With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
-
Eleanor Roosevelt

_________________

"Jesus! Ally! Where in the world
did you go?" Hope asks when I walk inside the living room. Everyone stares at me with wide eyes and relieved faces.

After my small talk with Daniel, I watched the movie for few minutes and then went out to buy some gifts which I didn't buy earlier. I also needed some time to think about Daniel's reaction. I remember Alex telling me about abandoned issues which might be why Daniel was hesitant to confess. That doesn't mean I'm going to let it go that easily. He loves me and I know it but I want to hear it. I won't tell him unless he confess first.

It did hurt but I'm a big girl who knows how to handle my man.

I place the shopping bags on the couch as I look at Daniel who's sitting on the couch, his hands on his head. His blue eyes meet mine and I see concern in them. Jesus!

He immediately rises to his feet and within a second, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me for a giant hug. I let my hands wrap around him. What's wrong?

"What's wrong?"

"You didn't leave," he mutters, tightening his grip around me. "You really didn't leave."

"Leave where? I went to buy some things which I missed out earlier," I tell, pulling away from him. I look at Daniel's face and realization hits me. He thought I left him. As in I left him completely. "Why will I leave you? Because you didn't tell me what I wanted to hear? C'mon, you can't get rid of me that easily."

Daniel sighs before stepping away from the me but doesn't move his hand away from my hip. I turn towards others. "What are you all looking at? It's almost dinner time so everyone start your work," I order as everyone gets back to their work.

Two hours later, everyone went to their own home after dinner. My main aim today was matchmaking which worked pretty well. John was staring at Hope throughout the dinner while she glanced at him in between. Some more time and they would hit off.

Ryan and Leila were already on the track and that didn't need my push. James already has a thing going on with Gracie which is heating up things since today she is going home with him. Work might have been interesting for them when I was away. Next couple is Alex and Angel which doesn't look like it's working. Both of them are in their own world so that might flop. Marco is already with Merlin and that's going pretty well. He told me how much Merlin is sorry about not telling me things and she's ready to talk once holidays are finished.

Ben is the one without a partner and I have been searching one for him since years but none has been found for him. It's a bit personal for me too. Ben has a thing for me, though he didn't tell me that I could still feel the tension at the early days of working. He knows very well that it's not going to work between us which is why we never talked about it to each other. He's over me. I know that but still a part of me wants him to have a happy life just like I have mine. His playboy life is making me worried about him. Not just me but Adam too. We did talk about it.

Next is Cassy. Ashley tried to talk to Cassy but Cassy strictly told her that unless Ashley changes her ways, she isn't ready for any type of relationship. Which I must agree because the stage of pampering and love has crossed, now she needs some lessons about life. Cassy was pretty shocked by the way Ashley behaved, that was unexpected for most of them but I expected worse. She went home with my parents but they will be back tomorrow and then again on Christmas.

I was pretty tired with all the work so I said goodnight to Archer and rushed to my room to find my bed. I lay down and immediately went to sleep but I did feel someone wrap cuddling me and I might know who that is.

It's Christmas!

I immediately get ready and rush down where I find the whole twenty three members settled all over the living hall with cookies, coffee and other hot chocolate.

Yesterday was fun. We all made snowman and had snow fight after which Daniel fucked me against our bedroom wall. I had to cover my mouth to shut myself down but it was worth it. He couldn't keep his hands off me.

I think it's actually the opposite.

Okay. I couldn't control my hands off either. We didn't talk about our little love argument and I will deal with it after Christmas.

Christmas Eve was damn exhausting but it was fun. We held a cookie party, drank eggnog and went for sledging. It was exciting because I never went out with a huge team, it was crazy but I enjoyed every moment.

I was still in my pyjamas but who cares. It's time for gifts.

"Gifts," I announce as settle on the floor, between Daniel's leg. His arms wrap my waist, pulling me closer.

