“Very,” she smiles at me.
“I’m glad,” I return her smile.
“I want to thank you. I know I say that a lot, but I really mean it. Thank you.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me, sweetheart. It’s my pleasure. I told you that I want to take care of you. You and your brother,” I say softly and with love.
She gets up and faces me, starting to unbutton her shirt and I sit up straight taking notice.
“I mean I really want to thank you,” and she struts to the master bedroom, stripping off articles of clothing, dropping them on the floor as she makes her way to the bedroom.
“Oh, I like this,” I smirk, taking off after her, picking her up and carrying her the rest of the way to the bed, her squealing all the way. I hear her gasp as she turns her pretty smile on me when she sees the flowers, as beautiful as she is.
Oh, and I loved it, every minute of it. We spent hours exploring each other’s bodies until we fell asleep with her wrapped up in my arms.
I roll out of bed, careful not to disturb Briar and do my normal routine of a quick workout, showering and dressing, before ordering room service. I ask that a bottle of champagne be sent up along with breakfast. I smile as I remember the look on Briar’s face when she saw the flowers. Before sliding into bed to spend it naked, she teared up a little bit. She looked so beautiful, naked and crying tears of joy.
After the call, I go to check on Thorn, letting Briar sleep in. I wore her out last night. After her confession, she seemed a little defeated. It was up to me to show her that I meant what I said, that I still loved her.
“Thorn?” I knock on his door. I know he’s probably up already. He’s an early bird.
“Yeah,” he answers.
“Can I come in?” I ask because I don’t want to just walk in. Teenagers like their space.
“Sure,” he replies and I open the door, peeking my head in first, though I can see he’s already dressed.
“What’s up?” He tips his head curiously, trying to read me.
I’m sure I look unsure of myself right now. It’s tradition for a guy to ask the man of the house for permission to marry the girl. In this case, Thorn. I’m asking him for permission to marry his sister.
“I wanted to ask you first,” I hedge, “I want to propose to your sister but want your blessing.”
“You definitely have my blessing. I think you know that. I appreciate you asking though. You make her happy and that’s all I want for her,” he nods with a grin.
“Thanks, Thorn. Now, I have to figure out how to propose,” I smile sheepishly. I might seem like I have my shit together, but this is different, it has to be perfect.
“We’re going to New York. She’s always wanted to see Rockefeller Center and go ice skating. Propose by the tree,” he suggests, shocking me. Who knew Thorn could be a romantic?
“You’ll make a girl very happy one day,” I pat his leg before standing.
“I hope so,” he replies.
We hear a knock on the door so I go to answer it, knowing it’s breakfast.
“Breakfast is here,” I start uncovering plates and placing them on the table that we hardly use.
Briar comes out and kisses my cheek before pouring some orange juice and then she ruffles Thorn’s hair.
“I thought we could just stay in today and watch movies, maybe swim. After breakfast, we can open most of the presents, leaving a couple for tomorrow,” I suggest and Briar smiles at me.
“Champagne?” She giggles, handing me the bottle to uncork.
“It’s kind of later in the morning, thought we could indulge a little bit, kick off this Christmas with a little bubbly. Even Thorn can have a glass,” I kiss her lightly before pouring three glasses.
“Are we toasting?” Briar asks.
“What would we toast to?” Thorn chimes in. I forget that they’ve never had an actual Christmas or one where they felt love. I know Briar tried her hardest in giving Thorn a good Christmas.