The Swear Jar (39 page)

She tilted her head back.  “No more
separations.  Is that understood, Sir Duncan?  My heart can’t take it.  I’m
lost without you.”

He nodded.  “Understood.  I don’t
like being away from you either.  What’s in the basket, Little Blue Riding
Hood?  What’s in the other bag?”

“The basket is Thanksgiving
leftovers from my travels.  I don’t want to eat another bite of turkey, but I
figured we didn’t have much food here.  The other bag is a surprise for you.”

“Are you going to take off your
raincoat?  Or am I the Big Bad Wolf?”  He nuzzled her neck.

She giggled.  “Oh, Big Bad Wolf.  I
hadn’t thought of that.  Let’s keep it in mind.  The bag has all the lingerie I
bought.  Do you want me to show you?”

“Let me ask you a question first. 
Were you really wearing a new nightdress last night?  Or were you pretending?”

“I wasn’t pretending.”

“Then I’ll need to put 911 on speed
dial.  Maybe we could take it one at a time?  I’m not sure I could handle a
private fashion show.”

Opening her raincoat, she revealed
a long, satiny, lavender-colored nightgown and robe.  The robe’s buttons down
the front made him nervous, but seeing a hint of cleavage made him immediately
want to undo them to see the nightgown underneath.

He exhaled.  “If this
ensemble
is any indication of what you have in that bag, I’ll
have to insist on one at a time.  You should take the day off tomorrow.  You’re
looking a little pale.  I’ll need to thank you exuberantly for this lovely
gift.”

She squinted.  “I should carry a
dictionary, you devious man.  What do you mean gift?”

“If I’m the only one who’s going to
see your lingerie, then I consider them a gift.  I’m glad you didn’t wait until
Christmas.  That would be cruel after last night and seeing you in this.  How many
days until Christmas?  And can I unwrap one each day?  I feel like a kid in a
candy store.  Thank you, Lady Meara.”

She giggled, “You’re the only one
who’ll see them.  If they’re gifts, I’ll have to present each one.  It doesn’t
seem like I have to do much tempting or seducing.  I’m a little disappointed.”

“Don’t forget the Big Bad Wolf.  I
can play hard to get.  Just ignore the drool.  I have something for you too.”

“I didn’t know we were exchanging
gifts,” she teased.

He removed a square box from his
pocket.  Inhaling sharply, she recognized it as a jeweler’s necklace box.  He
held it out to her.

“Lisa and Andrew asked me to watch
John in the mall.  John and I had fun window shopping.  I saw this.  I had to
buy it for you.  I knew it was yours.  Open it,” he said shyly.

“Duncan.  Don’t you want to save
this for Christmas?” she asked nervously.

“No.  Open it.  I want to know if
you like it or not.”

Opening the box, she found a
necklace with a heart-shaped pendant made of yellow gold and small diamonds.  Her
eyes filled with tears.

“If you don’t like it, we can
return it and get something else,” he said quickly.

“No, Duncan.  I love it.  It’s
beautiful.”

“If we had to be apart, you would
always have my heart with you.”

“Duncan.”  Tears slid down her
cheeks.  “I’ll always wear it.  You really shouldn’t have.  You’re spoiling
me.”

He kissed her tears away.  “You’re
spoiling me.  It’s hard to keep my hands off you with that outfit.  Let me put
the necklace on for you.”

He fastened the clasp while she
held up her hair.  The necklace fell right above her cleavage, an invitation to
Duncan to see what the nightgown looked like under the robe.  He played with
the buttons.  Her face turned pink.

“May I unwrap my present now?” he
asked, kissing her.

“Sir Duncan, we should retire to
our boudoir.  We shall recline amongst the pillows as you hold me in your
embrace.  I have missed my noble knight and I desire to celebrate his return.”

“Lady Meara, I shall not deny your
desires.  We will celebrate our triumphant reunion merrily.  I’m not sure how
much rest we’ll get, but we’re going to wear ourselves out.  By the way, does
this outfit also come with new undergarments?”

“That’s for me to know and for you
to find out.”  She winked.

“Lead the way, dear Lady.”  He
bowed, turned her around, put his hands on her hips and guided her upstairs.

He was glad she liked the
necklace.  The heart pendant on a ribbon at Halloween had given him the idea.
Heart shapes were perfect for her.  In addition to the necklace, he had
heart-shaped earrings for her Christmas present.  He had a secret.  He also had
a heart-shaped, diamond solitaire engagement ring hidden in his dresser.  He
wasn’t sure yet when he would propose, but he was going to make her his wife.

