Best. Christmas. Ever.
Jensen x Reader
A/N: This is for @sorenmarie87 ‘s Christmas Writing Challenge. My dialogue prompt was “You invited how many people to Christmas Dinner?” along with the below aesthetic. This fic is a continuation of the Fated, Found, Forever series. You don’t HAVE to know that series to read this, though.
Summary: (Y/N) has been traveling for work more after she married Jensen, than ever before. Now that its Christmas time, she’s looking forward to a quiet, intimate holiday, until he springs the surprise that the whole family will be joining them after all.
Unbeta’ed - all errors are mine. Aesthetic below created by the amazing Dawn (tagged above), who put this challenge together <3
Warnings: Lots of fluff, surprise Christmas gifts, eh language I guess
Words: 9.3K
SPN Tags: @sorenmarie87 // @kazosa // @lefthologramdeer // @grace-for-sale // @rockyhorrorpictureshowstyle // @geeksareunique // @moonchild-shoshanna // @tiquismiquis // @mrsbarnes-rogers // @teller258316 // @spnhollis // @sweet-things-4-life // @hobby27 // @sweetlythoughtfulbird // @theoriginalvicki // @dreamchester67 // @xxwarhawk // @babykalika2001 // @negans-wife // @superwhovianfangirl81 // @toobusynerdfighting // @missihart23 // @letsby // @hyphymanatee // @idreamofplaid // @thewinchesterchronicles // @wayward-gypsy // @closetspngirl // @fatestemptress // @rebelminxy // @22sarah08 // @witch-of-letters // @cole-winchester // @rainflowermoon // @adoptdontshoppets // @foreverwayward // @waywardvalkyrie // @a–1–1–3 // @fandomoniumflurry // @gnrfanfic // @blackcherrywhiskey // @jessieray98 // @lyoly
Christmas.
It was eight days before the overindulgent day when you found yourself somewhere outside of Chicago after yet another seminar you had to present to a hotel conference room of bored accountants and lawyers.
Starring up at the arrivals/departure board, you noticed that your flight back to Vancouver was delayed by at least two hours. Your entire body sighed with disappointment. Exhausted and desperate to be home didn’t begin to cover how you felt, but it was missing Jensen that killed you the most.
You had been married for just over a year and hadn’t seen much of each other in the months since returning from your honeymoon. When his filming schedule calmed down, your travel schedule seemed to pick up. The weekends you were home, were the weekends he was off to a convention or appearance somewhere else.
Even as much as you missed him and as hectic as your lives were, you wouldn’t change a thing. Splitting your time between Jensen’s places in Vancouver and Austin, and yours in the Northeast, wasn’t ideal, but you made it work and knew that it wasn’t going to be forever. You had worked hard to carve out a career in Tax Law, and with the amount you traveled, a dedicated home was desirable but just not practical. However, having the three places scattered across thousands of miles was beginning to be a logistical nightmare. As you sat in the airport, watching your flight be delayed even longer, all you craved in that moment was to be home. In YOUR home, one that you and Jensen dreamed of building together. More importantly, one that you could start a family in.
Frustrated and tired, you grabbed your carryon and began walking around the terminal in search of something to keep you busy. Walking around O’Hare International, you stumbled upon a little Duty-Free shop that had several holiday displays set up. You already had a few gifts for Jensen, but there was one more you needed to purchase. The only thing that stopped you thus far, was finding the right one and the time to search for it. This wasn’t something you just wanted to order online, this gift needed to be special and purchased by your own hand.
Thanks to your delayed flight, and that duty-free shop, you found it. Hanging all alone on the rack where it obviously didn’t belong, there it was. You grabbed it and the minute you held it in your hands, tears began to fill your eyes thanks to a cocktail of exhaustion, dehydration and pure emotional overload. Quickly making your purchase, you tucked the bag away in your carryon and found a quiet place to wait for your flight home.
With the layover, flight time and traffic, you were standing outside the apartment door eight hours later. So very tired, hungry and irritable, you just wanted to shove something in your mouth and crash onto the bed. If Jensen was home, bonus, if not… that just meant more time to sleep.
The flight was a nightmare, as was dealing with customs and traffic to get home. Opening the door to your apartment, you were greeted by the familiar scent of your space, along with a deafening silence. Only the hallway was illuminated, along with the soft light over the kitchen sink. You took one glance around and knew that Jensen wasn’t home and hadn’t been for a while.
Up in the bedroom, you plugged in your cell and waited for the charge to take while you readied yourself for bed and snacked on the small bag of pretzels they provided you with on the plane. The cell had enough power to come to life just as you slipped into bed. Scrolling through all the notifications you missed, there were at least five calls from your husband, two from your best friend, Jill, and at least two texts from her husband, Filip.
“Good Lord,” you mumbled as you replied to him with a brief, yet life-affirming message so he wouldn’t think you were dead, just as you did with Jill. Both included a promise of a call tomorrow, but for tonight, you were spent.
The message from Jensen just confirmed what you already figured. Had been on set for a crazy number of hours and was crashing at Jared’s for the brief respite they had before having to get back the next morning. Too tired to do more than move your eyes across the screen of your phone, you sent him a simple text that read:
Got your message. You work too hard, you know that? Tell Jar I say hey. Home safe now, I love you.
With that, you put the phone back on the nightstand and slept for the next twelve hours straight.
Waking to midafternoon light was rattling. Jumping between time zones the way you had been, and being as tired as you were of late, it was no wonder you didn’t know where you were at first. It took more than a minute or two to remember that you were finally home, in the bed you shared with Jensen even though he wasn’t there.
Christmas… seven days away now.
