Therapy is Good for the Soul

“mmm…Tyler?” Bailey groggily moaned as she rolled over in bed to answer her phone.

“Good morning Sleeping Beauty.”

“Why on God’s green Earth are you callin me so early?”

“Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I thought you liked hearing from me.” Tyler tried to sound wounded as he made the last remark.

“That’s not fair! I miss you and love when we talk, but why so early? You’re not a mornin person and you know I haven’t been sleepin well since I’ve been home. ”

“I was just kidding Bay; I’m sorry I woke you. I have practice in a bit, so I promise I won’t be long and then you can try to go back to sleep. There’s a Christmas present being delivered this morning and I want to make sure you get it. It should arrive any minute, so would you please go outside and be on the look out for it?”

“What? You want me to wait outside in the cold for a present you shouldn’t be givin me anyways?”

“Bay, it’s probably 50° there so it isn’t cold. And did you really think I wasn’t going to give you a gift on Christmas? I thought you knew me better than that.”

“UGHHH! You’re incorrigible! Do I really need to go outside? Don’t you think the delivery guy has a GPS? It’s not like my parent’s house is hard to find. Besides, I’m not dressed.”

“Damn, I knew I should have FaceTimed you!”

“Ha Ha! That’s not what I meant.”

“I know, but a guy can dream. Now you have me curious though. What are you wearing?”

Bailey paused for a moment, not wanting to embarrass herself knowing she’d been sleeping in the white with blue stripes long sleeve shirt Tyler wore the night before she came home to Georgia. “Nothin special, just a… a.. uh, Mickey Mouse t-shirt and gray stretchy pajama pants.”

“Well that’s fine, just grab a robe or your coat and head outside.”

“I’m goin! I’m goin! Geesh! This present better be worth it!” Bailey grabbed the afghan her grandmother made for her, off her bed and wrapped it around her shoulders as she headed downstairs.

“I know I’m biased but I think you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure I will, but I really wish you wouldn’t have. You already gave me way too much Ty” Bailey screamed before she could finish her sentence when she opened the door and saw Tyler standing in front of a car parked in front of her yard. She ran towards him and jumped into his arms nearly tackling him to the ground. Tyler steadied them and pulled Bailey in even closer as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Tyler felt the fabric of his shirt around his shoulder suddenly getting slightly damp.

“Hey now, there’s no need for tears! This is suppose to be a happy surprise.” Tyler rubbed Bailey’s back trying to calm her down.

“I know, I’m just really happy! I can’t believe you’re really here! What about practice? You won’t get in trouble will you? I’ve missed you too, but I’m not worth jeopardizing your job”

Tyler chuckled at Bailey’s reaction. “I could argue that you are, but I don’t need too. I got permission to spend the next couple of days with you and meet up with the team in Tampa on the 27th.”

“We get to spend Christmas together! Remind me to thank Coach Julien and Mr. Chiarelli when we get back to Boston.”

“Will do. You know, you still haven’t told me what you think of your present. Do you like it?”

“I LOVE IT!! You’re the best gift ever!!” Bailey squealed with joy before thrusting her hands into his hair in and pressing her lips to his. She ran her tongue gently along his bottom lip, pulling it lightly with her teeth when she reached the middle of it. She sucked lightly on it and again grazed her lips over his. Their kiss was soon full of passion. Their hearts were pounding quickly when they finally pulled apart after several minutes.

“WOW! I really missed that, and you!” Tyler grinned from ear to ear as he gently set Bailey back on the ground. “Mickey Mouse my ass!” Tyler exclaimed as he tugged on the bottom of his shirt he now noticed Bailey was wearing, causing her cheeks to turn a bright crimson red.

“Sorry, I knew I would miss you so I wanted somethin that would smell like you. I figured you wouldn’t notice it was missin, since you have so many striped shirts.”

“Well at least I know I’m not crazy and didn’t lose the shirt.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Were you really lookin for it?”

“Yes, but I’m glad you took it if it gave you some comfort. Besides, I think it looks better on you then me.” He leaned down again this time touching his lips to hers. Bailey parted her lips slightly allowing Tyler’s tongue an entrance. They enjoyed another loving kiss until Bailey shivered in Tyler’s embrace. “ Seriously? It’s not even cold Bay. You’d think all these years in Boston, your body would have adjusted and enjoy temperatures like this. I guess we better get inside before you get sick.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side as they walked towards the front door.

Once inside, Bailey turned to face Tyler and took his hands in hers. “Are you ready to meet my family?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be. Just hope I don’t make an ass of myself and they like me.”

“I’m sure they’ll love you just as much as I do.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick peck on his lips. “Now come on, it’s time to face the music.” Bailey gently pulled Tyler behind her to the den. “Hey Momma, where’s Daddy?”

“He, your brothers and Jeff left early this mornin to grab some breakfast and finish or for some start their shoppin. Now tell me who’s your guest?”

“Momma, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend Tyler. He just arrived this mornin to surprise me.”

