January 2, 2019

Shane's POV

Tomorrow is the day that Bliss will officially have a bodyguard. He is good friends with Jake and Sean and was highly recommended. His name is Mason. While driving to Bliss' home from the airport after traveling to Florida, we couldn't contain our happiness about the future - wedding, kids, etc.

"Holding Kam and Cris' twins were special. I never thought about having children until we started dating. Now, I want to experience the same joy that Layla and Kam have. It is funny - when I held Isabella, she was fidgety and fussy. But when I held Kekoa, he didn't cry or fidget. He even smiled at me."

"Darling, you have a certain charm that draws the Fiore boys to you. Your personality draws people to you - even people like Alexander, Chase, and Nolan see it. But you are mine, and I am not sharing."

"I am not sharing either."

While I stopped at a traffic light with a mischievous look, I asked Bliss, "Now that we established that we are not sharing, how about I pull over and we make out in the back seat?"

I laughed, but Bliss glared. "Are you serious?"

Then, I pulled the truck over to show her how serious I was. "Darling, I am very serious."

"Looks like someone is having withdrawals. Boy, calm your testosterone down. We are not doing anything in that back seat. Besides, I need to elevate my ankle because it is starting to throb. And we need to get Precious before going back to my house."

"Aww, you are no fun."

So, at the next traffic light, Bliss had a mischievous grin on her face. "Shane, I never said we couldn't make out. I just said not in the back seat."

She reached over and started teasing me by putting her hand up my shirt and feeling my six-pack.

"Uh, woman, you can't do that while I'm driving. Now, who needs to calm their hormones down? Text Andrea to let her know we should be there in about 20 minutes."

"Okay."

Andrea's condo is very spacious. She has two floors with a kitchen, living room, dining room, study room, a master suite with her own bathroom, two additional bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, and a foyer entrance. My real estate agent helped her with the location and got her an excellent price.

"Andrea said she will wait in the lobby until she sees us pull up in her visitor parking space."

"Sure. We should be there shortly."

Andrea and I picked out another kitten to be a sister for Precious. We picked the new kitten from the same shelter as Precious. Bliss is going to love her.

Ten minutes later, we pulled into Andrea's extra parking space. We saw her walking out of the lobby with the kitten carrier.

"Hey, Bliss and Shane, how was your trip to Florida?"

"We had a great time. And I got to hold Kam's babies. I was nervous, but it felt great. I wish I had taken a coat because I am freezing here in New York."

"Guess what, though? We are supposed to get our first snowstorm starting Friday, and it will be a big one - almost two feet of snow."

"Hmm, all the more reason to increase our cuddling sessions."

Bliss and Andrea looked at me like I grew an extra head.

"You are right, Shane." Bliss blew me a kiss that had me blushing. "I now have someone to cuddle with when it snows."

"Listen, let's have a snowstorm party like we used to. I'll call Jessica and see if she wants to come too."

"That sounds like a plan. I'll come over tomorrow after work. I am going to the store today."

Suddenly, we heard, "Meow! Meow!"

"Did I hear an extra 'meow?'" Bliss opened the carrier really quick. 'OH, MY GOODNESS!! Another kitty?! Is it a boy or girl?"

"We, Andrea and I, picked out a sister for Precious. But I must put them in the truck because it is cold outside."

"Sorry, Shane. Her name will be Raven. She looks so cute with those beautiful blue eyes, just like her daddy. Well, until we have kids, Precious and Raven are our children. Thank you, guys. I love her."

"You're welcome, Darling."

"You guys better get going. I'm sure you are tired and cold. So, I will see you both tomorrow after work."

"Thanks again, Andrea."

We waited until she was inside. Then, we pulled off towards Bliss's house.

It took us about 15 minutes.

"I'll get the truck door for you and carry the kittens inside." I got out to first grab Bliss's crutches. Then, I grabbed the kitten carrier and went to the passenger side door to help Bliss out.

As Bliss hurried to the front door, I could not help but watch the view from the back. "I love the view from the back - perfectly round booty."

"Perv." We both chuckled as Bliss opened the front door with her key. I sat the kitten carrier down, then let them out so they could roam around the house. Then, I went back outside to gather our bags.

Once done, I plopped down on the couch. "With the snow coming Friday, we must go to the store."

"We can go later. Can you get me a glass of water, please? Then, can we talk for a minute?"

"Of course. I'll be right back with some water." While getting the water, I heard the kittens. As I got up, Bliss looked nervous about what she wanted to talk about.

"Meow! Meow!"

So, I grabbed Precious's water bowl and went to look for a bowl for Raven. Then, I put some water in them and placed them both on the ground. After that, I washed my hands and took Bliss back a cup of water.

After Bliss took one of her pain pills with the water, she asked, "Can I sit in your lap?"

