Page 21 of Enduring Christmas

"No," said nine-year-old Simone, "they have to get married first. Like my daddy and Autumn did. Then, they start trying to make a baby every night."

"Simone Conners," Autumn chastised, a glow of marital bliss coloring her cheeks. "Not another word."

Dear Kris Kringle, they all needed to remain silent if any of the children were within earshot.

At Xenobia's horrified expression, Luke bellowed, "Everybody out. X is fine. I'm fine."

"You sound pretty angry to me," Rui muttered, hustling a gaped-mouth Autumn out the door.

"Shut up, Rui," Luke snapped. Just before he slammed the door, he uttered a "Merry Christmas."

"Will we see you at the Christmas Eve party?" Ivy ventured.

"Yes," he bellowed through the closed door. "Now, go home."

Luke could hear a few chuckles. "Merry Christmas you two."

Xenobia stared at him. "Was that really necessary?"

He shrugged. "Probably not. But in my defense, our well-meaning friends are gone and you're still here."

She wiggled her finger in his direction. "You have a point."

"Where are you sleeping tonight?" The abrupt change in subject earned him a woeful head shake.

She smiled. "I'll let you know after we decorate the tree.

"Pumpkin," Luke called, "let's double-time it on the tree decorations."

#

XENOBIAnever imagined decorating for Christmas could be so emotional. The house looked amazing. Luke had hung fresh cut pine branches from the fireplace mantle. The crackling fire coaxed the sweetest scent from the needles, then fragrance heavenly. Candles, big and small, were surrounded by an assortment of nuts sat atop of every table. Mistletoe on the door eaves and a nativity scene in front of the hearth add the final touch.

"These ornaments are beautiful," she said holding a plastic baby rattle up to the light before adding it to the tree. Why decorate the tree so late into the holiday season?"

"Tradition," Luke said. "That one your hold was mine." He laughed. "Shiloh's first ornament should be in the same box."

Xenobia felt a rush of melancholy. Luke had Christmas ornaments dating back to when he was a baby. She didn't own one personalized holiday item. Somehow that saddened her. Christmas was supposed to be magic, but it had never been for her.

"My dad would bring me up to that very mountain we walked today. Two days before Christmas we would spend the morning cutting down. That evening, Mom, Pops, and I would decorate the whole house. We didn't have much, but I thought we were rich."

They were compared to Xenobia childhood home. What would he think when he discovered how empty her life was? Her father had been a cold man, especially with his only daughter. He'd been affectionate with her mother, but only when he wanted something...usually a few hours between the sheets. Christmas was just another day. She didn't have any baby ornaments passed down from generation to generation. She'd never taken the time to hand paint anything.

"Miss Xen-obia can you help me tie a bow?"

"Sure, Pumpkin. What size do we need this time?"

"I wish she were as eager to tie her shoes," Luke laughed, circling the tree with another row of burlap ribbon.

Luke had taken the time to get the ribbon in the latest colors: red, black, and white. Shiloh had made the decision to tie a bow on every branch. The clear white lights obviously weren’t enough. And Luke seemed more than delighted to entertain the whims of a five-year-old. He really was an amazing father and she was slowly beginning to understand that he was an amazing man. And she was thinking more and more about how he would be as a lover. Gentle, but demanding.

"Baby girl, I don't think the tree can hold another bow."

She gave a big yawn before answering. "Just a few more, Daddy. I promise I'll be done soon."

He chuckled. "Two more, and then you can help me put the angel on the very top."

Underneath that gruff exterior, he really was a teddy bear. He created a home for the holidays. Xenobia had to admit her Christmas spirit was on cloud nine.