5 Days til Christmas
by Rhonda*
Day Four � Thursday 23rd December
My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world.
My wife is the most gracious woman in the world.
The kindest soul to enter my life, the warmest heart I�ve ever known. To be in her presence must surely be a gift from God, and every day I pray for it to continue.
It was with a sheer stroke of genius that I suggested we bring the traditional Christmas Eve ball forward to the 23rd, that way I could sneak my wife off to a relaxing, solitary Christmas � instead of the usual maddening hustle and bustle of palace life.
So here we are, instead, maddeningly rushing around, desperate to finish all arrangements ready for tonight�s grand ball. Although my role in the proceedings is a little more subdued this year, no headaches over the security issues of having so many people packed into a limited space. You might think I would miss the importance of organising such an event, but no, not in the slightest. I�ll take this way of life any day of the week thank you very much. More than happily married, ecstatic, I thought I was in love with her before now I cannot even find the words to express how I feel.
I watched as she went around the great dining room and checked and double-checked on the seating arrangements. Originally she�d placed me next to some countess from Austria, I quickly convinced her that this being our first Christmas together I at least deserved the pleasure of being seated next to her. She agreed after two-foot massages and several glasses of wine.
�Well, what do you think, will I pass?� I casually asked as I entered her dressing room.
Two maids were still fussing with her hair and make-up but she glanced into the mirror and looked at me standing behind her and smiled.
�You look fine, as always, very presentable.�
�Thank you dear.�
She sighed and looked at her own reflection. �Alright ladies I think that will do.�
�Certainly ma�am.�
They knew better than to fuss too long, she hated being �played� with as she termed it, feeling like a Barbie doll. They disappeared and we were left alone, I rested my hands on her shoulders.
�Shall I help you dress?�
�I�d like that very much.�
Her dress was breath taking, a floor length black gown with folds and folds of swanky material that slid through my fingers. Beneath that material was a pure white, sparkling with silver jewels on it, the black finished at her sides, the white shone out in front. It caressed her shoulders and rested on her ample bosom. She looked divine; I risked ruining the hour of make-up attention and kissed her mouth anyway. She didn�t protest.
Together we greeted the guests and I made polite chitchat with the uptight members of parliament. Most overly interested in how it felt to go from mere worker to husband of royalty. I bit my tongue and played along with the game. But I did wish more than once that Mia was standing next to me then we could joke about it later over cocoa. Her opinion on the older members of parliament differed little from mine.
Dinner was wonderful, our gracious Prime Minister gave a speech and cards were read out from various people. One from Mia was particularly amusing. Clarisse held my hand beneath the table, though she played her part and spoke mostly to those around her. I was proud to be at her side, and when the ring on her finger caught the lights and sparkled I felt a tightening in my chest.
I danced with her first and last, and then again, when the guests had gone and the ballroom was deserted we danced by candlelight. Her head on my chest, her eyes closed, she swayed in time with me.
�Almost Christmas.� I whispered into her hair.
�Mmm, and I�m actually feeling festive this year. It�s been so long since I�ve looked forward to it all, but with you, and Mia of course�� She looked up at me. �Well I think I�m loosening up a little.�
�In private at least.� I teased and kissed her forehead.
�I do hope we�re beneath mistletoe Sir otherwise you�ll be hung.�
�And which brave member of your security team would you send after me?�
She laughed. �I suppose, you have a point.� She wobbled slightly against me. �Oh dear, one too many glasses of Champagne.�
�I know the feeling, I�m so used to not drinking and being fully alert.�
�Hmm�� She rested her head again. �What time do we have to leave tomorrow?�
�Whenever you wake and are ready, all is prepared.�
�I expect nothing less from you.� She was sounding sleepy now.
�It�s getting late, should we go to bed?�
�Is that a proposition.�
This time I laughed. �Hardly, I was thinking of her majesty�s well-being.�
She looked at me. �So was I.�
�Well in that case then yes it�s a proposition.�
�Alright� I�ll think about it.�
�Goodness you�re a tease.�
�I know.� She kissed me, warm and open and full of unrestrained passion.
