A chaotic Christmas chapter 2

A Chaotic Christmas

Chapter 2

Madison, Liam, Harrison and Nicole.

Liam abandoned Madison to the solitude of the kitchen, venturing forth to welcome Nicole and Harrison. As Nicole twirled in the cabin’s spacious foyer, her gaze dancing across the high ceiling’s rustic wooden beams, she let out a laugh.

“This is what your friend calls a little cabin in the woods?” She teased. Harrison chuckled, shaking his head.

“Yeah, Hunter has a flair for the dramatic.” With a gallant smile, he helped Nicole shed her coat, opening a door that creaked to reveal a cozy closet. He hung their coats.

Liam sauntered over, a warm smile lighting his face.

“Well, well, well. Look what the wind finally blew in,” he said, clapping Harrison on the back before leaning in to kiss Nicole’s cheek. His hand settled affectionately on her rounded stomach.

“And how’s my little nephew doing, hmm?”

Nicole rolled her eyes good-naturedly, feigning offense.

“What, am I chopped liver?” She asked, jabbing Liam playfully in the bicep.

Liam let out a hearty laugh.

“I know how you are, Nicole. You’ve got Harrison wrapped around your finger,” he teased.

But Nicole’s gaze had already shifted, her eyes scanning the room for her sister.

“Whatever. Where’s Madison?” She asked, and Liam’s smile faltered.

Shit, Nicole thought, sensing the sudden tension. Trouble in paradise.

“I’m right here,” a voice called out, and Nicole turned to see Madison emerging from the kitchen. Her eyes were a little red and puffy, the telltale signs of recent tears.

Madison flung her arms around Harrison, holding him tightly before turning to her sister. Nicole could feel the desperation in her hug, the silent plea for support. She embraced her just as fiercely, offering what comfort she could.

“Come on, let me show you to your room,” Madison said, pulling back from Nicole’s embrace.

Nicole arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.

“What, the great Hunter DeLuca doesn’t have staff to handle that?”

Harrison chuckled.

“Actually, our mothers decided there would be no household staff, except for DeLuca’s nanny. But she’s mostly here to enjoy a well-deserved vacation, not to work. The only staff on hand will be part of the security team.”

Nicole let out a dramatic sigh, pressing a hand to her rounded stomach.

“Well, prepare yourself to wait on me hand and foot, mister. Carrying your big-headed baby is no easy feat.”

Harrison and Nicole trailed behind Liam and Madison, entering the cabin’s sprawling main living area. The sight took Nicole’s breath away. Towering floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking panorama of the snow-capped mountains, bathing the room in natural light.

Despite its grandeur, the space felt cozy and inviting. A vaulted ceiling showcased exposed wooden beams, adding to the rustic charm. Stone walls and a roaring fireplace created a warm, welcoming ambiance. Plush cream and coffee-colored sofas arranged around the room promised comfort, while vibrant red accents – an oriental rug, cushions, and throw pillows – added pops of color and personality.

Nicole’s gaze landed on the massive TV mounted above the fireplace, the perfect spot for cozy movie nights or catching a game. The room was a masterful blend of luxury and warmth, the ideal retreat from the world outside.

Nicole drifted over to the expansive windows, her eyes drinking in the stunning vista as far as they could see.

“Wow, it’s a beautiful view,” she breathed, her voice filled with wonder.

Harrison walked over to join her, wrapping his arms around her from behind. His hands settled affectionately on her swollen stomach, holding her close as they took in the breathtaking view together.

Madison watched the tender moment, her heart swelling with love for her sister. She was so grateful to see Nicole adored and cherished by her husband. Her gaze drifted to Liam, hoping to share the warm feeling. But instead of a smile, she found him watching her with a tense, unreadable expression. Her heart sank, a familiar knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. She knew that look, knew the stubborn anger that lay beneath. She longed to make him understand, to bridge the gap between them. But for now, she simply sighed and looked away, unable to bear the weight of his gaze.

“I can’t wait to ski,” Nicole said, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she turned away from the view and looked up at her husband.

