“It’s snowing leopards and coyotes out there,” Sam said.
“Oh, dear! I hope we can make it to church in the morning.” Vera helped the men shed their winter coats and scarfs. She noted how thin Wyatt’s scarf was. She wished she could tell him that in a few more hours, he’d have a nice, big, fluffy scarf to keep him warm.
“Come in by the fire and I’ll bring you all some hot tea,” Vera said. She watched Wyatt glance at the tree as he warmed his hands by the fire.
“Look at all the presents,” Wyatt said. “I’ve never seen so many under a tree before. We had a small family, just myself and my older brother, Clay. It will really be fun tomorrow. I can hardly wait.”
Sam said, “We’ve never had this many before, but now our family is even bigger.”
Thea walked into the room. “And now, with Wyatt and Vera married, our family will grow larger yet.”
Vera came in, carrying the tea tray. She blushed when she heard Thea’s words.
“Are you going to have a baby?” Portia asked loudly.
Vera felt her blush deepen. “No, sweetie, but God will bless us someday.”
Portia looked disappointed. “Can we each open one gift tonight?”
Thea laughed. “No, we need to learn patience, Portia. After church tomorrow.”
“What if we can’t get to church because of the snow?” Portia asked.
“Then we’ll see,” Thea laughed.
The family gathered in the sitting room, the children on the floor, the adults on the settee and chairs. The fire crackled in the fireplace, and the tree sparkled with handmade ornaments. Wyatt sat beside Vera with his arm around her. She thought this had to be the best Christmas Eve ever.
Thea clapped her hands. “It’s too quiet. What should we sing?”
Uma said, “’Silent Night?’”
“How appropriate.” Thea laughed. “Sam, can you start, and we’ll join in? You have such a lovely singing voice.”
They continued to sing song after song until the children’s eyes began to droop.
“You know,” Vera said, “St. Nick won’t stop to fill your stockings if you’re all still awake.”
Portia and Perry scrambled up the stairs; they still believed in St. Nick. The older children bid everyone a goodnight and went up to bed as well.
“Can I get anyone anything?” Thea asked.
Everyone shook their heads tiredly. “Then let’s fill the stockings and go to bed ourselves. We’ve a long day tomorrow.”
Thea, Vera, Wyatt, Sam, and Jack filled the stockings, dropping in candy, and small heart-shaped cakes. Wyatt and Jack threw a penny into each stocking. Sam put a candy cane in each stocking, letting the tops hang out to garner excitement.
Thea stood back and viewed the scene. She sighed. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”
Vera and Wyatt shared the bed again. Though she was exhausted, Vera felt enlivened sleeping beside Wyatt. She hoped she’d find his arm around her again in the morning.
Wyatt yawned. “Today was fun, wasn’t it?”
“This has been the best Christmas ever.”
“It isn’t over yet, my dear.”
“No. Tomorrow will be exciting. I can’t wait to see my gifts opened. I love giving gifts, don’t you?”
“Yes. I’ve always preferred being on the giving side. To see the look of pleasure your gift brings someone is priceless.”
“I know.”
She felt Wyatt turn toward her. “Vera, do you know what I’d like for Christmas from you?”
“I have somethin—”
Wyatt’s hand touched her mouth. “I want this marriage to be real,” he whispered.
Vera knew what he’d meant, but she was too shocked to reply.
He removed his hand. “I’ve been patient, but I want us married for real. I want the closeness of a true marriage between us, something we share with no one but ourselves. I love you, Vera, and I want to complete our marriage contract.”
“I ... I want that, too, but I’d hoped we could do it at home in the master bedroom. It doesn’t feel right here.”
Wyatt was silent for so long she feared he was angry with her. “I suppose you’re right,” he said, finally. “Love has to be on both sides, otherwise things will never have a happy ending.”
“Oh! I love you, too, I’m just—”
Wyatt reached over to stroke her face. How he’d found it in the dark she’d never know.
“Darling, I won’t rush you. If you want to wait until we get home, I’m all right with that. I’m just thankful that our love is mutual. There are so many things I love about you. I never thought I’d ever come to love you so much at first, but I do.”
“I feel the same. God has blessed us, indeed.”
“Do you know how remarkable it is that we’re in love and have never kissed?”
Vera stiffened.
“I’ve been hoping you’d stop beneath that mistletoe all day, but you tactfully avoided it. I can’t wait to kiss you.”
Wyatt ran his hand up and down her arm as he spoke. Goose bumps formed beneath her flannel gown. She wanted him to kiss her so badly, but she’d never kissed anyone romantically before. What if she did it wrong? Was a romantic kiss different from the kisses she gave her siblings?
“Don’t be afraid, sweetheart. I won’t do anything without permission. I just feel the need to touch you so I feel closer to you.”
Vera wanted that, too. How good it would feel to hug him and kiss him. If only she were more experienced. How did one kiss romantically anyway?
“The only reason I’m afraid is because I don’t know how to ... to kiss. I’ve never done it before,” she confessed.
“You don’t have to do anything. Just let me kiss you,” he whispered, still running his fingers up and