Chapter Forty-Four

It was the night before Christmas
Eve.  Meara and Duncan were at his house.  Her tension level was through the
roof.  He had asked if both families could meet for Christmas Day.  It made no
sense for his family to come for Christmas Eve and then go home.  It was easier
for them to stay overnight.  And if they were going to stay overnight, meeting
her family the next day was only natural.  She agreed, but she was still going
crazy.

She wasn’t worried about the
families meeting.  She was worried about her mother, Kay, behaving herself. 
Meara didn’t want to lose her temper in front of everyone.  She was also a
party planner at heart and wanted everything to be perfect.  She wanted to
impress both families and show Duncan how much she loved him.

He told her she didn’t have to impress
anyone.  She needed to enjoy Christmas too.  He made sure she relaxed, slept
well and ate enough.  With a little help from the lingerie, he made sure she
was satisfied as often as she wanted.  He had his favorites.  He hinted to her
which ones he would like to see again.  After that, he would take care of the
rest.

She was handling the details of
Christmas Eve, but Lisa insisted on helping.  He had taken care of cleaning up
the house.  They bought a Christmas tree.  He brought out decorations he had
squirreled away when Brenda died.  They added a few decorations of their own.  She
was now going around the house, removing her things.  She collected coffee
mugs, books, afghans, and shoes.  Frazzled, she stood with a pile of things in
her arms.

He watched her, bewildered.  “What
are you doing?”

“I don’t feel comfortable leaving
my things around for your family to see,” she said.

“Why?  They know we’re together,”
he said.

“But they don’t have to be slapped
in the face with all my stuff around.  It’s not respectful of Brenda.  I’ll
move my stuff out of your bedroom too.”

He was infuriated.  “You’ll do no
such thing.  If you want to pick up your shoes and books, fine.  But I won’t
allow you to remove yourself from this house, especially OUR bedroom.  Is that
understood?  No one will be in OUR bedroom.  I will not remove your photos or
clothes or toiletries.  You’re my girlfriend.  You live here.  End of story. 
So put the other things back.  NOW.”

He balled his hands into fists,
waiting for her reaction.  She was tense this evening.  His attempts at calming
her down had failed so far.

Her shoulders slumped.  “Yes,
Duncan.  I’m sorry I’m acting so crazy.  I’m nervous.  You’re so commanding,
sweetie.”

He slipped his arms around her
waist.  “Yes, I am.  So drop the shoes and come upstairs with me.  It’s
bedtime.”

“Honey, your family’s coming in the
morning.  I shouldn’t be here when they arrive.  I won’t change my mind.  I
should go to my house and sleep in OUR bedroom,” she giggled.

“I can’t change your mind?  Even if
I try really, really hard?” he smirked.

“Very tempting, but I can start
cooking for tomorrow.  How about a compromise?”

“What did you have in mind?”  He
was curious.

“Pick out your favorite outfit and
I’ll call you later,” she growled.

“That’s an interesting compromise. 
You promise you’ll call me if you have any bad dreams?”

She knew he worried even though she
hadn’t had a nightmare in a long time.  “Of course, I promise.”

“All right.  I’ll let you go. 
You’re a good woman, Meara.  I love you.”

“I love you too.  Shall I pack
something for you to think about?”  She kissed him.

“I like the blue one from
Thanksgiving.”  He exhaled.

“Done.  Give me some time and I’ll
call you.  I’ll make sure Anne is secure for the night before I slip into
something thought provoking.”

“That outfit is more than thought
provoking.”  He slapped her buttocks.

“DUNCAN!”  She ran upstairs
giggling.

When she was ready to leave, he
stood by the front door.  As she drove away, he sighed.  He hated not being
with her.  While he didn’t think it was disrespectful of Brenda, it would be
awkward if Meara was there when his family arrived.  But after this holiday,
everyone, including Meara, would have to accept she was with him.  He was going
to propose to her on Christmas Day.

He was moving fast, but he wanted
her to know how important she was to him.  He wanted their relationship to be
permanent.  He was nervous about meeting Kay.  He wondered if Kay was as bad as
Meara and Diana said.  Meara didn’t care what her mother said about her, but if
Kay hurt Duncan’s feelings or said something rude, Duncan feared for Kay.

Meara called to let him know she
had made it home.  He could hear Anne in the background.  Diana and Ben were
letting them use their house for the two families to meet.  Diana knew Meara
was a better hostess, so Anne and Diana were following Meara’s lead.  Meara had
Christmas Eve under control and most of Christmas Day figured out.  He had
faith in her organizational skills.

