AN: So this is the Jim Brickman Series dedicated to the holidays. It will have 6 parts to it and each part will be written around a holiday and a Jim Brickman song. This first song is called "The Gift."
Part 1 - The Gift
Winter snow is falling down
They drove through the neighborhood past house after house; each one decorated in their own special way for Christmas. Christmas trees shined in the windows and holiday lights hung from the rooftops. Fresh snow blanketed the city and provided the perfect accent to the holiday scene. Jude pressed a gloved hand to the window and silently wished to be a part of what she saw.
"Tommy," she said as her eyes tried to keep up with each passing scene. "I love this neighborhood."
Children ran around their front yard building snowmen and creating snow angels as their parents watched from the doorstep, huddled together to keep warm. Each child, just as happy as the next, laughed energetically as they fell onto the fresh powder.
Children laughing all around
"It's great here, isn't it?" Tommy took hold of Jude's free hand and brought it up to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss on it and held onto it as he continued to drive.
There was something about this neighborhood, something she couldn't quite put her finger on, but this was the place she wanted to live. This was the place where she wanted to raise her family.
"Please tell me the house we're going to look at is in this neighborhood." Turning in her seat, she held his free hand between her two hands and gave him puppy dog eyes. "Please?" she stuck out her lower lip and gave him a pout.
With a twinkle in his eye and a playful smile he replied, "You'll see."
She hit him lightly on the shoulder and tried to suppress the smile that played at the corners of her mouth. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as she pretended to be mad at him by crossing her arms in front of her and slouching slightly in her seat.
They had been together three and a half years now and they were now looking for a place of their own. She moved into his apartment two years ago and now it was time to look for something more permanent.
Lights are turning on
"Are we here?" she asked as they came to a stop in front of a two-story brick house. The snow in front of it was still fresh and untouched, and a light in the living room shone through the large bay window.
Tommy shook his head and got out of the car. He casually jogged over to Jude's side and opened the door for her, offering her his hand. "Come on," he said as he tilted his head to the side. "The realtor is waiting for us inside." Jude bit her bottom lip as she smiled excitedly and followed Tommy inside.
like a fairy tale come true.
Through the window atop the door they saw a simple, but elegant chandelier. They pushed open the dark, wood door and walked into the spacious, open foyer. The living room opened up into dining room. The dining room and kitchen were separated by a bar, which was situated next to the swinging door. To their left was a staircase that led up to a walkway that was open to the area below and just next to the staircase was a small den and a family room. Overall, the house had a very open feel to it.
Jude dropped Tommy's hand as she walked into the house. Looking around slowly she said softly, "Tommy, I love it." Turning around to face him she asked, "Can we see the rest?"
Before Tommy could answer her, a tall woman rounded the corner and gave them a big, excited smile. "You must be Tom and Jude, nice to meet you," she said as she offered her hand to both of them. "Ready to see the rest of the house?"
Nodding enthusiastically, they followed the woman and walked up the carpeted staircase and across the open walkway. Jude looked out over the first floor and smiled. "I can already see everyone here," she said as her hand glided along the railing. "Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, birthdays, everything."
Tommy walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. As she leaned her head back onto his shoulder, he placed a light kiss on her cheek. "You've got it all planned," he said into her ear.
"Wonderful," the realtor said. "This house will be perfect for family get-togethers. It's nice and spacious and the open layout is great for entertaining." She raised her arm in the direction of the rooms and said, "Ready to see the rooms?"
Pulling away from her, Tommy, said, "Yeah, let's go." He found her hand once more and they made their way to the first of four bedrooms.
"Here is the smaller of the rooms," the realtor said as she opened the door. "Could possibly be used as an office," she said as they inspected the room. "Pretty standard, let's go have a look at the next one. They walked further down the hall and the realtor opened another door. "And this is one of the two identical bedrooms. These are both the perfect size for a guestroom or a possible nursery." She looked at both them and gave them a wink as she asked, "Babies anytime soon?"
Both Tommy and Jude laughed lightly at her comment and Tommy said, "Not yet," as he squeezed Jude's hand. She wrinkled her nose and gave him a warm smile as he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead.
As the realtor watched them with a happy smile, her phone rang, breaking Tommy and Jude from their moment. "Excuse me," she said as she flipped open her phone and walked away.
"This is it," Jude said as she looked around. "This is the house."
"Let's hope we can get it," Tommy said as he squeezed her hand.
Walking back to them, the realtor said, "I just spoke to the owner's realtor and she told me the house has just been sold. I'm so sorry."
A feeling of disappointment washed over them at the realization of losing their dream house. "It's gone?" Jude asked as her shoulders slumped in defeat.
"The owners just accepted one of the offers today." She placed a comforting hand on Jude's shoulder. "But we can look at other houses in different neighborhoods? I've got a few more in mind."
Giving her a weak smile and shaking her head, "I think we'll do that another day." Extending out her hand, "But thanks for the offer."
Shaking Jude's hand she said, "Anytime. Just give me a call when you're ready to look."
Watching as you softly sleep
"I can't believe we lost the house," Jude said as she climbed into bed. Scooting over to Tommy, she laid her head on his chest and wrapped an arm around him.
Gently stroking her hair he pulled her closer to him and said, "Maybe we'll find a better one?"
She let out a small sigh as she closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat. "But there was something about that house," she said as she started to doze. "I don't know."
"You really want that house, huh?" he asked as she silently shook her head. "It doesn't matter what house we get," he said as he wrapped both his arms around her. "As long as I get it with you, it will be the perfect house."
What I'd give if I could keep
"I love you," she whispered lazily before finally drifting off to sleep.