You still had one more trip to make before the holiday, and you weren’t looking forward to it. After that, it was smooth sailing until after New Year’s, and that was something you were very much looking forward too. You’d return home the day before Christmas Eve, then you and Jensen could have a nice, quiet Christmas just like you desperately wanted. One where you could give him his special gift.
Noise from downstairs caught your ear. You slipped out of bed and into your robe before cautiously heading to the kitchen. The television was on low in the living room and the small fireplace was ablaze with warm flames lapping against the thin glass doors. Jensen came from around the corner, slightly startled by seeing you there.
“Hey gorgeous,” he said, an instant, wide grin plastered to his face. “Thought you’d never wake up.”
In dramatic fashion, you threw your arms around his neck and squeezed as he lifted you off the ground in a grand embrace.
“Two weeks is way too long,” he growled before kissing you swiftly and with purpose. He had you up by the waist, your legs wrapped around his midsection as he walked you back into a wall. If not for the deep rumble in your stomach, clothes would have started flying off in all directions. But even he couldn’t deny the cries of hunger radiating from your gut as you both started to laugh during its relentless complaining.
“When was the last time you ate, woman? Don’t they feed you at these borventions you have to go to?”
“Oh my God, put me down, you dork… Borventions? Really? You’re losing your touch, Jay.”
He put you down and shrugged unapologetically. “I can’t help that they put me to sleep. I honestly don’t know how you can wrap your head around all that stuff.”
You rolled your eyes at him and headed straight to the refrigerator only to find it nearly empty. “Damn,” you mumbled and turned back to him. “Are you due back on set soon?”
“Nope, I am all yours until you have to leave again. Sorry, food’s scarce. Go get ready and we’ll go out to your favorite place to eat.”
“Are you going to judge me for what I order this time?” you asked, narrowly eyeing him and raising one brow in question.
“Me? Never.”
“Right….”
“I swear, if you want to eat that disgusting concoction called disco fries, my love, you do you and I will support you with every bite.”
“Well, here its’ called poutine, but yeah… they’re delicious and you’re just wrong for not liking it.”
“I’ll refrain… Cross my heart,” he said and mimicked the gesture.
“I’m holding you to that, mister.”
An hour later you were happily seated in your favorite booth and giving the waitress your order, a turkey club sandwich with a side of disco fries and large cherry coke. Once she was off with the orders, Jensen reached across the table asking for both of your hands. You loved how his fingers felt curled up against yours, the warmth of them enveloping your entire hand.
“When do you leave again?” he asked, not meeting your gaze, but keeping it firmly on the twisted knot of your entangled fingers. The light bounced off of your wedding and engagement rings, catching his eye and eliciting that soft, reflective smile he had that you loved so much.
“Tomorrow afternoon. My flight for Buffalo leaves at three. It’s only a two-day conference, but the flights back suck. I have a layover in Vegas for three or four hours before I get a flight back to Vancouver. I should be back on the twenty-third sometime in the morning by around nine or ten.”
“Jesus,” he moaned under his breath. “No wonder you’re so beat. You say I work too much, but really…” He shrugged and tilted his head to the side. “Have you given any more thought to what we talked about?” He finally lifted his gaze to meet yours.
You easily communicated your answer through your expression… not now, okay? He shrugged it off and forced a smile.
“Hon, you don’t have to work. You know that. If you want time off or, to do the thing we talked about—”
“YOU talked about.”
“Whatever. My point is that you have other things you want to do with your life, right? Giving seminars on—honestly, I don’t even know what you talk about at these things—but, you don’t have to do it if it’s too much or you don’t love it anymore.”
“I’ve never loved it, Jensen. Not exactly like this was the dream job, ya know? It was a practical way to support myself.”
“That’s my point, (Y/N). You did the career thing to support yourself thing. Now, maybe its time to chase your passion. Find something else that really speaks to you.”
“Something that keeps me home more?”
Jensen shrugged, the little crinkles around his eyes appearing as his sheepish smile grew. “Maybe.”
“I promise to seriously think about it, okay? But not until after the new year. After this trip, its vacation time and I cannot wait to spend a quiet Christmas with you at home, then ring in the new year Gatsby style at Jared and Gen’s party.”
“Mmmhmm. And I can’t wait to see you in that Gatsby style dress,” Jensen teased, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
“Perv.”
“You love me for it,” he challenged, just as the waitress was returning with your orders.
Once she placed them down, Jensen drew in a deep breath. “Speaking of Christmas… there was a slight, last minute change in plans.”
You gradually lifted your face from inhaling your turkey club and starred at him. “What kind of change?” you asked through a mouthful of food.
“Well…” he started and cleared his throat. “Funny story. I told my mom how we were just chillin’ in Vancouver and she sorta lost it. So, I invited some people to dinner.”
“Um, some people?” a bit of disappointment was steadily growing in your gut, right along with a swell of nausea at the thought of having to host a big dinner for your in-laws.
“My folks insisted we come there, or they come up. So, I said, alright I’ll fly you up. That turned into my brother and sister coming, too. Jared and Gen will be up this way with the kids, so they’re coming. Oh, and Gen’s mo—”
“You invited how many people over for Christmas dinner?!”
Jensen did some quick math in his head then laughed nervously when he saw your expression. He picked up his burger and let it hover by his mouth. “Including us… and everyone’s kids… twenty-five,” he mumbled before taking a huge bite.
Your appetite was suddenly gone. Pushing the coveted plate of disco fries away from you, you slumped back into the booth and sighed. Jensen’s face fell, and you immediately regretted your reaction.