�Do you know how many Christmases have gone by when I�ve wanted to dance with you like this� I never honestly thought I�d be sitting by you at one of the grandest occasions in the calendar.�
�And I never dreamed I�d actually feel comfortable and happy at one of these occasions, but I do. I dreamt about it too Joseph, many times, you�ve been in my heart for so many years.�
�And you mine. Did I tell you how beautiful you look in that dress?�
�Many times.� She stifled a yawn and the dancing stopped. �But I like your compliments.�
�I know. Time for my bed my dear.�
�I think so.� I held out my arm for her to grasp but instead she took my hand.
�I was wondering�� She said as we mounted the staircase.
�Hmm?�
�Just what can he have bought me for Christmas?�
�That is a surprise. Only St. Nick and myself know the answer to that question. What might you have bought me?�
�As you said, between Santa and myself. With possibly a little input from Mia.�
�Oh lord it could be anything.�
She giggled. �Indeed it could, though it must be said I didn�t go for all her suggestions.�
�Which included?� I held the door to our suite open, nodding to the guard outside the door.
She slipped her gloves off and laid them on the coffee table. �Something about me in some �festive� outfit�� She raised an eyebrow until I understood her meaning.
�Really! I always knew Mia was on my wavelength.�
A glove hit me squarely in the chest.
�I�m going to remove my make-up and take a quick shower. Don�t get into any trouble whilst I�m gone.�
�I�ll try to behave.�
Less than twenty minutes later I was sitting in the bathroom sipping a brandy watching as she went through her nightly routine.
�What�s that for?� I asked as she applied some white substance to her face.
She sighed. �You ask my every time, and it�s still to keep me looking young and fresh my dear.�
�Is it made for men too?� I smiled.
�I think there is probably a male version, should I have wrapped that up for Christmas.�
�Just you in a Mrs. Santa suit will be perfect thank you.�
�Ha! Tough Santa wouldn�t let me borrow it.�
�You couldn�t persuade him with your charms?�
She turned to me, sauntered over with her hands on her hips, a long creamy silk negligee clinging to her curves.
�My charms� and what might they be?�
�Obvious, diplomat, friendly, funny, gorgeous��
She silenced me with a kiss, ran her hands along my chin and up to the side of my face.
�How I�m looking forward to a few days alone with you.�
�Me too nothing to do but play scrabble.�
�Oh yes I�d forgotten that. I�ll beat you.�
�We�ll see.� I stood up and wrapped my arms around her waist. �Ready for bed now.�
�Absolutely.�
I kissed her this time, a long deep slow kiss.
�Did I mention my wife is beautiful?�
She smiled. �Yes, many times.�
�And gracious?�
She blushed. �Joseph.�
�And the kindest soul�� I kissed her mouth. �And warmest heart.� I kissed her nose. �And I couldn�t love anything more.�
�My thoughts exactly� I don�t care what Santa brings, I couldn�t be happier.�
Day Five � Friday 24th December
I woke early, the sun not even risen, night still sweeping over the land. A sweet sensation on my back, it took me a few heady moments to realise what it was, Joseph�s fingers tracing a line from the base of my spine up to my neck. I moved backwards to rest my body against his and his fingers continued their exploration over my hip. Down to my stomach.
I tilted my neck back welcoming his kiss on my warm skin; I hadn�t even opened my eyes yet. I wasn�t fully awake, but the sheer joy at having his touch with not one ounce of guilt flooding my veins was too much to resist. I�m not sure if I went to bed dressed or not but I was naked in his arms but a few moments later. Mindless kissing, exhilarating and reckless, no words spoken, none needed.
The sheets wrapped around my body as I turned in his arms, he fought them back with his feet and instead wrapped himself around me. Making love to Joseph has been something of an unexpected source of joy, I mean I knew I wanted him, I knew the passion was there � but I thought my body was well past any of these kind of pleasures. Lord knows I�d given up hoping for this many years ago.
It wasn�t until later he told me if was still only 5:30, turned me over and massaged my back until I drifted back to sleep with his body spooned beside mine. We didn�t wake again until gone 10 in the morning.
�Happy Christmas Eve.� He whispered in my ear and this time when I woke the sunlight was flooding into the room.
I turned onto my back and dared to open my eyes and looked up at him.
