A/N: THE NEXT COUPLE OF CHAPTERS ARE NICE AND FLUFFY, BUT DON'T FEAR, THERE'S STILL SOME ANGST TO COME. PLEASE CONTINUE TO READ AND REVIEW, I LOVE READING WHAT YOU ALL THINK. AS ALWAYS, THEY DON'T BELONG TO ME.
CHAPTER 34: NEAR MISSES AND MISTLETOE KISSES
Woody had always prided himself on being a very patient and accepting man, but trying to deal with his injuries pushed these two attributes to their limits. He hated keeping the doctor's news from Jordan , but he felt he had to. Woody wanted to be sure Jordan was patient enough to accept him and his limitations, whatever they may be. Right now he wasn't feeling very positive, he was worried what he intended to do this evening was going to blow up in his face,…….again. It was December 23, Woody had planned a special dinner for the two of them. It was now or never, he had to make his move.
He was in the kitchen, preparing dinner with the help of Max and Cal, well mostly Max. Dinner was almost ready when Cal asked, as he sat on the counter, "So what makes you think she's gonna want it now?", he chuckled. "What Calvin?", Woody asked, very annoyed. "Don't get me wrong Woods, it's a beautiful ring…", Cal said rubbing it between two fingers, But if she didn't want it then….Ow!". Woody hit Cal on the arm with a wooden spoon. "If you're not going to help, then leave.", Woody exclaimed, then hit Cal on the leg with the spoon. This time Cal put his hand down to steady himself and the ring fell down into the sink.
"No…No….NO..Calvin, please tell me that ring did not just fall into the drain", Woody yelled as he pulled up and looked with horror into the sink. He sighed," This cannot be happening, Jordan will be here any minute." Calvin looked at his brother, "Listen Woody, I'm sorry, but if you didn't hit me, I wouldn't have dropped the ring.", he offered a smile. "You will not blame this on me Calvin….", Woody started to yell. Max pulled Woody away from his brother, "Guys stop! You make sure everything is ready out there Woody, I'll get the food and Cal will find the ring." Woody glared at Cal. "Whatever you do Calvin, do not run the water.", Woody scolded. "Yeah, yeah I know.", Cal replied waiving at Woody.
As Max brought out the food, he found Woody sitting at the dinning room table with his head in his hands. "You okay kid?", he asked patting Woody on the shoulder. "What if she doesn't want it, Max?", Woody asked looking up. "Oh she wants it, Woody…… Don't worry, everything is going to be alright. Now let me help your brother get that ring out of the drain.", Max said with a laugh. "Oh God, I forgot about that.", Woody groaned, laying his head on the table.
Dinner was great, the food was delicious, the coversation was wonderful, Jordan was beautiful, as always. The only problem was the clanging and crashing coming from the kitchen. "Are you sure everything is alright in there.", Jordan asked, intrigued. "Yeah, they're just fixing the pipes. More wine?", Woody asked , becoming more nervous. "No, I think I'll have what you're having.", she replied smiling. "Sparkling grape juice?", Woody asked raising his brow. She nodded. Just then Cal burst in with dessert and secretly handed Woody the cleaned ring.
Woody played with the ring in his hand while they ate dessert. His heart was pounding and his head was throbbing. This was it. "Jordan, I have something to give you. It's an early Christmas present. Now I understand if you don't want it.….", he rambled. "Woody, what is it?", she pleaded. He held up the ring. Jordan gasped. "I didn't think I would ever see this ring again. I thought you took it back.", Jordan said smiling. She took the ring from Woody and looked at it. "You know, I was going to ask for it back, that day in my office.", Jordan admitted. "Really?", Woody asked, his mouth falling open. She nodded, putting the ring on her left hand.
"Jordan, the ring goes on your right hand.", Woody stated, a little confused. "I like it on this hand. Woody this is the best Christmas present.", she said, looking happily at her ringged hand. "Jordan, its just a little friendship ring I tried to give you like eight months ago. I wish it could be more….", Woody word fell softly. Jordan interrupted, "No Woody, I mean you're the best Christmas present ever.", she put her hand on his cheek. Jordan got up and pushed Woody to the doorway and knelt beside him. "Thank you.", she said and kissed him, underneath the mistletoe.