Tyler walked over to her as she stood and they shook hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Thomas. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about your family. It’s nice to put a face to the stories.”

“It’s nice to meet you too. How’d you manage to get away? I thought Bailey said you had games.”

“We had a game last night and one on the 27th. I asked permission to miss practice today and Wednesday so I could come here. I just have to be sure to fit in my workouts while I’m here. One of my former teammates helped me set-up some ice time at a rink near here so I’m not of the ice too long.”

“Don’t you have your own family?” Rebecca, Bailey’s older sister asked in a snotty tone as she entered the room overhearing the conversation.

“Becca!” Bailey snapped at her sister, embarrassed by her question. “ Please forgive my sister Tyler, sometimes she speaks without thinkin.” Bailey continued to glare at her sister.

“No, It’s ok. It’s nice to meet you Rebecca. To answer your question, I celebrated Christmas with my family last week when we had a couple of games in Toronto. They are actually on a Caribbean cruise as we speak and won’t be back until January 3rd, so I couldn’t visit them right now. Bailey told me a while back that if I didn’t have anyone to spend Christmas with I could come here. I know I should have called first to make sure it was still ok, but I couldn’t resist the idea of surprising her. My intentions aren’t to intrude on your family celebration. I hope I am still welcome.”

“Of course you’re welcome here! No one should be alone on Christmas; isn’t that right Momma?”

“Bailey, you’re absolutely right! It will be a tight fit, but you’re more than welcome to stay here at the house while you’re in town.”

Bailey, looped her arm through Tyler’s elbow and looked up at him with a joyous grin at her mother’s welcome to the family home.

“Thank you Ms. Thomas. You’re sure it won’t be a bother? I don’t mind getting a hotel room.”

“What? No! Don’t be ridiculous, you’re staying here with us!!” Bailey declared, looking directly at Tyler with determination.

“He’ll have to sleep on the couch Bailey. Do you really think he’ll be comfortable with that?” Rebecca smirked.

“I can share the room with Sarah Kate and he can sleep in my room.”

“The way she carries on and follows you around like a little puppy, she’ll never sleep if she knows you’re sharin the room. You know she’s a light sleeper too, so she’d wake up when you go to bed after church. That just won’t work. Jeff and I are sharin a room with Kara and Stephen and Marybeth have the other bedroom .”

“I’m afraid she’s right Bailey. Tyler, would you be ok sleeping on the couch?” Ms. Thomas asked.

“Momma!” Bailey started to plea, but Tyler interrupted.

“It’s ok Bay. The couch is fine.”

“You’re our guest; it just isn’t right. I’ll take the couch and you can sleep in my room.”

“You don’t need to do that, I really don’t mind. I told you I don’t want to be an imposition.”

“The couch won’t be good for your back and you have games comin up. I’m a lot shorter than you and can stretch out and still have extra room. Plus my insomnia’s been back, so I probably won’t get much sleep anyways. So it’s settled, you’ll take my room.”

Tyler looked deeply into Bailey’s eyes and caressed her hand. “Fine, but promise me you’ll tell me if you’re uncomfortable and I will get a hotel room.”

“Deal, but trust me that won’t be an issue.” Bailey kissed Tyler’s cheek before turning towards her sister and giving her a smug “Take that! I win!”, kind of look.

“Good now that that’s settled, Bailey, why don’t you help Tyler bring his things up to your room.” Ms. Thomas said.

“I’ll go get my things from the car and meet you at the stairs.” Tyler leaned down and kissed Bailey lightly on her forehead before he headed back outside.

“Becca you need to finish getting ready so we can head out too.” Ms. Thomas stated.

“I can’t go anymore! There’s no one to watch Kara and Sarah Kate.”

“I’m watchin them, remember?” Bailey replied, confused by her sister’s comment.

“What about Tyler?”

“Just because Tyler’s here doesn’t mean I’m gonna bail on y’all. I love my nieces and have been lookin forward to spendin the day with them. Tyler’s great with kids, so we can watch them together.”

“You really think a super star hockey player is gonna want to babysit? Get real!”

“What’s your problem? You don’t even know him!”

“Girls! Stop this bickerin right now! I’m sure Bailey and Tyler will be fine watchin the girls. So Becca, you need to scoot and get dressed. We are leavin in 15 minutes.” As soon as Rebecca was out of earshot Bailey’s mom had a bit more to say. “Bailey, I don’t know why your sister is bein so ornery this mornin. I know y’all don’t always get along, but please try to not let her git to you. When you respond, you know it only eggs her on. Tyler seems like a nice young man; lets try not to show him the ugly side of our family while he’s here. Understand?”

“Yes mam; I’ll try.”

“Good, now go help him carry things upstairs.” She pulled Bailey in for a quick hug before she went into the kitchen to do one final check to make sure they have everything needed for Christmas dinner.

Bailey held the door open for Tyler as he carried in multiple bags. “You have more bags than I did. Why so many?”

