My first Christmas in Paris turned out to be a joyous event. Although I missed my friends in New York, I enjoyed the Christmas party my new friends in Paris threw. Aleksandr wasn't able to attend due to a last-minute business-related issue, but I went alone and had a very nice time.
Unsure about what to get my husband for Christmas, I went around the retail shops in Paris until I found something I knew he'd love: cuff links in the shape of tiny Eiffel towers. In addition, I bought a bottle of his favorite cologne and, after a great deal of searching, found his favorite brand of vodka as well. I had it all wrapped nicely and looked forward to seeing his reaction on Christmas morning.
I also began to take notes in preparation for my next book. They covered various subjects, including life in Paris, homesickness, marriage and pregnancy, and Chloe's slow recovery from her devastating injuries. Amazed at the amount of material I'd gathered, I realized that I had enough for at least one book, possibly two. I decided that right after the holidays ended, I'd start compiling them into something publishable.
On the night of Christmas eve, Aleksandr and I sat up until about two or three in the morning watching the Bolshoi Ballet perform the 'Nutcracker Suite.' "I almost joined the Bolshoi Ballet myself once," he told me.
"So you can dance too?"
He laughed, then took off his shoes and demonstrated for me. I was completely blown over. The man danced just like a professional!
"Wow!" I enthused. "Why didn't you go into dancing instead of art?"
"The weekend before I was to try out, I sprained my ankle. I was devastated at the time, but only a few months later, I was accepted to the Russian Academy of Arts and never looked back."
"Maybe someday you can teach me to dance like that."
"It takes much hard work, Carrie. It can't be learned in just a few days." He smiled. "And besides, in a few more months, you're going to be quite busy with other things."
I rubbed my baby bump. "I can't wait!"
The following morning, I was awakened by the sensation of Aleksandr's lips caressing my face. "Happy Christmas, darling Carrie," he said.
"Merry Christmas to you, too," I murmured.
"I hope you like your presents. I chose them all myself, especially for you." He handed me a beautifully wrapped box, and I opened it to find the most gorgeous negligee I'd ever seen! It was red, with the shoulder straps and crotch made entirely of lace.
"Oh, I love it!" I gave him a big hug and kiss.
"There's more." The next present was a pair of boots made of genuine leather, and then he gave me a sable coat. "Try it on," he urged me. I did, and it fit perfectly.
After all that wealth and extravagance, I felt ashamed of the relatively simple and inexpensive presents I'd purchased for him. Hoping that he wouldn't be too disappointed, I presented them to him. He smiled when he saw the cuff links and the cologne, but his face really lit up at the sight of the vodka. "I haven't had this is years!" he exclaimed.
"I'm glad you like it."
"I love it! Come," he said. "I've prepared a delicious breakfast for us."
"Wow!" was all I could say when I saw the mixture of French and Russian cuisine he had waiting. There were croissants, baguettes, fried eggs with sausage and dill on top, pancakes which Aleksandr called 'blini,' some little dumplings which he said were 'syrniki,' and many other things. "You really think we're gonna be able to eat all this?" I asked him, and he laughed and fed me a strawberry.
After breakfast, we cuddled together and talked and listened to music as soft snow fell against the windows. I was so comfortable and cozy that I never wanted to leave the sofa, but when afternoon arrived, I prepared a simple but elegant lunch for us. We were just finishing up when Ryan and Chloe arrived. She'd been released from the rehab center several weeks previously, and the two of them had moved in together to a modest two-bedroom apartment not far from our own. We were surprised and thrilled to see that Chloe was able to walk on crutches now.
Aleksandr laughed with joy as he hugged his daughter. "Seeing you walk again is the best Christmas present I could ever have received!"
"We got you something else as well," Chloe laughed.
He was happy to see the matching watch and wallet and pen they'd bought for him, and in turn Chloe seemed delighted with the genuine diamond earrings and necklace we'd bought her, and Ryan seemed to like the shirt and pants we'd bought him. They'd bought me the cutest little purse that was covered with buttons on one side. I loved it.
They visited for a couple of hours, and then my husband and I were left alone again. He poured us both a shot of the vodka I'd bought him, and he put on some romantic music and we danced together. "Do you remember the first time we danced together, Carrie?" he asked me as we slowly twirled around and around.
"How could I ever forget?" Tonight that seemed like a lifetime ago...