Everyone exchanged their gifts and I was actually forgetting who gave what and to whom. Everyone had gifts. I mean everyone, even Archer and Ashley had gifts for all the members in the room. All the gifts weren't something big but they were sweet and I loved it because this is my first experience with such a huge crowd.

Everyone was done. Now it was just me and Daniel. Everyone started with Daniel, giving him tons of gifts. Few had two gifts with them which made me jealous. Why does he get two gifts from each? I couldn't check all of his gifts because he was too quick in opening, peeking and closing it without showing anyone. Sneeky hubby.

It was my turn. I'm the only one who hasn't given gifts to anyone yet because I demanded that I'll give gifts only if I get mine.

Typical Allison!

Carla smiles at me as she gives her gift. It was wrapped in a pink wrapper, I carefully opened and finds a cotton candy maker which made me jump up and down in excitement. It was so cute and it had my name written on it too.

"You love cotton candies," she says with a shrug. I blow her a kiss.

"I love it, Carla. Here is yours," I tell giving her. I wait for her to open the gift and the second she finds what is inside, she cries. She freaking cries scaring the hell out of me.

She turns towards Thomas with an accusing stare. "You never gave me something like this." Thomas looks startled by the sudden outburst and I couldn't blame him. I gave a birth flower jewelry to Carla which I brought day before yesterday after the argument with Daniel. I was confused by what I should buy for her since it's been just few days.

Next was Daliya, she gave me a similar gift too-soft serve ice-cream maker-and she looked so happy giving it to me. My mother in-law is a very silent person but she loves to gossip. When we all girls end up together, we can't seem to shut our mouth and that includes my mom too. I gave a lavender beauty gift basket to Daliya since I know much she takes care of her skin. She gave me her brightest smile and promised that she would use it as soon as possible.

Next was mom. Though me and mom aren't in the best terms, we get along without much problems. She gave me a cherry blossom bonsai lights which looked beautiful though I didn't tell her that. She looked so tensed when I opened the gift and look relived when I smiled. In return, I gave her a champagne gold watch and she cried too, probably because I never gave her something like that before. I always gave her a card with a 'Merry Christmas' written on it or something similar to that. This time I decided to give it a try and well, it ended in a nice way.

Phoenix gifted me a personalized earrings-Ally. I didn't have that one-an earring of my name-and I was so happy to try it on. I gave her a rose gold touchscreen watch-since I heard her talking about buying one-and she hugged me so hard that I feel like my bones were crushed. Greta gave me a framed photo of mine which was taken when I was seventeen. I was wearing nothing but a towel which was wrapped around me, my hair let loose while I ate ice-cream.

"I love this one," Daniel says, pulling the gift away from me. I hit him on the arm before taking my gift back.

"It's personal."

"I have seen more than that," Daniel whispers, smirking at me.

"Shut the hell up," I reply, glaring at him. I gave a kaleidoscope necklace to Greta because I remember her talking about one when we were ten. We weren't exactly close but we did have some bonding once in a while.

Leila gave me a photo album with Daniel's photos in it which I decided to check later-when I'm alone. I gifted a designer bag to Leila from her favorite collection. Next is Angel, her gift was a tiny gold heart necklace with my initial on it. I love it so I immediately tried it on. I brought a daily planner for Angel which had her photo as the cover. She hugged me and I swear I saw tears in her eyes but what actually caught my eye was Alex. He was smiling when Angel was admiring her planner. My matchmaking might work.

Next is Cassy, she gave me a beanie with my name knitted on it. That was funny because I brought a beanie for her too. I got a blue one and she got a red one. The last one was from Ashley, she gave me a Christmas card which said 'you're a bitch' which I accepted with a huge grin.

I could see everyone glaring at her but I ignored them. I didn't expect anything more from her. I gave her a nail polish starter kit making her eyes turn wide in surprise.

I turn towards the men. "Quick guys, what're you all waiting for?"