“I have gifts for your family.”

“That’s so thoughtful, but you really didn’t need to do that.” She gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. “Why don’t we go ahead and put them under the tree.”

“I couldn’t wrap them and take them on the plane with me due to security, so I still need to do that.”

“Oh, ok we can do that while the girls take a nap.” Bailey grabbed one of the bags and Tyler followed her upstairs.

“Girls?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you I promised to watch my nieces while everyone else finishes their shoppin. Hope you don’t mind helpin.”

“Of course not. I don’t care what we do as long as we’re together.”

Tyler’s words made Bailey smile. He just proved she was right in defending him to her sister. As soon as they were in her room, she closed the door and pulled him into a long and heated kiss. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Not lately, but the feeling is mutual.” Tyler leaned down for another kiss.

They were interrupted with a knock on the door causing Bailey to jump and her cheeks to flush like a teenager that got caught doing something she shouldn’t have been doing.

“Hey momma. We, we uh were just getting ready to find the girls.”

Tyler chuckled to himself as he watched Bailey getting flustered as she spoke to her mom. He reveled in knowing he was probably the first guy that had ever been in her room, and in the very least he was definitely the first boy she made out with in there.

“Good. They’re in your sister’s old room playin. We should be back around 3:00 or so. I have my cell if you need anything.”

“Ok. I hope the crowds won’t be too crazy.”

“Me too. Thank you Tyler for bein flexible and helpin Bailey out with the girls. I’m sure that’s not exactly what you had in mind when you decided to visit, but we appreciate it.”

“I look forward to getting to know Bailey’s nieces. She talks about them all the time. Enjoy your day.”

“Thank you and likewise.” Ms. Thomas gave Bailey a quick hug before heading downstairs.

Tyler and Bailey headed to Rebecca’s room to hang out with the girls. As soon as they entered the room Bailey was bum rushed by the cutest little sprite of a girl Tyler had ever seen.

“Baywee!” Sarah Kate squealed as she hugged her favorite aunt.

Bailey squatted down to her niece’s level. “Good mornin! Sarah Kate I have someone I’d like you to meet.” She motioned for Tyler to come over.

As Tyler approached, Sarah Kate’s eyes enlarged and the biggest smile Bailey had ever seen overtook her face.

“Sarah Kate this is”

Before Bailey could get the words out, Sarah Kate squealed with joy. “Baywee, I know who he is!” The little girl started jumping up and down.

Bailey, Tyler, and Sarah Kate’s mother Marybeth all looked at each other confused. Bailey and Marybeth knew Sarah Kate had never seen a hockey game before so they had no idea how she could possibly know who Tyler is.

“Mommy, Wook! Baywee bwought me Fwinn Wider for Cwismas!”

They all started laughing, realizing she thought Tyler was Rapunzel’s prince.

“Sarah Kate, he isn’t Flynn. This is my friend Tyler. Tyler this is Sarah Kate and her mom Marybeth.”

Tyler shook Marybeth’s hand as Sarah Kate walked over to them. Tyler got on his knees to greet Bailey’s niece. “Hi, Sarah Kate, I’m Tyler. It’s nice to meet you.” He held out his hand to the little girl who was curiously staring at him. Sarah Kate reached up to touch the scruff on Tyler’s face.

“Marybeth, we need to go.” Ms. Thomas yelled upstairs.

“I’m comin! Nice meetin you Tyler and thanks for helpin Bailey with the girls.” She leaned down to her daughter who was still staring mesmerized by Tyler. “Be a good girl for mommy and listen to your aunt and Tyler. I love you.” She gave Sarah Kate a hug and a kiss before standing up to leave. “Oh, despite what she may tell you she needs to take a nap after lunch. Thanks again! Bye.”

Bailey, Sarah Kate, and Tyler all waved and said goodbye to Marybeth. As soon as her mom was gone, Sarah Kate went back to staring at Tyler. She glanced over at her aunt whose gaze was also on Tyler. She noticed how happy her aunt seemed and that pleased her to no end.

“Mr. Tywer, are you Aunt Baywee’s pwince?”

Tyler smiled at his young admirer. “Sorry Sarah Kate, I’m not a prince at all. I wish I was, because you’re such a beautiful princess.”

Bailey giggled at her niece’s reaction to Tyler. Sarah Kate whispered something in his ear, gave him a hug, then grabbed his hand and pulled him over to her dollhouse. Tyler had already won over her niece with his charm which only made Bailey’s heart for him grow.

Bailey and Tyler had a blast playing with Sarah Kate and her other niece Kara all morning. Sarah Kate clearly had both Bailey and Tyler wrapped around her little finger as they let her lead them in all the games they played. Tyler was such a good sport as he allowed Sarah Kate to dress him up in anything she could find to make him look like a royal prince. She even dressed up baby Kara in a princess dress and had Bailey officiate over her wedding to Tyler. Bailey and Tyler both took several pictures and couldn’t resist posting a few on twitter and Instagram.
“My heart is broken! This red headed vixen has stolen @tseguin92’s heart.” She attached the cutest video clip of Tyler dancing with Sarah Kate to “Some Day My Prince Will Come.”

