Gemma put down the phone receiver and glared at her husband, Alex. “That’s the last one. None of our three children will be home for Christmas.” She frowned as she took in the almost naked Christmas tree, adorned only with lights so far, while pine boughs garnished the nearby banister.

Alex took her hands into his. “Stop. Let’s do it. We’ve talked about it for years. The two of us should go away for Christmas.”

Gemma shifted in her seat. “Only us? What about Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas morning breakfast? What if one of the kids needs us?”

Alex chuckled. “They can text or call us, like everyone else. This is just what we need. The kids will have their fun, and we can have ours.”

“I… I… I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right. We should be here.”

Alex let out a deep sigh. “It doesn’t feel right because we are so caught up in the routine hustle and bustle of the holidays from Thanksgiving until January that we forget about us. This is a gift. Let’s grab it.”

The myriad boxes filled with decorations collected over the twenty-five years they had been together caught her attention. Her eyes misted. “Can we still make the place festive, even if we decide to go?”

The corners of his mouth turned up, forming a grin. “Of course. And I’ve got the perfect retreat in mind. I’m gonna keep it a secret—my gift to you. Now help me decorate the tree. We need to get in the spirit. And let’s make some hot chocolate. Our holiday celebration may be a little different this year, but it’s still Christmas.”

Gemma bounded to her feet. “Hot chocolate for two coming right up. You know? This is gonna be so much fun.”

“SHOULDN’T YOU tell me where we’re going now? Our departure is tomorrow.”

Alex shook his head. “Not quite yet. I’ll tell you on the plane. But count on it being cold. Like winter should be.”

Gemma poked her head from behind the closet door, her arms full of sweaters. “Will this be enough?”

“More than enough,” he assured her. “Oh, well… I guess I’ll tell you.” Alex pulled out a magazine from his back pocket, flipped through the pages, then stopped, and handed it over to Gemma.

She squealed. “Really? I can’t wait!” Gemma jumped into his arms, tackling him to the bed.

“Now that’s the kind of appreciation I can get in line with. Let our Christmas vacation begin,” he said, as he returned her kiss.

GEMMA’S BOOTS crunched the packed snow as she approached the rustic cabin ahead of her, smoke billowing from the chimney. The surrounding thick tree branches hid in part the small structure, while Christmas lights beckoned through the midnight sky, illuminating the path toward her bed for the night.

“That’s the last of the luggage,” Alex said as he stomped the snow from his boots and shut the door behind him. “Wow, take a look at that spread.”

“Isn’t it great? Come join me for a picnic feast by the fire,” Gemma said, making herself comfortable, patting the space beside her.

“Tomorrow,” he said, gathering some cushions around him, “we’ll board a train and head toward the Northern Lights. There’ll be more food, drinks, wildlife, and views unmatched anywhere else on Earth.”

“But first we’ll explore Fairbanks?” Gemma asked before biting into an apple. “I’m reading up on their Christmas traditions. Everyone contributes to stockings for needy children, and maybe we can catch one of the seasonal plays also.”

“As long as we don’t miss our train,” Alex said. “More wine?”

“Mmm, yes. I think we should take a solo trip every Christmas,” she said, nuzzling her head onto Alex’s shoulder.

“LOOK—A MOOSE,” Alex shouted, as he raced to the porch, abandoning his breakfast in favor of his camera. Gemma grabbed her robe and rushed to catch a glimpse as the beast took its time traipsing through the light falling snow. Time seemed to pause as the giant animal met their gazes, then meandered on his way.

“I could get used to this,” Alex said.

“LET’S STOP here and take a quick look around before boarding the train,” Gemma said.

Alex threw the gear shift into Park. “Sorry, honey. Don’t have that much time. The train’s about to leave. Maybe on the way back. Help me grab the luggage, and we can explore from the train.”

The ride provided hours to observe the local wildlife. Snow decorated the landscape, piled high in pristine mounds. The clickety-clack rhythm of the train slowed as they neared the station. Gemma stared out the window in awe at the dogsled team tethered there, complete with bells and red kerchiefs. She laughed. “Can you imagine us in one of those things?”

“Well, yes, actually I could,” Alex said with a smirk.

Gemma’s mouth dropped. “You didn’t.”

“I did.”

Thirty minutes later, a meet and greet done with the dogs, the sled departed—blankets, hot drinks, and guide in tow—traveling deep into the woods, their destination a secluded heated tent.

Gemma met Alex’s gaze as the evening’s show presented an array of colors that penetrated the sky, providing a unique display of unparalleled hues and lights. “I can’t believe this trip you planned, just for us. I feel so special.” Her eyes welled with tears.

He pulled her chin even with his own. “You are special. Not even this spectacular aurora shines brighter than you.” Their lips brushed in a tender kiss. “You know what? We should experience another event during this dazzling display.”

“What’s that?” she whispered. “I can’t imagine anything else.”

“Let me show you how much I love you and why this Christmas—and the next and the one after that and for all the years to come—I’ll be there with you. Merry Christmas, Gemma.”

A tear fell from her cheek. And, hand in hand, they walked into their tent.