“I’m sorry Jay, really. I think its great we are going to have family and friends up for Christmas. I guess I was just hoping to have you to myself.”
“I know. I was too. I promise you will we have time just for us. After not seeing you for two weeks, and now another week, I want that more than anything. Baby, I promise… we will make time, okay?”
He reached across the table and you gave him your hand along with a forced, accepting smile. “Okay. It’s gonna be great. Twenty-five people... at the apartment,” you finally replied, the last words trailing off at the thought of cramming that many people in.
“Oh, no. That won’t happen. I’ll kill someone. No, no, no,” he chuckled and wiped his lips with the napkin. “I rented a place for everyone to meet up at, up on Grouse Mountain. Gorgeous place. Big old ski chalet that has five bedrooms up in the main house, and then two smaller cabins out on the property. We’ll be able to fit everyone comfortably, have a great Christmas. The best part is, I have all the food handled already.”
You were blown away by everything he had accomplished and was able to keep quiet about. “Wow, Jay, I’m amazed. It sounds like its going to be a really picturesque kind of Christmas.” Giving his hand a squeeze, you tried to make sure your expression looked enthusiastic about all the arrangements. When really, all you felt was tired, disappointed and already mentally spent from the amount of socializing that would be taking place again over the next week, then through Christmas vacation.
The week carried on without much fanfare. After a wonderful, but far too quick respite home with Jensen, you took off for the last convention series of the year. Getting through those few days was the easy part. There was one day of travel, two days of seminars and a total of two thousand tax attorneys and accountants from across the Tri-State area that filed into Buffalo. The hard part was trying to get home.
Arriving back at the airport, it was now two days before Christmas. Christmas Eve, Eve, as you used to call it. The airport was a bustling madhouse, even worse than O’Hare the week before. Flights were delayed for hours thanks to a lingering snowstorm which just added to the normal amount of delays that occurred that time of year.
Your plan of arriving back in Vancouver in time to head up to the cabin with Jensen was dead in the water. Everything inside you wanted to just curl up and cry. But since that wasn’t an option, you made the regrettable call, then found a quiet corner to sit and resigned yourself to the long wait.
Rifling through your carryon to find your book, you came across the bag you had shoved in there containing Jensen’s special gift. Just touching the bag made you smile. The more you thought of him and the life you’d forged so far, the more of the curmudgeonly temperament you had towards his big family Christmas, faded.
You knew when you married him, you would be sharing him with not only with his fans, but his friends and family, too. It was something you knew you would have to get used to. However, for this Christmas, you had built up the idea of a quiet holiday, something just for the two of you to share.
No such luck. Yet, the more you thought about him, and how much you loved him, you suddenly didn’t care if there were two, or twenty-five people sat around the tree that Christmas morning. It would still be a beautiful, special day because he would be next to you. Really, that’s all that mattered.
The flight back to Vancouver felt like it took an eternity. But when you touched down and was finally able to deplane, grab your bags and head towards the exit, it was all but forgotten when you spotted a driver holding a sign with your name on it.
“Mrs. Ackles?” he asked as you approached him with a weary smile.
“Um, yes. That’s me.”
“Your husband arranged for me to pick you up and take you directly up to the cabin. Why don’t you take a moment to confirm with him, and I’ll be happy to take your bags for you.”
There was no way to hide the grin that took over your face as you dug for your phone and sent him a text. You knew it had to have been him that arranged for the car. He was always on you to check with him when it came to that. Because, according to him, ‘you can never be too careful’.
(Y/N): You really sent a driver?
J: I did.
(Y/N): Don’t trust me driving?
J: Nope. You suck at traveling and getting anywhere on time. Come on, get here already woman. I miss you.
(Y/N): Be there soon. Miss you too. So much.
“Alright, let’s go!” you said, tucking the phone away, “After you, my good man,” and followed the driver out of the airport and into the sleek, black Land Rover that was meant to escort you up to the mountain chalet.
About an hour later you arrived at the place Jensen had arranged for all the families to meet up at for Christmas. The driver turned up a long, winding driveway that had been cleared of snow just enough for the Rover to make it to the top. Your breath caught in your throat when you saw the beautifully illuminated chalet, whose many peaks rose high up into the backdrop of shadowed mountains and a dark, star-studded sky.
There were multiple cars scattered throughout the generously sized parking area, but the house itself was quiet and void of any movement. The driver brought your bags to the front door and waited for you there, but you were too much in awe of the amazing place Jensen chose to spend Christmas in.
“Ma’am?” he called, pulling your attention back, “would you care for me to bring this inside for you?” he asked, holding up the key Jensen must have given him.
“No, thank you, I can manage.” From your coat pocket you pulled out the tip you tucked away earlier and wished him a Merry Christmas.
Slipping the key into the lock, you pushed the massive wood door open and instantly fell in love. Soft lights were on throughout the first-floor foyer, great room, and formal dining area. In the corner of the great room, and opposite the grand flagstone fireplace was a Christmas tree at least eight feet high. It was adorned with variously shaped gold and silver ornaments and illuminated with soft white lights that reflected the shimmer of the glass icicles that were scattered around the tree. At the top stood a rustic-gold and glass, Texas-star that lit up from the inside, with a mix of wide, gold and silver, glitter-lined ribbons cascading from just below the topper and fell in loose loops to the bottom of the tree.
The entire place smelled of gingerbread and the remnants of the fire that had since fallen into embers. Both of which were pleasant and rather comforting. Though it wasn’t your home, it felt like someone’s home and you thought maybe this all wouldn’t be so bad. The more you looked around, you realized that everyone must be asleep already. No one heard you come in and there was no noise coming from any of the doors. Not wanting to wake anyone up, you took out your phone and texted Jensen.
