You're Not a Serial Rapist Ch. 23

Christmas was coming. We had decided that we would exchange gifts for the first time. They put an upper limit of $25. I had other plans.

Being our first Christmas together we decided to get a little tree, maybe three feet tall that we could put on our coffee table. The girls had fun decorating. I watched with a couple of beers. They got into the egg nog... probably more rum than egg nog. That was funny.

The way the holiday landed this year, Christmas Day was on a Thursday. Our companies had what they called 'floating' holidays. Friday was this year's floating holiday.

The plan was us to have our little Christmas on the Saturday before. Kathy and I to have Christmas Day at my parent's and then leave early Friday morning for Kathy's parents, and stay until Monday, which we both took as a vacation day. It would be the first time Kathy's mom and dad would see their newly engaged daughter. Valerie was leaving for her parents on Wednesday afternoon. Kathy and I would be spending our first Christmas Eve together. I planned on making it memorable.

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We had been to the mall right after Thanksgiving for some shopping... I was hoping for some lingerie shopping... that didn't happen. While the girls were shopping, I wandered aimlessly through the crowed mall.

In the middle of the mall was a booth that was selling handmade custom jewelry. It looked really good. Gold pendants, charms, rings, chains. Another moment of spontaneity... I had an idea of what I was going to get the girls. I was going to blow the $25 budget, big time. I didn't care. It was for 'my' girls.

The guy in the booth was the artist that made everything. His name was Jonathan... Not 'John'... 'Jonathan'. I asked him if he did design and custom pieces. I pretty much knew he did, but asked anyway.

I told him generally what I was thinking. Something with three birthstones inside a heart. And that I wanted three, each with an individual birthstone in the center and the other two flanking. He said he would work on it and should have a few designs sketched up by the coming Monday. I told him I'd drop by on my lunch hour. I offered him a down payment, just so he knew I was serious and that I wouldn't take his design and run to someone else. He said 'not to worry about it'. He asked if I had photos of my friends. Said that it would help him in determining sizes. Mainly that if the girls were petite then he would go for something delicate and feminine.

Monday. Johnathan had some very good and unique designs.

I showed him photos of Kathy and Valerie. The ones of Kathy came from the album I kept on my desk. The ones of Valerie were the ones my mom took at Kathy's graduation.

Jonathan looked at the photos. Looked back at me. Back at the photos.

"What lucky star were you born under?"

I proudly grinned.

The one I liked had two hearts, an open outer heart a little over an inch diameter, about the size of a US fifty cent piece and an inner heart. The upper arcs of the outer heart were a bit thicker than the thin delicate sides that met at the bottom point of the heart. The inner heart was solid and about half that size. The bottom of the center heart joined with bottom of the outer open heart, and was solid a bit up the sides, securing it in place.

The individual's birthstone was centered in the smaller heart and the other two other stones on the upper arcs of the larger heart. He asked if I wanted real, or artificial stones. It was a 'no brainer'. After giving him the months, he made the suggestion that the outer two stones be just a bit smaller than the individual's. I told him that I didn't want them too small, where someone had to get up close to see the stones. He said that he usually worked with 'mid-quality' gems, not 'high-end' but not bottom of the barrel. I said as long as they were decent it was fine. It would help my budget a bit, which I figured was totally blown, bigtime. I didn't care. I grinned inwardly, knowing I was going to catch some major 'shit'... again... I didn't care.

Deep blue Sapphire for Kathy. Deep green Emerald for Valerie, and a Diamond for me. Since they already had chains I didn't need to buy those. Just one for myself. He could have all three in a week. I shook his hand and went away with a smile.

A week later. I stood in awe. Jonathan smiled in pride. The pendants were absolutely beautiful. The stones against the gold were brilliant. Jonathan was right, they didn't need to be high quality stones, but still, you could tell they were real. The inner stones were probably three quarters of a caret and the outer ones around half of a caret. He asked if he could take photos to put in his portfolio, as he had never done something like this. He gave me a great discount because of the quantity and for letting him use the photos for his portfolio. Jonathan assured me that the stones and the center heart were very secure, and gave me a handful of business cards.

