TWW FIC :: "Secret Santa" [CJ/Ainsley, R-ish]
Title: Secret Santa
Author: A. Magiluna Stormwriter
Author’s Email: stormwriter@shatterstorm.net
Pairing: CJ/Ainsley
Rating: R-ish
Date: 26-30 November 2008
Word Count: 4139
Written for: femslash_today's cold snap: winter '08 porn battle
Prompt: West Wing, CJ/Ainsley, secret santa
Summary: Gifts from Ainsley's Secret Santa make this the perfect Christmas.
Series: Get What You Need
Sequel to: Just Might Find, Room With a View, Forever, PDA, Honestly and Openly
Warning: Established lesbian couple. Don't like it? Don't read it.
Spoilers (if any): Post-series AU
Disclaimer: “The West Wing”, the characters and situations depicted are the property of Warner Bros. Television, John Wells Productions, NBC, etc. They are borrowed without permission, but without the intent of infringement. This site is in no way affiliated with "The West Wing", NBC, or any representatives of Allison Janney or Emily Procter. This site contains stories between two mature, consenting adult females.
Author’s Notes: When I saw that celievamp had submitted this request, and that it was the ONLY prompt for CJ/Ainsley, I just had to write it. And I deliberated what I would do. And then my muses decided to get sweet, sappy and shmoopy on me, instead of smutty and porny. *sighs* But you know what? This is pretty much how my CJ and Ainsley muses are around each other, so I guess I'm not really surprised. And they did give me a little sex, so I can't complain TOO badly…
Jewelry Notes: I started looking at information on emeralds, since both Procter and Janney have green eyes. Then I found a reference to trapiche emeralds and just fell in the love with the idea. The earrings, which I don't have an actual image of, have "largish" trapiche emeralds which I found at Emerald Elegance. The ring, on the other hand, I found at Precious Platinum. I just chose to substitute another trapiche emerald instead of the diamond.
Dedication: My muses, for always coming thru with the shmoop when I need it…
Beta: shatterpath, as usual…
"Secret Santa"
by A. Magiluna Stormwriter
Date: December 24, 2012
Subject: The Great Secret Santa Surprise of 2012
The first gift showed up on my desk on the third of December, the first Monday of the month, a cup of my favorite coffee and a decadently rich gourmet truffle. There was a card attached, trimmed in red, green, and silver.
Happy December, Ainsley!
In the fine tradition of the advent calendars of childhood, this is the first of several gifts you'll be receiving between now and Christmas.
Enjoy the coffee and the truffle!
~ Your Secret Santa
There were, of course, no distinguishing characteristics to alert me as to whom this Secret Santa of mine could be. The message had been printed out on some lovely ivory card stock in a festive font, but that gave no clues at all. None of my coworkers could tell me how the gift was delivered to my desk, either.
The lure of both gourmet coffee and the truffle were stronger than I cared to fight. I trusted my coworkers, and Reggie in security would have alerted me to anyone strange requesting access to my office while I was out.
CJ's growl as I told her of the situation was only half-feigned, but it warmed my heart. We've been through a lot together, and her devotion since coming out a few months ago has been so damned endearing, especially since she can actually show her jealousy in public when people flirt with me.
For the rest of that week, I got the same coffee and truffle each morning. Sometimes there was a candy cane for the coffee, too. And on that Friday, I got the now usual coffee and truffle as well as a case of Fresca for my little refrigerator and a dozen of my favorite muffins.
Happy Friday, Ainsley!
Just a little something different today. One of my elves told me that you will do just about anything for a can of Fresca. So here's an entire case just for you.
Enjoy!
~ Your Secret Santa
CJ and I had a minor fight over that, and I had to remind her that there's no one for me but her, that I would thank my Secret Santa when he or she was revealed, but there would be nothing beyond that. Mollified, she apologized and pampered me all weekend long.
The gifts continued for the next two weeks along this same line: coffee and truffle daily. The second Friday, I got a coupon for six free cooking lessons with Christophe Émé, probably my most favorite of the top gourmet chefs in LA, and a bottle of my favorite Madeira wine.
Happy Friday, Ainsley!
Let me tell you, those elves of mine have been working overtime this year in helping me come up with your presents. But I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end, when I'm finally revealed to you. You may well be surprised.
But for now, enjoy this gift certificate for six lessons in gourmet cooking with your favorite chef, Christophe Émé. And while you're at it, enjoy this bottle of Madeira from V. Sattui. Your partner was quite adamant that you love it more than just about anything else.
~ Your Secret Santa
That got me thinking that CJ's my Secret Santa, because she knows how much I love both that liquor and eating at Émé's restaurant. But whenever I ask her about it, she evades the question. Well, that's not quite correct. She doesn't exactly evade the question, she just doesn't answer it, and it's driving me completely insane! There's this twinkle in her eyes that I haven't seen before, not even in the immediate aftermath of her coming out.
