Nicola tossed back the covers and sat up. Reaching for her robe, she slipped it on and rose from the bed. She left her bedroom and made her way downstairs to the living room. Once there, she plugged in the Christmas tree and curled up in the couch's corner.
As she propped her chin in her hand, Nicola gazed at the illuminated tree and let her mind wander. Since that afternoon in his office, he began trying to come home every evening in time for dinner. The dark cloud that had settled over their lives disappeared along with Blake's bad mood. It was time to finally become wife and husband for real. After that strange wedding night, Blake kept his distance, at least, sexually. He said he wanted her entirely, not bits and pieces. He wanted the real Nicola.
But now, after what he told her rega
