Author's Note: And a Christmas one...
Daniel Meade stood looking at the Christmas tree before him. It was unlike anything he had ever had as a child. There were no Waterford icicles and no glass balls. This tree was popcorn chains and handmade ornaments. He smiled, fingering the poorly crafted reindeer he had made just that afternoon. His lack of experience in these things was painfully obvious next to the carefully glittered stars and ornately cut snowflakes also hanging before him. However, whatever the result of his artwork, Daniel had to admit it had been a perfect day listening to Christmas music and making decorations.
His musings were interrupted by the light lingering touch of a hand on his arm.
"Here's your cocoa."
Daniel turned towards Betty, taking the mug from her hand and placing it on the mantle before drawing her into his arms.
"I was just admiring your work with glitter" murmured Daniel appreciatively.
"You were getting better by the end of the day," said Betty with a smile as she looked with some amount of pity at the reindeer Daniel had been examining just moments ago.
"Maybe we should get rid of that one" suggested Daniel, crinkling his nose as he followed her gaze.
"Absolutely not! We're keeping that reindeer to show our children someday. We'll call it Daddy's first ornament."
They both laughed before sharing a kiss. "I have something for you" said Daniel quietly, releasing Betty long enough to retrieve a small wrapped box.
The excited light in Betty's eyes belied the scolding way she said his name as she carefully opened the package. Inside was an expensive looking hand painted ornament. On one side was a picture of Tower Bridge with the date; the other side said "First Christmas".
Betty was silent.
"I know we said only handmade decorations, but I thought it would be nice to have a special ornament to remind us of this year…" stammered Daniel, suddenly wondering if he would ever grow out of this seeming ability to constantly do the wrong thing.
"It's beautiful, Daniel" said Betty, finally looking up, her eyes happy and full of tears. She carried it over and carefully hung it on the tree next to Daniel's reindeer.
"I love you!" she said coming close again and throwing her arms around him.
It really had been a perfect day.
"I love you too, Betty."