Author's Note: This story takes place the same day as Thomas's and Gwen's visit to The Branson cottage in the previous chapter.
Tom walked through the aisles of John Lewis, looking for a new tree topper for their as-yet-to-be-bought Christmas tree. While they had tree toppers at home, Sybil was unsure that the Weeping Angel or starfish ones were best considering that Moira was now two. It didn't help matters that her parents and sisters were going to be visiting them on Christmas Eve. At the very least, they could switch out their fun tree toppers for the traditional one for her family's visit.
Finally, after ten minutes of searching, he found the tree toppers. Tom looked at the selections and chose a red wire tree topper. He decided to look at the fairy lights, remembering how mesmerized Moira was by them last year. He smiled when he saw the Star in a Jar lights, instinctively knowing they would be perfect to put up in her room. After that, he grabbed two bags of decorative snow and began to make his way to the checkout line.
It was one the way to the checkout that he saw them. Candy canes. He smiled, remembering his first Christmas with Sybil.
They had only been dating for under two months, but Tom had known that she was the one since their first date. Unfortunately, he had only just begun working forThe Guardian and was limited with funds to buy gifts for people. It was her suggestion that they each make their gifts. He wanted his gift to Sybil to be perfect. While Tom loved the idea, he wasn't sure what to make for Sybil, a girl who could get anything that she wanted.
It was three days before they were to exchange gifts when he finally knew what to make her. Tom had been shopping in Tesco when he saw the boxes of candy canes. Remembering Sybil's love of candy canes, he bought all four boxes. He made a quick stop at the florist and returned home, setting about making her gift.
Three days later, they met at Tom's flat to exchange gifts. Sybil insisted that he open his first. He excitedly did, opening a box to reveal a charcoal drawing of Bulloch Harbor in Dalkey. He loved and pulled her in for a passionate kiss, feeling like she had given him a piece of Ireland.
After they separated, Tom nervously handed her a box. Sybil tore apart the wrapping paper, enthusiastic to see what Tom made for her. Once the wrapping paper was off, she opened the box and pulled out a miniature Christmas tree potted in a candy cane vase. She squealed in delight and threw her arms around Tom, kissing him and telling him how much she loved it.
"It's coming with me to Downton. I even know where I'm going to put it in my room."
Returning to the present, Tom grinned. He put two boxes of candy canes as well as green ribbon into his basket andgot on the checkout line.
Two hours later, Tom entered his home. "I'm home!"
Moira came running with Sybil following on her heels. Both stopped when they saw two candy cane bouquets in his hands. He grinned and dramatically bowed down to them both, causing his daughter to break into giggles. "Two bouquets for my two loves," he announced.
Moira giggled and ran up to get her bouquet. Sybil followed behind her. When she got to her husband, she smiled, remembering their first Christmas. Sybil leaned in and whispered, "I love you." She then chastely kissed her husband.