It just really had me thinking it's CJ, like ninety-nine point nine percent positive. Who else knows my almost obsessive love of the Madeira from V. Sattui? CJ was the person who introduced me to it. No, that's not quite right. She took me to the vineyards to buy my first bottle. I'd actually initially tried it at a coworker's cocktail party back when I was working at the Hoover Institute. We head up to CJ's property in Napa about once a month, and she always makes sure I get a bottle with each visit. We have quite a bit of it, but I don't mind at all.
This last week, I still got the coffee and truffle each morning. I'm actually going to hate when this is all over. My body and I have gotten quite used to having these treats each morning. I may have to do something about that.
But I digress. In addition to my daily sweet morning pick me ups, I received another incredible set of gifts from my Secret Santa on Friday. I got a dozen red rosebuds that just fully bloomed as of this morning. What a lovely scent to fill my office over the weekend. In addition to the rosebuds, I got a gift certificate for a full day's treatment for the two of us on the day after Christmas at a lovely spa CJ and I found up in Calistoga about a year ago. Knowing just how exclusive and in demand that spa is, she would have to have put in the request pretty much that same day we were there.
Really, there can be no denying that CJ is behind every single step of this little surprise. But she learned far too good a poker face from playing with the boys back at the White House, because she won't give me even the tiniest bit of encouragement in my belief that it's her.
Happy Friday, Ainsley!
It's nearly Christmas and I won't be able to give you any further presents, but maybe that's for the best. One of my elves came back with a black eye from pumping your partner for more information on gifts for you. I think she's a little jealous!
Well, I hope you like your gifts today. I probably should have gone with a different color of roses, but there weren't any others that had such perfect buds like these.
Your partner mentioned that you wanted to do a day at the spa with her, but never found the time. Since my elves found out that you've taken off the whole week of Christmas, I thought I'd set up this little gift for the two of you. Plus, it might make sure that she doesn't beat me up for spoiling you so.
Enjoy!
~ Your Secret Santa
Coming in to work this morning to finish up the last of the work I needed to take care of before my little vacation, I was greeted with my coffee and truffle, another dozen roses opened and matching the ones from Friday, and a beautiful pair of earrings. They're a deep, almost mossy shade of emerald, shot through with spokes like a wheel. Just looking at the posts of the earrings, I can tell they're made of platinum. These are like nothing I've ever seen before, which means they're probably quite expensive. No one would spend that kind of money on me other than CJ.
Happy Christmas Eve, Ainsley!
This is the last gift you'll receive before it's officially Christmas.
By now, you've probably figured out who I am, but I hope you'll still play along long enough to wait for me to reveal myself with your final present on Christmas Day.
The earrings are trapiche emeralds in a platinum setting. Trapiche emeralds are among the rarest emeralds in the world. I searched to find a pair that matched your eyes, and I think I came pretty close. I thought they would make a fitting gift for you, highlighting your singular beauty.
Enjoy these until I can put them on you myself.
~ Your Secret Santa
I don't think I need to even mention that I was pretty much useless at work. I could barely concentrate on anything, wondering what kind of gift would top these earrings. Thankfully, my work was quick and easy to finish and David let me go early. By the time, I got home, CJ was nowhere to be found, but had left a message on the kitchen counter that she'd be a little late home after work, as she had some last minute shopping to do. I used the time to wrap the last couple of gifts for her and slip them under the tree to take a few pictures of our little stash of presents. Satisfied with the pictures, I started to box everything up so we could pack the car in the morning before heading out. I did my best not to snoop at the packages lying under the tree with my name on them. I promised myself that I'd let CJ have her chance to see this little surprise to its conclusion the way she wanted to. I worked on the preparations for our dinner at home and final packing for our trip up to Napa for the week.
And writing this entry, of course. When CJ gets home, we'll have our dinner and get ready for the midnight mass. I already know what gift I'm going to let CJ open when we get home from the mass, before we head to bed so we can get up to Napa as early as possible in the morning.
And on that note, I'll continue this entry with the conclusion of CJ's little Secret Santa surprise tomorrow after she's officially revealed herself.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"There aren't any presents under the tree!"
I chuckle softly and stir the mulling wine one more time before heading into the living room. She's standing in the doorway, briefcase in one hand, several bags from stores in the mall in the other, and she's staring at the tree. "You said you wanted to take them up to Napa with us, so I decided to start getting everything ready to pack the car up in the morning."
"Hmm," she replies, setting the bags down to shrug out of her overcoat. There's a tired smile on her face as she comes closer to give me a kiss, but I can see the glimmer of something dancing in her eyes. "Good day today, hon?"
I shrug nonchalantly, but don't bother to hide my grin. "I got another present from my Secret Santa today."
"Oh yeah?" she asks, heading into the bedroom to change clothes.
"Another dozen roses, both of which are now home and in a vase in the kitchen. I figured we could take them with us tomorrow morning, a lovely splash of color for the house."
"I like that idea," CJ says, slipping into a comfortable t-shirt and jeans, but still won't meet my gaze. "Is that all you got?"
"My Secret Santa also gave me an incredibly expensive pair of earrings," I say softly, trying to keep the tremor from my tone. "I did a little research when I got home and found out that the earrings cost a few thousand dollars. That's quite an expensive gift to get from someone I don't know."