“Sorry @OTBailey the little princess cast a spell on me. I couldn’t resist!”

“I’d like to introduce the world to the new Mrs. Seguin.” Tyler attached a picture of Sarah Kate holding a bouquet of fake flowers and planting a kiss on his cheek.

After the “wedding” Sarah Kate decided it was time to make cookies for Santa. The group headed downstairs to the kitchen. Tyler put Kara in her highchair and gave her a few toys to keep her occupied. He then helped Sarah Kate up onto one of the barstool chairs. Bailey pulled out the sugar cookie dough she made last night out of the refrigerator and set it on the table. Bailey set up a spot for everyone on the counter to roll and cut out cookies. Bailey showed Tyler and Sarah Kate how to roll out the dough properly and then use the Christmas cookie cutters. While the cookies were in the oven, Bailey made lunch for everyone. She let Tyler feed Kara her pureed avocados and peaches as well as a few Gerber sweet potato puffs. She made Sarah Kate and herself a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich, with some carrot sticks, and cut up grapes and apples. Bailey created a large garden salad with grilled chicken for Tyler. After they finished lunch, the group decorated the cookies. Bailey and Sarah Kate both called out Tyler for sneaking tastes of the decorations and eating a few cookies.

“Sorry, they’re just SOOO GOOD! These come pretty close to beating your brownies Bay. These are way better than the premade cookie dough rolls you buy in the store!”

“Of course they are, it’s Ma’s , my grandmother’s family recipe. Nothin but the best for Santa, right Sarah Kate?”

“Yea! Tywer you better not eat all of Santa’s cookies or you’ll be on the naughty wist! Grandaddy will be mad too.”

“Oh, I don’t want that! I’ll promise I’ll be good.”

The group had fun listening to Christmas music while they finished decorating the cookies. By the time they were done, despite the cookies Tyler ate, they still had about 5 dozen cookies. Bailey let Sarah Kate pick out 5 of her favorite cookies to put on a special holiday plate for Santa. Sarah Kate carried the plate carefully into the living room. Tyler picked her up so she could set the plate down on top of the mantel. Bailey promised they would put a glass of milk out before they went to bed, so it wouldn’t go bad and make Santa sick. That explanation satisfied Sarah Kate.

“Wets go play Candy Wand!” Sarah Kate grabbed Bailey and Tyler’s hands trying to pull them upstairs.

“Sorry little one, but it’s time for you and Kara to take a nap.”

“NOOOO! I not tiwered.”

Tyler got down on his knees in front of Sarah Kate. “I woke up your aunt this morning and I think she’s tired and could use a nap. I’m tired from traveling and need one too. I promise we can play more when we wake up. Let’s go upstairs, put Kara in her crib, then you and I can read Bailey a story or two. How does that sound?”

“Pwomise we can play Candy Wand?”

“I promise.” Tyler gave Sarah Kate a peck on her cheek and held out his hand, which she gladly took.

Bailey put Kara in her crib and turned on the monitor before joining Tyler and Sarah Kate in Rebecca’s old room. Sarah Kate climbed in the bed and Bailey pulled the covers up to tuck her in. She lay down on one side of Sarah Kate on top of the covers with Tyler on the other. They began reading the story Sarah Kate picked out, The Little Mermaid. Sarah Kate stopped them when Bailey read the part of King Triton and said that wasn’t allowed because she’s not a boy. She made it very clear that Tyler had to read all the boy parts and she could read the girl parts. Tyler was shocked and impressed when Bailey used different voices for each character so he decided to get in on that act too. Bailey nearly wet her pants from laughing so hard when Tyler attempted what he called a Jamaican accent for Sebastian the crab. She thought he sounded more like a cross between the Lucky Charms leprechaun and a really bad rapper. Tyler feigned he was hurt by Bailey’s laughter at his expense, but continued to use the horrible accent because he couldn’t resist the sound of Bailey’s and now Sarah Kate’s giggle. It was just too infectious! After they finished that story, Bailey and Tyler began to read Giraffes Can’t Dance. All three of them fell asleep before reaching the end of the story.

Marybeth found Bailey and Tyler asleep next to her daughter when she returned from shopping. She smiled at the site before her, knowing her daughter probably played a role in their exhaustion. She decided not to wake them for that reason. Bailey and Tyler woke up about twenty minutes after Marybeth got home. They tried to get out of the bed without waking Sarah Kate, but failed miserably. She jumped up and immediately told them it was time to play Candy Land since they promised. Bailey and Tyler laughed and knew there was no way to get out of it, so they played 3 rounds of the game, before Bailey told her she needed to head downstairs and help with dinner and to introduce Tyler to the rest of the family.