“You’ll call me later?” he asked,
lowering his voice the way she liked it.

“Yes.  As soon as the ziti is made,
I’ll call you.  I’ve worn Anne out the last few days, so she’s nodding off
already.  Diana’s picking up my mother tomorrow.  You do understand I won’t be
staying over tomorrow night?”

“I knew it was coming.  I didn’t
want to hear you say it.  I can’t change your mind?”

“No, my love.”

“But I’m staying over Christmas Day
night?”

“Yes.”

“Then I should have sent you home
with two outfits.”

“I can pick up one tomorrow. 
Unless I’m getting one as a present?”

“Only Santa Claus knows.  You might
be on the naughty list or it might be a little too intimate for Santa.”

“Remind me to take you lingerie
shopping between Christmas and New Year’s.  Most guys cringe, but I think you’d
like it.  Just remind me to bring a drool bib.”

“Sounds good.  Call me soon.  I’ll
be waiting,” he growled.

Duncan awoke to the sound of his
alarm clock.  He was dazed and naked, tangled in the bedclothes.  He wasn’t the
only one who could talk dirty.  Meara was as talented with her voice as she was
with her hands.  The last thing he remembered was saying goodnight to her,
exhausted.  Exhaling deeply, he hit the snooze alarm.  He reminded himself to
give her a spanking for being such a naughty girl.  Smiling, he dragged himself
out of bed.

He made the bed, knowing she would
be horrified if someone saw it unmade.  He had time for breakfast and a cup of
coffee.  He was tempted to call her, but she was coming back around one o’clock
and his family would arrive any minute.  The doorbell rang.  He opened the door
while a giggling John rushed in and hugged him.

“Grandpa!  Merry Christmas! 
Santa’s coming!” John shouted.

“John, Merry Christmas!  Have you
been a good boy?” Duncan asked.

“Yes, Grandpa!  I’ve been a good
boy.  Where’s Miss Meara?  I thought you said she would be here,” said John.

“She’ll be here later, John.  I
promise,” Duncan laughed.

Andrew, Lisa and Sean hugged him. 
He helped carry presents to the family room.  They marveled at the huge
Christmas tree.  John ran forward, squealing with delight and wanting to touch
the ornaments.

“Dad, what a tree!” Lisa said.

“Hey, is that the ornament I made
years ago?” asked Sean.

“Yes, it is, Lisa.  Meara likes
Christmas trees.  We got the biggest we could fit.  And yes, Sean, that’s your
ornament.”

Andrew placed presents under the
tree.  “I’m impressed Dad.  It’s been a long time since you put up a tree
without us nagging you.  Should we thank Meara?”

“Where’s Meara?  I have food here
and I’m not sure what to do with it,” said Lisa.

“Yes, Andrew, Meara should get the
credit.  Lisa, Meara told me what to do,” Duncan said.

John and Andrew sat on the family
room floor and played.  In the kitchen, Duncan helped Lisa with the food while
Sean followed them.  He patted Duncan on the back.

“So Dad, have you popped the
question yet?  Why isn’t she here?  I thought you two lived together?” asked
Sean.

“I haven’t asked her yet.  We do
live together, but she felt it would be disrespectful of your mother to be here
when you arrived.  Any snotty retort to that?”  Duncan grimaced.

“Hey, don’t get all snippy with
me.  I was just asking.  Touchy, aren’t we?  I hope she gets here soon, maybe
you’ll be nicer.”

“Don’t bet on it.  You’re full of
mischief today.  Go easy on Meara or I’ll put you in a head lock.  Tomorrow,
when you meet the whole family, you’d better be on your best behavior.”

“I agree with Dad.  I’m sure they’re
both nervous.  No need to make it worse, Sean,” said Andrew, joining them in
the kitchen.  “We know how important this is for you, Dad.  We’ll support you.”

“Thank you, Andrew.  I’m counting
on you to back me up if he gets out of hand.”

“Hey!  I’m going to behave.  I
promise,” said Sean.

Looking at Sean, Andrew and Duncan
rolled their eyes.  They didn’t believe Sean, but they didn’t have much choice. 
They laughed as Sean patted both of them on the back.

“Trust me,” Sean said solemnly.

“Is it too late to tell Santa Sean
should be on the naughty list?” asked Duncan.

