Chapter 38: Christmas Rings
POV: Zac / Gabby
December 25, 2007
I think the sheer excitement woke me up very early. We weren’t heading to my parents until noon, Mom said we had to be there by one regardless to our plans. The last item was one that I’d had for some time now, I was planning to give that to her last after we’d opened the other items. I fixed a light breakfast for us both and she was up by the time it was done.
“You had to cook bacon? I was intent on sleeping far longer.”
I just smiled and we ate there but I kept looking at the tree and she just smiled.
“You are acting weird, is this normal for you on Christmas?”
“Pretty much. Last few years I’ve stayed with Mom and Dad Christmas eve.”
She lost the smile and picked at the eggs. “Last year I was at Simon’s family’s place.”
I was certain that wasn’t the reason for her lost smile. Abigail and Maxwell had come over but while he didn’t say anything to upset her he had maintain my wish there, he’d chosen to show his displeasure in other ways. Like the one gift of divorce papers, which he’d even taken the liberty to basically fill out along with attaching the lawyer’s name and number they’d gotten. If that wasn’t bad enough he’d also included a very large box of condoms, sadly they were ones we couldn’t use because they wouldn’t even fit me at all.
I was very proud of my wife though because while I could certainly see the disappointment and hurt in her eyes, she’d taken the very high road. She gave him the video games she’d bought anyway, ones he wasn’t even aware she knew he wanted. Abigail looked disappointed in his options but I was disappointed in the clothes she gave her, short shirts, and tight shorts. They hadn’t really stayed long but before Max left she gave him the condoms back and I’ll never forget his face when she told him they were all too small and we couldn’t use them. That face was well worth it and I think it was to her also. The divorce papers she burned on the porch last night.
“I’m sorry he was such a dick Gabriella. I know it was a dick move on his behalf but he’s just not seeing that you are happy here and that we’re good together.”
“Wasn’t really him totally. I kind of wish Shawn was here today.”
“Little birdy told me he was coming to my parents place.”
“Why?”
I smiled. “Well, he kind of gained a few brothers. He asked me where we’d be and my parents didn’t mind him coming over. He did say that if you had finished his, not to bring it.”
“It’s not finished. I will probably finish it tonight or tomorrow. I need to add the background.”
“He said he understood since it was such a short notice. So, um…are you ready to dive into ours?”
“You’re just impatient.”
“I want to know what’s in that box!”
“Fine. We can open now. But, I’d rather not get on the floor yet, so bring them to the couch.”
I did just that putting the one I wanted her to open last on the bottom, she took the one I desperately wanted to open and held it, smiling. I knew that one was last. The first box I opened had underwear and socks.
“Really Gabby?”
She smiled. “Hey, all of those with holes are going bye bye. I wouldn’t be mean and leave you with nothing.”
“You wouldn’t mind that though.”
Not that I could complain much as her first box also had underwear and she laughed.
“Really? Did I not own enough thongs to you? Or lace?”
“You do but you said you wanted to get new ones. I saved you the trouble.”
The next several boxes were clothes mostly, she’s found some t-shirt from bands I loved and couldn’t find before, I’d gotten her stuff that wasn’t quite as short or as revealing, hoping that I could have some control with them. We finally got to the last boxes and she handed me mine.
“You first.” I said.
She was carefully with the paper as she had been with the others but not even she could stop the smile.
“You really didn’t have too.”
“Hey, you deserve your own computer. I figured a laptop would be better with traveling. There’s a case in there, extra battery and everything you need.”
She couldn’t move fast but she still moved quicker than I expected and I got a tight hug and fuck that was a kiss! She was still close when she laid the box in my lap. I carefully opened it as well, not knowing if something was going to jump out at me. The box was a plain white box and I carefully lifted the top and then just stared. Inside the box was a beginners bondage kit, with under the bed straps, ankle and wrist cuffs, a blindfold, a flogger and a paddle. The cuffs were lined in soft material and blue but everything else was black. I just stared at the contents of the box. I felt her moving and then felt warm air across my neck.
“You can’t use them on me just yet, but nothing stops me from using them on you.”
I turned to her and had no words, I mean sure I’d mentioned being interested a few times and I really didn’t expect that she’s even be comfortable with this.
“I didn’t…”
“You mentioned it. It wouldn’t be the first time that someone’s done that. At least with you I know it won’t be forever and you’ll pay attention.”
I was rather floored that she trusted me so much, but then again I would trust her also. I pulled her in for a kiss.
“Do we really have to leave?”
“Yes. Your parents are already iffy on me, let’s not make it worse.”