"Someone must really think you're special to do all of these things for you, Ainsley," she replies just as softly, pulling me into her arms again to finally meet my eyes. "And they probably think you're worth every single penny spent and much, much more than that."
I have to blink back a few tears before I can answer her. "I wish I knew who they were so I could thank them properly for spoiling me so."
CJ just smiles enigmatically and leans in for a slow, sensual kiss, and I melt into her touch easily. I moan softly, fingers slipping up under her shirt to caress her back. My moan turns pouty when she pulls back to rest her forehead against mine. "Let's do something crazy and impulsive. Let's skip midnight mass, pack up the car, bring our dinner with us, and just head up to Napa now."
"But you always go to midnight mass."
"Fuck it! I'm already going to hell for being in love with the most incredible woman in the world. Missing one Christmas mass isn't going to make things any better or worse." She grins broadly. "Come on, hon, let's do it! We have no obligations other than mass and I'm just not in the mood to sit through it and hear other people mouth platitudes they don't mean just for appearance's sake."
"Okay." The word is out of my mouth before I consciously realize it. "Let's do it. I'll go put the wine in the thermos and pack up the salads for tomorrow, if you'll start taking the boxes and bags to the car."
Her broad grin is infectious and I soon find myself in the kitchen, packing up our food and wine, cleaning up the kitchen and filling the dishwasher. I can hear CJ coming in and out half a dozen times, taking boxes and bags out to the car. The dishwasher is just starting to go through its cycle when she comes up behind me to press a nibbling kiss just below my right ear. "Ready?"
"For you? Always."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Ainsley? Hon, wake up."
I growl softly and shift to curl up against the window. "Five more minutes."
CJ chuckles and runs her fingers lightly up and down my side. "Okay, you keep napping while I unload everything into the house." I mumble again, but grab for her hand to hold close to my heart. "Ainsley, I can't get the car unpacked if you don't give me back my hand."
Sighing heavily, I let go of her hand and sit up, stretching awkwardly in my seat. It's still dark out, but I can see the house in front of us, so I know I'm not dreaming. Or I hope I'm not. I struggle with my bag until CJ takes it from me and points in the general direction of our bedroom. I forego the bedroom to curl up on the couch and begin to doze off again.
I'm not sure how much time passes as I sleep, but when CJ wakes me again with lazy kisses, all of our packages have been unpacked and set under the little two foot fake tree that she's also decorated. My two dozen red roses are in t heir vase on the coffee table, and I can smell the wine simmering on the stove, the cloves and cinnamon permeating the entire house. I purr happily and lean into CJ as she lightly scratches her nails through my hair.
"Morning, sleepyhead," she teases softly and presses a kiss to the top of my head. "Ready to open up your gifts?"
"Only if it's the gift that reveals you as my Secret Santa," I reply huskily.
She chews at the inside of her lower lip for a moment, watching me silently. "And you're so sure it's me? Maybe it's somebody else?"
"If it was somebody else, you'd be having Ron Butterfield and the Secret Service looking into it and trying to kill the person yourself," I toss back drily. "Try again, Claudia Jean."
She snorts inelegantly. "So I didn't fool you at all, hunh?"
"No, you had me a little fooled up until the gourmet cooking lessons and the Madeira. Not that I'm complaining about the gifts, because I love them. I'm just curious why you did it."
CJ opens and closes her mouth several times, but says nothing. Then she gets a small package from under the tree and settles on the couch with me again. She stares down at the box for a long moment before handing it to me. I stroke the velvety red paper, unwilling to open this final package and have the whole game end. With a deep breath, I pull the ribbon and unwrap the paper to reveal the card attached to the box. This time, instead of the computer generated font, the card is filled with CJ's angular handwriting.
Merry Christmas, Ainsley!
By now, you know who I am, but you probably don't know why I've done this.
I did this, all of this, because I love you, Ainsley.
The money means nothing to me, it hasn't since I fell in love with you. Even before that, before I went to work for the Bartlet Administration and help make a change in the world, the money didn't mean anything to me.
Each of the gifts I've given you have been given so that you can enjoy them, so that I can enjoy them with you. Your happiness means everything to me, Ainsley, and if it means I give up every penny I have to see you happy until the day I die, I will.
You are the most incredible woman I have ever met. My life is so much better because of you.
I love you, Ainsley. Now and always.
~ Claudia Jean
Your Secret Santa
There are honest to God tears in my eyes at the sentiment in the card in my hands, and I don't even notice the box being taken from my lap until CJ slips down to her knees in front of me. "CJ?" I ask, wincing at the crack in my voice.
She shakes her head and places a trembling finger to my lips. Her eyes sparkle with unshed tears of her own as she smiles. "This was so much easier when I was just thinking about it," she says slowly, clearing her throat at one point. "I had all of it planned out: what I'd say, how I'd say it, what I'd do, how you'd react. But now that I'm really doing this? I'm… I'm terrified, Ainsley. I'm terrified that you'll react differently than I want you to."
"CJ," I murmur, gripping one of her hands tightly, "please, just say it."
