The air was crisp, but not biting, and the wind was still. The stars seemed to be closer to the earth than usual, but none twinkled brighter than those in the eyes of her love.

They strolled arm in arm across the rooftops, and looked down on the glittering splendor of New York City sidewalks and businesses decked out in Christmas decorations, and the fabulous window displays of the department stores. The window sills and marquees were frosted with a few inches of snow, and the lines of Christmas lights glistened with a light coating of ice. The sidewalks were as full as they usually were at midday, and the pedestrians were loaded down with shopping bags. On every other corner there stood a Salvation Army kettle, with musicians and carolers performing Christmas carols.

The group of Tunnel Dwellers, past and present, and Helpers, could not have been happier as they enjoyed a roof-top tour of the heart of Manhattan, celebrating the season. For Vincent and Catherine, it had been an hour of softly spoken conversation, hand holding, soft shared laughter, and tender looks. Catherine started to sing, softly,

Strings of street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
home with their treasures

Lin, Henry, Edie, Mr. Smythe, and Bennie joined in,

Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene
And above all this bustle
You'll hear

Vincent bowed to Catherine, and she curtseyed. They waltzed as the group sang,
Silver bells, (silver bells)
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling. (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day.

Vincent gave Catherine a final turn, and as the song ended, they hugged, and laughed. He drew her away from the group.

"Catherine," he said softly, "I want to give you your Christmas present. Close your eyes, and hold out your hand."

She did so, smiling. He pulled a silver charm bracelet from a pocket, and fastened it around her wrist. "Open your eyes," he whispered.

She looked, and could not believe what she saw: a beautiful antique charm bracelet, made of heavy silver links. Five charms, silver painted with enamel, already dangled from it: a rose, a glove, a mirror, a key and a ring. Her jaw dropped open, and eyes popped open wide.

"Vincent! I can't believe it!"

He smiled. "We found it in some donated clothing. I thought it was very beautiful. I wanted you to have it."

She shook her head in disbelief. "It is very, very beautiful, Vincent," she embraced him, "I love it. Thank you, very much. I'll treasure it."

He returned her embrace, warmed by her happiness with his gift.

Laura and Jerry signed that they would begin leading the tour to Central Park.

"Ah, here's where I need to leave," Catherine said to Vincent.

He looked down at her lovely face, her cheeks and the tip of her nose ruddy in the frosty air. He took her hands in his.

"No, Catherine," he spoke spontaneously, letting his disappointment show.

"Yes, I have to, I have a Christmas surprise for you, Vincent, and I have to go get it ready," she answered.

"You can't stay a little longer?" he implored softly.

"No, I have to go now, you are going to love this so much, I will see you soon," she stood firm, squeezed his hands, and turned away.

"Are you sure you can climb down by yourself?" he called to her back.

"Very sure," she sang out, striding away.

He watched her walking away, and his heart melted.