I left with a satisfied feeling. This would be the first 'thing' I would be giving to Valerie. And in reality, the first real thing that I had given to Kathy. Roses, a stuffed bunny, and my virginity don't count.

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I decided to make our first Christmas dinner special. It was too cold and snowy outside to grill steaks. I wanted something elegant. What I found, were frozen butterflied lobster tails. Not large; but, nice sized. I had never done one before. The meat manager told me they were easy. Gave me instructions and then just warned not to overcook.

I had everyone 'dress up'. The girls liked that idea. What I saw coming down the stairs took my breath away. They had done their eyes in their 'classic' fashion. Each outlined by the dark eye liner. Kathy's blue gray eyes sparkling against the whiteness. Valerie's soft gold-speckled brown eyes as alluring as I remembered from our first date. Each wore a high shoulder-to-shoulder scooping top that clung to each of their braless breasts. A gold chain with pendants rested against their upper chests. I smiled, knowing what would be there in a few hours. The brilliance of Kathy's ring was dwarfed only by the radiance of her smile.

They had never had Lobster. Coupled with some baked potatoes, a green salad, bread, and that white wine they were introduced to at school, dinner turned out to be a success. I was pleased.

We settled around our little decorated tree. Each with an egg nog. As they passed out our gifts to each other. I asked if they wouldn't mind opening the ones I got for them last, and together. Kathy gave me a wary look. Like she suspected I was up to something. I just grinned back.

Kathy had gotten Valerie a set of good quality acrylic paints. She knew that the quality was something that was a bit out of Valerie's budget. They hugged.

I was curious what Valerie had gotten Kathy. With her, you never knew. It could be some exotic sexy piece of lingerie that would only be worn in our bedroom for a few moments. When I saw the box, I knew that wasn't it.

It was a portrait of Kathy that Valerie had done when they were at school last year as part of one of her art assignments. It was done in acrylics. Kathy was nude from the waist up facing forward; but, sitting at a slight angle, and looking down to her side in a relaxed pose with a gentle smile. One arm resting along her side. The other raised and behind her neck. Her firm little breasts sitting high and proud. Each pink nipple was soft and inviting. The way that Valerie had captured the soft gentle swells of Kathy's breasts was breathtaking.

It was matted and framed... It was absolutely beautiful, almost 'life-like'. Kathy had tears in her eyes as she hugged her best friend. I have to admit, it brought a lump to my throat.

"My gosh Val. That is absolutely gorgeous. You're such a good artist."

Valerie blushed. It was cute.

"Thank you. It's real easy when you have such a beautiful and sexy model."

This time, Kathy grinned and blushed.

They went in together and bought me a complete set of nice kitchen knives that they had found in a specialty store. It was something I hadn't even thought about. I showed my appreciation at their thoughtfulness. It came out that it was Kathy's idea.

They each held the little boxes in their hands. Kathy, again, gave me a skeptical look. This time, I gave her a gentle smile.

The first thing I heard were gasps. Followed by two, "Oh my's". Followed by two openly crying girlfriends. I received two embraces. That went on... and on... and on. I held my two girlfriends, as each of my shoulders became saturated with their loving tears.

Valerie was the first to say something, as she wiped her eyes, "Is he always like this? I mean never doing what we tell him to do."

Kathy, wiping her eyes, "Pretty much. Pretty much," the last two words coming softly as her lips met mine, "But that's why I love him so much."

Then I pulled out mine from under my shirt. I received another set of hugs and kisses. The three of us were bonded... once again, and forever. Whatever lucky guy that Valerie would eventually meet would have to get over it.

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We visited the mall the next day. I wanted Jonathan to see his final work resting against the smooth skin of my fiancée and our friend.

He immediately recognized me, and then Kathy and Valerie. Told them that the photos of them that I had shared with him didn't do them justice. They blushed. I loved it.

It was winter, so each had on a winter coat. When they each removed their coat, Jonathan stood there, dumbstruck.

Each had worn a casual sweater with a gentle scooping neckline. The pendant on each lay a bit below the base of their necks. Their still lightly tanned skin brought out the gold of the pendants and the blue and green of the stones. Jonathan couldn't take his eyes off either.