She closes her eyes and takes a couple of slow, deep breaths, clinging to my hand. When she appears ready, she lifts that hand and brushes her lips across my knuckles. "I love you, Ainsley, you know that, right?" When I nod, she lets out another shuddering breath. "The day I came out was probably the single most terrifying day of my life since Simon Donovan died. But it was also one of the best days of my life because I no longer had to hide who and what I am, or who I love."
She squeezes my fingers again before releasing my hand to open the box. Inside, in a bed of crushed velvet the same shade as the wrapping paper, is an elegantly simple brushed platinum ring. Nestled into the exact center of the ring is another of the trapiche emeralds, smaller than the earrings, but a very close match. I find myself staring at the ring, CJ's words running on an endless loop in my head. Oh my god! This is… Oh my god!
"Ainsley?"
I blink sharply at the worried tone in her voice and reach out to hesitantly touch the ring with the tip of a finger. "Is this…?" I meet her watery gaze, unable to finish the question.
With a slow nod of her head, CJ pulls the ring from the box and reaches for my left hand, the ring hovering in her fingers at the tip of my ring finger. "Ainsley Hayes, I have never felt for another living being the depths of boundless love that I feel for you. I have never felt more alive, more centered, than I am with you. It wasn't enough to come out and declare my love for you. I want there to be no doubt in anyone's mind of my intentions where you're concerned. Ainsley, will you make me the happiest woman in the world and marry me?"
"Yes," I barely breathe, lungs almost forgetting how to work. "Oh yes, CJ."
Time seems to stand still as she slips the ring onto my finger before leaning in to brush her lips across my knuckles again. Meeting my gaze again, she smiles that broad, unfettered smile that is mine and mine alone, and I am struck once again by the sheer gratitude I have to any higher power involved in bringing CJ Cregg into my life.
"I love you, Ainsley," she murmurs and pulls me close for a gentle kiss.
"I love you, too," I stammer back, eyes focused on the circle proclaiming her love for me. "I-- The earrings. Put them on me like in your card? I want to wear all of them."
I get up on shaky legs and head into the bedroom to pull the small jewelry box from my bag. I stop for a moment to stare at my reflection in the mirror. I look past the red, swollen eyes and see the wonderment and delight practically radiating off my own face. This is more than I could have dreamed of, and yet I can feel this is only the beginning. Wiping at my tears, I head back into the living room to find CJ lighting a fire in the fireplace. Without thought, I join her on the floor, leaning back against the couch, and hand her the earrings. She gently removes the silver studs she gave me for my last birthday and replaces them with the earrings that match my ring. And then she kisses me again. Not that I mind in the slightest.
"You've made me the happiest woman alive, you know that?" she asks finally, breaking the silence.
"I think you've got competition for that title," I tease lightly. "And I need to call Sam Seaborn tomorrow."
"Excuse me?" she asks incredulously. "I just proposed to you and now you're calling your ex-boyfriend?"
"If it hadn't been for him underestimating me as Republican Barbie, Leo never would have hired me to work in the White House. And I never would have met you."
"So it's all Sam's fault then that I've become a slobbering, pathetic, sappy fool for you?"
"Well at least it wasn't Josh for once."
CJ snorts and reaches over to tickle her fingers along my ribs until I squeal in delight and try to squirm away from her. After a couple of moments, I'm flat on my back beneath her, shrieking with laughter and squirming to get away. She pauses to stare down at me, cheeks flushed with excitement, and I can't help myself. I pull her down to trace her lips with the tip of my tongue, delighted when she gasps in reaction. Not one to hesitate, I plunge my tongue past her lips, coyly teasing the insides of her cheeks and tongue. CJ's groan only spurs me on and I shift to roll over on top of her, never once relinquishing control of our kiss. I struggle only momentarily to tug her shirt up out of her jeans, suddenly craving the feel of her skin under my fingers. The very thought that she's willing to take this permanent step to being mine is more evocative than anything else I've ever felt, and I want her to know it.
My lips begin to kiss their way down CJ's long neck to the pulse point thudding between her collarbones. Once there, I nibble lightly along each collarbone, fingers stroking up her sides to cover her breasts. At CJ's throaty groan, I smirk and shift down to capture one of her nipples between my lips. Both nipples get my undivided attention for a moment or two before I head further south. Jeans are removed with only a minimum of distraction, and I let my tongue tease her lower lips just as I did the ones now moaning my name repeatedly.
It doesn't take long at all for CJ to reach her climax, and I grip her hand tightly as we ride out the waves of desire. I slowly kiss my way back up her body, hands stroking to calm rather to inflame. Normally, CJ's arousal gets me even more turned on, but not right now. This wasn't about getting off; this was about thanking my lover -- my fiancée -- for her love and her place in my life and my heart.
"Give me a few to catch my breath and I'll repay the favor," she murmurs between gently teasing kisses when I stretch out at her side.
I simply shake my head and put my head on her shoulder. "We have all week, sweetheart. I just wanted to say thank you for being so damned wonderful."
She grins until a yawn cracks her jaw. "Far be it from me to tell you no."
We fall into a companionable silence for several minutes, and I'm almost asleep when the idea hits me. "So, CJ, how does Ainsley Cregg sound to you?"