Adam gave me a ceramic tea pot with a note telling me that I should stop drinking so much coffee which I agree with him. That's actually one of my New Year resolution among few others. I give him a second honeymoon package tickets to Philippines which I'm sure he was damn happy to receive.

Next was our prim and proper James, he gave me a beautiful white cardigan which was so soft and I jumped all over him in happiness. He's such a sweetheart. I love long cardigans because they can change your whole look and this one tops my collection. I'm sure he gave a fortune for this one. I give him my gift.

He raises his brows at me, looking at the size of the gift. His eyes widens when he finds what's in the box. "Guitar? You brought me a guitar?"

I wink at him. "You guitar was broken by your dad so I decided to give you one." His dad is an alcoholic who broke his things when James refused to give more money for drinking. James gives me a wide smile and wraps his arms around me, pulling for a hug.

"Greta is a sweet girl. Don't hurt her," I whisper in his ears.

"I won't. She's precious," he replies, gives me another squeeze before letting me go.

Marco gave me a cooking book which made the whole room to groan because they know I will definitely try all the recipes and probably burn the house. In return, I gifted him a pass to a camp. He frowns at first but later smiles when he realizes what the gift meant. Simple, the passes are for Aiden and I bet he is going to be happy if Marco gives it to him and that makes Marco and Merlin happy.

"Did you like my gift?" Ben asks, smirking. I roll my eyes. He brought me a sexy black lingerie and I swear Daniel might have hit him if it wasn't Christmas. I give a pair of wool runners which he loved. We still go for a run together once in a while and I can tell you, it's tiring with Ben around.

Alex gave me a beautiful pendant and I gifted him a watch. He has always been my gift buddy, the one who always sends me gifts. Ryan gave me a watch which was sweet and so unlike him which is why I guess Leila helped him pick it. When I gave him his gift, he narrowed his eyes at me for two minutes before opening it. It was a mug-an octopus mug-which made his eyes twinkle. I broke his coffee mug last week so I bought him a new one. He brought it to his chest and gave me the sweetest smile, melting my inside. Aww..my sweet cousin in-law.

Next comes John, who brought me a pair of black boots. I smiled at him, pecked his cheek and then gave his gift which he opened like a caveman. It was a holiday snack box. I know John has a sweet tooth but he never got something like this.

"I fucking knew you were the right girl for me," he announced, grabbing my hand and starting to pull me towards the entrance. "We're eloping."

My eyes widens but I laughed it off as I pulled away him, hugged him. "Not happening, boy. We don't want Daniel to know what you do in bathroom."

He freezes and immediately steps away from me.

"Do what in bathroom?" Daniel asks, raising his brows. His gaze moves from me to John.

"Nothing," John says, clearing his throat. "Continue giving gifts." Hope already knows about it and she laughed for almost half an hour and when I told her Daniel doesn't know it yet, she cracked again.

I laugh before I turn towards Thomas. I give his gift, it's nothing but the video and photos of my wedding day. Carla told me how much Thomas is regretful that he missed Daniel's wedding. From the corner of my eye, I can see Daniel smiling.

"Thank you, princess," Thomas whispers, pulling me for a hug. So now I'm promoted to princess. I smile at him before grabbing my gift from him. I smile when I see a tiny double name ring which has mine and Daniel's name. I bite my lip as I stare at the ring.

"It's beautiful and I love it," I reply, kissing his both cheeks. He nods his head before sitting back on the couch.

Next was Caniel. I glared at him as I took my gift but my lips twitched because I was excited to know what he brought for me. It was a dandelion necklace and my lips immediately curved upward involuntarily. I give him his gift which is actually a game night basket. Daniel told me that his father is a huge baseball fan so yeah, I thought this was the best gift for him. And it was because he hugged me. That was so unexpected but not bad.

Next is my Dad and I'm nervous. We always exchanged cards and he did give me some sweet gifts in the past but everything was sent to me instead of giving it to me directly. I know the reason too. It was Mom. She never liked Dad getting close to me, it made her feel more guilty which annoyed both me and Dad but we never did anything about it.