Tyler was a bit overwhelmed as he met the rest of Bailey’s family, especially when her oldest brother Michael asked him a ton of questions almost like a small inquisition. Tyler knew Bailey was extremely close to him, and was nervous he would say the wrong thing and Michael would convince Bailey to dump him. He relaxed as he noticed Bailey’s body language was quite serene next to him and she appeared to grow happier by the minute as he continued the conversation with her brother. Bailey snuggled closer and closer to Tyler throughout their chat, which helped keep him calm.

After dinner, Bailey’s brother Stephen, his wife Marybeth, Sarah Kate, Rebecca, her husband Jeff, and Kara all went to the early service at church. The rest of the family and Tyler would be attending the candlelight service later that night. Bailey and Tyler went for a walk in the neighborhood so they could have some alone time. When they returned she helped him wrap his gifts and place them under the tree. They finished just as the group that went to the early service returned. Sarah Kate immediately ran over to Bailey and Tyler giving them hugs. She was super excited and said it was time to open gifts.

“You open gifts on Christmas Eve?”

“It’s tradition that we open one gift on Christmas Eve every year. My parents pick the gift we get to open. Come on Sarah Kate, lets go get everyone.”

The entire family came into the living room. Bailey sat on the floor next to Tyler and Sarah Kate. Bailey’s dad read a piece of scripture and said short prayer for the family. He then passed out a gift to everyone including Tyler. Tyler looked at Bailey confused as to how there was a gift for him, when she didn’t know he was coming. She just grinned up at him, then leaned on his shoulder. Everyone opened their gifts to reveal new pajamas. Bailey received a tartan purple and green, plaid with a cream colored base pajama pants, with a matching purple top. Tyler also got tartan plaid bottoms, but his pattern was blue, green, and white. His top was a matching blue thermal with long sleeves. Sarah Kate of course received pink pajamas with all the Disney princesses on the top. Everyone thanked Bailey’s parents for the gifts before saying good night to Sarah Kate and Kara and getting ready for church.

Bailey and Tyler went with her parents to church and her brother Michael and his wife followed in their car. After the moving candlelight service Michael and his wife went back to their house. Once they got back to her parent’s house, Tyler and Bailey decided to go for a drive to look at some of the neighborhood Christmas lights and some more alone time. They returned to the house almost an hour later and walked hand in hand inside. Bailey and Tyler both went upstairs to get ready for bed. Bailey came out of her bathroom dressed in her new pajamas after she brushed her teeth and washed her face. Tyler pulled her into his arms for a kiss before he went into the bathroom. Bailey hung her dress in the closet and noticed Tyler’s new pajamas laying on the bed. She grabbed them and knocked on the door. She was greeted by Tyler with his dress shirt unbuttoned and open. Bailey entered the bathroom and slowly ran her hands along Tyler’s torso planting gentle kisses over each area they passed. She gradually ran her hands up to his shoulders and removed his shirt completely. Bailey resumed her light touch and kisses on his chest. As her hands moved lower towards his belt, Tyler gently grabbed her wrists and pulled them away. Bailey looked up at him confused.

“Bay, I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but let’s not start something you can’t finish and will regret later. We both know this isn’t the right time or place.” He leaned down giving her a short but sweet kiss on the lips, then pressing his forehead to hers as they just stood there in an embrace.

Bailey knew Tyler was right and was thankful for him being the rational one at this moment. She gave him one last lingering kiss before she headed downstairs to the den couch. It took her a while for her heart rate to drop and then even longer to finally drift off to sleep.

The next morning, Bailey was awoken by a kiss from Tyler.

“Good Mornin”

“Merry Christmas Bay.”

She sat up and smiled and gave Tyler another kiss. “Merry Christmas to you too! What time is it? Is anyone else up?”

“It’s 7:30 and everyone’s up. It took everything your mom and I had to keep Sarah Kate quiet and not let her in here to wake you. She woke everyone upstairs up around 6:00. If I never see Candy Land again, it will be too soon!”

Bailey laughed. “I bet if Sarah Kate asked you to play again you wouldn’t be able to say no.”

“You’re probably right. Hopefully she gets enough new toys today that she’ll forget all about that game! Speaking of presents, Michael better get here soon, or I fear for his life. Sarah Kate is dying to open her gifts from Santa.”

“That’s my niece, impatient as ever. I guess I better get up or she’ll be after me too.” Bailey pushed the covers off of her, stood up, and gave Tyler one last kiss before they walked into the living room hand in hand.

“Baywee! You’re finawee up!” She squealed as she ran over to hug her. “Wook at all the gifts Santa bwought!”

“My goodness, we must have been very good this year.” Bailey responded to her niece.

Sarah Kate took Bailey’s hand and pulled her over to the tree to get a closer look at all the gifts. A few minutes later Michael and his wife Melissa finally arrived which only brought more excitement to Sarah Kate. She immediately ran over to her dad, who helped her get her stocking down. After she went through everything in her stocking, she came over to Bailey who was sitting in front of Tyler between his legs with his arms wrapped around her waist.