Author: A. Magiluna Stormwriter
Author’s Email: stormwriter@shatterstorm.net
Pairing: CJ/Ainsley
Rating: R-ish
Date: 26-30 November 2008
Word Count: 4139
Written for: femslash_today's cold snap: winter '08 porn battle
Prompt: West Wing, CJ/Ainsley, secret santa
Summary: Gifts from Ainsley's Secret Santa make this the perfect Christmas.
Series: Get What You Need
Sequel to: Just Might Find, Room With a View, Forever, PDA, Honestly and Openly
Warning: Established lesbian couple. Don't like it? Don't read it.
Spoilers (if any): Post-series AU
Disclaimer: “The West Wing”, the characters and situations depicted are the property of Warner Bros. Television, John Wells Productions, NBC, etc. They are borrowed without permission, but without the intent of infringement. This site is in no way affiliated with "The West Wing", NBC, or any representatives of Allison Janney or Emily Procter. This site contains stories between two mature, consenting adult females.
Author’s Notes: When I saw that celievamp had submitted this request, and that it was the ONLY prompt for CJ/Ainsley, I just had to write it. And I deliberated what I would do. And then my muses decided to get sweet, sappy and shmoopy on me, instead of smutty and porny. *sighs* But you know what? This is pretty much how my CJ and Ainsley muses are around each other, so I guess I'm not really surprised. And they did give me a little sex, so I can't complain TOO badly…
Jewelry Notes: I started looking at information on emeralds, since both Procter and Janney have green eyes. Then I found a reference to trapiche emeralds and just fell in the love with the idea. The earrings, which I don't have an actual image of, have "largish" trapiche emeralds which I found at Emerald Elegance. The ring, on the other hand, I found at Precious Platinum. I just chose to substitute another trapiche emerald instead of the diamond.
Dedication: My muses, for always coming thru with the shmoop when I need it…
Beta: shatterpath, as usual…
"Secret Santa"
by A. Magiluna Stormwriter
Date: December 24, 2012
Subject: The Great Secret Santa Surprise of 2012
The first gift showed up on my desk on the third of December, the first Monday of the month, a cup of my favorite coffee and a decadently rich gourmet truffle. There was a card attached, trimmed in red, green, and silver.
Happy December, Ainsley!
In the fine tradition of the advent calendars of childhood, this is the first of several gifts you'll be receiving between now and Christmas.
Enjoy the coffee and the truffle!
~ Your Secret Santa
There were, of course, no distinguishing characteristics to alert me as to whom this Secret Santa of mine could be. The message had been printed out on some lovely ivory card stock in a festive font, but that gave no clues at all. None of my coworkers could tell me how the gift was delivered to my desk, either.
The lure of both gourmet coffee and the truffle were stronger than I cared to fight. I trusted my coworkers, and Reggie in security would have alerted me to anyone strange requesting access to my office while I was out.
CJ's growl as I told her of the situation was only half-feigned, but it warmed my heart. We've been through a lot together, and her devotion since coming out a few months ago has been so damned endearing, especially since she can actually show her jealousy in public when people flirt with me.
For the rest of that week, I got the same coffee and truffle each morning. Sometimes there was a candy cane for the coffee, too. And on that Friday, I got the now usual coffee and truffle as well as a case of Fresca for my little refrigerator and a dozen of my favorite muffins.
Happy Friday, Ainsley!
Just a little something different today. One of my elves told me that you will do just about anything for a can of Fresca. So here's an entire case just for you.
Enjoy!
~ Your Secret Santa
CJ and I had a minor fight over that, and I had to remind her that there's no one for me but her, that I would thank my Secret Santa when he or she was revealed, but there would be nothing beyond that. Mollified, she apologized and pampered me all weekend long.
The gifts continued for the next two weeks along this same line: coffee and truffle daily. The second Friday, I got a coupon for six free cooking lessons with Christophe Émé, probably my most favorite of the top gourmet chefs in LA, and a bottle of my favorite Madeira wine.
Happy Friday, Ainsley!
Let me tell you, those elves of mine have been working overtime this year in helping me come up with your presents. But I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end, when I'm finally revealed to you. You may well be surprised.
But for now, enjoy this gift certificate for six lessons in gourmet cooking with your favorite chef, Christophe Émé. And while you're at it, enjoy this bottle of Madeira from V. Sattui. Your partner was quite adamant that you love it more than just about anything else.
~ Your Secret Santa
That got me thinking that CJ's my Secret Santa, because she knows how much I love both that liquor and eating at Émé's restaurant. But whenever I ask her about it, she evades the question. Well, that's not quite correct. She doesn't exactly evade the question, she just doesn't answer it, and it's driving me completely insane! There's this twinkle in her eyes that I haven't seen before, not even in the immediate aftermath of her coming out.
It just really had me thinking it's CJ, like ninety-nine point nine percent positive. Who else knows my almost obsessive love of the Madeira from V. Sattui? CJ was the person who introduced me to it. No, that's not quite right. She took me to the vineyards to buy my first bottle. I'd actually initially tried it at a coworker's cocktail party back when I was working at the Hoover Institute. We head up to CJ's property in Napa about once a month, and she always makes sure I get a bottle with each visit. We have quite a bit of it, but I don't mind at all.
