can pee before we go down.”
“Don’t wanna, Daddy,” she replied.