(Y/N): I’m here. Wanna give a girl a hint as to which room is ours?
Nothing. The message sat as delivered, but not read.
“Damn,” you mumbled under your breath, assuming he must have fallen asleep.
You went back through the kitchen and towards the main staircase. Halfway up, you heard one of the doors from downstairs open and turned to go back down. Just as you rounded the corner to go back towards the kitchen, you were greeted by the very welcome sight of your best friend, Jill.
“What are you doing here?!” you wanted to scream but managed to keep the volume of excitement to a rough whisper.
“Your husband invited us! We were supposed to be a surprise,” she said and pouted her lips. “Sorry… surprise!” She held up her hands in a ‘here we are!’ gesture.
You pulled her into a happy embrace and felt a bit of relief that you would have your best ally with you for Christmas. “I can’t believe he didn’t tell me.”
“Well, I told him not too. I wanted to be a surprise. I can’t remember the last time we were together for Christmas.”
“Its been too long. I am really, really glad you guys are here.”
“Me too. Even the old man was excited.”
“Wow. Now that’s a Christmas miracle in itself,” you teased. “So, while I would love to play catch up, I am so tired from this fucking flying nonsense that I just wanna crash. Any idea as to which room my husband may be residing in? He must have fallen asleep and I really didn’t want to resort to a room check. The idea of peaking in on my in-laws while they sleep… super creepy.”
Jill laughed with a snort. “Yeah, that sounds like him. They’re all upstairs. He’s down here with us.”
You raised an inquisitive brow. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Across the hall, dummy,” she replied with a slight roll of her eyes. “He was supposed to be waiting up for you, but he was wiped, you could tell. He put all of this together, today.” She waved her hand towards the great room and the decorations that were sprinkled throughout the whole place.
“What? Seriously?”
“Yeah. When we got here this afternoon, he was finishing up the tree. I know he did it alone because we were the first ones here. All his family showed up after us. And I think Jared and Gen are down in the one cabin with the kids. They came up briefly, but again, wasn’t until after.”
“Wow…” you mused softly taking it all in again. “He’s pretty great, huh?”
“Yeah. He is. So, down the hallway, door to the right. I’m getting a drink and heading off myself. Catch up more tomorrow?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
You hugged her again, grabbed your carryon bag and headed down to the room where Jensen was presumably sleeping.
When you opened the door, you found him sitting up in bed, his head drooped to one side and a book open on his chest. He was snoring quietly, one hand still pressed to the cover, the other laying in his lap. Closing the door behind you and making sure to set the lock, you went to move the book from his hand and realized it was the latest book by Jill’s alter ego, Willow Bainbridge, that was not-yet-released to the public. You opened the flap and saw her inscription to him.
To my biggest fan, Jensen. Thanks for the notes on this, your input was invaluable to making it happen.
Merry Christmas from your biggest fan,
Jill
He must have been in his glory, you thought and stifled a giggle as you closed it carefully and placed it on your nightstand.
Quietly, you removed most of your clothes, leaving only your white cami that you wore under your blouse and a pair of pink, silk underwear. Cautiously, trying not to wake him, you straddled his lap and bent down to his kiss neck. It was your favorite way to wake him up. The moment your lips pressed against his skin, you felt his hands dragging up your legs and come to rest on the highest part of your thigh. A deep groan rumbled from his throat as he tilted his neck to the side, giving you more access to that part of him.
Smiling through the soft, lingering kisses on his neck, you trailed your lips up to his ear. “I’m finally here.”
“About time,” he rasped, his tone still weary from sleep. In one fell swoop, he gripped you tightly and rolled you over so you were on your back with the weight of him hovering over you. “Hi,” he said, his eyes smiling, while he licked his lips in anticipation of yours.
“Hi right back.”
That was it, the only formal greeting you needed or wanted. Less than a minute later, the remaining clothes were discarded about the room and your hands and mouths did any further talking that was needed. He took his time and made sure that he covered every inch of you with the same attention that he paid the part before. Never rushing, despite the exhaustion you both felt. When he was finally ready to come inside you, your nails digging into the flesh on his back, his head buried in the comfort of your hair and neck, he called your name over and over with a vibration of passion that only he ever brought out in you.
After, when you were laying together, happily dozing with your head on his chest, and his hand in your hair, all the stress and worry about Christmas, traveling, and your job went right out the window. In the end getting to be there with him and all your closest friends and family was worth all the chaos and frustrations of traveling.
Christmas Eve.
The next morning came with the kind of noise, confusion, and excitement that one would only find at Christmas time. A big breakfast spread, kids running around not eating any of it, but parents insisting they do. Your in-laws were peppering you with a million questions about work, travel, and married life, while Jensen was trying to field Filip’s questions about the same things… it was an endless circle of conversations that lasted well after breakfast. Most of the Ackles family, Jensen included, decided to head out to the ski lift that landed barely a hundred or so yards out of the chalet’s front door. He was slightly disappointed when you passed, but you still wanted to unpack and take a shower before an afternoon of baking cookies and making pies.
After a blissfully hot shower, you got back into your room, only to find Jill unpacking your carryon.
“What on Earth are you doing?” you asked, as you closed the door and pulled the towel from your wet hair.
“Using the guise of helping you unpack to avoid skiing. Also, so we can catch up,” she shrugged and took your stack of clothes to transfer to the dresser.
“And Filip?”
“Oh, he went skiing. Not to actually ski, mind you. But he wants to see if anyone makes an ass of themselves.”
“Namely, Jensen.”