This last week, I still got the coffee and truffle each morning. I'm actually going to hate when this is all over. My body and I have gotten quite used to having these treats each morning. I may have to do something about that.
But I digress. In addition to my daily sweet morning pick me ups, I received another incredible set of gifts from my Secret Santa on Friday. I got a dozen red rosebuds that just fully bloomed as of this morning. What a lovely scent to fill my office over the weekend. In addition to the rosebuds, I got a gift certificate for a full day's treatment for the two of us on the day after Christmas at a lovely spa CJ and I found up in Calistoga about a year ago. Knowing just how exclusive and in demand that spa is, she would have to have put in the request pretty much that same day we were there.
Really, there can be no denying that CJ is behind every single step of this little surprise. But she learned far too good a poker face from playing with the boys back at the White House, because she won't give me even the tiniest bit of encouragement in my belief that it's her.
Happy Friday, Ainsley!
It's nearly Christmas and I won't be able to give you any further presents, but maybe that's for the best. One of my elves came back with a black eye from pumping your partner for more information on gifts for you. I think she's a little jealous!
Well, I hope you like your gifts today. I probably should have gone with a different color of roses, but there weren't any others that had such perfect buds like these.
Your partner mentioned that you wanted to do a day at the spa with her, but never found the time. Since my elves found out that you've taken off the whole week of Christmas, I thought I'd set up this little gift for the two of you. Plus, it might make sure that she doesn't beat me up for spoiling you so.
Enjoy!
~ Your Secret Santa
Coming in to work this morning to finish up the last of the work I needed to take care of before my little vacation, I was greeted with my coffee and truffle, another dozen roses opened and matching the ones from Friday, and a beautiful pair of earrings. They're a deep, almost mossy shade of emerald, shot through with spokes like a wheel. Just looking at the posts of the earrings, I can tell they're made of platinum. These are like nothing I've ever seen before, which means they're probably quite expensive. No one would spend that kind of money on me other than CJ.
Happy Christmas Eve, Ainsley!
This is the last gift you'll receive before it's officially Christmas.
By now, you've probably figured out who I am, but I hope you'll still play along long enough to wait for me to reveal myself with your final present on Christmas Day.
The earrings are trapiche emeralds in a platinum setting. Trapiche emeralds are among the rarest emeralds in the world. I searched to find a pair that matched your eyes, and I think I came pretty close. I thought they would make a fitting gift for you, highlighting your singular beauty.
Enjoy these until I can put them on you myself.
~ Your Secret Santa
I don't think I need to even mention that I was pretty much useless at work. I could barely concentrate on anything, wondering what kind of gift would top these earrings. Thankfully, my work was quick and easy to finish and David let me go early. By the time, I got home, CJ was nowhere to be found, but had left a message on the kitchen counter that she'd be a little late home after work, as she had some last minute shopping to do. I used the time to wrap the last couple of gifts for her and slip them under the tree to take a few pictures of our little stash of presents. Satisfied with the pictures, I started to box everything up so we could pack the car in the morning before heading out. I did my best not to snoop at the packages lying under the tree with my name on them. I promised myself that I'd let CJ have her chance to see this little surprise to its conclusion the way she wanted to. I worked on the preparations for our dinner at home and final packing for our trip up to Napa for the week.
And writing this entry, of course. When CJ gets home, we'll have our dinner and get ready for the midnight mass. I already know what gift I'm going to let CJ open when we get home from the mass, before we head to bed so we can get up to Napa as early as possible in the morning.
And on that note, I'll continue this entry with the conclusion of CJ's little Secret Santa surprise tomorrow after she's officially revealed herself.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"There aren't any presents under the tree!"
I chuckle softly and stir the mulling wine one more time before heading into the living room. She's standing in the doorway, briefcase in one hand, several bags from stores in the mall in the other, and she's staring at the tree. "You said you wanted to take them up to Napa with us, so I decided to start getting everything ready to pack the car up in the morning."
"Hmm," she replies, setting the bags down to shrug out of her overcoat. There's a tired smile on her face as she comes closer to give me a kiss, but I can see the glimmer of something dancing in her eyes. "Good day today, hon?"
I shrug nonchalantly, but don't bother to hide my grin. "I got another present from my Secret Santa today."
"Oh yeah?" she asks, heading into the bedroom to change clothes.
"Another dozen roses, both of which are now home and in a vase in the kitchen. I figured we could take them with us tomorrow morning, a lovely splash of color for the house."
"I like that idea," CJ says, slipping into a comfortable t-shirt and jeans, but still won't meet my gaze. "Is that all you got?"
"My Secret Santa also gave me an incredibly expensive pair of earrings," I say softly, trying to keep the tremor from my tone. "I did a little research when I got home and found out that the earrings cost a few thousand dollars. That's quite an expensive gift to get from someone I don't know."
