E M T
Hope Valley
December 19, 1918
Dearest Lucas,
My days are so filled of late, that I relish a bit of quiet time at night to reflect on the day's events and think ahead to the next day. But mostly it gives me this time to share my thoughts and express my love for you.
Today began in exciting fashion with our breakfast date at our bridge and ended with so much love and friendship that I am just so happy. Starting with the last first, the cookie baking was such a fun event. There is nothing like the bond that women share when they are engaged in an activity together. It is like a sisterhood that is hard to explain, I am not sure if men have an equivalent. But we had so much fun chatting away about no end of subjects (including our guys of course). And we had Jack with us, except for during his nap, and he was thrilled to have all the ladies fawn over him and help him join in the cookie baking. These are the memories that make the holidays so special. The joy of being with friends and family to enjoy laughter and tears and all the in-betweens.
We made enough cookies for all of the holiday events at each of our houses. But also, enough extra to provide Gustave with some for the teatimes that he will be serving for our families. The gingerbread men turned out so wonderfully, and Jack loved helping to cut them out and then "decorate" them. We shall perhaps keep those for our own enjoyment here at home. They are barely recognizable as "men" but delish nonetheless.
Now backing up to the morning excursion…..breakfast at our bridge, how could the day start any better than that? And, how lucky did I get when I was picked up by my handsome man in a sleigh no less? The snow that fell last night, and rendered the car unusable, was a fortunate touch to our morning. With the sun shining and the snow glistening it was the perfect backdrop for our ride to our bridge. Nothing like sleigh bells to add to the magic. All bundled up in the fur blankets, I felt snug tucked in beside you. Gustave was so thoughtful to heat those stones and wrap them in burlap to place at our feet; it was all so very cozy. And speaking of Gustave, the wonderful croissants he made were light and buttery and a perfect pairing with the hot chocolate. I loved sitting in the sleigh overlooking our bridge and sharing the special breakfast. I will need to remember to stop by tomorrow and seek him out for a thank you. He is doing so much for us for the holiday and despite his grumblings, I think he is quite in his element.
May I be so bold as to tell you what my favorite part of the trip was? It began when you pulled the mistletoe out of the bouquet that you brought and claimed a kiss; like you need mistletoe to help you to garner kisses. You, my sweet, just have to look at me with the special smile, reserved just for me, and I melt like the 'merengues that Gustave made to float in our hot chocolate. But play along I did, because you were so sweet and joyful and amused. But the mistletoe was soon forgotten as you pulled me in close and took the kiss from light and sweet to something much more decadent. I felt the blush spread over my cheeks, and all I could do was hang on as I slid into the heat. We both came up for air breathless, and I looked at you to see that you were shaken as much as I. In your inimitable gentlemanly way, you stroked my cheek and kissed my forehead to let me know it was all okay and we are in this, as all things now, together.
It was a bit awkward for a few minutes as I tried to compose myself, but you managed to lighten the mood again with a funny story from a trip to Switzerland during a snowfall. I appreciated the levity as we returned to the lighter mood that we had started out with. Not that I didn't love the kiss, I did, but it made me want to head to a place where I knew you wouldn't take me yet, and I needed to feel your calm again. I am not sure that I ever felt closer to you than on the ride back as we laughed at silly stories and you would plant a playful kiss on my cheek or rub your nose with mine just to say "I love you."
It is time that I say good night. Thanks for this new memory that I will treasure always. You are so loved.
Yours always,
Elizabeth