CHRISTMAS BOOKENDS
Bob Bookends had been walking around for days whistling and humming Christmas Carols, at times as he passed through a room Emmy was in he would put his arm out take her hand and dance with her to whatever music they had on then kiss her sweetly and go on with whatever he had been doing. Emmy had been baking cookies and such for family and friends. While she sang to the Carols on the radio or a CD she would put on.
There was a large Nativity scene in their front yard and multi colored lights around the eaves. The tree had been decorated in their living room since the day after Thanksgiving and many times you would find them sitting there just enjoying the twinkling lights and musical ones on.
Emmy and Bob came even more alive this time of year, Emmy seemed to glow and glisten even brighter than all their decorations, her beautiful green eyes shined liked emeralds in the bright sunlight. Neither Bob nor Emmy much cared for shopping as a rule but when Christmas came around they actually played at finding interesting gifts for those they loved, then wrapping them to put under the tree to be opened on Christmas morning when everyone came for what had become the happiest place for everyone to be. Bob was sometimes incorrigible in buying things for his wife and always did some fun things inside her presents like putting them boxes wrapped inside boxes inside boxes before she would get to the real one, or earrings on teddy bears ears that she might not see at first. Emmy loved the games and did just a many little tricks on her husband. It had become one of the things their family and friends liked to watch as they were opened. They had even gotten to where they did them on everyone at times.
Both served some time in holiday meal lines for the less fortunate souls in and around the Atlanta area and even helped deliver food to those who were house bound or delivering toys to some of the underprivileged children in the area. They also sang with a group one night walking around singing Christmas carols on people’s front yards. Emmy had such a wonderful voice that she sang many of the solos at times.
On Christmas Eve after they had the last of their preparations complete and finished their dinner they sat down on the couch together with Christmas music playing and snuggled into each other’s arms, cups of warm cinnamon cider in front of them on the coffee table and a fire glowing in the fireplace sparks flying up the chimney . Their faces were aglow form the firelight and the love in their hearts for one another on this night.
It had become a tradition between them that they share one gift together alone on Christmas Eve it was their private Christmas moment. Thus it was Emmy got up and went to the tree and pulled a small box out before coming back to the couch with it in her hands. As she started she saw Bob already had one in his hand a small long delicately wrapped box for her.
“That is unfair baby you had it hid under the throw pillow next to the arm didn’t you?” she said with a mischievous smile on her face.
“Yes my darling I did. I wanted to be able to just sit here and just watch you as you walked to the tree and back, I like just watching you walk.” Bob told his wife.
“You are so incorrigible at times my baby. But oh so sweet.” She told him as she sat down beside him where she could see his green eyes. Then she handed him his present as he handed her the small long package he had for her.”You first this year my darling husband, I cannot wait to see the look on your face.”
So Bob did just that as he started to unwrap his gift meticulously keeping the paper as unripped as he could the bow neat and folding it as it came away from the box underneath. As he took off the lid his smile broadened tremendously.
“Oh my darling you shouldn’t have this is so wonderful. Where did you find this?” Bob leaned over and took Emmy’s face in his hands and gave her a long passionate kiss before backing away to reach in the box and pull out the watch with the Marine Corps 1st Division emblem on the face and leather straps.”
“I knew you would like it sweetheart, it is your old unit isn’t it?” she asked.
“Yes baby you know it is, thank you so much I love it and I love you so much.” He told her then, said.”You next baby.”
Emmy wasn’t going to be as slow as her husband had been; she tore the paper off and opened the box. As she pulled up the lid on hers, her eyes lit up and her mouth went open a bit. She lifted out a pendant on a platinum chain the pendant was a Christmas tree made of the same platinum but studded with emeralds except for 5 rubies like ornaments and a yellow diamond at the peak as its star. When it was fully out Bob reached over took it and hung it around Emmy’s neck.
Emmy was still speechless as she saw the gems glimmer with brilliance in the light of the fireplace aglow. Then she looked up at her husband a tear at each eye.
“Oh baby how on earth can I not love you so much, you just keep treating me like a princess.” She told him, a small choke in her speech, then leaned over and returned the kiss he had given her only moments earlier. This kiss was unending and the two held one another as if trying to merge into one being. As the passion of their kiss heightened the holding became touches and it overtook them in the need to express more intimate deep feelings.
They had gone from sitting to leaning back against the couch back and tops were undone so they could kiss and embrace all of one another. Bobs hands massaging his wife slow and lovingly while Emmy stroked his hair she so dearly loved. Finally they rose together and wrapped in each other’s arms made their way to their bed and after long moments of undressing one another excitedly giggles mixed with sighs they began to embrace completely.
As they were ready to fall asleep much later, after a final warm tender kiss Bob looked deep into Emmy’s eyes and said. “My darling we better fall asleep now or Santa is going to pass us by.”
“He has already been here my baby.” She replied and they both laughed before holding each other closer and closing their eyes.
With the morning sun they rose and enjoyed their coffee and then breakfast before taking a bubble bath together as was they both liked to start each new day. The two fairly danced through the morning putting final touches to everything before the first of their company arrived. At last they dressed in the holiday finery they had decided on for this day and then relaxed until the door bell chimed the first time.
Later after the glee and laughter subsided from the opening of gifts intermixed with hugs and kisses from surprises just opened. Some exhilarant good natured fun at the little tricks hidden for some in their wrappings was always an expected added joy. All finally made their way into the dining room for the mid afternoon meal and stood around the table hands held in an unending chain of love while Bob led the prayer at which time Amen and Amen was uttered in solemnity and unison by all.
After the last of their friends and family had departed for their own homes, Emmy had Bob sit in his favorite recliner after he put on some soft music and she brought in cups of steaming cinnamon cider and then sat in her husband’s lap. Her head on his shoulder his arms wrapped around her.
“We are so very blessed my darling, you have brought such peace and joy into my life.” Bob said to his wife.
Her mesmerizing green eyes glistening in the glow of the fireplace she gave her husband a sweet gentle kiss then said. “You are my joy my husband, we are each other’s dream come true .”