"Someone must really think you're special to do all of these things for you, Ainsley," she replies just as softly, pulling me into her arms again to finally meet my eyes. "And they probably think you're worth every single penny spent and much, much more than that."
I have to blink back a few tears before I can answer her. "I wish I knew who they were so I could thank them properly for spoiling me so."
CJ just smiles enigmatically and leans in for a slow, sensual kiss, and I melt into her touch easily. I moan softly, fingers slipping up under her shirt to caress her back. My moan turns pouty when she pulls back to rest her forehead against mine. "Let's do something crazy and impulsive. Let's skip midnight mass, pack up the car, bring our dinner with us, and just head up to Napa now."
"But you always go to midnight mass."
"Fuck it! I'm already going to hell for being in love with the most incredible woman in the world. Missing one Christmas mass isn't going to make things any better or worse." She grins broadly. "Come on, hon, let's do it! We have no obligations other than mass and I'm just not in the mood to sit through it and hear other people mouth platitudes they don't mean just for appearance's sake."
"Okay." The word is out of my mouth before I consciously realize it. "Let's do it. I'll go put the wine in the thermos and pack up the salads for tomorrow, if you'll start taking the boxes and bags to the car."
Her broad grin is infectious and I soon find myself in the kitchen, packing up our food and wine, cleaning up the kitchen and filling the dishwasher. I can hear CJ coming in and out half a dozen times, taking boxes and bags out to the car. The dishwasher is just starting to go through its cycle when she comes up behind me to press a nibbling kiss just below my right ear. "Ready?"
"For you? Always."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Ainsley? Hon, wake up."
I growl softly and shift to curl up against the window. "Five more minutes."
CJ chuckles and runs her fingers lightly up and down my side. "Okay, you keep napping while I unload everything into the house." I mumble again, but grab for her hand to hold close to my heart. "Ainsley, I can't get the car unpacked if you don't give me back my hand."
Sighing heavily, I let go of her hand and sit up, stretching awkwardly in my seat. It's still dark out, but I can see the house in front of us, so I know I'm not dreaming. Or I hope I'm not. I struggle with my bag until CJ takes it from me and points in the general direction of our bedroom. I forego the bedroom to curl up on the couch and begin to doze off again.
I'm not sure how much time passes as I sleep, but when CJ wakes me again with lazy kisses, all of our packages have been unpacked and set under the little two foot fake tree that she's also decorated. My two dozen red roses are in t heir vase on the coffee table, and I can smell the wine simmering on the stove, the cloves and cinnamon permeating the entire house. I purr happily and lean into CJ as she lightly scratches her nails through my hair.
"Morning, sleepyhead," she teases softly and presses a kiss to the top of my head. "Ready to open up your gifts?"
"Only if it's the gift that reveals you as my Secret Santa," I reply huskily.
She chews at the inside of her lower lip for a moment, watching me silently. "And you're so sure it's me? Maybe it's somebody else?"
"If it was somebody else, you'd be having Ron Butterfield and the Secret Service looking into it and trying to kill the person yourself," I toss back drily. "Try again, Claudia Jean."
She snorts inelegantly. "So I didn't fool you at all, hunh?"
"No, you had me a little fooled up until the gourmet cooking lessons and the Madeira. Not that I'm complaining about the gifts, because I love them. I'm just curious why you did it."
CJ opens and closes her mouth several times, but says nothing. Then she gets a small package from under the tree and settles on the couch with me again. She stares down at the box for a long moment before handing it to me. I stroke the velvety red paper, unwilling to open this final package and have the whole game end. With a deep breath, I pull the ribbon and unwrap the paper to reveal the card attached to the box. This time, instead of the computer generated font, the card is filled with CJ's angular handwriting.
Merry Christmas, Ainsley!
By now, you know who I am, but you probably don't know why I've done this.
I did this, all of this, because I love you, Ainsley.
The money means nothing to me, it hasn't since I fell in love with you. Even before that, before I went to work for the Bartlet Administration and help make a change in the world, the money didn't mean anything to me.
Each of the gifts I've given you have been given so that you can enjoy them, so that I can enjoy them with you. Your happiness means everything to me, Ainsley, and if it means I give up every penny I have to see you happy until the day I die, I will.
You are the most incredible woman I have ever met. My life is so much better because of you.
I love you, Ainsley. Now and always.
~ Claudia Jean
Your Secret Santa
There are honest to God tears in my eyes at the sentiment in the card in my hands, and I don't even notice the box being taken from my lap until CJ slips down to her knees in front of me. "CJ?" I ask, wincing at the crack in my voice.
She shakes her head and places a trembling finger to my lips. Her eyes sparkle with unshed tears of her own as she smiles. "This was so much easier when I was just thinking about it," she says slowly, clearing her throat at one point. "I had all of it planned out: what I'd say, how I'd say it, what I'd do, how you'd react. But now that I'm really doing this? I'm… I'm terrified, Ainsley. I'm terrified that you'll react differently than I want you to."
"CJ," I murmur, gripping one of her hands tightly, "please, just say it."