I stare at his beautiful face which is so different from me that I can't even blame him for thinking that I'm not his daughter. I accept his gift with a smile but it vanishes when I see the gift. I gulp.

It was a bracelet.

Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes and my gaze drifted towards Judge who shrugs at me. Judge must have told Dad about how much I love bracelets and the reason was again simple. My classmate of sixth grade got a bracelet as a birthday gift from her father so every year I waited for something like that from my dad. After few years, I stopped expecting and started buying so many bracelets for me. After every celebration, I brought a bracelet to let me know that I can live alone and that I should be strong.

Dad pulls me for a hug. "I'm sorry, baby girl." Tears fills my eyes but I blink them away immediately. I don't want to cry. I pull away from him, smiling and gives him his gift which is a photo of me and dad when I was five years. I know they don't have any photos of mine so I decided to give him one. He gave me his beautiful smile before settling back in his seat, holding the photo closer to him.

Four more left!

Judge's gift was a puzzle. Just like every year but I can't know what it is about until I solve it. I gave him a framed photo of mine which made him roll his eyes. I also gave him a pen like I do every year. It was as if a tradition. We never miss it. He gives me a puzzle and I give him my photo and a gorgeous pen. Judge is more important to me than my parents and friends. Everyone knows it though I never made such announcements. He always tried to fill the missing part of my childhood but he never admits it.

Next was Hope who is glaring at me. I wink at her as I give her the gift. It's a set of all types of tea over the world and she jumped up from her seat and hugged me. I saw it online and immediately remembered about Hope.

"Now, my gift," I demand, wiggling my fingers at her. She gifted me ten sets of beautiful yoga pants which I'm going to wear from starting tomorrow.

Then it was Archer, I gave him a new phone and headset which made the poor boy cry. He gave me a beautiful Christmas card. I hugged him and there was a thrilling feeling in me. I always wished that there was someone to help me back when I was teenager so I can understand his feelings.

Finally, I turn towards Daniel. He rises to his feet, grabs his gifts and walks towards me with his usual cold expression. He gives me a purple color wrapped gift box with a smirk. It was a white coffee mug. I take it out and my eyes widens when I see words printed on them-'I'm a cute girl who is also a lawyer'

I blink at him. Wow! This is my first time getting a gift that is related to my damn profession. I move in closer to Daniel and drape my arms over his shoulders, clasping my hands behind his neck. A very soft kiss and I whisper, "That's the nicest and most thoughtful gift I ever received." Which is true. Something related to my profession means a lot to me.

He's definitely getting laid tonight. I step away from him as I check the next one. There's one more box which is a pair of...heels? I take the note and read it.

I want to fuck you when you're wearing nothing but this heels and I want to feel those heels digging into my back as I fuck you.

Jesus!

He didn't?

I read the words again.

He did, and I squeeze my legs together tight to alleviate the throbbing that has started.

My fingers are trembling when I put the note back in the box before anybody could get a hold of it. He's getting laid tonight and I'm going to wear the fuck me heels.

"My gift?"

"Give me a second," I said, rushing to the gym where I hid his gift. The little guy was sitting near my yoga mat. He runs to me the second he notices my presence. I picked up the little guy and walked to the living room.

Everyone freeze.

Daniel reaction was cold but that slowly changed. Pink rose up on the tips of Daniel's ears and he asked, "What is that?"

I thrust the little guy forward. "Merry Christmas, Daniel."

I only had to look at those expressive big, brown eyes on that beautiful white puppy face and I knew.

I was in love.

Puppy?

And a huge part of me didn't want to give the puppy over, but I knew I had to.

The man known as cold man took the puppy and simply stared at it. Should I have gotten him something else? There were a couple other small presents I bought him, but this was the big one. The one I'd been shaking in excitement over.

C'mon, it's a sweet white labrador puppy. You can turn away from him.

"If you don't like him...."