I grabbed Bliss's hand so that she could get up. Then, she hobbled over to sit on my lap and laid her head on my chest.

"Shane, you have opened up so many emotions in me that I never thought I would get to express or experience. I never imagined making out or kissing a man. But, to be honest, I love it. That is as close to intimacy as I will get. My parents always told us to wait for that special someone that we marry to become intimate with. I am scared that will be the reason you would break up with me if it happens."

I started giving Bliss a back massage. "What makes you think I would leave you because of that?"

"Shane, I am a virgin, and you are experienced in that department. On our first date night, I had a momentary lapse and wanted my dress to come off to gain that experience. I wanted you to be my first time on that night. But, I was also relieved that my ankle started hurting."

"Darling, there is no way I would ever leave you because you are a virgin. I am not that kind of a guy. You are the only woman that I have dated who was a virgin. Be proud of what you are. Don't worry yourself, Bliss. You are stuck with me forever. Like I keep telling you, we can wait. But be prepared for a long wedding night."

Once again, I felt hands slowly going up my shirt. "Goodness gracious, those are some rock-hard abs."

"I see you are impressed, missy."

"Oh honey, I am more than impressed. Just like you were admiring my butt, I want to admire your abs. So, pull that shirt off, mister."

I obliged and took off my shirt. Bliss traced her fingers up and down my chest. I even flinched. "You are just as ticklish as I am, mister. Kiss me, lover boy."

"At your service, Ms. Sanders."

***************

The next day - Thursday

Bliss' POV

Shane and I are fixing dinner together. Tonight, I get to meet my bodyguard. Jessica and Andrea are spending the weekend with us for a snow party. Yesterday after our, uh, make-out session, we went to the store. It felt like we bought the whole store because we got two carts full of things. And, we bought a water and food dish for Raven.

We fixed tossed salad, baked sweet potatoes, sirloin steaks with mushrooms, and for dessert, key lime pie. And we bought my favorite wine.

"Meow!"

"Meow!"

"I am going to sit, Shane. I stood too long while fixing dinner."

"Go ahead and have a seat. I'll finish dinner and get the kittens some food and water."

"Thanks. And, sorry." That is just what I did - I plopped on the couch and watched television.

While sitting on the couch, I checked the weather report for Long Island. They say we could get up to 3 feet of snow this weekend. And, with snowdrifts, it could be as tall as me.

Shane came in and joined me on the couch. My two sweet little girls were following behind him.

"Looks like you are a babe magnet. Precious and Raven followed you in here."

"Meow!"

"Meow!"

I picked them both up and placed them on the couch with us. Both Precious and Raven walked over to Shane and rested on him.

He started flexing. "The ladies love themselves some, Shane."

I just started laughing. "Boy, please stop while you can. Besides, there are only a few women who can love them some Shane - your mom, Nina, Carly, Grandma Landes, Precious, Raven, and lastly, me. Other than them, I'm not sharing." Shane started planting kisses on my face and neck.

"Don't give me no hickies, Shane. We need to stop anyway. We have guests coming soon."

"They will be fine, Darling. We can stop when they come." We were about to have our usual make-out session when,

"You two can't keep your hands off each other, can you?" I heard Jessica say while Andrea was laughing.

"Aww, now you have two kittens, Bliss. She's adorable!"

"Shane and Andrea got her for me yesterday. Her name is Raven." Shane and I stood up, and we fixed our clothes. Then his phone started ringing.

"Ladies, I just received a text from Bliss' new bodyguard. He is on his way and apologizes for running late. You all can go in the dining room."

Jessica, Andrea, and I went to the dining room. Shane brought all of the food into the dining room. Once he was done, the doorbell rang.

"I'll answer it." We heard the door open and close. Then footsteps were headed our way. We went ahead and poured wine into each glass.

Shane came back with,

"Mason?! You are my bodyguard?!"

(Scott Eastwood)

It was so quiet that we could hear the crickets outside. Andrea stood up, and Jessica was shocked.

"Excuse me, everyone." Andrea ran away from the table.

"I'll go find her, Bliss. It is good to see you again, Mason."

Shane was puzzled. They both sat down at the table, and I started to explain.

"Shane, remember while in Italy, I told you that Andrea had to mutually break up with her boyfriend because of death threats on her life?"

"Yes, I remember you telling me that."

"Well, Mason was the guy that Andrea broke up with."

"The day we broke up was the worst day ever. My parents were confused. I was forced into breaking up with Andrea by an unknown person. I didn't want to date or call anyone else my girlfriend because Andrea was the only woman I wanted. I went to train to become a bodyguard after that. I promised myself once I finished training, I would come back and have her be mine again. I loved her, and I still do. I promise you that my bodyguard duties will not interfere with my pursuing Andrea. How often do you need me to be available?"

