Christmas Joy

Anna hummed as she pulled out a batch of cookies from the oven. The smell of warm chocolate chip cookies filled the air, drawing Anna’s husband, Adam, into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, but you can only have one,” Anna informed him. “The Sunday school children are coming carol singing in a while. Plus, we’re having lentil roast for dinner. You don’t want to spoil your appetite, do you?”

“Sneaky woman,” he laughed. Anna smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling, “I love you too. Now, would you please help me put the cookies into jars? I’d like to clean up the kitchen and have a quick shower before the carolers arrive.”

Anna was happy with how her day had been. She had finally found the perfect present for her nephew, with Adam’s help, and had managed to get a good amount of Christmas baking done as well.

The sound of Silent Night drew her into the family room. She marveled at the cozy room bathed in light from the twinkling Christmas tree. Adam was lighting pine scented candles. He turned as she entered.

“My heart feels as though it may burst any moment, Adam” Anna whispered. He reached for her hand and drew her towards the Christmas tree they had decorated together, “I love you, Anna. I am so lucky to have you.”

She gasped when he slid the sparkling emerald ring onto her finger, “Is this my Christmas present?” Adam laughed, “Must I have an occasion to tell you how special you are to me?”

When she looked back at him wonderingly, he explained, “You brighten my life. I want you to have this ring to remember that, when I’m not around to say the words.” Anna snuggled into his arms, “I love you.”

A November Surprise

“Would you like to come over?” Nora asked her boyfriend, Mark, over the phone. “I thought we could go out for a walk. It’s such a beautiful afternoon!”

After the walk they would carry up blankets to her roof and watch the stars while sipping mugs of hot chocolate, Nora imagined. It was a good thing they lived in warm California where the evening air would create just the right amount of coziness, without freezing them.

“I wish I could, but I still have a lot of work to get done.” Mark replied, dampening Nora’s fantasy.

For the past few weeks Mark had been distant, too busy to spend time with Nora the way he used to. She sighed. Maybe she would go on that walk alone. Then she would drop him a visit to see exactly what was going on.

A few hours later Nora stood outside Mark’s apartment determined to get to the bottom of this situation. She didn’t know what to expect. She certainly didn’t expect to see Mark’s ecstatic smile at her unexpected arrival. Was he expecting her?

Her eyes widened as she took in the glowing tea light candles, the smooth jazz softly playing in the background, and the lovely aroma from the kitchen.

Mark drew her close, “I love you, Nora. You are the most precious gift I could ever have. Will you marry me?” Nora smiled and nodded quickly, her eyes bright with emotion.

“How did you know I would come here tonight?” Nora looked up. Mark kissed her nose, “Let’s just say I know you well.”

When Mark slipped on the gorgeous diamond ring he whispered that he would never stop loving her. The diamond sparkled in the warm light of Mark’s apartment, a promise that true love was here to stay.