I smiled and laid the box in front of me, the fact that she trusted me was something that I couldn’t deny was a turn on but I wanted this last gift to be special and she was right beside me, curled up. I put my arm behind her and pulled her a little closer, mindful that her right side was against me.
“Close your eyes.”
It was instant they closed and she looked serene and perfect. I got the box that I’d had for so long and opened it, sitting it so she could see it the moment her eyes opened.
“I know I should have probably taken you with me, but you can open your eyes.”
Her eyes open and they landed on the set of rings in the box and I thought her face lit up with the computer but this was much better, the wide eyes surprised but super happy look was exactly my hope.
“You got…when?”
“Do you like them?”
I hadn’t wanted traditional wedding bands, I wanted something unique. So I went with sterling silver ring with a Celtic design with love knot hearts that were seamless and continuous around the band, the inlay area was blue and I felt it was perfect for us.
“I love them! But when did you get these?”
I moved the hair from her face. “I bought them before Thanksgiving. That Monday actually, when you didn’t answer I got worried. I had them with me when I brought your phone and Nook to the hospital but that conversation didn’t really help. I was going to give them to you then but I didn’t want you to feel pressured.”
“I didn’t have a clue you even thought that far ahead. You seemed to be in major freak out mode at the hotel when we realized and I just didn’t know if it’s what you really wanted.”
“I figured after Saturday we needed something to make it official, since we obviously didn’t plan there.”
She carefully removed the larger of the two and even though she had to move my hand she slide the cool metal band onto my finger, it felt cold but this overwhelming feeling of this being very real washed over me, the same one occurred when I placed hers where it should be. It was like an official moment, there was no backing out and no leaving. I was wearing proof that I had made the commitment to spend my life with her.
We sat there a little longer before we both got up and showered, the wounds she had were looking very good and I made sure they were bandaged well after she was dried off. She slipped on the outfit I picked out for her to wear today. The jeans fit perfectly, just tight enough to know they fit well but not overly tight, the belt worked great as an accent, the maroon shirt was perfect and she even tucked it in. She wore her hair down and customary with no makeup, not that she needed it. The only item of jewelry was the band which fit so well.
“You ready?”
“Promise to protect me if they get all preachy?”
“Promise.”
“Then I’m ready. I think. Does it really have to be everyone?”
I pulled her to me gently. “They’re going to love you. Just be yourself but for the love of all things, don’t be all sexy and flirty!”
“Ruin my fun.”
I kissed her. “You can be that all day tomorrow.”
“Oh, you won’t be enjoying many new games tomorrow.”
That little eyebrow lift told me I wouldn’t mind that one bit. We got what we needed and headed out.
-Gabby-
He promised no preachy moments, but it didn’t stop the nervous feeling. Yet on the ride to his parents I found myself staring at the proof of our marriage. I really did love the ring, it was perfect. It’s where I wanted to be but it felt so strange to be married to someone I’ve never even told that I love them. It felt strange meeting my in-laws when I’d never even seen them before and we’d been married over a month! It did not help that they hadn’t taken the whole marriage thing well either. About a quarter of the drive in I felt his hand slide into mine.
“It’s going to be okay Gabriella.”
The reassuring hand grip and smile did help, but not completely. After all, he had to let go so I could get out of the car in their driveway. The walk to the door made me feel a little sick. It was Taylor that opened the door and greeted us, all smiles and I swear he tried to crush me with his hug.
“MOM! Zac and Gabriella are here!” He yelled.
I wanted to punch him! He didn’t have to yell it out like that! I was mortified enough as it was. The door seemed to slam shut behind me and I really did feel like I was about to just fall into the floor. I could see their mother coming up the hallway, it had to be her because she had an apron on that was red with flour handprints all over it. She wore a pair of blue jeans and a white shirt, which clearly had a Christmassy design but the apron covered it. There was just something in her smile, this warm and friendly smile.
She gave Zac a tight hug and a quick kiss to the cheek.
“Mom, this is Gabriella. Gabriella, this is my Mom.”
That instant feeling of fainting returned for a split second before she pulled me in for a hug as well. It was warm, inviting, and reminded me of how Shawn use to hug me.
“Hi Gabriella, it’s nice to finally meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Hanson. I was looking forward to meeting you much sooner.”
“Please call me Diane, or if you’d like Mom. You are family now my dear. I was hoping we could meet sooner as well, but with everything that happened I am just glad you are getting better and here with us now.”
“Zac is making sure I get better, he’s done very good making sure I take my antibiotics and I think he’d become a bandage expert. I get the feeling he had experience before me though.”