The morning passed quickly.  Lisa
curled up on the couch with Andrew.  John was entranced by an animated movie. 
Sean surfed the internet on his phone.  Duncan was in the kitchen, putting
together lunch for everyone.  He wanted it ready for when Meara arrived.  The
doorbell rang.  He smiled.

“She’s ringing the doorbell?” asked
Sean.  “Seriously, Dad?  Give me a break.”

“Sean,” Andrew said, warningly.

Duncan opened the door to find
Meara standing there with an armload of food.

“I’m gonna lose it,” she laughed,
flashing him one of her brilliant smiles.

She handed him the containers she
was carrying.  “Thank you.  I have more in the Jeep.  Hi, Andrew.  Merry
Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Meara,” Andrew
said.  “I’ll come help you.  We’ll be right back.”

“Thank you, Andrew.  I’d appreciate
it,” Meara said.

As they walked to the Jeep, Andrew
spoke.  “Meara, I want to thank you for making Dad so happy.  Please don’t be
nervous.  We’re not going to give you a hard time.  We know how much Dad cares
about you.  We’d like to get to know you.  Sean’s a pain, but he wants Dad to
be happy too.  I’d like to welcome you to the family.”

Meara’s eyes filled with tears. 
“Thank you, Andrew.  That means a lot to me.  I admit I’m nervous.  I want to
make a good impression.  Do you have any advice?”

“Just be yourself.  Dad loves you,
we will too.”

Coming over to the Jeep, Duncan
frowned when he saw her tears.  “Need help?”

“We’re good, Dad.  Meara takes the
old proverb ‘the way to a man's heart is through his stomach’ very seriously. 
Is that cheesecake?  Lisa won’t let me have cheesecake.”  Andrew drooled.

“I
made the cheesecake myself.  I need feedback on whether it’s good or not.  I’m
sure I can count on you, Andrew,” Meara giggled.

Duncan
and Andrew watched Meara leave.  She tripped over her feet while carrying the
cheesecake.  She didn’t lose her balance, but she swore quietly.  As she
entered the house, they could hear John’s squeals of delight.  Duncan grinned.

Andrew
turned to Duncan.  “Marry that woman.”

“I’m
planning on it if she doesn’t kill me first.  I’ve never brought up the
subject.  I’m not sure what her reaction will be, but I’ll risk it.  Thank you,
Andrew.”

“We’ll
get Sean on board.  I say we lock Meara and Sean together in a room.  She’ll
either charm him or punch him.  He needs a little of both.  Are you nervous
about meeting her mother tomorrow?”

“I’m
more nervous about popping the question.  I have most of it planned.  By the
time you get to Diana and Ben’s house tomorrow, I’ll either be a very happy man
or I’ll be in big trouble.  We’ll see.”

Christmas Eve at Duncan’s house was
going well.  No one went hungry at lunchtime and everyone complemented Meara on
her cooking.  After lunch, she nervously hung around the kitchen until Duncan
dragged her into the family room.  He plopped her down on the couch and sat
beside her with his arm wrapped around her shoulder.  Lisa was in the living
room, trying to put John down for a nap.  John was too excited to see Miss
Meara to sleep.

“Meara!  I can’t get him to sleep. 
He wants to play with you, but he needs a nap.  Could you read him a story?  I
hate to ask, it’s your holiday too, but holding him down isn’t going to make
him sleep,” said Lisa, throwing her hands in the air.

“I’d be happy to read him a story. 
I brought a few new books with me, just in case,” Meara replied.  “I’m not sure
it’ll calm him down, but it’ll keep him entertained.”

“Thank you!  You’re a lifesaver,”
said Lisa.

Duncan followed Meara to the living
room and sat on the couch.  She sat down on the rug with an armload of books. 
John squealed and sat beside her.  She opened the first book and John was
mesmerized.  Lisa watched from the doorway, shaking her head.  Meara was a
natural with children.  Lisa went to get Andrew and Sean.

Quietly, Lisa, Andrew and Sean
watched Meara read to John.  Duncan watched Meara with such love, even Sean
couldn’t deny they loved each other.  Meara brought the stories to life and had
John laughing.  Lisa, Andrew and Sean smiled.  Meara finished a book and
reached for another.  John yawned, fighting sleep valiantly.

“Miss Meara?  Can I call you
Grandma?” asked John.

Sean stood up straight from where
he had been leaning against the doorway.  Lisa and Andrew were at a loss as to
what to do.  Duncan’s smile faded, his eyes darting to Brenda’s photograph.  He
also remembered what the little boy at the Shore had said.  Meara put down her
book and spoke solemnly to John.