“Mhm,” she said, “He loves Jensen, but if he has an opportunity to tease him…”
“I would expect nothing less of him.”
You grabbed a pile of clothes before she could put them away and began to work at drying your hair and getting changed. “So, fill me in, what’s been going on?”
Jill shrugged and went back into the carryon, this time coming out with the bag containing Jensen’s special gift. When you realized what she had, you dropped the hairbrush and snatched it from her hands. The look of surprise on her face made you snort a laugh, but you quickly regretted your reaction and tried to cover with an apology.
“S-Sorry, this is, uh, personal.”
Jill put her hands on her hips. “Personal? (Y/N) I’ve known you longer than I can recall being alive, and you’re coming at me with… personal? What’s in the bag?”
“Nothing… just a gift. For Jensen. Its… lingerie.”
“Mhm… bullshit. Let me see.”
“No! I’m not showing you what I wear to get him… excited,” the last word came out sheepishly and you averted her gaze.
Jill’s eyes narrowed on you and then floated down to the bag. You could feel the intensity of her stare, but when realization dawned on her face, you felt your stomach drop.
“Ho. Ly. Shit. You’re pregnant.”
“What?! No… you’re… pregnant. No. I mean, I’m not.”
“You’re the world’s worst liar. No mimosas at breakfast, no skiing with your hunky husband and his family… you look like you haven’t slept in weeks and you barely touched any food at all today. And really, its nearly three… Not even spiked eggnog in your possession at a family holiday? That’s just bonkers.”
“So, because I decide not to drink or ski, that means I’m pregnant?” you scoffed.
“Show me what’s in the bag,” she challenged and held out her hand.
“Fine.” You relented and handed it over.
You watched the expression on her face transform from apprehension to pure joy. The little gray onesie she pulled out from the plastic bag unfolded in her hands. When she looked up at you, her eyes were misty with happy tears.
“Really?” she asked, drawing out the word in a happy, high pitched squeal.
“Really. Not far along, but yeah.”
She was downright giddy. “Does he know?”
“Not yet. I wanted to tell him on Christmas, but then Christmas turned into… all of this and I really don’t want to do it in a room full of his family. I want that to be our moment.”
Jill sat on the corner of the bed and held up the tiny piece of clothing that read, ‘Best Present Ever’. “That’s one hundred percent understandable. So, what now though? Wait until you go home?”
“I guess. He promised we would have some time together, just he and I, so we’ll see. But with everyone here…” you sat on the bed beside her and rested your head on her shoulder, “who knows when that will be. Please don’t tell Filip yet, okay?”
“I won’t. And he’s oblivious to these things, but you know he’s going to be over the moon, right? We had ours young, and they’re so grown now, having another baby around… he will just be a big old pile of leather and mush.”
A knock at the door made you both sort of jump up, and Jill stashed the onesie behind her back as you made sure your bathrobe was closed tightly, unsure of who may be knocking. The door opened a crack and Jensen’s face peaked in.
“Oh, hey. You are here. Filip is looking for you. Apparently, he needs you to witness him take on the Black Diamond trail. He said to bring binoculars and a video camera with a good zoom…” he relayed the message with a furrowed brow and giddy smile rested on his lips.
“Oh, Jesus…” she moaned. “Tell him to wait, please. I will be right there.”
“Ok!” Jensen winked at you and swiftly closed the door, probably sprinting down the hallway, off to watch Filip tackle the slopes.
“Giant. Children. Both of them,” she said and handed you back the onesie. “Hide that better. We’ll talk later, okay? I need to go chaperone our husbands.”
You nodded and did as she suggested after she left. You looked forward to talking to her about it more later, but that moment never arrived. Once everyone returned from skiing, thankfully with no broken limbs, only broken egos, everyone broke off into various groups doing different holiday activities. The men drifted towards the rec room to drink and shoot pool or play darts, while the grandmothers, moms, and kids all bustled about the kitchen, making an array of cookies, pies, and candies that were specially reserved for Christmas Day and intended as an offering for Santa. Every now and again, Jensen and Jared would creep into the kitchen, trying to convince one of the kids to pass them a few cookies, and each time one of the moms would have to shoo them away.
Hours later, when the kids were done baking, and they were at peak sugar rush from all the tasting, they ventured out to build snowmen with all the guys, while inside you, Jill, Gen and the rest of the women cleared down the baking mess and began heating up the trays of food Jensen ordered for dinner.
Jensen stood outside in the snow, watching his dad and brother work with this nieces and nephews to build a bunker, while Jared and Filip were creating an arsenal of snowballs with Shep and Thomas. They were preparing for the snowball fight to end all snowball fights. He watched them all with a contented smile, and felt satisfied with how everything had been going, so far. Even if (Y/N) had not been on board at first.
He felt guilty that he had gone and set all this up without talking to her, and really, that was supposed to be the fun of it. He had put these plans in motion a while ago, to surprise her with a fun Christmas in the mountains that included all their favorite people. Her reaction wasn’t exactly what he had hoped for, but all in all, everything seemed to be going smoothly.
A crash against his chest, and residual wet spray smacked him in the face, pulling him back to the present. It was just in time to block another snowball being fired at him from across the yard. Jensen grabbed a handful of snow and fired back at his best friend, while the boys continued to throw each one their hardest.
Jensen relented and let the boys take him down, falling dramatically into a mound of snow, while Jared cheered them on. In a flash, they were off to the bunker with the others. Jared came over and lent a hand to pull Jensen up from the snow.
“Those kids of yours, they’re brutal,” he said, brushing the snow from his pants. “What have you been teaching them, anyway? The art of pitching an ice cube to the face?”
“Accuracy, brother. Accuracy. It’s all the release,” Jared teased and smacked him on the shoulder. “Besides, when you have yours, I’m sure they will just as lethal. If not, Uncle Jared will fix it.”
“Yeah,” he scoffed. “I don’t know if that’s in the cards,” he mumbled with a twinge of disappointment.
“Why do you say that?”
“I’ve been trying to convince (Y/N) to slow down a little. She’s been traveling like crazy these last few months. Her schedule makes us look like recluses.”
“Shit,” Jared mumbled. “Have you ever talked about it? Kids, I mean.”
“Sure, before we were married, but we didn’t put a timetable on it.”
Jared shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest. “Is that something you want… now? I mean, are you ready for it? Is she?”
“I don’t know man, we haven’t had more than 24 hours alone together in weeks. I barely know whether she’s coming or going half the time and I hate it.”
“So, tell her that. Not like she’s gotta stay home permanently, but maybe something more localized, with less travel.”
“I have an idea, its sneaky and underhanded. But I am willing to take that route if it means more time with her. Ultimately, that’s all I really want. I see how you and Gen handle it, and I want that. I want that with her.”
Jared snorted a laughed. “Whiiiped.” The word popped from his mouth animatedly. Jensen bent down and swiftly crafted a snowball to pelt at Jared’s head.
“Yeah, I’ll show you whipped,” he mumbled and continued his assault on Jared’s back as he ran and dove into the bunker.
Once the table was set, and the food was warm, Gen went out to call everyone inside to clean up for dinner, then went about helping her boys to strip down of their layers of winter apparel once inside. Jensen stumbled in after them and made a beeline straight for you. He pulled you into the great room and walked you to stand in front of the fireplace. From behind, he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you in close.
“It is so damn cold out there,” he said, his teeth and jaw chattering against your neck.
You covered his arms and hands with your own and leaned back into him. “I can think of ways to keep you warm,” you said softly, so no one else could hear you.
“If I wasn’t so damn hungry, I would one hundred percent march your cute little ass down the hallway right now,” he purred in your ear, giving you a little nip on the flesh below your earlobe, “but a man needs his strength first.”
One last call from the other room beckoned everyone to come to sit for dinner.
“Come on, if there aren’t enough chairs, you can sit on my lap,” he teased, and started to lead you towards the dining room.
Chastising him with a shake of your head, you followed along but paused right outside of the doorway due to a sudden rush of exhaustion, upset stomach and dizziness that froze you in place. Doing your best to act as normal as possible, you waved him on. “You go ahead, I just need to use the bathroom first.”
“You alright?” he asked, able to tell you weren’t one hundred percent.
“Yeah, I just—I just need a minute,” you said and flashed a smile. “Promise.”
Jensen gave your hand a squeeze and went on ahead, while you made a quick and unseen turn to head down the hallway towards your bedroom. Planning on just resting for a moment, you found the edge of the bed and immediately fell back onto the mattress. The dizziness subsided, as did the quick rush of nausea, but you still didn’t feel ready to go back out there. Though the day had been great, you were tired and suddenly overly emotional about not being able to share your news how you had envisioned. A few stray tears spilled down your cheeks that you tried to wipe away but only succeeded in smearing the little make up you had on. Crawling up further onto the bed, you curled up in a ball and decided to just let it all run its course so you could rejoin everyone for Christmas Eve dinner.
The dishes were passed, food was consumed, and it was around that time that kids started yawning and talks of Santa’s arrival were circling. Jensen listened and laughed at Jared reassured Shep and Thomas that Santa would find them, even way out there. He missed (Y/N) and wasn’t sure why she didn’t return to dinner. He didn’t want to make a big spectacle until his sister asked where she was. Passing along some excuse, he tried to reassure himself that’s all it was.
Man, I hope I didn’t fuck this up, he thought as he watched the rest of his family go about cleaning up from the meal. Did she not come back because she’s still pissed? I just wanted this Christmas to be perfect… show her how great family can be…
After surveying the room, he quietly made his way down the hall and towards his room. He knocked lightly, but no response came. When he cracked the door, the light from the hall illuminated the dark room to reveal her fast asleep on the bed. Jensen walked in and went to her side, crouching to be level with her. Brushing back a piece of hair that had fallen over her cheek, he noticed the tear stains of makeup beneath it, and his heart wrenched.
Dammit, he growled to himself, I didn’t want to make her cry…
Deciding to leave her to rest, he kissed her head and left the room, softly closing the door behind him.
He was angry with himself for not talking to her about it before making the plans. Afraid he’d ruined her Christmas, he was solely focused on what to do to make it right as he stalked down the hallway. Jensen was so lost in his thoughts, that he nearly toppled Jill when he ran into her.
“Whoa, there. Where’s the fire?” she teased until she saw his furrowed brow. “Everything alright?”
He glanced back at the room where his wife lay sleeping. “No. I think I fucked up, big time.”
Jill grabbed his elbow and swiftly pulled him into her and Filip’s room. “What did you do?”
“Easy tiger… nothing bad bad, just… I planned all this, right? But I didn’t tell her until it was done. And now I think she’s pissed. She didn’t come skiing today, stayed in the kitchen all afternoon… then she never came to dinner and I find her asleep in the room. Plus, I think she was crying.” He plopped to the mattress and rubbed his hands over his face. “I just wanted to surprise her… I didn’t realize how important it was to her that it just be us.”
Jill sat next to him on the bed and patted his knee. “Don’t beat yourself up. What you did here was amazing, okay? She loved it. Yes, a little disappointed at first, but she was in awe of everything you did to make this so perfect.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Really. But… maybe, there is a way to give her a bit of that alone time. Didn’t you say there were two cabins on the property?”