But instead of sharing her enthusiasm, Harrison’s expression turned stern.

“Over my dead body,” he said, his voice firm.

“You are not skiing with my baby inside of you.”

“Are you for real right now, Bradford?” Nicole asked, rolling her eyes.

Harrison didn’t back down.

“Are YOU for real, Mrs. Bradford? There’s no way I’m allowing you to ski while pregnant.”

Nicole poked at his chest, her voice laced with annoyance.

“You aren’t my daddy, Harrison.”

But Harrison shot back,

“That’s not what you said last night.”

Madison let out a dramatic “Ewwww,” covering her ears.

“Too much information, guys. Way too much.”

“I don’t want to hear about your kinky shit,” Liam said, shaking his head in amusement.

Madison looped her arm through Nicole’s, steering her away from her husband.

“Come on, Nicole, let me give you the grand tour,” Madison said.

“Help me with the luggages” Harrison told Liam as they watched their wives walk away arm in arm.

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

Liam and Harrison made their way outside to the SUV, prepared to gather the luggage.

“We can handle this. You two go scope out the Security Cabin.” Harrison told the two bulky security men.

Hunter had a spacious cabin in the rear for his security team, in addition to the large one for friends and family. The men acknowledged and left Liam and Harrison alone. Harrison unlocked the back of the Porsche with a click.

With a sharp tug, Harrison pulled out a sleek black suitcase from the back of the car. As he turned to address his friend, Liam grabbed onto another suitcase and hoisted it out as well.

“I couldn’t help but sense some unease between you and Madison,” Harrison began, concerned etched on his face. “Is everything alright?”

Liam’s grip tightened on the handle of the suitcase before he finally replied.

“No, things are far from okay.” His voice held a hint of frustration and anger.

Harrison stopped in his tracks and turned to face his friend.

“What happened?” He prodded , already sensing that this was something serious.

Liam clenched his jaw, a muscle ticking in his cheek. He slammed the trunk shut, the sound echoing in the crisp mountain air.

“I found out Madison is on birth control. she’s been on it for years.” He said, his voice low and rough.

Harrison’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh Shit!” he blurted out

Liam’s rage bubbled up inside him, causing his words to spill out in a heated rush. “I am absolutely fucking livid with her right now! She knows how important it is for me to have another child, yet she’s been secretly taking birth control pills.”

A heavy sigh escaped Harrison’s lips, his heart aching for his friends. He had always looked up to the relationship between Liam and Madison, seeing them as a power couple and the epitome

Harrison tried to remain unbiased as he asked, “Did you have a conversation with her about it?”

Liam gave a short nod. “Yes, I did.”

Harrison continued, “And were you able to ask her why she was taking the pills?” He couldn’t help but add, “In a calm manner, or in your usual aggressive asshole way?” Harrison was aware that when Liam got angry, he sometimes acted without considering the consequences.

“Don’t give me that shit,” Liam snapped, his finger jabbing towards Harrison. “My wife has been lying to me for years. Don’t you dare defend her.”

Liam bristled at the question, his anger flaring.

Harrison held up his hands, a placating gesture.

“I’m not taking anyone’s side, Liam. But I know you. I know you can be like a dog with a bone, refusing to let go even when you’re in the wrong. And as your brother and best friend, it’s my job to tell you when you’re being an ass.”

“But I’m not wrong about this one, Harrison,” Liam said, his voice laced with pain and uncertainty.

“I think she doesn’t want to have another child with me because she still resents me for getting her pregnant with Willow. I forced motherhood on her, and I’m afraid that resentment still lingers.”

“I don’t think that’s the case, Liam,” Harrison said, trying to offer some reassurance.

But Liam just shook his head.

“Why lie to me about being on birth control for years, then? That doesn’t sound like a woman who wants more children with her husband.”

With that, Liam picked up the suitcase and headed back into the house, leaving Harrison standing alone in the cold.

Harrison watched his friend disappear into the warmth of the cabin, then looked up at the sky.

“This is going to be a chaotic Christmas,” he said aloud, a sense of foreboding settling over him.