“Aunt Baywee, Tywer where are your stockins?”

“I’ll get mine in a minute. I wanted to see what you and Kara got first.”

“What ‘bout you Tywer?”

“I don’t have one.”

“Were you naughty?”

Bailey giggled at Sarah Kate’s question and turned to face Tyler to see how he would respond.

“I am definitely not on the naughty list this year!” Tyler said with a large sense of pride, knowing in previous years that wasn’t something he could say. “I forgot to tell Santa I was coming here for Christmas, so I’m guessing he delivered my stocking in Boston.”

Bailey stood up and took Sarah Kate’s hand. “Tyler seems to have forgotten that Santa sees and knows everything.” They continued to walk over to the mantle where Bailey grabbed two stockings and handed one to Sarah Kate as she whispered in her ear. They both came back over to Tyler and sat down in front of him.

“Wook Tywer, Santa found you!”

At this point Bailey’s entire family was starting at Tyler as he emptied the stocking that had his name. He couldn’t believe that her family continued to make him feel so welcome and part of the family himself. He became like a kid in the candy store as he pulled out each item. Inside his stocking were several packs of his favorite gum, a bottle of Zara, the cologne he used, a set of juggling balls, an iTunes gift card, as well as a pair of socks and a lottery ticket with numbers that included his birthday and number on the Bruins. The last two items were family traditions in the Thomas household.

Knowing Sarah Kate was right there watching and listening, Tyler chose his words carefully. “Thank you Santa! I love everything.”

After everyone got their stockings, Bailey’s dad started handing out all the presents under the tree. Everyone had fun watching Sarah Kate open all of her gifts and Kara playing with the wrapping paper and boxes. Tyler was surprised when Mr. Thomas placed several gifts in front of him.

“These are for me?”

“Unless I need new glasses, that’s what the tags say.” Bailey’s dad replied.

“Well don’t just sit there open them!” Bailey told Tyler.

Tyler’s family had given him a couple of Amazon gift cards, a new neck pillow for plane rides, a couple of books, and some X-box games. “Thank you everyone, these are all wonderful!”

“There’s one more. This was suppose to be your Birthday present, but since you’re here and my parents helped me with it I decided to give it to you now. I hope you like it.” Bailey said as she handed him one more card.

Tyler read the message Bailey wrote inside the card before opening the paper folded inside. He read the paper two times, before he finally spoke. His eyes had grown three sizes larger when he looked up at Bailey and then to her parents. “Is this for real? How? This is incredible! I can’t believe it!!”

“I guess you like it?”

“Bay, I don’t know how you pulled this off, but this one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. I can’t believe I’m actually going to get to play golf on the Augusta National Golf Club! That’s where they play the Masters. They have a very exclusive membership and you have to be invited to play there. Wait ‘til I tell the guys, they won’t believe it! Thank you!” He pulled Bailey back in front of him and forgetting her entire family was watching, he pulled her face to his and gave her a passionate kiss. Bailey’s dad cleared his throat breaking up the moment. “Oops, sorry. I guess I got carried away.” Tyler stood up and walked over to her dad and shook his hand. “Thank you so much for your generosity!” He then walked over to Bailey’s mom, offering her his hand, but she pulled him into a hug.

“We hug in this family! I’m glad you like the gift. My husband is lucky enough to have some college buddies that are members that owe him a favor or two. When Bailey said you enjoy playing golf, we thought you’d appreciate this opportunity. Just hope it won’t be too much trouble for you to pick the friend who gets to join you.”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I have too. In the mean time I bet I’ll have a few friends that are extra nice to me for a while. Now, enough attention on me, everyone please go back and open your gifts.”

The family spent about a half hour more opening all their gifts. Everyone was extremely appreciative of Tyler’s very generous gifts. He gave Bailey’s parents season tickets to the Broadway in Atlanta series, Rebecca and her husband some extravagant coffee maker that would allow them to make anything Starbucks could along with several types of gourmet coffee, Michael and his wife tickets to the sold out Atlanta Falcons game versus their rival the New Orleans Saints, Stephen and Marybeth gift cards to their favorite stores as well as tickets to take Sarah Kate to see Disney’s Frozen on ice. He gave Kara a riding toy and Sarah Kate some dolls and a playset for them.

After opening all the gifts, the family headed into the kitchen to enjoy the breakfast buffet Bailey’s mom had set up. Tyler tapped on Bailey’s shoulder. He grabbed her hand and pulled her back over by the tree when she turned to face him.

“There’s one more gift for you. I hope you like it.” He pulled a small box out from his pocket and handed it to Bailey.

“I thought you were my gift?”

“I am, but I couldn’t let you go without opening something on Christmas day.”

Bailey smiled as she took the small box from Tyler. She pulled the green ribbon undone and then unwrapped the shiny red paper to reveal a black velvet box. She looked up to Tyler with uncertainty before she opened the box. Inside were the most beautiful pair of David Yurman Noblesse drop earrings with amethyst and diamonds and a matching bracelet she’d ever seen.

