Elle stood transfixed in front of the flat screen television that hung above the fireplace at her family’s vacation home in Lake Placid. She had missed this episode of The Dr. Ginger show. It was surreal seeing Cole on television this way. He was discussing sexual surrogacy for those who needed to overcome sexual trauma. Elle was proud of him for all he had accomplished in such a short time.
What a difference a year had made. Elle had gotten over Cole’s past and not only encouraged the work he was doing now with Dr. Ginger, but was his biggest fan. Dr. Ginger had seen his talent and expertise once they started working together, and he now co-hosted both the television and radio broadcast of The Dr. Ginger Show.
“Jeez, cuz. You can stop drooling over the television,” Holly called to her as she nestled next to her husband. Holly and Spencer had continued counseling and according to Holly, made some breakthroughs when they returned home after last year’s debacle. When her brother Jasper’s now ex-girlfriend ousted their martial problems, Elle wasn’t sure what would happen. But she was thrilled they decided to save their marriage.
“Is this episode any good?” Kimberly Cane, Jasper’s new girlfriend approached and watched the screen for a few seconds.
“They’re all good,” Elle stated.
Elle’s family really liked Kim, who joined them for their Lake Placid holiday vacation since Kim’s parents had decided on a holiday cruise. The Rudolph-Berry clan was glad to have Kim with them, and Elle was especially thrilled. Kim and Jasper had spent time in the city with Elle last summer. During a break in Elle’s busy travel schedule, the visit afforded Elle a chance to get to know Kim and her intentions toward her brother.
“Just let me know if the kids are coming so I can turn it down or off depending on what they’re talking about.” Elle scoured the family room for little ones.
“It’s like you’re addicted.” Kim joked and left her to plop down on a love seat next to Jasper.
“She is,” Jasper added and draped his arm around Kim’s shoulder.
Elle was happy to be with her family again for the holidays. They had made amends with the situation from last year and Elle promised she would never again hire someone to play her fake boyfriend for the holidays.
As she continued to watch the screen, she felt hands slide around her waist and Cole’s familiar fragrance filled her nostrils. “You can catch up on episodes anytime, sweetness.”
Elle scratched the 5’oclock shadow growing on his chin. “I know, honey, but I'm hooked.” She kissed his lips but her eyes were still glued to the screen.
“I’ve created a monster.” He nuzzled her neck. “It’s time to eat and you know how your mother gets about meal times.”
“I didn’t hear the bell.” No sooner did Elle say it that the dinner bell rang.
“See?” Cole laughed into her neck.
“Break it up newlyweds.” Jasper pretended to gag. “We’re about to eat. No one needs your tongue tennis as a visual.”
“Jasper,” Elle scolded.
She and Cole had a busy year. In March, they had travelled to meet his parents in Gambia, Africa, in between filming for Dr. Ginger’s show, attending Anil and Harper’s wedding, and moving in together. Cole’s parents flew in for their fall wedding, as did all her family. The exchange of their nuptials was a large, quickly put together, yet intimate and emotional affair.
Even now Elle got goose bumps when she remembered how Cole looked in his tuxedo, waiting for her at the altar. He had been so dapper. The tears had fallen from his eyes when he saw her, dressed in her white mermaid gown, as she approached. Elle could barely see through the curtain of tears, impeding her ability to march straight down the aisle, but her father’s protective arm guided her.
Now they were back at Lake Placid for the holidays and Cole pulled her to the dinner table to join the family and break bread.
“Are you guys going to ski again this year? This time Cole can babysit Elle on the slopes,” Jasper teased.
“Elle won’t be skiing this year,” Cole declared.
“What’s wrong Elle, did you hurt yourself sexing Cole all summer?” Holly taunted.
“Holly.” Aunt Joy reprimanded. “Not at the table.”
“She just needs to be a little careful.” Cole suggested and kissed her hand.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait? Are you?” Holly couldn't get the words out.
“Noelle?” Shandra held a hopeful breath.
“I am.” Elle revealed. “We’re expecting.”
“I knew it! I told Jasper and Anil that you guys would be pregs before you even got married,” Holly shouted. She was up and out of her seat, hugging Elle in seconds.
Cole beamed proudly at her. “We’re really excited.”
When Elle had told Cole, she had been nervous as hell because they had just gotten married. And though she knew he wanted children, she didn’t know if it was too soon for him. The night she had delivered the news he was so happy he wept right into her belly and made love to her all night.
“I’m going to be a grandma.” Elle’s mother started to cry, and her father embraced her.
Dinner was interrupted but no one cared. They were all so excited about the new addition that would be arriving late spring.
“Congratulations, Cole.” Terrence Rudolph shook Cole’s hand so hard that Elle thought her husband might lose his arm.
“Thank you, sir.” Cole’s boyish smile warmed her heart.
Cole’s arm found her shoulders and he squeezed her against him. “I think they took that well,” he whispered.
“Yeah.” Elle embraced his waist and hooked her finger into one of his belt loops.
Later that night as they snuggled in bed together Cole molded her to him. “Thank you for making me the happiest man on planet earth.” He used one of her lines.
“Funny.” Elle tapped her nose. “I was about to say the same thing to you.”
He kissed her tenderly and then Elle broke away. “Oh, it’s after midnight. It’s Christmas! I have something for you.”
“You have given me every gift that I could ever hope for or want. You’ve accepted my hand in marriage, you’re carrying our child, and my family has grown exponentially.”
“One more.” Elle handed him a small but heavy box before climbing back into bed. She fiddled with the gold timepiece around her neck. “Open it.”
“Look at you. You’re gonna bust.” Cole laughed and tore the wrapper off. He opened the box and the surprise on his face filled her with joy. A joy that only he could deliver.
“Is this…this...is the watch you’ve worked on for three years.”
“Yes,” she agreed.
He rubbed his finger over the etched gold that matched the timepiece around her neck. “But this one is so special to you, sweetness.”
“It is but I never told you why,” she revealed. “When my family used to hound me about being single, Granddad used to defend me. One time we were working on watches and he suggested I work on a pocket watch. Well, when I started, I told him that I would make this for my future husband and give it to him on our first Christmas as husband and wife.” Elle choked on her tears and they rolled down her cheeks. “He thought it was a good idea and it was our little secret. When he passed it was still our little secret.”
Cole scooted closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s beautiful, Elle.”
“I made it for you.” Elle whispered and swallowed the thickness in her throat.
Cole held her face and kissed her, his tongue loving and soothing. “Thank you, wife.”
“You’re welcome, husband.”