She closes her eyes and takes a couple of slow, deep breaths, clinging to my hand. When she appears ready, she lifts that hand and brushes her lips across my knuckles. "I love you, Ainsley, you know that, right?" When I nod, she lets out another shuddering breath. "The day I came out was probably the single most terrifying day of my life since Simon Donovan died. But it was also one of the best days of my life because I no longer had to hide who and what I am, or who I love."
She squeezes my fingers again before releasing my hand to open the box. Inside, in a bed of crushed velvet the same shade as the wrapping paper, is an elegantly simple brushed platinum ring. Nestled into the exact center of the ring is another of the trapiche emeralds, smaller than the earrings, but a very close match. I find myself staring at the ring, CJ's words running on an endless loop in my head. Oh my god! This is… Oh my god!
"Ainsley?"
I blink sharply at the worried tone in her voice and reach out to hesitantly touch the ring with the tip of a finger. "Is this…?" I meet her watery gaze, unable to finish the question.
With a slow nod of her head, CJ pulls the ring from the box and reaches for my left hand, the ring hovering in her fingers at the tip of my ring finger. "Ainsley Hayes, I have never felt for another living being the depths of boundless love that I feel for you. I have never felt more alive, more centered, than I am with you. It wasn't enough to come out and declare my love for you. I want there to be no doubt in anyone's mind of my intentions where you're concerned. Ainsley, will you make me the happiest woman in the world and marry me?"
"Yes," I barely breathe, lungs almost forgetting how to work. "Oh yes, CJ."
Time seems to stand still as she slips the ring onto my finger before leaning in to brush her lips across my knuckles again. Meeting my gaze again, she smiles that broad, unfettered smile that is mine and mine alone, and I am struck once again by the sheer gratitude I have to any higher power involved in bringing CJ Cregg into my life.
"I love you, Ainsley," she murmurs and pulls me close for a gentle kiss.
"I love you, too," I stammer back, eyes focused on the circle proclaiming her love for me. "I-- The earrings. Put them on me like in your card? I want to wear all of them."
I get up on shaky legs and head into the bedroom to pull the small jewelry box from my bag. I stop for a moment to stare at my reflection in the mirror. I look past the red, swollen eyes and see the wonderment and delight practically radiating off my own face. This is more than I could have dreamed of, and yet I can feel this is only the beginning. Wiping at my tears, I head back into the living room to find CJ lighting a fire in the fireplace. Without thought, I join her on the floor, leaning back against the couch, and hand her the earrings. She gently removes the silver studs she gave me for my last birthday and replaces them with the earrings that match my ring. And then she kisses me again. Not that I mind in the slightest.
"You've made me the happiest woman alive, you know that?" she asks finally, breaking the silence.
"I think you've got competition for that title," I tease lightly. "And I need to call Sam Seaborn tomorrow."
"Excuse me?" she asks incredulously. "I just proposed to you and now you're calling your ex-boyfriend?"
"If it hadn't been for him underestimating me as Republican Barbie, Leo never would have hired me to work in the White House. And I never would have met you."
"So it's all Sam's fault then that I've become a slobbering, pathetic, sappy fool for you?"
"Well at least it wasn't Josh for once."
CJ snorts and reaches over to tickle her fingers along my ribs until I squeal in delight and try to squirm away from her. After a couple of moments, I'm flat on my back beneath her, shrieking with laughter and squirming to get away. She pauses to stare down at me, cheeks flushed with excitement, and I can't help myself. I pull her down to trace her lips with the tip of my tongue, delighted when she gasps in reaction. Not one to hesitate, I plunge my tongue past her lips, coyly teasing the insides of her cheeks and tongue. CJ's groan only spurs me on and I shift to roll over on top of her, never once relinquishing control of our kiss. I struggle only momentarily to tug her shirt up out of her jeans, suddenly craving the feel of her skin under my fingers. The very thought that she's willing to take this permanent step to being mine is more evocative than anything else I've ever felt, and I want her to know it.
My lips begin to kiss their way down CJ's long neck to the pulse point thudding between her collarbones. Once there, I nibble lightly along each collarbone, fingers stroking up her sides to cover her breasts. At CJ's throaty groan, I smirk and shift down to capture one of her nipples between my lips. Both nipples get my undivided attention for a moment or two before I head further south. Jeans are removed with only a minimum of distraction, and I let my tongue tease her lower lips just as I did the ones now moaning my name repeatedly.
It doesn't take long at all for CJ to reach her climax, and I grip her hand tightly as we ride out the waves of desire. I slowly kiss my way back up her body, hands stroking to calm rather to inflame. Normally, CJ's arousal gets me even more turned on, but not right now. This wasn't about getting off; this was about thanking my lover -- my fiancée -- for her love and her place in my life and my heart.
"Give me a few to catch my breath and I'll repay the favor," she murmurs between gently teasing kisses when I stretch out at her side.
I simply shake my head and put my head on her shoulder. "We have all week, sweetheart. I just wanted to say thank you for being so damned wonderful."
She grins until a yawn cracks her jaw. "Far be it from me to tell you no."
We fall into a companionable silence for several minutes, and I'm almost asleep when the idea hits me. "So, CJ, how does Ainsley Cregg sound to you?"