Chapter Eleven

The morning sun streamed between the curtains in her bedroom on Christmas Eve day. She'd overslept and wondered what happened to Rachael and Kenny. Then she heard shrieks and a giggle from downstairs. She threw her old housecoat on over her sleep tee and shorts and hurried to see what her children were into now.

Nick stood at the stove, his hair sticking up, wearing his sweat pants, a spatula in his hand, and a large skillet before him. Rachael was on a stool on his right dipping something and Kenny was on a stool to his left sprinkling something.

"I thought you had to work this morning. You guys scared me. I thought you were up to no good." She laughed as she stepped closer and gave him and each child a quick kiss.

"We are definitely up to something. I make a mean breakfast," Nick answered.

It turned out they were making French toast. Rachael was dipping thick slices of bread in the beaten eggs, Nick was cooking it, and Kenny was holding out the plates for the slices then sprinkling them with powdered sugar. They had a fine assembly line going.

"Awww, Mom, you spoiled it. We was gonna bring you breakfast in bed again," Kenny told her.

"We really were, Mom. It was a special Christmas present for you," Rachael added.

Noelle moved to the coffee pot and poured a cup. "Well, it's the thought that counts and this is a wonderful gift. But I'd rather eat down here with all of you this time."

Nick flipped a slice of toast. "I asked a friend to take my shift. I wanted to be home today and tomorrow." He didn't want to miss one moment of Christmas with Noelle, Rachael, and Kenny, but he didn't add that part. "Don't forget, tonight's the Nativity and play at church. I want to be sure we get there early so we can get seats. Besides, I have a few things I need Rachael and Kenny to help me with, if you can spare them from kitchen detail."

The morning sped by with laughter, more cooking and cleaning, and even singing Christmas carols along with the radio. Nick borrowed Rachael and Kenny to help him wrap a few presents, and then after lunch, they went to the community center with him to hand out fruit and grocery bags for the needy.

* * * * *

The live Nativity to one side of the church brought tears to Noelle's eyes as Nick explained to Rachael and Kenny what the large star, each animal, the three Wise Men, and the gifts they carried meant. Patiently, he explained why Joseph and Mary were in a stable and why Baby Jesus was placed in the manger. Then they went into the large old church to find seats for the play.

The children sat on Nick's knees, their mouths open in wonder as they watched the colorful, well-staged performance. Noelle tucked her hand under his elbow and scooted close to him too, almost as enthralled as the kids. At the end, the entire audience stood and sang Silent Night and O' Little Town of Bethlehem.

At the children's insistence, they walked around to say goodbye to the animals and Baby Jesus in the manger before leaving. The wind began to blow and the temperature had fallen while they were inside. Noelle reminded them of hot chocolate and snacks waiting at Nick's, plus the possibility of opening one present each from under the tree, to encourage them to leave and get out of the cold.

With all the excitement, the clock hands crept toward midnight before Noelle could get the kids into bed. Even then they begged until Nick read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. They both fell asleep in Kenny's bed.

"Here, let me carry her," Nick whispered to stop Noelle waking Rachael to take her to bed. They peeled off Rachael's robe and bedroom shoes, and tucked her in then headed downstairs.

Noelle gathered the torn wrapping paper from the gifts each of the kids opened. They'd each chosen to open a gift from Nick, which hadn't surprised her. Kenny was thrilled with his police station building block set and Rachael couldn't believe she'd received a princess dress-up set complete with tiara and plastic high heels.

Nick brought her a cup of hot chocolate flavored with amaretto and offered her a trash bag. "C'mon, sit with me," he invited, once she'd taken care of the mess.

She slipped off her shoes and joined him on the sofa, leaning back into his encircling arm and stretching her legs out. After a sip of her drink, she told him, "It's so nice to have a few minutes of quiet after a long day. This evening was really special for all of us, Nick. Thank you."

"You're welcome. It was very special for me too." Nick rubbed his chin over her hair. "Noelle... If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas, what would it be?" he asked after a few minutes.

She remained quiet for so long, he thought she wouldn't answer him.

Noelle wiped away a tear and softly told him, "That's not a fair question, you know. Too much has happened... My kids need so much..." Her voice broke as she cried, and she couldn't say anymore.

He lifted the mug from her hand and placed it with his on the end table. Then Nick tugged her across his chest, so she laid back in his arms, looking up at him. "Would you ask for your husband back; for your old life with him?"

"Not for myself...no. But my kids need their dad. Or maybe not, the way he was before he died." She pushed up and stood, then crossed her arms defensively across her stomach. "Why are you asking me this? Why did you have to make me cry on Christmas? We can't change the past."

Nick stood too and reached out to hold her cheeks in his hands. "But we can change the future, sweetheart. I didn't mean to make you cry. But I needed to know—" Nick suddenly stopped talking, let her go, and walked to the Christmas tree.

Noelle thought he was angry with her. Maybe he'd become tired of her crying all the time. But then, he turned and walked back to her, a smile on his face. "I promised myself I'd give you until Christmas Day, and I made it. It's officially past midnight, which makes it tomorrow." He leaned down and kissed her.

She pushed him slightly away before he could distract her, and asked, "Nick, what are you babbling about? What did you have to know?"

"I had to know if you still wanted your husband. I hoped you would tell me you wanted a home, and a man to love, and a father for your children. Then I was going to offer myself, and my home – you know, as a special Christmas gift to make your wishes come true. But instead you cried, and I...sort of...lost my courage."

"Why? Why would you do that? You can't be a sacrifice..." Noelle swiped at more tears as they ran down her cheeks yet again.

Nick saw the sparkle in her eyes and prayed it meant she wanted this as much as he did. He took her hand and dropped to one knee in front of her. With his other hand, he brought out the small wrapped box he'd taken from the tree. "Noelle, I love you, and I love Rachael and Kenny. I would be the happiest man alive if you would share my home and the rest of my life, please?" He handed her the box.

Noelle accepted the small present and dropped to sit on the sofa when her knees gave out. "Nick, are you serious? I can't believe... This is so fast... Are you sure—" She opened the package and looked at the beautiful diamond and matching wedding band inside.

Nick twisted around on his knees to face her. "I got the set because I want a short engagement. But if you want a long one and a big wedding—"

Noelle threw her arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder.

"I hope this means yes," he teased and eased her back from him. "You were crying the very first time I saw you, and you do seem to cry a lot. Guess I'd better buy more of these." He used his hankie and dabbed at her cheeks, then kissed her.

Finally, Noelle whispered, "Well, these are happy Christmas tears, and they mean yes, I love you too – my children love you – and I will marry you – soon." She moaned in pleasure as he slid his arms around her and smothered her in kisses.

* * * * *

Rachael nudged Kenny. They were hiding on the upstairs landing, peeking between the rails. "See... I told you she had to do that to get us a new daddy. Santa Claus sure brought us what we wanted this year. You know, I think Baby Jesus helped too."

"Oh yeah! A new daddy, a new house with the bestest yard, and I bet there's a real football under the tree." Kenny gave a wide yawn. "Rach, I'm sleepy. Can we go back to bed now? Won't be long 'til we can get up and open presents."

~ The End ~