Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you and yours have a lovely festive season…
Now I need you to do something before you start reading… A couple of weeks ago I happened to be re-watching Your Day Is Coming from last season. Tears ensued – so I listened to this song and decided that I need to include it somewhere…
So head over to YouTube and search for this Christmas Carol - I Got All I Need (This Christmas) - Official Music Video it's sung by Wicked's Lindsay Mendez & Derek Klena. Listen to it before you read this chapter…
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Have you done that? Good!
Hope you enjoy the latest instalment. Thanks to Rebecca for doing her usual thing!
Week Twenty Four
~ Candidate is as long as an ear of corn ~
Matt couldn't stop the smile that started to spread on his face as he heard Gabby singing to herself as she came down the stairs. Knowing her at the moment, she probably didn't even realise she was singing out loud.
'Snowing falling, Christmas party hopping - look across the room and you are all I see. I think I'm done with all my shopping. Santa if you're watching he's the one for me. Ho-ho-holding my breath now, got that look in your eyes. While you're checking me twice, could I get some advice? Are you naughty or nice? ... This Christmas all that I want is a candy cane kiss, give me this I've been really good. Stop talking, hop in my stocking and I'll make a sign telling Santa I've all that I need…'
"Really?" Matt interrupted. "Who is this person hopping into your stocking?" He came to rest his hands on her shoulders giving them a brief squeeze.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" she asked popping a kiss on his lips quickly. "So are you ready for a Dawson Christmas?" Gabby cheekily asked as she eased herself down into the closest armchair after she had dropped the last of their many bags by the back door. She had spent the morning looking through her course outlines for her rest of her time at the academy before disappearing upstairs to pack. This was the first time he had seen her in hours. Matt's eyes widen slightly at the number of bags she had.
This was not only their first Christmas together as a married couple but it was Matt's first Christmas with the Dawson family. Last year, not only had they been on shift but they had lost Louie only weeks previous. So Christmas had been a quiet affair with Antonio working too and then Miguel and Adriana decided to head back to the Dominican.
It had however been a lovely day at the firehouse, Chief Boden had ordered in food for the house to enjoy. There had only been a few calls, mostly kitchen fires relating to peoples' inability to cook turkey. But it had been a lovely day just being able to spend time with some of the people who they were the closest to. Their second family. But if Matt was honest with himself it all paled in comparison to what they were going to be experiencing this year. In all of his young years, he had never had experienced a real family Christmas - well at least not one he could remember. Even now Christie wasn't going to be around for Christmas, she preferred to escape the freezing weather that Chicago liked to throw up. Last year she had taken Violet to San Francisco and only last week had she flown out to Florida specifically to visit Orlando.
Violet had barely been able to contain her excitement when they had come to visit before they left to exchange Christmas presents. According to the young girl she had plans to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; Magic Kingdom; Epcot; The Orlando Eye; and Disney's Boardwalk, she had been telling her own mother for months now. Matt and Christie had exchanged a knowing look over her head, Matt knew that they hadn't had a chance to experience any fun family holidays growing up and that Christie was trying to provide her own daughter with all the experiences that she had never had growing up. However, Matt wasn't going to call her out on it. He knew that he wanted to give Smudge everything he missed out on and so much more.
"Are you sure we shouldn't have invited your parents and Antonio to our house for Christmas? I mean, we have a larger house and a kitchen that I know your mother loves to cook in…" questioned Matt as they gathered up the last of their things.
"No Matt. We have to go to my parents for Christmas. It is a tradition, one that means everyone gathers at our parents' houses. Everyone goes home. Mamá would never hear of it, to not have dinner at their house," explained Gabby.
"And why are we staying there?" Matt continued as he eased the last bag out of Gabby's hand and swung it over his own shoulder.
Gabby gave him a wide smile. "Antonio and I have always stayed with them when they are here in Chicago for Christmas. We go to midnight mass, have a huge dinner. We eat all night and talk all night. And then we all crash in our childhood rooms."