Jonathan reached under the counter and brought out a nice camera. He took a number of photos of each. Some profile. Some close up so that the pendant was framed by the top of their sweaters and their neck. A couple of both of the girls together and then a final on of the three of us. I knew some of the photos would find their way into his portfolio. I gave him our address and he said he would send us copies.

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Valerie had left earlier that day to spend Christmas with her parents. We cuddled in our warm bed after some serious 'love making'. I asked Kathy how she wanted to spend our first Christmas Eve together, the next night.

In my mind there were two scenarios.

One, we have a quiet romantic dinner. Followed by a warm bath and then some tender love making in front of a warm fire. We hadn't done that... yet.

The second, was to go to church with my parents. My mom would love that. Then over to my sister's while everyone opens presents, even though we would be back at my parents the following day for Christmas dinner with all the relatives.

I was quiet on the choice I had in my mind. I smiled, when Kathy said she would like to go to church with me and my parents. Non-verbal communication. I hugged her, and told her that was what I was thinking. She grinned and said that she knew it.

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Removing her winter coat in the outer area of the church, and turning, my mom's eyes went straight to pendant. Kathy had worn a skirt and high collar long sleeved light blue sweater. The dark blue Sapphire and the gold making a brilliant contrast. Kathy saw my mom's eyes.

"Bill had it made for my Christmas present."

"It's beautiful. Your birthstone?"

Kathy nodded.

"The other two?"

"Bill's and Valerie's."

I was standing right next to her and added, "I have one with my birthstone in the middle and Kathy's and Valerie's on the outer edges. And Valerie has one too."

The depth of our three-way relationship becoming more and more clear.

"You never cease to amaze me," as my mom smiled at me.

"Ain't that the truth," Kathy beamed as she clutched my arm.

The church was packed. It was good we got there early. The front of the church was filled with red Poinsettia's. The large stained glass window above the altar was backlighted from the outside and was beautiful.

I once again sat there and counted my blessings. My lovely fiancée, confidant, lover, and best friend, sitting next to me. Our best friend an hour and a half away that I dearly loved and who dearly loved me. And, 'yes' my loving and supporting parents.

We sang Christmas carols together.

Singing 'Oh Holy Night', we would gaze lovingly at each other as we sang to each other. 'Feeling' each other. Once again, connecting on our first Christmas Eve, together. My mom was off to the side of me. She saw and knew exactly what was happening right there, at that moment. Later, she would tell me that she almost lost it, watching the two of us.

This was way better than my original thought of the fireplace.

On the way out, many of their friends came over to wish them a Merry Christmas. I knew most of them. Each time, my mom and dad would proudly introduce Kathy as their 'future daughter-in-law. Kathy blushed each time. I loved it.

Shaking the hand of the Pastor on the way out, he said he recognized me from the summer. Earlier in the summer, my parents had told him that I had graduated and was living near Rockford. He made a point of saying that he hoped he would be seeing me more often.

Then turning to Kathy, with a wide smile, "And I certainly remember this lovely lady...."

"Kathy," my mom filled in the blank, "Bill's fiancée."

"Oh. A wedding coming up?"

"Yeah. Unfortunately, Kathy's parents live down South."

"No problem. They can drive."

We all laughed.

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Opening presents with little ones around is chaotic, to say the least. It was fun. Kathy enjoyed herself with an egg nog. Said it reminded her of when her family did their gift exchange, only, they did it on Christmas Day. I said, that we've done it on Christmas Eve since I could remember. That, as kids, we were put to bed around 8:00. How we ever went to sleep was beyond me. They would wake us around 10:00 after Santa Claus had visited. Do presents. Then my mom would have a Christmas Eve dinner. Kathy was amazed that my mom cooked big meals for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We cuddled in the warmth of our bed for our 'alone time', as we reflected on the day. I told her I was glad we went to church. She whole heartedly agreed. It was somewhat of a new experience, as her parents weren't all that religious. She did add that option one still sounded like fun.

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We didn't arrive at my parents 'empty handed'. We bought my dad a nice bottle of Cognac. I knew he liked brandy. I told him I liked to sip on it on cold winter nights. We brought a Poinsettia for my mom and a couple bottles of the white wine that Kathy loved.