When Zac didn’t respond to that I realized he wasn’t even anywhere near us, he’d just totally abandoned me here with his mother and I didn’t know what to really say or do.
She smiled at me. “I’m glad to hear he’s been taking such good care of you. He did have some experience from before.”
“He has done a really good job. Is there a place for my jacket?”
"Yes, there is a coat closet right behind you. I can hang it up for you."
“That’s okay, I can get it. I just didn’t know where the closet or rack was.”
I slipped the jacket off and hung it up. Where the hell was Stella? This Nicole girl?! Where the hell was my husband?!?!
“I need to get back to the kitchen before the dressing and green bean casserole burns and before what is done gets eaten by my three little savages. Care to join me?”
She placed her hand on my shoulder and I smiled. “I understand that, burned dressing is not good. Zac probably slipped off to the kitchen anyway. Is there anything I can do?”
“Well I could use some help with the sugar cookies. I have the dough made. If you don’t mind cutting the dough with the cookie cutters that would be great.”
“It’s been a while since I used cutters, usually go with round. But, I think I can handle it.”
“Practice makes perfect, if you mess up just redo it.”
“Deal.”
I followed her down the hallway seeing the dozen or so pictures on the walls, family pictures and ones of the boys long before they were known as Hanson. I sighed quietly though because this was never a type of thing in my homes, most were just generic pictures.
The kitchen was open, bright and smelled like heaven! She handed me this huge bag of metal cutters and then she spoke.
“Here are the cutters, use whichever ones you want those are your babies. Speaking of babies…”
The comment of babies made me nervous, like I was hoping she nor his dad expected us to have babies anytime soon!
“I think I heard yours, but they all vanished. I know the youngest did.”
“Yes he has, I guess that’s good. Means he’s keeping away from the food that is done.”
“We did eat before we came over, maybe he’s saving room?”
“I doubt it. He has been eating me out of house and home since he was in the womb.”
I giggled. “I would image boys do that anyway. He snacks a lot at the house, Dr. Pepper fanatic.”
“Very much so! I never had enough when he was living here. But, enough about him, tell me something about yourself.”
“Not much to tell. I’m pretty boring really.”
“I don’t believe that for a second. Have any hobbies?”
“Not until recently, just a little drawing. Zac is far better than I am. Unless you include giving him a run for the money in racing games.”
“Well there you go and you can use those cookie cutters like a pro too!”
“I think that tree is a little wonky but it should bake fine either way.”
“The imperfect ones taste better. The oven is ready when you are. So, what kind of Christmas traditions do you have?”
I paused and tried to recall anything that we commonly done or did. I guess I sat too long because she turned and looked at me, called my name.
“Um..really don’t have any. The last few have been just another day.”
Her face said that she was a little sad. “I’m sorry to hear that. But you are with us now and we always go way out for Christmas.”
“Oh, Zac introduced me to that concept. Family functions just haven’t been my thing.”
Again, I wondered where Zac ran off too. The house wasn’t that big! She was about to reply to me when a tall man walked into the room. He reminded me of Taylor but god he was tall.
“Hey Honey, everything is smelling wonderful.”
He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and I saw him snag a roll from the tray behind her.
“Hey! That’s for dinner!”
I contemplated creeping out but it was just too late, I could feel his eyes on me.
“And this must be Gabriella.” He came and shook my hand, it was a tight handshake but not painful. “It’s nice to finally meet my daughter-in-law!”
“It is me and I’m sure Zac would have introduced us if I had a clue where he was.”
“He’s in the living room, glued to some video game. I swear nothing changed with him in the last five years.”
What the fuck?! He was doing what?! He abandoned me for a video game and left me to the wolves known as my parents in laws, for a video game? Was this some weird initiation to the Hanson family?!
“That should shock me, but it doesn’t. I assume Taylor and Isaac are there also?”
“Yes, they are trying to distract him to mess him up. Now those cookies look good.”
“They look wonky, guess I should put them in the oven. Zac doesn’t distract easily when it comes to video games.”
“No such thing as a wonky cookie. Yeah, you’d think his brothers would know that by now.”
“Well, I can distract him with cookies, but I guess they need to cook first.”
I ran them to the stove more to stave off that cookies really wasn’t what I was thinking, I could distract him easily enough just by walking in front of him.
“Aw, yes that would distract him. Walker, can you get the bowls out of the fridge, they have the icing in them. Preferably without taste testing each one?”
“Well, I suppose this once, but if they end up being poisonous just remember I could of saved all of you, but you wouldn’t let me check it out for you first.”