Strings tugged at Matt's heart as he wheeled the small suitcase containing their clothes towards Gabby's car. He looked forward to sharing this tradition with their new baby next year. But this year, it was all about education - learning the Dawson family traditions.
As Gabby rushed through her parent's house, she threw over her shoulder, "Just place the presents next to the Nacimiento!" towards Matt. She didn't even wait to hear his response, she simply rushed to the kitchen bypassing even her own father.
Matt for his part, stopped in his tracks bags swinging by his legs. Gabby had left their small suitcase by the hallway table along with her handbag. Confusion marred his face as he slowly made his way into the living room where he found his father-in-law. Greeting him with a half handshake half hug as well as he could considering he was still laden down with presents and bags, he scanned the living room, eyes widening as they landed on the Christmas tree in the corner. Instantly he regretted complaining to Gabby about the size of their own tree. Gabby had insisted that they have what Matt had considered a large tree in their living room. Yet as he looked at his in-laws' tree, he was rethinking the term 'large'. This was a monstrosity - the star, which was actually quite small, was physically touching the ceiling, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that they had quite high ceilings.
"Yes," Miguel's eyes followed Matt's gaze. "Gabby is very much like her mother, they both like a large Christmas tree. And they both will go all out for Christmas," he gave a hearty laugh.
Matt gave a half smile, his tongue trapped between his teeth. "Gabby told me to put these by the Nac.. Naci.. Nac - something," he gave up trying to pronounce the Spanish word.
"Nacimiento," supplied Miguel, the word rolling effortlessly off of his tongue. "It's that nativity scene underneath the tree," he explained gesturing to the old wooden display. "We've had this since we were first married."
"I'm never going to get the hang of all this am I?" Matt huffed as he started to unload the presents around the tree. Sighing slightly, he withdrew a small package from his pockets and added it to the growing pile at the base.
"Here," Miguel stated as Matt stood back up, thrusting a mug into his hands. "Have some Winter Spiced Coffee, my brother sent over some Dominican coffee beans for Christmas." He smiled as Matt inhaled the strong coffee and alcohol smell, his eyes closing to enjoy the aroma even more. "Have a seat Matt, let me bring you up to speed on this special family holiday."
Matt sat down opposite Miguel ready to listen to the older man tell him about the traditions of the Dawson family. Once again Gabby was very involved in her heritage and he knew that it was something that she would want to impart to their children. So for him to be somewhat ignorant about her culture wasn't something that he was comfortable with. Miguel gave him a warm smile, it warmed his heart to see his son-in-law taking such an interest their family. It had never seemed to be a question for Matt to become involved in all of their activities. It was nice that Matt was willing to embrace their traditions and constantly wanted to learn more about them so his children would also understand them.
"Christians from Puerto Rico to Peru will be ringing in Nochebuena, the most important Christmas celebrations for members of Spanish-influenced cultures. Alternatively known as Noche Buena, La Cena de Nochebuena or Navidad, Nochebuena means "Good Night" in Spanish and refers to Christmas Eve, the biggest Christmas festival for most Latinos," Miguel started.
"Why do I feel that I should have brought a notebook to write all of this down?" Matt joked.
"The more you are involved Matthew, the easier it will be to remember and understand," commented Adriana from the doorway.
"Mamá," Matt immediately rose, placing his coffee on the table. He made his way over to her, hugging her tightly. "What do I need to do?" he questioned.
"You and Gabriela - always trying to help," she admonished slightly. "I want you to enjoy this part of the holiday. It's going to be a very busy few days." Matt nodded and retook his seat.
"But you'll remember to ask if you need anything? I'm happy to help with quality control," a teasing air to his voice as he licked his lips. Miguel laughed along with his wife as he pointed to himself, indicating that he too would be happy to be involved with that.
"Now Gabriela," she started, pushing her daughter forward, "You sit and enjoy some time with your Papá… You can also rescue Matthew when your father starts to talk too much."
"But Mamá…" Gabby protested as she tried to turn and head back into the kitchen. "There's still so much to do!"