"Definitely when Bliss travels for meetings, business conferences, and business parties. Bliss will be with me at work during the day. For now, that will be it."

"Well, if you need me 24/7, just let me know."

"It really is good to see you again, Mase."

Jessica came back into the dining room. "Andrea is sitting on the back-patio porch."

Mason's POV

"I'll go talk to her."

"The door to the patio is in the kitchen."

"Thank you, Bliss."

"You are going to catch a cold sitting out here." as I approached the door to the back porch, I saw Andrea sitting on the patio couch, shivering. Even though it was enclosed, I could still feel a chill.

"Hey. I'm sorry for running. I thought I would never see you again. Or, if I did, you would be married with kids by now."

"I never wanted to be with anyone else after we broke up. That was the hardest decision I ever had to make. You were the only one I saw myself being married to with kids. I wound up leaving New York. Then, I met my friend Jake, and he talked me into training to be a bodyguard. We couldn't have contact with anyone while training. I wanted to call you to hear your voice. I missed you a lot, Andrea. I discovered that my grandmother was behind all the threats to your life. She hated that we were an interracial couple. She passed away about two years ago. When I told my parents that I would guard Bliss, they told me, "Make sure you make amends with Andrea because we miss her. Have you dated since then?"

"One time, and the guy was a complete jerk. But Bliss and Jessica took care of him. Our parents died almost four years ago. It will be four years in April."

"I'm sorry. I loved your parents. Your father treated me like a son. Listen, you don't have to answer now. I was hoping we could rekindle our relationship if you would have me again."

She did not hesitate to answer. Andrea leaped over to me and gave me the biggest hug and kiss. "Oh, my goodness, yes! Yes, I do!! And you're right. It is getting cold out here. Let's go inside and eat."

**********************

Bliss' POV

While Shane, Jessica, and I ate our dinner, I played footsie with Shane to the point that he moaned.

We laughed, and he smirked. "Keep playing, woman. Wait until everyone is gone, and it is just you and me."

We heard Andrea and Mason come back, and they were holding hands. "Yes! My girl got her boo back!! Congratulations, you guys!! Mason, you are more than welcome to stay with us for the weekend. We are having a snow party with hot chocolate, plenty of movies, snacks, and junk food we bought yesterday."

"Please stay, Mason. Don't leave me alone to be the only guy in the house amongst the women, including the kittens."

I kicked Shane really hard.

"OUCH! I meant to say three beautiful women and two adorable kittens." Even the kittens were mad at Shane. They tapped him with their paws.

"I would love to stay, but I don't have any clothes."

"You guys still have time to get to the store, right Shane?"

Shane whispered, "You are in trouble, missy."

Shane then says, "Just let me know when you are ready to go. Oh, and you can take the room I am currently in because I'll be staying with Bliss in her room."

"Dang!"

"Looks like I will be staying."

**********

After Andrea and Mason ate their dinner, Shane is taking Mason to the store.

Before they left, Shane pulled me close to him and said what I could only hear, "Be prepared for a long night, missy."

Then, he patted my butt on the way out of the door. I watched them pull off and noticed the snow started coming down.

"Ladies, let's get started on the dishes."

"We will take care of them, Bliss. Have a seat to rest your ankle because you are in for a long night, remember?" They both started snickering.

I hope Shane and Mason make it home before it gets too bad.

"Meow!"

"Meow!"

I leaned down to pick up my babies - Precious and Raven.

An hour later, Shane and Mason were not home yet. So, I sent Shane a text.

Bliss to Shane: "Are you both okay?"

About 5 minutes later, he texted me back.

Shane to Bliss: "We are okay. We stopped at a men's clothing store. And, now we are at our second store. And I just saw that the lines are long. We may be a while."

Bliss to Shane: "Okay. Please drive safely."

Jessica and Andrea joined me on the couch, and we watched tv together.

***********

Shane's POV

We both bought boots, gloves, and hats. I think Bliss has a snowblower and multiple shovels. So, we got in one of the long lines.

It has been an hour since the last text to Bliss. And I know she is worrying, so I sent her a text.

Shane to Bliss: "Darling, stop worrying. We are stuck still in the line. We are okay."

Bliss to Shane: "Please be safe, Shane. It is getting bad outside now. If something happened to you or Mason, I couldn't live with myself."

Shane to Bliss: "Mason is paying for his things now. And, then, I am next. We will be home as soon as we can. Then, we'll cuddle for the rest of the night."

Bliss to Shane: "Okay. I love you, Shane. Please be safe."

I will never tire of hearing Bliss say that.

Shane to Bliss: "I love you too, Darling."