I grinned and closed the oven. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Have you always lived here? It has such a homey feel.”
Turns out they’d moved here a year after having Isaac and they hadn’t moved at all. I was rather proud the cookies turned out well, but I was still wondering where these other people were and I felt it would be rude to just leave the room. But I could feel the unwavering panic feeling. I couldn’t even express how much relief it was when Stella came bounding into the room. Thankfully, before they asked me anything else about my past.
“Diane. Walker. I brought cookies but I got ambushed in the living room, so hope you baked more. Hey Gabby I wondered where you were!”
“She’s been keeping us company. She fixed some sugar cookies as well, so we should be good.”
“Nicole will be inside in a few minutes. She was getting the last few gifts she hadn’t had Ike bring over.”
“Is your sister here?” I asked.
She sighed. “No. She’s not feeling that great and with her due date to close, she didn’t want to get out. We spent the morning there actually, it’s why we were a little late here.”
“Hope she’s doing okay. She’s due soon right?”
“Officially, she’s due today. So it’s another reason she’s lingering at home.”
Diana sighed and I wondered if she was thinking about the little girl she lost.
“Dinner’s almost ready, Gabriella why don’t you run and let them know.” She said.
I smiled and tried not to jump and run, but I was very glad for the break and as I went up the hallway Zac was letting Shawn in too so that timed out very well. I punched Zac and then hugged Shawn.
“What the hell Gabs?”
“You abandoned me with your mother.”
“Now Gabs you know you charm anyone you meet. I’m sure he knows the best way to get them to like you. Well, besides just knowing you.”
“Well, since you’re so confident big bro. Want to meet my in-laws?”
Yet, Zac came with us and gave them formal introductions and all. I went to tell Ike and Taylor and found a strange girl in the hallway. She was pretty though, tall with auburn hair. She had a smooth complexion that was just slightly tanned.
“You have to be Gabriella.” She said.
“I am. I’m going to assume your Nicole? Isaac’s girlfriend?”
“I am. I’ve heard a lot about you and Ike tells me you and Zac are married?”
“Yeah, we are. I haven’t heard much about you. But, Ike and I didn’t talk a lot on the tour. He was often very busy being the manager and keeping us all in line.”
“He’s good at that. God, I smell her dressing. Please tell me dinner is ready, I am starving!”
“It is.”
The other two came with us as well and by 1:30 everyone was sitting around the table, Shawn and Nicole hit it off easy, she was in school to be a nurse so they had a ton to talk about. Stella and I talked a lot about the bookstore and what she wanted to do. His parents were just very easy going and laid back, but I still felt out of place. Christmas the last several years had never been this type of deal, lot more food that humanly possible to eat. I swear to god I had no idea where Zac put the three plates he had! Let along Taylor, who managed two and a huge plate of desserts. Ike managed two and a slice of what he told me was chocolate heaven cake and fuck when I tasted it I understood why. Moist cake, rich chocolate frosting with chips too! How anyone could move after dinner was beyond me. Yet it was to the living room with the 12 foot tree and I was shocked at the number of gifts around it. I was however glad that Zac and Shawn flanked me. I hadn’t even known Shawn got everyone something.
“Did you not get your own brother something?” Isaac asked.
Shawn smiled. “I only asked for one thing Isaac and I assured her it was fine it was late and I have hers waiting.”
“Ah, makes sense. I was about to fuss at her.”
“Believe me Shawn will love what she has for him.” Zac said.
Isaac loved his desk organizer and felt it was perfect. Taylor loved the book collection that Stella had suggested, apparently he’d been looking for it everywhere. I got a lot of new clothes, ones that were appropriate but cute. Yet it was Taylor who apparently noticed our rings.
“Did you finally give her the ring?” He asked.
“I did this morning.” Zac said.
Of course that meant everyone had to see what they looked liked and gush over them. After the paper was cleaned up it was just sitting and talking, which admittedly Shawn and I both seemed to be out of place there because Isaac was mentioning some memory from a few years back and that was prompting other stories.
“Would you guys mind if I stole my sister for a little while?”
Zac looked over at him confused. “Define a little while.”
“About an hour, maybe a little over.”
“Doesn’t bother me. Mom? Dad?”
“No. She’s your sister. If you’d like some time just the two of you we understand.”
I was confused though because he hadn’t mentioned wanting to do anything just he and I, but I got up and followed him anyway. He apparently wanted to leave, as he told me I’d need my jacket.
“What’s up Shawn? You didn’t mention wanting to do anything together today.”