We were surprised when they handed us a $100 gift certificate to a high-end restaurant in Rockford. Even though Kathy and I could afford it, it was something that we never considered. It would be fun. She also handed us a card, with Valerie's name on the front. It contained a $50 gift certificate to a nice chain clothing store. I thought Kathy was going to lose it as she hugged, and thanked, each of them.

Christmas dinner was a repeat of Thanksgiving. Kathy received many complements on the pendant. Each time she explained where it came from, her face would shine brighter and brighter, as she clutched my arm tighter and tighter. Each time, I would lightly kiss her forehead.

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Kathy called her mom, around 8:30 as we headed out the door to let her know we were leaving.

It was our third 'road trip'. It was fun. We always enjoyed our time together. This was a relaxing trip. We recalled on how our first trip up to my parents last Thanksgiving was when we came up our Plan to live together after graduation. About the stress of breaking the news to our parents. There was none of that this time. We were engaged.

I asked Kathy how she thought Valerie's parents would react to the pendant.

"I think that at first, her mom will be surprised. And then I think she will truly know the depth of her daughter's and your connection, just like your mom."

"My mom?"

"Yeah. At the church. When you mentioned that Valerie had one too. She had a brief look. I can't explain it. It was like... well... 'I know she knew you two were close'. Between what you told me about your discussion with them back at the hotel, after you dropped us both off the night of our graduation. And then watching you two every time we've been together. I think the pendant just cemented just how close, and how much you feel about her. I'm sure she's wondering what my feelings are about you two. Maybe, we'll have that conversation someday. I do know, that without a doubt, that I am totally, and completely yours. Like you said that night, on your knees... 'I'm your Lady'."

I got a warm squeeze and a gentle kiss on my cheek.

We were dressed for comfort. Kathy did wear a bra; but told me that on the way home, it would be gone. She also coyly added that something else might be missing. I got a playful kiss.

I asked her if the rest of her family knew of our living arrangement. She didn't think so. Like my parents, they weren't embarrassed about it; just didn't think it was anybody else's business. That Valerie had moved in, the explanation that Kathy was living with her best friend was true... exaggerated, but true. Which is the same story the rest of my family was given.

Sleeping arrangements would start off with Kathy in her own bed. Visit me after everyone had turned in and would return to her room early the next morning. It was all for the benefit of her brother. He didn't know we were living together. I guess they thought that it would be one more chance of it slipping out at a family gathering.

I pulled into a grocery store outside of their town. Kathy knew what I was going to do. She smiled as I returned with a bouquet of flowers, a Poinsettia, and a bottle of Cognac. Once again, she asked where her flowers were. And once again, I reminded her that she already has a beautiful and fragrant flower, which I had the pleasure of tasting and drinking her sweet nectar from a few nights ago.

I got another playful poke in the ribs, with a, "You're so bad."

I kissed her and replied, "Yeah... and you love it," she grinned and snuggled closer.

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It was early afternoon, when we pulled into the driveway. The moment we both got out of the car, we were both in the arms of her smiling parents. Kathy in the warm embrace of her dad. Me a firm, 'motherly' hug from her mom, as she said, "Come here... future son-in-law'. Then they switched. I reached out to shake her dad's hand. He was having none of that.

"Come here... future son-in-law," as I got a warm 'fatherly' hug from him. A first.

Suddenly, I saw Judy frantically searching for Kathy's left hand. I almost lost it when I saw her start to cry. Then Kathy broke down.

"My baby's engaged.... My baby's engaged."

Timmy was waiting inside for his older sister. I watched as they hugged. Kathy had told me that they had been close. That he was kind of aware of the 'ex-boyfriend' issues. But really, all he realized, at the time, was the Kathy was not happy most of the time. He did confess to Kathy, that he really didn't like him, because he made her sad.

It had been a bit over six months since they had seen Kathy. It just turned out that way. Between Kathy's job hunting. Starting our jobs. Valerie visiting, and then finally moving in. Plus we had no vacation time built up. Time just got away from us. Kathy has a warm loving family that love each other. I made a mental note not to let that happen again.