As we made our way to my Navigator, Bliss was right. The snow was now falling heavily. It took us almost an hour to make it to her house. Traffic was crawling. Mason grabbed his bags, and I grabbed mine. Then, we went into the house.

Jessica and Andrea were in the living room, but no Bliss.

"Shane, Bliss started panicking, so we told her to lie down. She is in her room."

"Okay." So, I made my way to her room.

Bliss had her back facing the door when I entered her room. I heard her sniffling. I sat on the bed and started giving her a back rub. She flinched, but when she turned around and saw me, she sat up and hugged me tightly. I used my thumb to wipe away her tears.

"I'm sorry I had you both going to the store."

"You did not know it would be that bad so fast. It may have taken us three hours to get home, but we made it back safely."

"I already lost one man in my life - my dad. I can't lose you too."

"I'll be right back, Darling. I need to grab my things out of the room for Mason. Lay back down, sweetheart." Once she did, I put the cover back over her.

"Good nightshirt. With that purple nightgown she has on, it will be a long night for me."

It took me about 20 minutes to move my things to Bliss's room. Then, I changed into a tank shirt and pajama bottoms. "Do you want the light on or off?"

"Off. Shane, you will be cold with just a tank top."

After closing the door and turning off the light, I walked to the other side of the bed. "Trust me, love, we will be very comfortable." Why am I nervous, though? And Bliss noticed.

"Shane, why are you standing there? Now, I know you are not nervous, Mr. Landes?" She pulled the cover back, patted the bed, and asked, "Boy, stop being nervous. I don't bite. Give me your hands."

"Pssh, I am not nervous."

Okay, that got her to smile. "Shane, it is so obvious that you are. You are so cute when flustered or nervous. Lay your butt down on this bed already so we can cuddle." So, I laid down and scooted Bliss close to me.

"Now, was that so hard? Goodnight, lover boy."

**************

Narrator's POV

Shane sent a massive notification that the company would initially be closed on Friday and Monday. On Monday, he will determine if the office should be closed further.

While the snow steadily came down, they had numerous snowball fights. Even Bliss joined in a couple of times. She beat up Shane well with quite a few snowballs. After their battles, they came in to get warm and drink hot chocolate.

The snow finally subsided Sunday afternoon. Shane, Mason, Jessica, and Andrea shoveled and used the snowblower to create a path to the street. Shane did not let Bliss help because of her ankle. So, she stayed inside and baked some chocolate chip cookies with walnuts and pecans. And she made hot chocolate with marshmallows for when they came inside.

Everyone stayed at Bliss' house until Tuesday, when the roads were passable. Shane drove to the company to assess whether to close the office on Tuesday. He determined that until the parking lot was cleared, the building would be closed for the rest of the week.

They also rescheduled the family dinner for Saturday, which will be at Bliss' house. Both Bliss and Shane were nervous. Bliss was worried because she wondered how Shane's parents would feel about her. Shane was nervous because he hoped Bliss would not be angry when she saw who his parents were.

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Bliss' POV

Shane, Jessica, Andrea, and Mason were all fixing dinner. Shane told me to relax. Which I could not because tonight is an important night - I am meeting his parents. What girl wouldn't be nervous meeting her boyfriend's parents? He told me I had nothing to worry about because they adored me already.

So, I sat in the living room with my kids, Precious and Raven. Wait until Nina's kids see them.

"Ding Dong!!"

I was about to get up, but Mason stopped me. "I'll get it, Bliss."

"Thanks." I heard running, so it must be Nina, her husband, Steve, and the kids - Jenny (14), Noah (10), and Shania (8).

"Hi, Aunt Bliss!!"

"Hi, kids! Look what Uncle Shane and Aunt Andrea got for me?"

"Kittens!!"

"What are their names, Aunt Bliss?" Shania asked.

"The multi-colored kitty is Precious. And the other cutie is Raven."

"They are beautiful, Aunt Bliss," Noah then says.

"Hi, Bliss. How is your ankle feeling?" Shane walked in when he heard Nina ask that. She smacked his arm.

"It is feeling better. I still feel a sharp pain once in a while. Shane has been taking great good care of me."

"He better be." She popped him again. "I can't believe you did that to Bliss."

"It was an accident. No more popping Shane, please? I already got that enough from mum."

"Ding dong!!"

"Speaking of, that must be them at the door. I'll get it." When Shane went to get the door, my nervousness kicked in. I stood up from the couch as they approached the living room and turned around. I was shocked.

"Adrian and Brently are your parents, Shane?! And Carly is your sister?!"

*****************

Thank you for reading chapter 21.

1. Kitten picture courtesy of Pixabay

2. Dining room picture courtesy of Pixabay

3. Actor's picture courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

4. Purple nightdress courtesy of PNGTree - ©pngtree.com / 고재인

5. Dark blue dinner dress courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / igter

Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