I buckled up and he cranked the car up. “I know but unlike Zac I can read you very well and there story time was beginning to bother you. I got the feeling that most of them don’t know much about how we grew up.”
“No. Just Zac and Stella.”
“Which means it’s weird and awkward for us. Believe me, I’m not crazy about family stories either.”
“I don’t generally mind telling them, but I usually tame them.”
“I just don’t talk about them.”
“So..is there a plan here or not?”
He smiled. “No plan, we’re just going to drive around for an hour or so. It won’t mean they will have moved on, but at least you get a breather because you look a little lost and out of place. Not like the baby sister I had then.”
“I’m not a baby Shawn. I wasn’t a baby when you left.”
“No, you weren’t. I do wish I could change things. I do believe that Max and I would not have gotten along though.”
“Probably not.”
“Really, no probably too it Ella. The way he talked to you at the hospital was pretty much enough for me to decide he’s not someone I would have liked.”
“He use to not be that way. I don’t understand the issue. I guess he’s just jealous of Zac.”
“He’s not jealous Ella. His tones toward you says more like he wants to control you or control something about you. But, we’re not going to talk about him either.”
He was just choosing random roads and driving down them, hopefully we didn’t get lost.
“So…what do you want to talk about?”
“Whatever.”
“Where is this girlfriend of yours?”
“She got called to work.”
“Tell me about her.”
He was quite a few moments. “Well, she has black hair with bright electric blue highlights, dark caramel eyes, she’s not that tall but maybe a little bit over you. Fair complex and she’s kind of girly but not always. I think you’ll like her.”
“Where does she work?”
“The hospital. She’s a nurse there but she works maternity. Labor and delivery.”
“Interesting. Everyone seems to have their shit worked out but me.”
“Nothing stopping you from working yours out. Zac seems to be the type to bend over backwards to do something for you.”
“But again…he and I may not make it a year.”
He snorted. “How long as he had those rings?”
“He said the Monday before Thanksgiving.”
“Yet, at that time neither of you had talked about this whole marriage thing. Believe me Ella, he wouldn’t have walked into that Chapel with you if he hadn’t thought about it before.”
“What are you saying that he wasn’t drunk off his ass and knew?”
“Not at all, I’m saying that most men avoid chapels like the plague, real or fake. Unless it’s something they want. I still think he loves you, he’s just not ready to voice those words yet. Much like you aren’t.”
I sat there watching the streets zoom by me.
“Every time I tell someone I love them, they leave. You left, Max left, Newton didn’t leave but he did cheat right after, none of the other guys even stayed, Simon would just tell me I was stupid and that I didn’t know what love was.”
“Not everyone will. I left but not because you loved me.”
“You still left. Regardless to the reason.”
“I don’t think he’ll be leaving Ella.”
I would hope he was right but I guess no one could guarantee me that. He drove around and we talked more about Grace and how she was. She loved kids and wanted a bunch too, but she wanted to be settled and married first. Before we got back to the house it began to snow, so it was a big thing when we got back. Everyone had to run outside and it was nice to see the excitement in their faces. Yet, it was when Isaac pulled out that ring box and dropped to one knee that made everyone smile. Nicole practically screamed yes at him, but it was clearly what she wanted. Ironically, I didn’t mind not getting that. Shawn left at 7 and Zac and I left at 8:45 piled down with lots of leftovers and presents. The drive home in the snow was nice and once we were home and had stuff put away we both fell onto the sofa.
“Well, how did your first Christmas as a Hanson go?”
“I can’t complain. I mean, I was terrified as hell at first but I don’t think they hate me.”
“They don’t hate you. There a little iffy on the fact that you didn’t say much about past times but I told them that your earlier years weren’t all that great and not something you openly talked about to everyone. Although, Mom and Dad do know that you were adopted. She asked me as we cleaned up the kitchen why you didn’t or hadn’t gone to your parents. I didn’t give many details just that you were adopted and that they weren’t necessarily the best.”
“I’m sure she wanted to ask earlier when we were alone, but I just felt sick then. She gave me a heart attack by mentioning ‘babies’ and she was referring to you three.”
“I think she knows that we’re not really focusing on that. They haven’t said anything, but I think they’d like for us to reach a year before we mention that concept at all.”
“We should probably head to bed, I know you’ll want to play all day and I have a drawing to finish.”
“Yes, and yes. Least, I won’t be all up in your way.”
Getting ready for bed was a comfortable routine now and I was glad the two areas with stitches were healing nice. I was hoping by my follow up in January they’d be healed! I think we were both asleep long before the clock hit eleven.