"Nonsense," her mother brushed off, giving her one last push towards the couch.
"Come on then," she grumbled, flinging herself down onto the lounge set, patting the seat next to herself. Matt laughed as he made his way over to her. No sooner had he settled himself down that Gabby curled up into his side and reached for his drink.
"Gabs…" a warning tone evident in his voice.
Her father smiled at the picture in front of him and made his own way over to the couple with another drink in his hand. "Gabriela, have some creamy spiced cocoa instead of Matt's alcoholic coffee."
Gabby graciously accepted the drink, the smell of the drink transporting her back to her childhood. Catching another whiff, she remembered the early mornings in this house…
"So," she broke out of her trance. "Has Papá told you about the main celebration happens on Noche Buena? That's Christmas Eve... This is when the big family dinners are held and people really do some substantial celebrating. Most people return to their home towns in order to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Not to mention, most Dominicans love their mothers or aunts cooking so they must return home to enjoy the feast that is prepared. This family gathering is the centre of the holiday festivity. December 25th is just a day to recuperate…"
"A day to recuperate?" shock was evident in Matt's question. He knew that it was going to be a busy day, but still recovery? Wasn't that what December 26th was for? "Please remember that I will need to go back to work on the 27th," he mentioned.
"How did you manage to get this weekend off?" his father in law questioned.
"We worked last Christmas," explained Matt. "Unfortunately we don't work a job that really allows us to request Christmas off. In fact, my shift was supposed to be rostered on for today, but as it was it's our Daley Day… It was just lucky timing for us."
"Daley Day - it's a day that provided to firefighters as an additional day off every fifth on-duty shift," explained Gabby. "See," she looked up at Matt, "You're not the only one in this family who needs things explained to them." Matt laughed at the joy in her voice. It was clear to anyone that she loved having her family getting along. Smiling again, he leant down to quickly capture her lips in a sweet kiss enjoying the taste of cocoa on her lips.
Gabby smiled widely and snuggled further into her husband's embrace, enjoying the warmth from both him and the fire that her father always had roaring at this time of the year. Finishing the last few drops of her cocoa, she placed the mug on the floor and let her hands tap on her belly. Smudge was evidently having a dance part of her own today, it was like he knew that today was a special day. Matt's hand quickly joined Gabby's but was disappointed not to have felt anything. Everyone, and by everyone it was pretty much only Herrmann, had told him that it was a magical feeling to feel your baby move for the first time. He had also reminded Matt that it could be weeks before he was able to feel it from the outside, many more weeks after Gabby was able to feel the kicks. And Matt was a little more than impatient by twenty four weeks.
"What about the nativity scene?" Matt questioned, looking over at it. "Is there anything special about that?"
Gabby's eyes lit up at the mention of the nativity. Matt gave her a questioning look, "What?" he asked.
Miguel gave a hearty laugh. "Young Gabby here loved the nativity scene when she was growing up," laughing at the memory, likely a similar one that Gabby was reliving. "In the Dominican Republic, the festive season starts very early…"
"More or less three months," Gabby interjected. Matt's eyebrows raised in surprise.
"We see it as an important and grand celebration," confirmed his father in law. "One that is so large that it starts in October and ends in January. When the children were growing up, we purchased this tree as Adriana wanted it up as long as possible. She and Gabby would spend hours decorating it. And we haven't needed to purchase another tree once we bought this one… Anyway one of the first decorations that signified the start of the festive season in the Dawson household was the nativity season. However," he laughed, "every few days the baby Jesus would go missing… Gabriela here would steal it and hide it. It happened for many many years."
"Hey," Gabby started to defend herself. "I spent many hours playing with it and my dolls. Stayed out of trouble. Papá why haven't we ever changed the set?"
"Your abula gave that to your mother and I when we were married, it had been hers previously. We hope to hand it down to you or Antonio one day too. Matthew - Many revellers put out nativity scenes to celebrate the occasion and remind family members about the religious underpinnings of the event, which often lasts late into the night as people catch up with relatives and friends."
