The faces of the three children lit up like the Christmas tree did as the mountains of gifts caught their attention. Little Hannah's eyes sparkled with the spirit of Christmas as Cliff's smile spread across his face. Their aunt, Zoe, stood back and watched in glee as her nieces and nephew showed their gratitude by ripping open each of their presents. She loved to see them happy; especially after the life they lived the past couple of years with their mother gone and Zoe as their guardian. Moving from Las Vegas to take care of them three years before was the greatest decision of her life. Not only had her love for the kids grown, so had her love for the men of Chicago, one man in particular though.
The doorbell rang and Zoe knew who it was. Her heart raced at the thought of seeing him again. She sprung from her position on the couch and approached the door. She could see his silhouette through the curtained window and she smirked even before touching the knob. She swung open the door and he gave her one of his adorable, suave smiles as he stepped into the house with the gifts he brought and gave her a quick kiss.
"The kids are just now opening their presents." Zoe commented.
"I'll just go give these to them then and I'll give you yours." He said.
"Okay." She said, following him into the living room and taking a seat back on the couch.
"Here you go, kids, more presents!" he announced as he handed each one to the right person.
They gave their thanks and then ripped open the paper to reveal the surprises they had received.
"Matchbook Romance concert tickets! Third row!" Taylor shrilled as Hannah jumped with excitement with her doll that looked exactly like her. Cliff, with his brand new skateboard, was already rolling down the hallway.
"Cliff! Not in the house!" Zoe yelled.
"But I can't do it anywhere else!" he complained.
"Well then I guess you'll have to wait until spring, now won't you?"
Cliff picked up his board and returned to the living room to finish the unwrapping.
He stood watching, knowing the gifts he gave were a success; he only had one more to give. He slowly approached Zoe, taking a seat beside her. He looked into her dazzling eyes and felt warm inside. Only Zoe could make him feel that way and he knew it was love. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, gray velveteen box and held it in his hand, slowly bringing it closer to her. Zoe's eyes darted from his eyes to the box and back again. She knew what it was and it scared her. She cupped the tiny box in her hands.
"Oh, Dan," she said as she lifted it open.
To be continued.....