Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 5, Page 43

Nathan only had a few driving lessons with Lee, but as he drove everyone to Brookfield he handled the car like a pro. Thankfully, there wasn't any snow at the moment.

As they arrived they were relieved it wasn't any further with all five of them in the automobile. George saw them coming up to the door and greeted them. "Merry Christmas everyone! Come on in. They're here." he called to Dorothy.

As they stepped inside the smell of dinner cooking and the balsam Christmas tree was enticing to their noses. "Oh, it smells so good in here!" Allie smiled.

"Merry Christmas George, good to see you!" Nathan greeted as they shook hands. Archie followed with the gifts.

"Let me take your coats, and go in the living room." George said as he led the way.

Dee spotted Dorothy and gave her a big hug and kiss, "Merry Christmas Sis! Mom and Dad on their way?"

"Yes, they should be here any time now." The children, Robert and Roberta were so excited and wanted everyone to open presents right then and there. "As soon as Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Walter arrive we will eat first and then the presents."

"I hope they hurry up, I'm starving!" Robert moaned.

"You don't have to wait anymore," Allie said as she looked out the window, they're here."

The Gleixners came in and Walter brought in their gifts and put them around the tree while the children watched each and every one.

Just in time for dinner. People found their seats around the long dining table. Dorothy had her poinsettia table cloth, red linen napkins, glass candle holders with red candles lit, her fine china, silverware, and crystal wine glasses. George carried in the turkey while Dorothy and Dee brought in the side dishes.

As they bowed their heads and held hands, Ted Gleixner was honored to say the grace. The blending of the families was working so well. Having all grown up together in Brook Springs provided a perfect blend of memories and the future. Being reacquainted at the engagement dinner party had stirred up the times that Nathan, Dee, Dorothy, Walter, and Colleen had gone to school, played as youngsters, and just hung out together as teens. They had laughed at how they had gotten into trouble and then telling Allie not to get any ideas. Allie loved hearing about her mother and just laughed along with them. Listening to their reminiscing Archie realized just how much he had missed. He was so grateful that Emily was at least talking to him now, but he still could feel the tension between them. Emily couldn't forget all the years she was left to take care of her family herself, but she didn't mind Archie being an active part of the family, especially on holidays like this Christmas. She had baked several different German desserts and they all were so full, they decided to enjoy them after opening gifts.

To the children's delight, time came to open the presents. After George got the fire going strong again, they went back to the living room. Robert and Roberta had waited all day to open their stockings. So, at last they saw what Santa had left them, crayons, yo-yos, playing cards, apples, oranges, walnuts, and candy!

Then Ted got up and went to the tree to hand out the gifts. Bertie reminded him to pass out one gift at a time. "I want to enjoy this for as long as I can." Emily agreed.

Robert and Roberta got just what they had wished for. How did Santa know? With grandparents, mom and dad, and Auntie Dee they enjoyed opening all the presents of Tinker toys, a doll, a red wagon, a checkers game, picture books, and new clothes. Emily gave a huge tin of Christmas cookies and fudge to the family.

Nathan gave his Ma a jewelry box and Emily was delighted to find a beautiful broach! Archie squirmed a little remembering he had pawned one of her broaches many years ago. "Nathan, this is wunderbar! I love the design, but not as much as I love you! Thank you son!" Emily said as she blew him a kiss.

Next, he gave Allie her jewelry box. She was surprised to see another charm for her bracelet. It was a little golden retriever just like Ginger. Allie loved it and was very happy.

That's when Emily looked at Bertie and Bertie nodded. She had remembered to pick up what Emily wanted to give Allie from the farmhouse. Pointing to the bright red box, Emily asked Ted to give it to Allie. Allie couldn't believe her eyes! Inside the box was her very favorite knickknack from Emily's hutch, the wind-up ballerina dancing to the tune of Swan Lake. "Oh, Oma, this is for me? I love it, thank you!" and ran over to Emily for a big hug.

Then Nathan pulled out an envelope and gave it to Dee. "Dee, I didn't know what to get you, so this is all I came up with." Dee looked puzzled. "Nathan, you are enough darling!" With that, she opened the envelope ready to have a good laugh, but she was not laughing. She started to cry.

"What's wrong?" Archie asked.

"Nothing, nothing at all. These are happy tears! Nathan has purchased us a parcel of land to build us our new home right where we have our special tree that he carved our initials in!" Dee reached up to Nathan and gave him a very sweet kiss. "Thank you sweetheart!" Allie came over just as excited, and they all hugged.

The gift giving continued until the last of the presents was opened. Robert and Roberta loved throwing the wrapping paper up in the air and falling down on it.

"Let's clean up now," Dorothy said, "and enjoy some of Emily's desserts!" The rest of the day was joyful and merry and they sang a few songs too. The children were playing with their toys and the time flew by. Soon, it was time to head back to Hope Valley. Dee hugged her parents and brother, Walter goodbye.

"I'll be back soon." Dee hugged her sister, Robert, Roberta, and George.

"Thank you for having us!" Nathan hugged Dorothy.

"It was great fun!" Allie grinned.

"Yes, thank you!" Archie said as he shook Ted and George's hands.

"It was wunderbar! Guten Nacht!" Emily replied.