�You look far too happy.� I said rubbing my forehead.
�I am� our first Christmas together and I�ve managed to get you all to myself.� He kissed my face and pulled me into an embrace.
�I believe we�ve been here already once this morning.�
�Mmm�. Twice?�
�Perhaps later dear, it�s getting late.�
�A kiss then.�
�Alright a kiss.�
He leant over me and kissed me slowly and deeply.
�Satisfied?�
�For now� I�ll order breakfast, we should really get moving.�
�Alright boss.� I watched as he jumped out of bed and put his robe on. �Joseph.�
�Yes.�
�Happy Christmas Eve to you too.�
I was rewarded with a bright full smile.
* * *
�Can I open my eyes yet?�
�Not yet.�
Joseph�s hands rested on my shoulders guiding me across the foyer, I was greeted with an icy breeze on my face as we got to the door then the softness of snow beneath my feet.
�Careful, it�s a little icy.� He said cautioning.
�What is this all about?�
�Here, stop, now�� He kissed the top of my head. �You can open your eyes.�
Two tall fine looking white horses stood before me with a traditional sleigh behind them.
I couldn�t help but laugh. �This is how we�re travelling.�
�Oh yes. First class all the way.�
�Oh how wonderful, Amelia will be very jealous.�
�Shall we depart then my dear.� He held his arm out for me.
�Let�s.�
Joseph of course was thoughtful enough to include blankets in the sleigh along with snacks and the journey itself was incredibly pleasant � though a little bumpy at times. I wondered how he�d managed to convince this rather elderly gentleman to devote his Christmas Eve to carrying the two of us about but knowing my husband the gentleman had probably been well rewarded.
I was even more surprised when a phone rang and found Joseph had brought a cell phone along just in case we were needed, and of course to keep in touch with Mia. Charlotte rang to pass on general messages and to wish us both a Merry Christmas, I hope she liked the gifts we left for her and her family.
It didn�t take that long to reach our destination, after all his teasing Joseph hadn�t done something really extravagant or over-the-top, he had taken me to the log cabin in the grounds. In the afternoon light with last night�s heavy snowfall still covering it, it seemed like paradise to me.
The sleigh departed and Joseph carried our bags inside whilst I looked around. It was fully decorated, a tree in the kitchen, one in the lounge, the bedrooms made up, food store high and ready for use. As always he thought of everything.
The lodge held memories for the both of us, not all of them happy however. It was here that we�d spent almost a week hiding after an attack was made on my life. Here that we admitted our fears and faced our deepest regrets. Here that we kissed by the firelight and admitted our love, made-love for the first and only time. Then we left and moved on and tried to forget.
�Hey, what�s all this for?�
�Oh nothing, I�m sorry�� I wiped at my face.
�You aren�t supposed to cry.� He sat down next to me on the bed and held me. �This was meant to make you happy.�
�It has, I am, I am.�
�Memories, it hurts to think how we were back then, what we gave up. All those years apart.�
�But we have now, and my feelings for you never changed, only grew. And we�ve always been friends haven�t we.�
�Oh yes.� I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. �Always will.�
�So, let�s not dwell on the past, I was going to ask you what you�d like for dinner?�
�Let�s have hot chocolate sauce and dip marshmallows in it.�
�Sounds messy� and fun! Perhaps later, by the firelight.�
I reached for his jumper and lifted it up. �Then what is your suggestion?�
�Something easy to do, yet filling and warm because I think it�s going to be damn cold here tonight.�
�I agree.� I reached for his shirt buttons.
�Casserole?�
�Yes.� I pulled his belt off.
�Clarisse.�
�Yes sweetie.�
�Did you have plans.�
�I think I made you a promise this morning��
�You did.�
�Yes, and we have some years to make up for.�
�That we do��
Later, much, much later, we ate marshmallows dripping with hot chocolate sauce wrapped up in several heavy quilts in front of the open wood fire. And that�s how we saw in our first ever Christmas morning�
Christmas Day
World wide this day would dawn, as constant as sunlight and the moon, as rainfall bringing life to the earth, as lovers greeting with a kiss. Yet for its splendour, for all its planning and excessiveness and religion and giving and receiving, for all these things it slid into being as gently as the snowfall on Clarisse�s face.