“Yeah. Jared and Gen have the one, but the other is empty. It’s a little further up the mountain, but not much. Why?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course,” he said, but eyed her suspiciously. “Why?”
“I have an idea, but it's going to require everyone’s help.”
He eyed her suspiciously but was intrigued by what she was thinking. “Alright Lucy… ‘splain yourself,” Jensen said in his best Ricky Riccardo voice.
Jill laid out her plan, to which Jensen was immediately on board with. It took their four best friends, a couple of kids, and most of Christmas Eve night, but by the time dawn broke the next morning, everything was done and ready to go. All he needed now, was his wife.
Christmas morning.
Someone was shaking you awake. Not violently, but enough that it worked and pulled you from slumber. There was a softly lit lamp on in the corner of the room, which was otherwise still dark. Checking the clock on the nightstand, it was only a quarter past five in the morning. Groaning, you didn’t bother to see who had woken you. Instead, you just put the pillow over your head and tried to go back to sleep.
“Nooope, come on sleepy head,” the voice chastised. “Rise and shine. It’s Christmas.”
“Mmmm… go away,” you moaned, but the shaking of your legs continued.
“Come on, (Y/N), Santa came and left you an awesome gift.”
Slowly sitting up, and wiping the sleep from your eyes, you saw Jill sitting on the edge of the bed. When you realized it was her, you turned to Jensen’s side of the bed and saw that it was never slept in.
“What… where’s--?”
“He’s waiting for you, come on,” Jill encouraged as she grabbed your hand, sitting you up more.
“What is happening,” you said, finally standing up from the bed.
“Well, first, you’re going into the bathroom and washing your face. Then, bundle up because we are heading outside. Then, well, you’ll have to wait and see.”
Now that you were more awake, you saw the determination set onto her face and knew better not to argue. You did as commanded, and even put on a fresh change of clothes before leaving the room.
The house was completely silent. The big tree in the great room was the only light there was, and under it were piles of gifts that weren’t there the night before.
“Get your coat,” she directed. “And a hat, it's cold.”
Heading out the front door, you followed her into the Jeep that was running and relished in the heat of its interior. As she maneuvered it further up the mountain, you were starting to feel slightly nervous as to what was happening. Minutes later, she turned into a barely noticeable driveway that led up to a small cabin. Smoke was already pouring from its chimney and even though there weren’t too many windows in front, you could see a low light flickering from inside.
Jill put the Jeep in park but left it running. “Go on, this is where you get out.”
You looked at her curiously and laughed. “Alright… are you coming?”
“Nope, this is just for you. Merry Christmas, (Y/N). I hope its everything you dreamed of.” Your best friend of many years swiped at the tear that slowly rolled down her cheek before reaching over to hug you.
“Merry Christmas,” you said, fighting back your own emotion as you returned her embrace.
Cautiously, you approached the cabin and the closer you got, you began to hear music coming from inside. At the door, you paused for a moment and tried to stow yourself against what you might find when you were finally able to open it. The choice was made for you, as it opened just as you went to twist the handle.
Jensen’s smiling face greeted you, a dreamy look on his face as he exhaled nervously.
“I was afraid she got lost,” he teased before excitedly pulling you inside. “Merry Christmas, baby.”
His words were lost to you as you looked around the cabin in awe. Just like the main house, this one was decorated to the hilts; only it wasn’t as sparkly and formal. This was more how it would have been at home. In the corner, was a small, tabletop tree, all dressed in colored lights and homemade ornaments. The petite silver star glittered with the reflection of flames from the fireplace beside it. On the other side of the cobblestoned fireplace was a table that had stacks of Christmas movies next to it, along with an array of snacks and drinks.
On the far side of the cabin, was a large picture window that looked out over the mountain range. Across it, colored lights were woven along the curtain rod, while paper snowflakes dangled from a silver string attached to them. The couch was covered in holiday pillows and large, plush blankets that looked so inviting to cozy up against. The air smelled like apples and cinnamon, while your favorite Christmas songs were playing softly from somewhere in the room. The best part of it all was that you and he were the only ones there.
Jensen stood silently behind you and waited anxiously for you to say something. You wanted to, desperately, but you were so choked up by everything he’d done, it rendered you speechless. When you turned to face him, and he saw the tears welling in your eyes. Biting his lower lip, he gently took your fingers and reeled you into him, his gaze steadily holding onto yours.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry again,” he mused and kissed your head. “I’ve done enough of that already.”
“What?” you asked and remembered the night before. “Do you mean last night?”
“Yeah, you didn’t come back and I thought—”
“No… Jensen, God, I am so sorry. I wasn’t upset with you, I swear. I was tired and not feeling good.”
“Your makeup—”
“Yes, I was upset, but not—Shit. I’m sorry, it wasn’t about you. Just a rush of emotion, I promise. You did all of this because you thought I was upset?”
You pulled back from him to gauge his reaction. When he nodded you felt awful; he needed to know that it wasn’t about the vacation… it was about the secret you were dying to share.
“Jensen, this is the most wonderful thing anyone has ever done for me.” You took his hand and led him over to the couch. You sat on both knees facing him and took his face between your hands. “I love you, more than anything. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had. Honestly. Even if we didn’t get alone time, I got time with you and that’s all that matters. I’m sorry if I made you doubt that.”
“I just want you to be happy, (Y/N).”