“Mercy Goodness! These are beautiful Tyler! Thank you!” She stood on her tiptoes and gave him one of the sweetest and loving kisses he’d ever had.

“I thought you’d like them since your favorite color is purple and you have a lot of clothes they could match.”

“I love them! Besides the necklace you gave me, I’ve never had anything so nice. How’d you get so good at pickin out jewelry?”

“I guess my mom and sisters have taught me well. Candace loves jewelry and always drags us into stores.”

“Remind me to thank her when we meet. Well, we better get into the kitchen before they send a search party for us.” Bailey put her new bracelet and earrings in her stocking with her other presents so she wouldn’t lose them. She then took Tyler’s hand and they walked into the kitchen.

“Dang, that’s a lot of food and everything smells so good!” Tyler was impressed by all the options on the counter.

“I know this isn’t the healthiest breakfast but I’d be happy to make you an omelet or some scrambled eggs? But I must insist you try one of Momma’s homemade cinnamon buns. They’re to die for!”

“You don’t need to make me anything. There’s so much food here; I can’t wait to try everything. I’ll just do an extra long run later to work it off.” Tyler grabbed a little bit of everything, some egg casserole, sausage and cheese balls, fresh fruit, and of course he grabbed one of the cinnamon buns. “I don’t understand how everyone on your family doesn’t weigh 300 pounds with all the amazing food that’s always around here. Y’all must have good genes.”

Bailey smiled at Tyler. “You said y’all.”

“I guess you’re rubbing off on me.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek.

They joined the rest of the family in the dining room and enjoyed the wonderful meal Ms. Thomas prepared for them. Tyler went back for seconds, he liked everything so much.

“Bay, I can see where you get your cooking skills from. Ms. Thomas, everything was absolutely delicious! I hope you’ll share your cinnamon bun recipe with Bailey. They’re better than Cinnabon’s.”

“Aww, thank you Tyler. That’s so sweet of you and I guess it is time I share that recipe with my daughters. I’ll make sure she has a copy before she goes back to Boston.”

“That would be wonderful! Thank you. May I help with the dishes?”

“That would be very helpful, Tyler. Mr. Thomas and I have some cookies and cinnamon buns we want to deliver to some folks in the neighborhood. If you don’ t mind helpin with the dishes, that’ll free up Bailey and Becca to get started on some of the prep needed for dinner too.”

“It’s my pleasure to help.”

“You’re a sweet boy. Ok, since the dishes are covered, I’m headin upstairs to change. Girls, y’all can put away the leftovers and clean up the counters while Tyler does the dishes. After that, start peelin the russet and sweet potatoes. If you finish that before I get back, Bay you can start on the dressin and Becca you can work on the green bean casserole.”

The girls followed their mother’s directions and put the leftovers away and cleaned off the counters. Michael helped Tyler with the dishes. Stephen and Jeff were busy trying to put together some of the new toys Sarah Kate and Kara received while Marybeth and Melissa went upstairs to play with the young girls.

“I’m gonna change real quick. Tyler, why don’t you go hang out with my brothers and Jeff for a while.” She gave him a quick hug and peck on the lips before running upstairs to change out of her pajamas.

When Bailey came back downstairs all the men were watching a movie in the den. She joined her sister in the kitchen and grabbed a potato peeler to get started on the Russet potatoes since Rebecca was already peeling sweet potatoes.

Once Bailey was all set up and started peeling the potatoes, her sister spoke. “Now that Momma and Daddy are gone, I’m just gonna ask you. What the Hell are you thinkin?”

“Excuse me?”

“Cut the Crap Bailey, you can’t play little miss innocent with me! What are you tryin to pull paradin and gallivantin around here with your superstar boyfriend?”

“What are you talkin about?”

“Oh, Please! All those extravagant gifts tryin to outdo and make the rest of us look bad and practically havin sex in the livin room. His kissin up to Momma and to make things worse you’re actually allowin our sweet innocent niece get attached to this loser who she’ll probably never see again!”

“WOW! I don’t know what your problem is with Tyler, but you need to back off and get over it! He is one of the most generous men I know. Yes, he can go over the top with gifts sometimes, but he is fortunate enough to make an excellent livin and can afford to do nice things for people he cares about. If you knew him, you’d know he didn’t give those gifts to flaunt his money around, he did it to be nice! Did you not notice how thoughtful each of those gifts were? He’s an incredible listener and took the time to get things he knew y’all would appreciate. Well, should appreciate, since you clearly don’t. And all we did is KISS! Maybe we got carried away, but we weren’t doin anything wrong. Tyler's not kissin up to Momma either; he's just bein polite and thankful because that's who he is! As far as Sarah Kate is concerned, I’m sorry your jealous of my relationship with her. I can’t help that we are close and she likes Tyler. I told you he was good with kids. Honestly, deep down, I think she still believes he is Flynn Rider.” Bailey ran her fingers through her hair before she continued. “I’m in love with him Becca, so I hope he’ll be in my life and our family’s for a very long time!”

