She sat looking at the twinkling lights. The library was awash in the shades of Christmas, blues, reds, and greens. The greens were her favorite. The smell of the pine filling her senses, filling her peace and quiet. Sipping her coffee she waited for the sun to rise and with it her children. Their blond heads would bound into the library and soon the room would be filled with the sounds of their laughter. Their gaeity would be infectious soon spilling over to their parents and the goblins that would sneak their way into the tree.

Quietly a hand slipped in front of her face, a small silver wrapped box in its palm. She took the box and placed it aside taking the hand in hers she pushed him back off his haunches, seating herself in his lap. Her face against his chest, she breathed in the scent of him. She felt his heartbeat beneath her cheek and loved that it was hers.

"The box," he said near her ear. "You must open it."

Reaching beside her she grabbed the box from where she had placed it and undid the bow. Nestled inside was a pendant, her breath was taken from her at its exquisiteness. She touched it softly, nearly afraid to break it.

"It was always yours," he pulled it free of its trapping. "I thought you would like a part of it with you."

Clasping the heart shaped ruby around her neck he kissed her softly, "Merry Christmas."

I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas.