So… now that the Christmas holiday season is technically over here, at least for my family, I decided it would be the opportune time to actually post something Christmas related. I do plan on adding to this (eventually) as we grow further from the season just to keep it in our minds for a bit longer. And ideas are welcome if any Christmas inspiration strikes you.
A Keller Christmas
"Just a little higher, twist it to the left a bit… there, perfect." Rodney's hands came out to help down his girlfriend from the ladder placed snuggly next to the Keller household Christmas tree.
"Thanks for your help, Jenny," Dan Keller directed toward his daughter. "It wouldn't be right if you hadn't put the angel on top of the tree this year."
Jennifer graciously smiled at her father's statement, one hand still clasping Rodney's as she asked, "Oh? What have you done for the last two years without me then?"
"I'll admit it's been a bit lopsided, under-decorated to boot. You two will have to help me fix that this year." His hands rubbed together as if he had a thousand decorations to put up both inside and out now that they were there to help.
Rodney gave a short, apprehensive laugh and Jennifer massaged the back of his hand with her thumb in return. Feeling more confident, he answered the implying hand rub. "It would be our pleasure to decorate the house, sir."
"Mer, boy, we're far past this sir nonsense, aren't we?"
A scowl passed over Rodney's face quickly before lapsing back into an undecidedly cheery smile. Dan had been using his dreaded nickname ever since he briefly met Jeannie for a combined Thanksgiving celebration at the Miller house. If there was one thing Rodney could forever erase from his head, it wouldn't be the knowledge of Peter Kavanagh's existence but the surprised, even delighted look upon Mr. Keller's face when he heard the name.
A resounding clap quickly pulled Rodney back to the present as it was placed squarely on his shoulder. He just managed to choke out a response. "Ah, of course," he momentarily paused, promptly adding, "Dad," after noticing the persistent, though somewhat bony elbow in his side.
"Good. We'll get started on the decorating later tonight. Right now I want to get the snow blower out and give it a go on the driveway."
"We'll come help, Dad," Jennifer offered up the two of them, ready for an excuse to curl up with Rodney and a cup of hot chocolate later.
"Dress warmly then, the wind is supposed to be picking up," he warned before heading for his winter jacket on the hook in the kitchen.
Rodney started to follow but was held back by the hand still linked with Jennifer's. "There's one last touch left." She reached into the box that had also recently contained the angel tree topper and pulled out a small bundle of tattered greenery. Jennifer reached up, standing on tiptoes, to reach a small hook that hung down from the ceiling right in front of the tree and, coincidentally, right above them. After safely slipping the loop over the hook, she declared proudly, "Mistletoe."
He gave it a lasting look, quizzically looked back at the woman waiting patiently before him, and then pointed at it simply. "It's plastic."
"So? The rules still apply," Jennifer replied, inching closer and placing her hands at the back of his neck to draw him smoothly nearer.
Curious now about the entire act, he questioned, "Who would even think to put a hook here anyway?"
"My mom because Dad was a lot easier to trick into a kiss," she answered pointedly, one eyebrow perfectly bent in suggestion.
"But it's plastic. Why would he…" Rodney never finished his question as Jennifer's arms pulled him to meet her waiting lips. His arms found a place well familiar to them at her waist and he drew her closer still, keeping his lips firmly on hers.
A harsh, grated cough reverberated around the room as the elder Keller made his presence known.
Eyebrows rose and lips instantly jumped apart as the sound reached their ears. What they heard next only furthered their eyebrows' ascents.
"I've wanted to do that for years!"