Answering the phone, I walk out of the room. In a way, I am glad she is far away from all this drama. “Hi Freya, I am sorry. I totally forgot.” My apology sounds real, yet at the same time, it doesn’t feel like it is enough. “If you don’t want to know me and Max, I understand. I would just rather know, Alena. This is twice now you have cancelled or not shown up.” I feel awful. While I didn’t know her and still don’t know her well, she is my sister and I should be there for her like I am Georgina. “No, I do honestly. Why don’t you come tonight? We are having a party to celebrate Marcus’s and Georgina’s birthdays. Bring Max. We have a spare crib he can sleep in and you can both stay here, then tomorrow we will spend the day together.” It seems like a good plan. The girls can meet Max, and maybe he is the key to not being so afraid of the name since he is my nephew. I have their presents for Christmas so I can invite them here as well for Christmas Day.

Sitting, me and Georgina talk more. I miss this - us able to talk without people listening. It feels nice and like old times.  The food arrives. Georgina and I carry it in. Jackson has a look of disproval on his face as they all walk through.  It feels weird seeing them all together and poor Liam just looks out of place, totally lost in their company. “Food, good I am starving. Jackson cooked dinner but to be honest, I would rather eat my arm off,” Troy laughs, walking in and grabbing a pizza. “A takeaway, really?” Jackson looks at me with a puzzled look. “Yeah, I mean, I have not had one in two years, so I think I deserve one and a night off cooking, don’t you?” Looking at him, I hope he agrees. “Of course. Don’t ever think you can’t have something, Alena. I only meant, no takeaways every night like before.” Sitting down we eat, everyone talking back and forth. My mind is really not into it; I am again tired and ready for be

His lips press against mine, his hands grasping mine and pulling them above my head. The restraints wrap around them. His hands trail back down, reaching my top. His fingers slide into the top.  Moving his hands quickly, he rips the top open. Laughing, I fight against him. “Another top, really?” He is forever ripping my tops. “Yes, now shush. Daddy needs to fix his kitten.” His mouth presses against my breasts. A moan escapes my lips as he does. His kisses move down my body reaching my trousers. “Mmm, seems there is something in the way.” I can’t help but laugh, his hands slowly unfastening the button and opening the top. As he does, his mouth gently kisses again.  His hands slowly pull my trousers and underwear down, throwing them on the floor.  His mouth gently kisses down, his hands pushing my legs open, his mouth kissing my clit as I moan.  His head lifts up, his eyes looking at mine. “As much as I love you not

Looking at him, I smile, my heart breaking slightly at the thought of Katy. “Thank you. Something I don’t know, who was Katy marrying and why isn’t he around still?” I only knew Katy was engaged when she died. I know nothing else and I always put it off, but I feel like I need to know. “She was marrying a man called Mathew. He was a nice guy, the only guy I approved of. The wedding was meant to be a month after the crash. After the crash, Mathew couldn’t stand to be around us.” I don’t understand, why would he feel that way. Jackson and his family are lovely, especially Helen. “Why would he not want to still be here or at least visit you every now and again?” I can only imagine how heartbroken Helen was at losing her daughter and then losing someone she no doubt saw as a son like she sees me as a daughter. “He blames me. I blame myself.  Caroline was brought into this family by me. She was the one who took Katy away, and Mathew could neve

The sound of Jackson’s voice wakes me. Smiling, I turn to face him. “Happy Christmas, my queen.” His lips press against mine. I actually did it. We made it to Christmas! Today is Christmas and I get to spend it with him and the girls. Lying here, I can’t help but marvel: this life is amazing, and I am lucky to be here with him. I don’t want to move yet; I want to stay in bed and enjoy this moment. “Let’s get up, get the girls downstairs and watch them open their presents.” I would love to stay here, but today is about the girls and I don’t want to waste a minute of it.  Reluctantly, I climb out of bed. Walking to the shower, I get in and washed while Jackson walks around the room getting himself ready. I watch him to make sure he doesn’t go under my side of the bed.  Once dressed, we walk out of the room together. Waking up the girls and getting them dressed, I can’t help but smile: everything is perfect right now.  Walk