Begin Again

Chapter 14

Mack POV - Christmas Day

My eyes shoot open and I look to my right, seeing Alex asleep.

I sigh and wipe my forehead, then slowly move to sit on the edge of the bed.

Max stands up and walks over to me.

"Hey boy, you want to go outside?" I whisper.

He wags his tail and I nod.

I reach for my crutches, standing up, and quietly crutching out of the bedroom.

I crutch by Riley's room and peek in, seeing her and Charlie asleep, cuddling with their stuffed animals.

I keep crutching and head downstairs, meeting Max at the back door.

I open it and grab a blanket off of the couch.

I look at my watch.

6:30AM

I lean back and watch as the sun rises.

"Hey."

I jump and look to see Alex standing there.

"You didn't wake me up." She continues.

I sigh, "You looked tired, wanted to let everyone sleep, plus I have Max's company."

She sighs and sits next to me, looping her arm through mine, and leaning her head on my shoulder.

"Merry Christmas, babe." She whispers.

I smile, "Merry Christmas."

"You and my mom really went to town on wrapping gifts." I say.

She nods, "Only the best for you and our girls."

I turn my head and press a kiss to her head.

"How's the leg feeling?" She asks.

"Uncomfortable. This cast totally sucks."

"Well, only a few more weeks with it on." She says.

I look down at it and back up, "I had a nightmare."

I feel her sit up and turn towards me, "About the shooting?"

I nod, "Yeah."

She sighs, "Are you going to talk to your therapist about it?"

I look down and shrug.

She grabs my hand, "I think that you should, yeah?"

I look up and nod, "Yeah, I will."

She leans in and presses her lips against mine, pulling back.

"Mommy! Momma! Santa came! He came!" Charlie and Riley yell.

We turn around, "He did, didn't he?"

They nod enthusiastically.

"Merry Christmas, guys." We say.

They smile and take off back into the house.

I chuckle and lean in to press my lips against Alex's.

I hear her moan and slip my tongue into her mouth, exploring it.

She pulls back and I open my eyes, seeing her eyes closed with a smile on her face.

"Time to go see what Santa brought, however, did Santa bring me my hot girlfriend in some lingerie?" I ask.

She laughs and slaps my shoulder, "You have to let your leg heal, then we will talk."

I groan and look at my leg, "Heal faster."