Carver sighed as he settled next to Sophia on a cozy makeshift blanket pallet on the library floor by the fireplace. “After entertaining your family all of Christmas Eve, it’s nice to have a quiet moment together.”
“So much has changed in one year. Last Christmas, I didn’t even know you and now . . .” She cupped his face in her hands. “Now, I can’t imagine life without you.”
The fireplace crackled as he took her hand in his. “With you by my side, it feels like life is finally beginning. You were the one who gave me the courage to stand up to my stepfather—to break out on my own and open our department store.” Carver tucked a loose strand of her honey blonde hair behind her ear.
She lifted his hand and kissed the top of it. “And what a wonderful life we have together, you and me and Nora and little Noah. I shall miss them when they move into their new flat above the dress shop with Mrs. Kane next week.” She selected a tiny gift from the tree and laid the small package in his hands. She shifted her legs under her and rested her head on his shoulder to watch him open it, anticipating his reaction to the piece Nora had set aside her mound of orders at her new dress shop on Canal Street to create. Now that Nora’s success was growing, Sophia had no doubt her friend would become famous for her work.
“What’s this?” He smiled at her, his eyebrows rising suspiciously. He felt the package. “Did you make me a pair of socks? I’ve seen you sewing, you know, but I could never quite make out what it was before you hid it away.”
Sophia giggled. “You won’t guess, so you might as well open it. And no, I didn’t make your gift. I gave up after a few tries and called upon Nora for her help, so you know the quality is lasting.”
He tore open the package, and a knitted pair of yellow booties tumbled onto his lap along with a creamy infant’s nightgown. He lifted them up and gaped at her. “Sophia?”
She gently pressed her lips to his and whispered, “Merry Christmas, my sweet, darling husband.”