"Good thing we're used to staying up late into the night with work," commented Matt as he reached for his coffee. It was delicious, he wondered if Gabby knew how to make this drink? It was yet another question that he would file away for later when they were alone.
Miguel shook his head slightly before continuing the education of his new son. "It is actually a little odd not to be joining all of the nationals going home to celebrate Christmas. There is a certain excitement felt in the streets throughout the country. The passion culminates with the fireworks that seem to happen more often the closer the holiday gets. Indulging oneself with all the traditional foods that we do not eat throughout the year is much anticipated. The aromas of food wharfs out into the streets from kitchens where people are preparing their specialities." Matt licked his lips in anticipation, whilst his wife was a decent cook, his mother in law had a special way with food too - dinner was going to be a feast. "There are parties, both private and community gatherings everywhere. The festive spirit is in abundance. On the faces of people, the lights and decorations, the festive feelings, the fireworks and the food." There was a far away look on Miguel's face as he spoke of his homeland.
"And the Reunion Feasts," added Adriana as she walked in from the kitchen. Miguel held out a hand towards her and allowed her to sit next to him. Once seated he rested their joined hands on his knee. "The return of Dominican expats from around the world is a major part of the Dominican Republic Christmas. Everyone wants to go visit the relatives that have been away working abroad all year and there are many, many parties and feasts as whole extended families get together for joyful reunions." Matt smiled at the older couple, enjoying their affection for each other and willingness to share everything.
"What are some of the other traditions?" Matt asked eagerly. Gabby gave a soft smile as she heard the emotion in Matt's voice. He would never understand how thankful she was that he had embraced her culture. Especially with such eagerness.
Before she knew it Gabby was drifting off to sleep, warm and secure in her husband's arms whilst she listened to her father speak of the fireworks or cohetes y petardos, the firecrackers of all types that were lit during the season. And of Double Sueldo; a Christmas bonus Dominican style. As a traditional token of Christmas cheer, most employees receive an extra month's pay in December and so had a little extra cash on hand.
Most of all she enjoyed hearing about the tradition of gift exchange called Un Angelito or A Little Angel in English. Gabby remembered participating in this when they had returned to the Dominican over the years. All the names of the members of the family were placed in a sack, then a name is selected from the bunch. The person whose name you chose was your Angelito. Every week during the Christmas holiday you had to give that person a gift. The identity of your Angelito had to be kept secret until the last day of the gift exchange where you must divulge yourself. She had received many special gifts over the holidays, none more so than when her Abuelo had been the person giving her gifts. He had enjoyed showering his granddaughter with many gifts.
As her father started speaking of the Christmas carols that were unique to the Spanish holiday, Matt began to rub a thumb across Gabby's belly. Juggling her slightly, he knew that she had fallen in a slumber when he heard that her breathing had evened out. Reaching down carefully Matt was able to retrieve a light blanket to pull up around her, leaving his hands firmly on her belly. The Dawsons shared a look, grateful that their daughter had found a loving partner in life. It wasn't that Laura hadn't fitted right into their family, but neither Miguel nor Adriana could place a time that their son had been that openly affectionate with his wife - not even when they were first married. Before Eva was born Adriana was sure that there was a strong spark between them, and they had always displayed their affection for each other, no matter where they were. But this level of intimacy, a gentleness that Matt was showing towards Gabby, was one that they hadn't seen from their elder son. Both were ready to see the next stage in the Caseys lives.
"What time is Misa del Gallo?" Antonio's voice boomed as he came rushing through the door, without bothering to knock. Gabby woke with a start at the loud noise. Matt hushed her quietly, as he ran a soothing hand through her curls.
"Antonio Miguel Diego Dawson ¿quién te enseñó a entrar en esta casa con tu voz levantada? Tu hermana está dormida. Tu padre y yo te enseñamos mejores modales que esto," his mother reprimanded as he appeared in the doorway. Antonio actually took a step back; he knew he was in trouble when he heard his entire name. He gave a sheepish smile as a greeting, taking a seat in the empty armchair.
