A surprise for Christmas.
At Christmas, for Oliver O'Toole, there is sometimes only one step between dream and reality. This short story is inspired by the movies For Christmas and The Vows We Had Made. The characters belong to the talented Martha Williamson.
O'Toole family's home.
One December 24th, Oliver O'Toole was smiling as he watched snowflakes fall out the window, when the door opened.
"Oliver, darling, so you were here!" Shane exclaimed as she entered their room. Don't tell me Mr. O'Toole is having some trouble tying his tie." Shane remarked with a wink before readjusting Oliver's tie.
The postal detective had a chuckle.
"I was just contemplative. You know how hard the last long years have been for me, my mother's departure, then spending all those Christmas Eve alone. And..." Oliver began
"I know, Oliver. It wasn't easy for me, too. But, today, we are all together. Come on, everyone's waiting for us !" Shane exclaimed with a big smile as she took his hand.
As they walked down the stairs and into the living room, everyone was busy but in a good mood. Sharon was with Joe and Norman, while Rita and Charlie had just put down the last plates on the table. Baby Eleanor was sleeping peacefully in her bouncer. Then Norman was making a funny face while trying to carve the turkey. This made everyone laugh.
" Norman, I guess you need some help, son ?" Joe offers.
" Yes, thank you. I'm more talented at eating." Norman explains.
" I did a very good marinate with it. And now we have a beautiful table." Sharon exclaimed as smiled at his son-in-law and Shane while they added some decorations.
During this evening, the different dishes followed one after the other, as well as the laughter, the wishes, the anecdotes and other stories.
At the end of the evening, on the clock, the big hand approached the number 12 to strike midnight, Oliver and Shane were alone, sitting side by side on the couch, smiling fondly at each other.
"I wasn't expecting a Christmas like this, so joyful. Shane, I loved your gift, Da Vinci Code Mini Cryptex . Thanks, my love. " Oliver remarked as he kissed her.
"I'm so glad you like it. I also have another gift for you." Shane whispered.
A few moment later, when he opened his eyes, 14-year-old Oliver got up from his chair and fixed his disheveled hair. In the silent library, a man in the distance walked , smiling, then picked up the book with a leather-bound edition that Oliver had dropped.
"The library will be closing soon." The librarian said.
"Yes, sorry I didn't see the time. My dad is certainly waiting for me for a long time. But, I know you. You are the nice man with whom I decorated the Christmas tree on a rock, by the shore, when I was 8. So, you're a librarian." Oliver exclaimed.
"Yes, It's me. Nice to see you again. Lost in the magic of words isn't ? I'm curious to know where A Christmas Carol took you this time?" Jordan asks, handing him his book, with a smile.
"If I tell you sir, you wouldn't believe me. It was like a wonderful dream in the future." The young Oliver replied with a smile.
"Don't ever stop believing in your dreams, because one day they will come true. Life is full of surprises." Jordan said, with a wink before leaving.
Oliver stayed yet a few second, watching snowflakes fall out the window. When he was about to leave the library, a note fell out of his book. He picked up the paper to read the message.
"Christmas is a gift, Oliver, but it's you to accept it."
Smiling, Oliver then ran for home. He realized that no matter what might happen in his life, Christmas would always be a gift, year after year.
"At every Christmas, hope and love are what you have been given. There is right here an entire family for you. You're not alone anymore, Oliver. " Shane smiled.
" On Christmas Eve when I was 14, I met an angel. When I came home that night, I wished and prayed to always have a happy family. My wish was granted tonight." He smiles. "Shane, you told me about another gift ?" Oliver asks, looking for a present with his eyes.
" It's a little more personal." Shane laughed out loud.
"Wait! Don't tell me you got me a cell phone or a computer. Oliver remarked, intrigued.
Shane smiled at him at length and took his hand in hers.
"I've only known for three days. I've been looking forward to this moment to tell you. We're going to be parents. Oliver, I'm pregnant." Shane exclaimed, smiling and crying.
Happy and overjoyed, he hugged Shane and then laid his forehead against hers laughing with happiness.
"Shane, my love, this is wonderful. This is the best day of my life. I love you so much. This is the most beautiful Christmas present you can give me !" Oliver exclaimed with a smile.
"It's a beautiful divine delivery for us." Shane added with a smile.
" Yes, it is. And I'm really enjoying this evening, just the two of us." Oliver said.
"You mean the three of us." Shane remarked.
"Yes, sorry, or the four or five maybe of us. "Oliver corrected.
Shane burst out laughing. It was then that Oliver kissed Shane's belly.
"Oliver, you are going to be a wonderful father. I am so happy to be your wife and today to be carrying our child. I love you so much." Shane said.
Oliver looked into her eyes for a long time, thinking back on his whole life until today.
He smiled tenderly at Shane. Then they kissed for a long, long time.
Outside, under the snowflakes, through the window, an angel was watching them, smiling.
"Oliver, Shane, today you taste the happiness of your life together. And a wonderful future awaits you both. Trust the timing." Jordan said with a smile.
The end.
Author's note: Thank you for reading this story. Have a great day :)
