Jasmine

I know he’s trying to go slow because it’s our first time, but I need him, and I want him to come undone for me. “Harder Ford,” I moan.

He thrusts inside me in a punishing pace, giving me exactly what I need from him. “Are you close beautiful?”

“Mmm, yes. Don’t stop.”

Our movements become erratic, both of us seeking euphoria.

“Yes, baby that’s it. Just like that, fuck. I’m coming beautiful.” He groans, filling me full of his seed.

We lay there motionless, catching our breath for a while until Ford rolls us over. He plays with my hair, and I draw lazy circles over his chest.

“Why did you do it? You didn’t have to marry me.”

“The last thing I thought I needed was someone to spend my life with. My mom set me up with Delilah in hopes she could find me, someone, I’d make babies with. I never expected it would actually happen. The minute you walked into that ball I knew I was going to love you. I knew as sure as the sky is blue that one day you would be my wife. When you explained why you were there, it took me a few minutes to figure out my plan. When Delilah stole you away to introduce you to Jackson O’Leary of all people, I swear she did it just to make me jealous.”

I snort. “He was an asshole. When he started talking about what I was supposed to look like I tuned him out. He never had my attention though because someone had already stolen it.”

“I left the ball to clear my head and stop myself from pummeling O’Leary for the way he was looking at you. Then you stumbled right back into my world. After that I was done, there was nothing that was going to steal you away from me again.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Oh yeah?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but when I saw you standing at the bar looking like it was the last place you wanted to be you made me feel better, made me feel more like myself. You made me feel safe in a room full of hundreds of people, and you didn’t even have to say a word. When Delilah told me someone wanted to marry me, I hoped it was you standing there waiting for me. Then I saw you and all my apprehension faded away, and I knew I could go through with it because it was you.”

When I woke up this morning Ellie and Ford were already downstairs making breakfast. We spent the morning getting to know each other even more. More so Ellie and Ford and I sat back adding in little bits.

“Georgia thank you so much for inviting us to your home,” I tell my mother in law, and boy does it feel weird coming out of my mouth.

“None of that nonsense. You’re family now, you and Ellie both. It is expected that you’re here for every holiday.” She says then takes a drink of her red wine.

“Yes, ma’am.” I laugh.

“Is there anything you need help with Mrs. Stone?” Ellie asks shyly.

Georgia smiles warmly at her. “Gina has already taken care of everything. All we need to do now is keep an eye on the men to make sure they aren’t getting up to any trouble. If you leave them alone too long, they start sticking their noses places they don’t belong. Like in the dessert table.”

Ellie smiles, but I can tell she’s feeling out of place. “Ford told us this morning that your family loves to play games. Anything you want to play?” I suggest, hoping to get Ellie out of her funk.

Georgia’s eyes dance with interest. “Now you’re talking my language girl. How about Pass the Pigs? That’s always a fun one.”

The five of us pass the next couple of hours playing games and eating an early dinner. Once dinner is over, we’re back in the living room sitting around a tree filled with dozens of presents. After the sixth or seventh gift, I’m overwhelmed, and I see that Ellie is so far out of her depth she’s going inward to protect herself.

Ford and his parents spoil us with gift after gift making us feel loved and special on the most magical of days. When it’s time for dessert, I join Georgia in the kitchen and give her the biggest hug I can. “Thank you for opening your home and your lives to us and making us a part of your world. I don’t think you’ll ever know how much your kindness has meant to my sister and me today.”

“A woman has never caught his attention before you, and that’s all it took for him to fall. I know what it’s like to be chosen by a Stone. My Hanford was the same exact way as Ford is with you. And even if he wasn’t sure about you, I’m a pretty good judge of character. Anyone can see how hard you have worked to protect Ellie and keep her with you. That is something that should be honored. You could have said to hell with it and went on your way, but you didn’t do that to your sister, and that shows a strong character. I have nothing but respect for you. Not to mention I never had daughters and there’s nothing I want more than to spoil you two rotten.”

She releases me from the hug and is about to speak when we both hear Hanford and Ford talking to another man. Georgia’s face turns to pure delight. “Now this is the best Christmas ever.” Then turns and walks out of the kitchen.

I follow her wanting to find out what is going on. When we get to the sitting room, Ford is standing next to a man who looks very similar to him but must be a few years younger. Ford has a huge smile pasted across his handsome face. “Beautiful, come here, I want you to meet Theo, my brother.”

“I thought he was out of the country.”

“We did too. Apparently, he was already stateside but couldn’t tell anyone. When I emailed him to let him know we were getting married he took the first flight home he could.”

“It’s good to meet the woman who has stolen my brother’s heart. Treat him well.”

“Of course, I will.”

“And who is this?” Theo asks, staring at the only person that is off to the side of the room.

“Theo this is Jasmine’s sister, Ellie,” Hanford tells his youngest son.

I don’t miss the longing look he gives her. Oh, dear Jesus, she’s not ready for all of that. She needs to go to school and figure out who she is. Plus, she won’t be eighteen for almost a half a year. Theo looks back at me, and I shake my head no. His eyes shutter close, and when he opens them, I know he’s resigned to the fact that she’s just too young for him.