Matt gave Miguel a confused look; even though he had been part of the Dawson family for a number of years, his high school Spanish still wasn't helping him, especially when it was spoken that fast.
"Just being told off for waking Gabby up," informed Antonio.
"Little more than that Antonio," Gabby gleefully added as she brought herself up to a more upright position. "Mamá and Papá always taught us not to come barrelling into the house. There was to be no shouting."
Antonio gave a dirty look before turning back to his parents, "Again what time is Misa del Gallo?"
"6 pm at Holy Name Cathedral," supplied Adriana speaking of their regular church, the one she and Miguel attended when they were back in Chicago.
"Misa del Gallo?" parroted Matt, every time someone opened their mouths another unknown term was thrown upon him.
"Midnight Mass," supplied Miguel.
The confusion didn't let up on Matt's face, "Midnight mass? At 6 pm?"
Gabby let out a slight breath of laughter as she ran a finger across his cheek before giving him a quick peck. "Normally we would do the big dinner and then go to mass; carolling generally starts at 11:20 and then we would eat again when we came home. But this year Mamá thought it would be better if we went early," she commented smoothing the blanket over her bump. "I probably wouldn't make it to midnight mass at the moment," she laughed.
"That sounds about right Sis," Antonio teased. Getting up he moved towards the coffee station that his father had ready for him, narrowly missing the cushion that Gabby threw at him.
Matt helped Gabby out of the car and stood in awe at the enormous cathedral that they soon came upon.
"Did you know," Antonio spoke to him, "that this was rebuilt in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? And it is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and the Archbishop of Chicago."
"That's been drilled into you, hasn't it Tonio?" Gabby laughed from beside Matt. "Come on Matt, it's not that scary," she told him as she led him towards the bronzed doors trailing after their parents.
Matt's breath was taken away as he walked into the gothic-like building. The ceiling had to be at least 100 feet high. Architecturally it was a stunning piece of art. He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Staring at the huge pipe organ at the front of the building, he stopped dead until Gabby tugged on his shirt. All around him, people were milling about, he watched his in-laws greeted their friends as Antonio and Gabby slid into a pew. Sighing one last time, he slid in after her leaving enough room for their elders.
"Wow!" he breathed, "How many people does this church seat? 1,000?"
"More like over 2,000," supplied Antonio before he settled back into his position.
"Thank you," Gabby spoke in a small voice, linking her arm in with Matt's as he drew her close. "I know that you aren't particularly religious. Thank you for coming to with us."
Matt gave her a slight smile, wanting to kiss her but he was sure that wouldn't be appropriate for a setting like this. "So," he started. "What is actually going to happen here today?"
Today really was an experience for Matt, full of many firsts. "These masses serve as a calling, gathering faithful followers for a celebration of God. Services begin with an entrance of the priest, which includes a sung hymn. Upon reaching the altar, the priest signs the Cross, indicating the presence of Christ. A second hymn, Gloria in Excelsis follows, and a Collect wraps up the first phase. The priest then calls for silence, reads passages from the Bible and offers a Responsorial Psalm. Liturgy of the Eucharist follows, with offerings, prayer and Communion, which involves the symbolic drinking of wine and consumption of bread, representing the Blood and Body of Christ. Then Concluding Rites complete services," rambled off Gabby like a well oiled machine. She had experienced all throughout her formative years. Matt, on the other hand, felt like he hadn't understood a single word of it.
"You are allowed to stay seated through the communion," came Miguel's voice from beside Matt. Matt looked over with wide eyes as he and Adriana came to a stop. "You haven't been baptised in the Catholic faith, so you are not to take communion."
Matt just nodded. It was going to be a long service he thought to himself.
"Dinner!" exclaimed Antonio once they were home from mass. "Bro," he started as he clapped a hand on Matt's back, "This is a feast like you've never had before." Matt didn't doubt him for a second. His eyes widen at the enormous spread of food on the dining room table.