“I am happy, as long as I have you.” You bent your lips to meet his, showing him just how much you loved him. When you finally broke free, the goofy smile and wistful look on his face lingered, his hands warm against your hips as they tenderly massaged at your flesh, tickling that part of you that always stirred when he gazed at you like that.
“Wanna open a present?” he asked. His grin turning into that of an excited little boy.
“I’d love too,” you said and thought back to the special present you had hidden away in the room. “Oh damn, I left yours back there. I didn’t know—”
“Nope, all taken care of. Well, I mean, Jill took care of it.”
“She did?”
“Oh yeah. She took care of the presents. Said she knew where you had mine,” he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Jared, Shep, and Thomas added the lights and paper snowflakes… Filip decorated the tree. My mom got all the food and snacks together, and Gen made sure we were gonna be cozy with the pillows and blankets.”
“So, everyone pitched in on this?”
He stood up from the couch and nodded. “Yep. We have a pretty great group of friends. Be right back, okay? Don’t go anywhere.”
You laughed as he disappeared into the back room of the cabin. Peaking now at the gifts under the tree, you tried to find the ones you’d packed for Jensen, and there on the pile was the special gift you had brought. Jill boxed it up and wrapped it, simply labeling the tag, To: Jensen, From: Santa. Picking it up, you held it close to your heart as you heard Jensen return from the other room. Placing it on the side of the couch, you sat back down and watched as Jensen reentered the room, but his back was too you and he didn’t turn.
“Before I give you this… just remember you love me and you think I’m cute. Now, close your eyes.”
“Okay…” you laughed and did as asked. You felt him sit beside you on the couch and couldn’t help but let your eyes flutter open as he was placing something warm and very soft in your arms.
A small, brown, white and black beagle puppy was wiggling in your arms, trying to jump up and lick at your face. You immediately fell in love with him, as it whined softly, yet excitedly at you.
“Oh my God… Jay…”
“Like him?” he asked.
“Like him? I love him! But… a puppy? How—he’ll get so crazy in the apartment. I mean, we can walk him a lot, right? And dog parks… Think he’ll travel, alright?” You couldn’t stop yourself from smiling and laughing as the puppy assaulted you with love.
“Whoa, well… wait. That’s the thing. I think its time for the apartment to go. I think, its time to find OUR place. For you and me, and puppy makes three… you know? Settle somewhere more permanent. Wherever you want, as long as it’s ours.”
“Funny you mention that…” you started and swallowed nervously. You turned and grabbed his special gift. When you handed it to him, you noticed your hands were shaking. “Merry Christmas, Jensen.”
The puppy leapt up and nipped at your cheek, making you laugh and nuzzle him just as Jensen took the gift. You were trying not to appear too anxious for him to open it, by giving the dog all your attention, but inside you were screaming with exhilaration. Finally, Jensen was going to know…
He tore at the paper and tossed it aside before opening the lid of the box. When he removed that and pushed back the tissue paper, the realization of what he was seeing began to register through his expression, causing the sting of tears to touch the corner of your eyes.
Jensen slowly pulled the onesie out and let the box fall to the floor. He stared at it, using both hands to hold it up and read the message on the front. His tongue darted over his bottom lip as he nervously looked back up at you, his own bright green eyes starting to be wet with a swell of tears.
“Seriously?” he expelled in a single, soft breath. “You’re--?”
“Mhm… guess we have two babies to take care of now, huh?” you bent down and nuzzled the puppy’s nose again before looking back at him.
You couldn’t read him at first. He just stared, almost breathlessly at the tiny little shirt that your son or daughter would be wearing at this time next year. “Jensen? Say something, please.”
It was his turn to be speechless. Forgetting about the puppy, he grabbed you and pulled you towards him, crushing his mouth to yours and kissing you deeply. The puppy squealed and wiggled its way from your arms and jumped down to the floor. Jensen took advantage of its absence, to hoist you over to straddle his lap on the couch. He tangled his hand up in your hair, giving him more leverage to deepen the kiss. Jensen didn’t need to say any words, though he did let his tongue to the talking.
By the time he was ready to release you, you were catching your breath and smiling wide, overcome with so much love and elation, it was hard to control.
“I can’t believe it… How long? I mean, how far? When is it—like soon?” he was frantic with questions, which made him even cuter than he normally was.
“Not too long, about five weeks, so not soon, no. I have a doctor’s appointment right after the new year, so I’ll know for sure, then. But, probably end of summer.”
“Wow. Well, I guess we need to get on that whole buy a house, thing, huh? So, where do we set this all up? Hmm? Back east, so you can be closer to work?”
You shook your head and bit down on your lower lip. “I was thinking Texas. I don’t need to be closer to work since I’ve decided not to work there anymore. I think it’s time I found something else to work at, you know after this whole baby thing happens.”
The relief he felt was telling on his face. “You mean that?”
“I do. Besides, I want to be closer to our friends and family. I don’t want either of our little babies here to ever miss out on a second with any of them.”
“Texas it is,” he said and kissed you again. “Just for the record, anywhere you would have picked, would be home. Long as I am with you.”
“Okay, okay… you got a ton of points already, mister, you don’t need to lay it on so thick,” you teased, making him sigh dramatically.
From the floor below, the puppy barked at the wrapping paper scattered on the floor and pounced on it making the two of you chuckle. Sliding from Jensen’s lap, you grabbed the beagle from the floor and snuggled it while leaning back against your husband’s chest. As you lay there with them, with Jensen’s arms protectively around you, you closed your eyes and smiled. For the next few hours, you stayed that way, watching the fire and talking about the future.
Best. Christmas. Ever, you thought as you snuggled into him deeper and enjoyed the quiet time you and Jensen, finally, were able to get.
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