Tuesday Tales - Christmas

The scent of freshly baked brownies still lingered through the house. Alexandra sat at the dining room table with a mug of homemade hot chocolate with mini marshmallows floating in the center. In the middle of the table was an angel candleholder, which housed a bay berry scented candle.

This Christmas she found the magic that had been missing. When she woke up, she came down to a ten foot fully decorated Christmas tree up, except for the top. Billy brought an untraditional top, a Santa hat with both their names written in multi-colored glitter and lifted her so she could put it on top of the tree. She hadn’t stopped smiling and wondered what else Billy had in store for her.

“Can I get you another mug of hot chocolate?” Billy asked placing a dish of just baked brownies in front of her.

“No thank you. I still have.” She reached her hand out to him. “Why don’t you sit down? You’ve been in the kitchen all day.”

"Just give me a few minutes. I want to grab myself a cup of hot chocolate, then I want to talk to you about something.”

Reaching his hand out, she placed her empty mug in his hand. “Okay, I’ll take a refill. But I’ll pass on the marshmallows this time.”

“Be back in a sec.”

Alexandra started biting her short fingernails. What could he possibly want to talk about? Before she could drive herself crazy trying to figure it out, Billy returned with their hot chocolate. He sat next to her and popped a brownie into his mouth.

“Are you happy with the way the living room looks?”

“I love it. You went all out. The tree is beautiful. You really made it special.”

“And it’s just the beginning. I have so many wonderful things in store for you. But before we start the Christmas Eve festivities, I want to run something by you. Now don’t say a word until you hear me through.”

Alexandra bit her bottom lip. With Billy, she never knew what he was going to come up with. “Okay,” her voice cracked.

Taking both her hands in his, he leaned over and kissed her lips. “Baby, it’s all good. I wanted to save this for later, but I can’t wait.”

“As always you’ve peaked my curiosity.”

“Then I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I can’t wait till midnight to give you this present.”

Alexandra stood, still holding his hands. “Come on, stop stalling.”

“I’m not stalling. Let’s sit on the couch by the fireplace.”

“You are so bad Billy. Stop stalling.”

“You’re right.” He took their mugs of hot chocolate off the table and placed them on the cocktail table. “I’m nervous. It’s not too often that I make life changing decisions.”

“Come on…”

Billy sat sideways next to her on the couch. “I have always dreamed of having my own restaurant, but realize that it’s a huge responsibility, including long hours, so I ditched that idea. While I tried to come up with another game plan, I continued working in various restaurants and hotels as a chef.”

“I thought you liked your job at the restaurant.”

“I do. But I want more. I want to make a name for myself in the industry. Be listed in Zagat as the place to go.”

“Sounds like a lovely dream that can be made a reality with the right backing.”

“That’s where you come in.”

“Me?” she pointed at herself. “How can I help?”

“I want you to be my partner. I want to open a bakery café. We can start small and continue to expand as the years go on.”

“Really? You want to take that chance with me? We really don’t know each other that long.”

“It doesn’t matter. I feel it in my heart with the both of us working together we’ll have a winner.”

“Wow. You’re giving me a lot of credit. As you can see I don’t know a single thing about cooking, especially baking. My specialty is takeout.”

“This will give us a chance to grow together while making a scrapbook of memories.”

Alexandra thought for a moment. Her eyes stayed on Billy who tried his best not to laugh. She watched him bite his tongue and would play on it. “I got it. You’re after me for my marketing and public relations expertise,” she replied stoned face trying her best not to start laughing too.

Billy’s grin turned into a frown. “ I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I know you didn’t.” With that she went into a fit of laughter. “Got you.”

His frown turned into smile, then laughter. “I’m not use to this side of you and I love it.”

“What side?”

“You’re always serious, and have never teased me. I love this side of you. And that’s why with the two of us teaming up together, we can really have something special going on in our personal and business life.”

“You’re really serious about this café thing.”

“Yes. I have the talent and you have the brains. And besides, you said you hate your job in the advertising company.”

“I do,” she sighed, taking the last sip of hot chocolate. “But this is a big decision. I have a great job and make good money. If things don’t work out…”

Billy covered her mouth with his finger. “Things will work out. You just wait and see. I promise you if you come along on the Billy train you will be in for the ride of your life.”

“You know something, you’re a hundred percent right. I have taken the safe road my whole life, always afraid to take a chance. I think I’m ready to try something different and take a chance…with you.”

Billy pushed her hair behind her ears and then lifted her chin.

“Let’s seal it with a kiss.”

Their lips met, sealing their future together and kicking off their Christmas Celebration.


A special thanks to Jean Joachim who has orchestrated the Tuesday Tales while blog hopping and getting ready for the holidays. Please take a few minutes to check out the other wonderful tales by a group of talented authors at: Tuesday Tales

I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season full of love and happiness!

Merry Christmas!