With eyes closed she lifted her face to the sky accepting each flake on her pale skin, feeling them melt and slide down her cheeks to the base of her neck, then down again between the valley of her breasts. She pulled the blanket closer around her shoulders as a breeze passed her and opened her eyes having a look around. No sight of human for miles and miles, no marks in the pure white landscape surrounding her, no sound accept that of her breathing.
She smiled, she could stand and sing here at the top of her voice, scream her lungs out and nobody but the birds would know. She wondered if they�d listened last night, if they alone had witnessed her cries of pleasure, it wasn�t often she completely let go of all rational though and gave in to the rawest of emotions. But last night she loved and was loved and it had been� � oh she couldn�t find the words to describe it.
By the light cast over the ground it must be at least mid-morning, the last time she�d glanced at Joseph�s watch it was 3:30 and they�d wished each other a Merry Christmas, made love again and slept soundly. She was getting hungry; she gripped the mug in her hand and savoured its warmth, draining the last of the contents.
�Hey, you�ll freeze out here.� A familiar voice sounded behind her.
She turned her head to smile at him. �I was having a moment to myself.�
He joined her, held her from behind and gripped her waist kissing her cheek. �Good morning again.�
�Good morning. Isn�t the snow beautiful.�
�Beautiful but cold nevertheless.�
�I�m reminded of a moment years ago. I was forty-five.�
�How could either of us ever forget it� in that attic room, side by side watching the snow fall.�
�A sad moment.�
He kissed her cheek again, longer this time, holding her body close to his. �No sad moments today my love.�
�No.� She turned to him sliding an arm around his neck. �No more sad moments anymore. I must call Pierre and Mia this morning.�
�I think the reception should be fine, but I�ll check for you.�
�Thank you sweetheart. Tea?� She held her mug to him.
�It�s empty��
�Exactly.� She smiled.
�Ah so this is a �Joseph my dear wonderful husband would you refill this for me?��
�Possibly something like that, would you?�
�You know I will,� he took the mug from her. �Come inside, time for gifts.�
She accepted his offered hand. �How excited you look.�
�I am, another first for us.�
* * *
It was beautifully wrapped; it almost seemed a shame to rip it apart. Clarisse knelt in front of the fire, Joseph across from her leaning back onto the edge of the couch. She gripped the corner of the shiny silver paper and tore it down one side revealing the gift inside; she bit her lip, closed her eyes then collapsed in a fit of giggles. Joseph smiled at her reaction, not holding back on his own laughter.
She dropped the present and almost jumped across the rug into his lap. �You give me this�� She laughed grabbing his waist still laughing. �You torturer.�
�Does this mean you like it or not.�
She held his face and looked into his sparkling eyes, leant forward and kissed him as his hands rested on her hips. Then she pulled back, leant across the floor and retrieved the gift, removing the rest of the wrapping to reveal a thick hardback book.
�The complete guide to home baking.� She read aloud and Joseph stifled yet more laughter. �Does this mean I am to take up baking� at home, like a proper domestic housewife.�
�That is what I�d hoped.�
�Why you absolute��
She didn�t finish her sentence because he covered her mouth and wound his fingers into her hair.
�Perhaps you could bake me a cake for my birthday.� He finally said.
Her face softened. �Perhaps I could. Your turn.� She struggled up from his lap. �My body is too old for the floor.�
�It seemed content enough last night.� He said watching her move across the room the to tree.
�It was more than content�� She replied nonchalantly then turned to him with a grin. �Alright, present number one.�
She handed him a small rectangular package, quite obviously not wrapped by her own fair hands, then sat down on the couch behind him, folding her hands in her lap and watching him intently.
�Oh my Clarisse.� He said slowly. �Do you know how rare this is� only five copies out there, to my knowledge anyway.�
She bent her head to his ear. �Only four out there now, one in your hands.�
He turned to kiss her. �Thank you,� he said turning the box in his hands and looking at the personalised signatures.
�You�re very welcome but this doesn�t mean I have to listen to it for the rest of the day alright.�
He laughed. �We�ll see.�
He handed her a large, soft package and intrigued she made short work of the wrapping. The material filled her hand, almost overflowed in them.