The dog let out a sharp playful bark that sliced through the air. I got to watch as many emotions flash across Daniel's features. Confusion, recognition, surprise, and elation.

Daniel stared at the puppy as if it's some new creature, I started to think I'd imagined the elation that had been on his face a moment before. But I knew he likes animals, and he'd mentioned once to Ryan how much he wanted a dog but didn't have much time for one.

But the longer I waited, watching, not sure what to expect, the more surprised I was when he tucked the soft white buddy under his chin and moved his arm to cradle it to his chest. Didn't see that coming.

Ah hell. I hadn't been prepared. I didn't expect this sight to bring me butterflies.

Holy shit!

"Allison..." he kind of choked out, making the situation worse for me.

"Merry Christmas," I repeated hoarsely, torn between smiling and kissing him.

He blinked, and then he blinked some more as his free hand touched the small, perfect features on the young, innocent face. "I don't know," he kind of mumbled, his eyes glued to his puppy. His chin tipped down, and I swear he cuddled the dog closer to him. "I've never..." He swallowed and glanced up at me, our eyes meeting. "Thank you. Ally, thank you."

Once the shock was over, everyone crowded around the puppy.

This is the best Christmas!

"No! No, no, no," I shout at the top of my voice. "You can't do that. That's foul."

Damn him!

He should rot in hell.

"Yes! Oh my God! Yes, right there."

I jump up from the couch, throwing popcorns at TV. "Yah!" I shout again when New York Stars scores a goal. Right at your face, Chicago Boys.

What the heck?

Did I tell you that I like sports? No, that's not the right way to put it. I love sports. Not just football. I love all sports. Okay, not all actually but most of them. I watch Baseball, Basketball, Football, Cricket, Hockey, Boxing and Tennis.

I try my best to not miss a match if the playing team is New York. I'm a typical fan girl with tons of love and jerseys. With my heavy work, I usually can't enjoy a game with popcorn like right now. I always sit in front of the TV with my case files as I watch the match but I do shout when my team plays well.

"Oh my God, yes, yes," I shout again when there's another goal from number 38 so I immediately change my jersey to number 38.

Yay! You heard it right. I changed my jersey. I have jerseys of all the main players of the team so I change jersey based on the one who's playing better. If 38 scores a goal then I wear 38, if the goalie defends the goal then I wear his jersey who is none other than Steven Williams-my ex-client.

The door open flies open, revealing Daniel, Ryan and Hope. They stare at me with wide eyes.

"What are you doing?" Ryan asks, breaking the silence.

"Cheering."

Ryan blinks and realization dawns in him when he sees the TV where now the players are getting into a fight. Poor coach is throwing a fit asking the boys to calm the fuck down while he can't do it himself.

Daniel glares at Ryan. "Who is she fucking?"

"What?"

"Ryan thought you were having sex with someone while Daniel was gone," Hope fills in, folding her hands below her chest.

My gaze turns towards Ryan who gives me an innocent look. "You were shouting like a porn star. You can't blame me."

I roll my eyes. "Out," I shout at them before turning towards the TV. They game has continued and we're 2-2 right now which is damn annoying. I don't like a tie. They have another fifteen minutes before the final time.

I smile when everyone walks out except Daniel, who closes the door and settles beside me. He's wearing a white sweatpants and blue t-shirt which hugs him perfectly. He wrap his arms around me, pulling me closer to him.

"Did you really think I was having se-"

"I know you weren't having sex but I had doubts that you were masturbating when I heard the sounds you were making."

I roll my eyes as I grab a piece of pizza and feed him. He takes a bite as he pulls me onto his lap without a warning. I lean against him as I watch my team win. I jump up and down from Daniel's lap, enjoying the victory.

"Do that again and I might come in my pants."

I freeze when I hear his words and that's when I notice his bulge under my ass. Within seconds, the game was long forgotten and we are trying to get rid of our clothes.

I never knew I would miss a game for sex. But I'm don't regret it. It's freaking amazing.