"'Twas the night before Christmas,"
Booth said with a grin.
A smile like that, Temperance thought, it should be a sin.
With Parker in bed, the two were alone,
All snug and cozy together in Booth's home.
It was snowing outside but they didn't care.
Too happy about this time they could share
Were the special agent and anthropologist.
"Have you been naughty or nice? Santa has a list,"
Booth asked teasingly. Temperance started to speak:
"I don't believe–" Booth touched her hand, making her weak.
Hand still on hers, he asked, "How can that be?
This is the Christmas season, and can't you see
All the love and the joy that people just give,
How wonderful this world is, how great to live?"
Temperance shook her head: life wasn't that easy.
Booth was caught up on Christmas, not reality.
"Booth," she said, "I see all the lives that are lost,
The bodies that are dumped, the ones that are tossed."
"We can't talk about that! It's Christmas Eve night!"
Booth's body went rigid. "It just wouldn't be right."
And happy Temperance was to be off the subject
Of death and of lies, of disregard and neglect.
Sipping eggnog on the couch, sitting side by side,
Conversation was easy; the words seemed to glide.
And as they spoke, Temperance admired the Christmas tree
That stood proudly in a corner for all to see.
Shining from the branches were lights colored white,
And round glass ornaments hung in places just right.
From atop the tree an angel surveyed all.
Her wings were lopsided, the hair stood up tall.
"Parker made her for me," Booth said. "And this one, too."
He pointed out handmade ornaments, old and new.
Temperance snuggled in close to him and closed her eyes,
Recalling all the lows of the past year—and all the highs.
Booth had always been there, helped clean up each mess.
There with a smile, reinstating happiness.
And Temperance knew as long as they were together
That everything would be fine; her life would be better.
She opened her eyes to find Booth watching her.
The look on his face down her spine sent a shiver.
His eyes glistened with a sharp intensity;
Temperance was reminded of his tenacity.
With a boyish grin, he said, "I'm gonna take a risk."
And slowly, carefully, he moved in for the kiss.
Only slightly surprised Temperance didn't pull back.
And all of the right things, not one did that kiss lack.
It was slow and passionate, tender and deep.
The feeling it gave her she wanted to keep.
Her vision went fuzzy, her mind it went blank;
All the meaningless thoughts and worries, back they shrank.
This man made her feel wanted, special, and loved.
She smiled as closer to him she was hugged.
Starting in her toes
Began a small shiver.
And she wrinkled her nose,
Emotions all a quiver.
They continued to kiss
And held each other tight.
For her this had truly been a life-changing night.