�It was my Grandmother�s, I�ve had it for years, always hoped to give it to you� at some point.�
She almost blushed at her own gift when she realised the sentiment involved here. The shawl in her hands was as delicate as the rarest jewel, intricately crafted white lace, obviously an antique.
�Here let me.�
He took it from her hands and she stood before him as he placed it around her shoulders.
�Perfect you see.�
�Thank you.� She mouthed, admiring herself in the mirror over the fire.
�You are more than welcome.�
�No I mean really thank you.� She said heavily, turning and kissing him.
She took a deep breath and removed the shawl, gently laying it down on the table.
�Alright, your turn again.� She moved back toward the tree to get another gift. �Now this one was a little hard to disguise, so in the end I decided not to bother at all.�
He laughed as she removed a sheet and picked up a Spanish guitar with a huge red bow at one end.
�I don�t know much about the instrument but I�m told this is the best available so�� She shrugged as he took it from her. �Now you can play beautiful music.�
He lifted his gaze from the instrument to her expectant eyes, reached over for her hand. �Thank you darling, it is precious.� Kissed her fingers. �And I will teach you how to play.�
�Oh no�� She shook her head, �I might break it.�
�Oh yes. And it won�t break.�
�We�ll see.� She kissed his cheek.
* * *
�Oh this smells divine.� Clarisse held the package to her face.
�Open it.� Joseph smiled taking a seat on the floor across from her.
She untied the silver ribbon and lifted the lid from the white box and removed the paper inside. She insisted on lifting each gift out of the box individually and reading the label.
�I had them specially made, each one unique.�
�For me��
�Of course, the things you love, soap in your favourite flower, bath essence in that incense you love.�
She held up a round ball and read the label. �Sex bomb bath ballistic.� She raised a disapproving eyebrow. �I do hope you didn�t have this specially made.�
He laughed. �No, that was Mia�s input. Apparently it�s actually really good in a nice hot bath.�
�I�m sure. It has glitter in it.� She said turning it over in her hand.
�Then you�ll shine more than usual.�
�Oh how flattering you are.� She said flippantly.
�But you do like it?�
�Yes, I love it, all of it.� She replaced them in the box. �With all these new creams it means I can pester you for intimate back-rubs.�
�That I don�t object too.�
�I�m sure� alright, final gift.� She hoisted herself up with the help of the couch and placed a rather large red box on the floor in front of Joseph.
�Wow.� He said kneeling in front of it.
�Now you mentioned you�d like this so I thought I�d just be brave and get it�� She bit down on her lip as he looked up at her questioningly. �Read the label.� She insisted.
�Alright.� He turned the gold tag over. �Santa baby I�ve been good all year.� He looked up at her again. �Rather cryptic.�
She placed a hand to her blushing cheek and sat down. �Just get on and open it before I die of embarrassment.�
He easily slid the ribbon off the side of the box and removed the lid. At the top of the box were a pair of heeled red glittered mules, he lifted them out and stared at them confused before placing them on the floor.
Next was a neatly wrapped package, he took the paper from it and revealed a red velvet dress trimmed with white fur, holding it up he realised how short it was. Sensing where this was going, he began to smile and eagerly reached for a small box.
�Oh no�� Clarisse groaned as he opened it up, he laughed as she held a pillow in front of her face.
Inside the box was a pair of red lacy stockings and some rather suspect lingerie.
�I was cajoled into it.� She said from behind the pillow.
He laughed loudly now. �Oh I wish to shake the hand of whoever got these for you, and thank them from the bottom of my heart.�
�There�s a hat too.� She said sheepishly as he produced the Santa hat and placed it on his head.
�Do I get a complete outfit too?� He teased.
�Oh I shouldn�t have got it, I�m too old.� She closed her eyes and her head fell back onto the couch.
�Hey,� He leant over her. �Mrs. Santa.� He ticked her chin and she opened her eyes and smiled at him.
�Yes.�
�You�re never too old to have fun� besides we weren�t able to do things like this when we were young, so why not enjoy it now. There�s nothing wrong in it. It�s just for the two of us.�
�I know you�re right, I�m just embarrassed.�
�Don�t be. Now kiss me.� He waved a sprig of mistletoe over her head.