He pulled the comforter snug around them and looked down at her as he thought for a few moments. He had hoped they would be able to find a house that she liked before her birthday so they could spend it there, but it looked as if he would have to find another birthday present for her.
She stirred lightly against him and he gently kissed the top of her head. He wracked his brain trying to think of something, anything he could do to make her birthday special.
Just this moment
Grazing his fingers up and down her arm, his hand found its way to her bracelet. It was the bracelet he had given her after wrapping her third album, and it had a single charm hanging from it. He rang his fingers over the thin, delicate links that made up the bracelet and then moved to the charm. It was a heart-shaped lock with a key next it and when he gave it to her he said, "You'll always have the key to my heart."
After that day they made it official and have been together ever since. A small smile played at the corner of his lips and his heartbeat quickened a bit as he remembered that day. That day was the start of the rest of his life, and he knew that she was the only he wanted to wake up to every morning, that he would do anything and everything for her.
Suddenly, it all clicked for him. Her birthday, the perfect gift, Christmas; it all came together in his head. He knew exactly what he needed to do and only had a few days until her birthday to get it all together. He scooted further down in bed so he was now aligned with her. Wrapping his arms around her once more, he kissed her cheek softly and closed his eyes.
if only time stood still.
"Tommy, where are we going?" Jude asked as they drove through another residential neighborhood. Light flurries fell outside and covered the sidewalks and streets with drops of white.
A mischievous grin spread across his face. "You'll see," he said as he gave her a quick glance before focusing his attention back on the road.
They had just left the restaurant and were supposed to be headed back home for Tommy to give her what he had gotten her for her birthday, but the sudden detour had her slightly confused. Sticking out her bottom lip slightly she said, "Come on, it's my birthday."
"Close your eyes," he said as they stopped at a red light.
"What?"
"If you don't you'll ruin the surprise." He turned to her and gave her a reassuring nod. "Please?"
"Fine," she said as she closed her eyes.
The light changed to green and they were moving once again. After a few more minutes of driving, Tommy pulled over and parked the car. "Can I open them now?" Jude asked impatiently.
"Not yet," he said as he killed the ignition and got out of the car. He walked over to Jude's side and opened her door. Grabbing her hand he said, "Follow me."
She held on tight as her foot came in contact with the concrete. Tentatively, she stepped out of the car and grabbed onto Tommy's hand with both of hers. "This better be good."
"Oh, it will be," he said as he shut the car door. He led her up the walkway and to the entrance and said, "Alright, there's a step so step up."
Doing what she was told she asked, "Now can I open?"
"Almost," he said as he slipped the key into the lock. He pushed open the door and flipped the switch, giving the dark space a soft glow. He led her inside and walked her to the center of the room and let go of her hand.
"Tommy?"
"I'm right here," he said from behind her. He flipped two more switches and said, "Alright, you can open them."
Sitting by the fire we made
She opened her eyes and she looked around, trying to register the new surroundings. The place had a familiar feel to it and it soon registered where they were. "Tommy, what are we doing here?" she asked as she walked over to him. "Did you just break into someone's house?"
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close to him and whispered, "Happy Birthday, Jude."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a light chuckle. "Thank you. Now where's my gift?"
"You're standing in it."
You're the answer when I prayed
Inhaling a deep breath, she held it and looked at him in bewilderment as she furrowed her brow. "You mean…"
Nodding his head, "Yep."
A wide smile that made the corners of her eyes wrinkle played across her face as she let out the breath she was holding. She pulled him into a tight hug and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to control the tears that were forming. "I can't believe it," she whispered into his neck.
I would find someone
"You only turn 22 once," he said as he pulled back slightly. He leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her lips.
"But how did you?" She leaned her forehead against his and watched as a tear fell and landed on the collar of his black pea coat.
He cradled his face in his hands and used his thumbs to whip away the tearstains on her cheeks. "A lot of phone calls and convincing," he said with a throaty laugh. "I just want you to be happy."
and baby I found you.
"As long as I'm with you I'm happy," she said softly. "In this house, in our apartment, even if we lived in a rundown shack I'd be happy."
"Me too," he whispered back. "But this place is a step up from a shack," he said jokingly.
She playfully swatted his arm and pulled away from him so she could look around. Behind her, the fireplace was going and in the corner was a small Christmas Tree. "You got us a tree already?"
He intertwined his fingers with hers and said, "We probably wont get to spend Christmas here so I figured we could put up a little tree for it."
All I want is to hold you forever
She pursed her lips together in an attempt to hold back the tears. "I love you," she said as she squeezed his hand.
"I love you too," he said as he took her other hand in his. "And I can't wait to get settled in here. I'm so excited just thinking about our future."
All I need is you more every day
She swung their arms lightly and tilted her head to the side. "Can you just imagine what this house will be like with a little kid running around?"
"Total chaos," he said as he moved closer to her, "but I can't wait."
You saved my heart from being broken apart
She mirrored him and took a step closer to him. Grabbing onto the collar of his coat she tugged at it lightly and asked, "Do you mean that?"
He tilted her chin up so he could look at her and said, "Of course."
"Good," she said with a contented smile. "Because I'm pregnant."
You gave your love away
Tommy's jaw dropped and hung open slightly as he tried to process her words. "Are you serious?"
"Mhmm," she said as she bit her bottom lip.
He wrapped her in a tight hug and lifted her off the ground as he twirled them around. She let out a carefree laugh as she spun around. Finally setting her down again he asked excitedly, "How long have you known?"
and I'm thankful every day
"About three weeks." She wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his chest. "I was going to wait until Christmas to tell you, but I guess a few days early won't hurt," she said as she listened to his heartbeat.
"Nope," he said as he rested his chin against the top of her head. Running his fingers lightly through her hair he said, "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
for the gift.