"Christmas dinner in the Dominican is almost like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner here in the United States," explained Gabby graciously accepting the pulled out seat that Matt offered her. Normally she would be running around in the kitchen helping her mother with last minute preparations and the like, but this year her mother wouldn't even entertain the idea. And after a long mass and introducing Matt to what seemed like each and every one of her parents' friends, Gabby was very ready to sit.
"I recognise those Empanadas," pointed out Matt as Miguel and Adriana finished setting the table. Licking his lips, he asked, "Are they filled with chicken or beef?"
"Both Matthew," assured Adriana knowing how much the boys enjoyed them, as she took a seat opposite her husband who sat at the head of the table. Once thanks had been given for their meal, Antonio took the lead in explaining what every item was displayed before them.
"First we have Pasteles en hoja - tamales that are filled with meat encased in a dough made from root vegetables; Russian Salad, contains potatoes, carrots, tayota, petit pois, onion, vinegar and mayonnaise; La Telera -that's a type of bread which is mostly eaten at Christmas…" he pointed out each of the items. "And of course the crowning glory of any Christmas dinner - the roast pork."
Matt's mouth was watering at just the description of the food.
"And," added Miguel as he passed around the drinks, "Typical Dominican Republic Christmas drinks include red wine, this is Anis del Mono which is the most popular in our family… and over there," he pointed "is ponche de huevo or eggnog. The Dominicans are big on their alcohol during the festive sessions."
"Sorry Sis," Antonio teased, not sounding in the least bit sorry taking the wine glass offered to him.
Miguel gave her a soft smile as he passed over a glass to Gabby. "We didn't forget you hija."
"Papá… gracias..." Gabby spoke after she swallowed a mouthful of the proffered drink. "Matt try this, it's jengibre," she told him as she offered him a taste. "It's a drink made with ginger root, cinnamon and heaps of sugar." She licked her lips, "All the children in the family have this when all the adults are having their alcoholic drinks… It was a favourite of mine," she explained.
Conversation flowed well as each spoke about what had been going on in their lives. Antonio spoke of how he was hoping to see Eva and Diego in the new year. Gabby spoke of her new learning experience that was the Fire Academy. And just as Matt thought he wasn't able to eat another mouthful, Adriana brought out the fruits, sweets and Christmas cake.
Matt shook his head slightly, he was going to have to spend some extra time in the gym when he was back on shift, just to shed all the extra calories he was consuming at the Dawson household.
Matt awoke with a start, trying to remember where he was. It was a foreign room to him. And he was in an empty bed. Squinting at the clock he found it was only 4 am on Christmas morning. Yet Gabby was already up. Reaching for a jumper, he quietly padded his way down towards the ground floor, hoping to find her in either the living room or kitchen. Maybe she had become hungry.
He soon located her sitting in front of the giant Christmas tree, dressing gown pulled tightly around her figure, grasping a tall glass of milk. She was watching intently all of the sparkling fairy lights that lit up the Christmas tree, mesmerised.
Matt trod on the wooden floor slightly louder as to alert her to his presence. "Couldn't sleep?" he questioned as he sat down on the floor next to her.
"Something like that," she replied. Matt scooted a bit closer to the armchair so he could rest his back against it. Once he was settled Gabby too shuffled backwards and rested her head against his chest, her breathing calmed by the steady beat of his heart.
"Did you see what the house got us for Christmas?" Matt asked, pointing to a small box near the front of the tree. Gabby shook her head and reached for it.
"Well it is technically Christmas," she mused shaking the small box, but it gave no clues as to what was inside. "Wonder what it is?"
"Hurry up and open it… Sev said we'd like. And God help us if that's Sev's opinion..." he urged. He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at the care and precision that she was taking to preserve the paper. Opening what looked like a boxed up cheque book, Gabby started to laugh. "What is it?"