�You don�t need cheap tricks for a kiss� Mr. Santa.�
* * *
Later, much later, after Clarisse had fulfilled Joseph�s dreams and actually put on the outfit for at least 20 minutes they had opened the gift from Mia. A personalised hand-made marble chessboard, trimmed with gold and each piece decorated with either Clarisse�s or Joseph�s newly bestowed crest.
After a rather late lunch they began to play until Clarisse claimed she was far too tired, and that was why she was losing! So instead Joseph cut them both a slice of traditional Christmas cake and they had Irish coffees.
When he came back to the lounge carrying the tray he found Clarisse had dragged the sheets they had used on the floor the night before and laid them out in the bay window.
�What�s all this?�
�I thought it would be romantic.� She replied as she fussed over the position of the cushions.
�It is, do you want cream with your cake?�
�No, I need to watch my figure.�
�Ha! I shouldn�t worry about that, I�m sure we�ll work the calories off.�
�And what�s that supposed to mean young man?� She stood with her hands on her hips. �I think you�ve got the wrong idea about me entirely.�
He climbed into her ready-made haven and cut the cake on his plate. �Perhaps it was the outfit that gave me that impression� when are you going to put it on again anyway?�
�Never.� She sat down across from him, pulling a sheet across her legs and picking up her own plate. �Perhaps I�ll pass it on to Mia.�
�You want to encourage that kind of behaviour in the young?�
�I want to discourage it in my husband.�
�Once a year sweetheart.� He joked and her fa�ade broke, she laughed so much she dropped her cake to the floor.
�Oh no look what a mess you�ve made.� He teased adoring every second of her laughter.
�I�m sorry.� She tried to control herself.
�You can share mine.�
�Thank you dear.�
They shared the cake then put the plate to one side.
�What about the mess?� Clarisse asked.
�We�ll deal with it later. Come here.�
She moved to sit in front of him, her back against his chest, tilted her head to one side so he could kiss her neck and folded her fingers with his over her stomach.
�The day went too quickly.� She finally said after looking out at the snow still shining in the dark night.
�I know, but it�s been perfect, I wouldn�t change a minute.�
�Me neither.� She squeezed his hand. �Thank you for my gifts.�
�Thank you for mine.�
�You�re sleepy, I can hear it in your voice.�
�I am.� He admitted allowing his eyes to close.
�Sleep for a while, I don�t mind.�
�I think I just might. I thought we might watch a movie later.�
�Yes, I�d like that, I haven�t seen a good movie in ages.�
She sat there for a while listening to his breathing get slower, deeper and more even until she knew he was asleep. Then she sat for a little while longer staring out at the snow and considering how much things had changed that year. Finally, with some effort, she lifted his arms from her and got up without waking him, she went directly to the bathroom and rinsed away the tears that had escaped down her face.
She cleaned up the cake from the carpet and placed another blanket over Joseph then went to the kitchen and began the dishes. She spent her time washing each used glass individually then drying it and placing it back in the cupboard.
�Hey, you don�t have to do all that now.�
She glanced to the door where Joseph leant watching her.
�You�re supposed to be sleeping.�
�I couldn�t�� he stepped towards her. �Can�t bear to miss a second with you.� He caught her waist. �Don�t do these now, I�ll do it later.�
�I�ve used them too.� She insisted.
�Then we�ll share it.� He held her hands and kissed them. �These hands weren�t made to do dishes.�
�Joseph�� She said softly.
He took the towel from her hand and threw it aside then twirled her around.
�Let�s dance instead.� He said.
�Alright, though I want to have a bath in my glitter ball stuff before we watch a movie.�
�You�ll sparkle all the way through it.�
She giggled then rested her head against his chest, sighing deeply and closing her eyes.
�I do love you, so very much, I don�t tell you often enough.� She whispered.
�You tell me every day.� He kissed her head. �I love you.�
�I know, more than I thought anybody ever could��
Together they swayed in time to silent music.
We don�t need a crowded ballroom everything we need is here. If you�re with me next year will be the perfect year�
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