“LOVE! You’re foolin yourself if you think he’s gonna be around forever! I read all about him online, he’s a player and will never settle for one girl. In fact you should probably get tested to make sure he didn’t give you an STD.”

“Oh my God! Not that it’s any of your business but we haven’t even had sex yet. I know about his past, but he’s changed.”

“Are you really that naïve? If you aren’t sleepin with him, then he’s gettin it somewhere else! Look, his money and fame might be great but it isn’t worth your dignity. He’s probably just usin you to improve his image, but still messin around behind your back. People like him don’t change!”

Tears were now streaming steadily down Bailey’s cheeks. “I can’t believe you think so little of me to think I’m only with Tyler for his money! That’s probably the most hurtful thing you’ve ever said to me. I don’t know what I’ve done to make you hate me so much! I love you and was so happy when you found Jeff and had Kara. Why don’t you want me to have that same kind of happiness?”

“Don’t be so dramatic! I do want you to be happy, just not with Tyler.”

“Well that’s too damn bad because I love him and he loves me! So take your self righteous attitude and go to HELL!” With that Bailey stormed out of the kitchen and ran outside sobbing.

Tyler, Bailey’s brothers, and Jeff couldn’t help but overhear the fight Bailey just had with Rebecca. Tyler appeared to be the only one in complete shock about the fight. Bailey had told Tyler stories about Rebecca and knew they didn’t get along very well, but he never expected this. He was ready to run into the kitchen to defend himself and stick up for Bailey, but Michael told him it would only make things worse and both Jeff and Stephen agreed. They all felt bad that Tyler had to sit there and listen to someone he doesn’t even know attacking him, but they’ve dealt with the catty, competitive relationship Bailey and Rebecca have for years and know better than to interfere. Jeff knew his wife was in the wrong, and even apologized to him for her behavior. As soon as Tyler heard Bailey’s last statement, he didn’t care anymore what anybody said, he knew Bailey needed him so he bolted out of the room. Bailey left the front door open when she left so abruptly. Tyler saw she hadn’t gotten very far and grabbed his jacket and her coat.

Tyler placed Bailey’s coat around her shoulders when he reached her. She immediately turned into his chest. His arms reached around her, pulling her in for a hug. If anything could make her feel safe and better, it was a hug from him. She leaned in closer and closed her eyes. Tyler rubbed her back and gently stroked her hair trying to console her. After several minutes, when Bailey finally started to settle down, Tyler spoke. “Come on Bay, let’s go for a walk.”

He slowly broke their embrace and put his arm around her shoulder gently guiding her to move forward along the sidewalk. Bailey leaned into Tyler’s side, as she still needed the comfort that came from being close to him. They walked in complete silence, allowing Bailey time to sort out things on her mind. They walked several blocks, until they came across a neighborhood playground. Tyler took Bailey’s hand and navigated her to the swings. He knew the movement always helped her relax. He pushed her back and forth for about 10 minutes, before Bailey spoke.

“I’m sorry!” The tears started flowing again.

Tyler came in front of Bailey, stopped the swing and got down on his knees in front of her. “Bay, you have nothing to apologize for!”

Bailey took a few deep breaths and let out a small whimper. “I’m sorry you had to hear all the horrible things my sister said about you and us. And, I’m sorry you had to see the worst side of me. Please forgive me for behavin so poorly!”

Tyler took Bailey’s hands into his and brought them to his lips. “Bay, if that’s the worst side of you, I’m one Hell of a lucky man! I mean I knew I was lucky to have you in my life, but if that’s you being mean, I’m the luckiest man in the world.” He leaned in a planted a gentle kiss on her lips. “In fact I owe you a huge thank you.” Bailey finally looked Tyler in the eyes confused at what he meant. “Thank you for defending me and saying all those kind words. I know I have made mistakes and I’m far from perfect. But I need to reassure you that I have changed. I’ve changed for the better because of you. Bay, you make me a better man! I promise you I will never cheat on you! I love you with all my heart, body, and soul! I want to spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy! Rebecca is right, I don’t deserve someone as special and sweet as you, but I’m so grateful that you haven’t come to your senses and realized that yet and I hope you never do!”

Bailey smiled at the sweetest words she’d ever heard and pressed her lips to Tyler’s. It seemed like time stood still at that sweet moment. The kiss was everlasting as their bodies were close and their hold on each other intensified as they kissed.

Notes

First I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words regarding the story! Second I owe y'all a huge apology for this extremely long delay in posting this update!!!! I tried to make it a long one to make it up to you. I hope I still have readers despite the lapse in updates! The next chapter will be more of Tyler's time with Bailey and her family. I am already working on it and school is out so I promise it won't be such a long wait for me to post it.

As always comments are truly appreciated and motivating!!