Gabby was gasping for a breath whilst trying to calm her laughing down so she passed over the present to Matt. A grin spread across his face and he gave a small snort. Enclosed in the small box was a series of vouchers that one of their fire family had made - a heap of babysitting vouchers, meal vouchers, cleaning vouchers or general around the house vouchers from each of the members of Firehouse 51.
"Should I be concerned that most of these babysitting ones are from Otis and Cruz?" Matt questioned. He wasn't too sure if he was willing to trust Crotis with his child.
"And they are from both of them together, there are single ones from 'Uncle Kelly' as he seemed to have bestowed on himself and Stella has offered to cook for us," pointed out Gabby. "Although remember Otis with Louie the first time he came to the house? With the Jell-O? He was really good with him."
"Hmm," Matt screwed up his face slightly, still not convinced. "Suppose I could get them to clean the firehouse if they don't do a good job," he mentioned. "With a toothbrush," he added evilly as an extra thought.
"What do you think Antonio got us?" Gabby inquired as she spied another package with her name on it.
"I suppose you'll find out when he gives it to you," Matt warned, pushing the package just out of her reach. Gabby just pulled a face at him.
"I think it will have some sort of police car on it if it's something for Smudge," she announced after another moment of contemplation. "He is so concerned that everyone is going to give us fire truck items…"
"Rightly so," Matt proudly interrupted.
"That he," Gabby rolled her eyes at him, "He just wants to make sure that Tio Antonio is properly represented. So expect a massive load of CPD swag."
Shaking his head slightly, he had to hand it to his brother-in-law. Even against a house full of firefighters, he still stood his ground. Wiggling out from behind Gabby, Matt strode over to the tree and plucked out a small wrapped present. Sitting back down next to her, he held it out. "Merry Christmas Baby."
Gabby gave him a soft smile. "Don't worry, I've still got something to give you when we exchange presents with the family," he assured her.
Gabby knew better than to protest, there was no point. If Matt wanted to give her all of these presents there would be no stopping him. She gasped softly as she unwrapped a delicate necklace from the paper. On a long chain lay a ball shaped pendant with intricate circular patterns giving it an antique feeling. Bring it up for closer inspection, she heard a soft ringing sound. "It's beautiful Matt," she leant over to kiss him.
"It's a bola pendant, Christie told me about it. She insisted that I get you one. Once I heard the story, I knew that I need to find one. Apparently, it's also called a Harmony Ball and it is an ancestral jewellery that has been celebrated for centuries in the Mayan culture. The pendant sphere contains a silver ball that emits a subtle and harmonious chime when shaken, that brings calm and soothing. Legend has it that the soft jingling sound, that is unique for each Bola, is magic: it has the power to call the Guardian Angel of the wearer to provide them protection, comfort and guidance throughout life. In Mayan culture, it was worn during pregnancy, to protect expectant mothers and their babies," he quickly read off the enclosed card.
Gabby shuffled around so she was situated comfortably between Matt's spread legs. Carefully brushing her dress gown open, Matt placed the necklace over Gabby's head. She smiled as the ball rested gently on her protruding belly.
"When I bought it the lady who sold it to me told me that during pregnancy the chime pendant is worn low, resting against the bump so that any movement means baby hears the gentle ringing sounds. Once born the same chimes will be a reassuring and familiar sound to the baby." He smiled as he placed his hand on either side of the pendant after giving it a quick tap to make it ring. In the stillness and silence of the night, they were both able to hear it.
"Well Smudge is kicking up a bit of a storm so obviously Daddy picked the perfect gift," Gabby mentioned, her hands going to the underside of the belly. Matt matched her smile, once again he couldn't wait to the kicks were able to be felt from the outside. Suddenly his body stiffened, his hand moving along her belly once more.
Matt turned Gabby slightly so he was able to look her square in the face. His eyes were wide, full of a question. "Did I… Did I just feel that?"
"Yeah, yeah you did Daddy," Gabby laughed back as she guided his hand back towards where she could feel Smudge moving. Matt's whole face lit up. Gabby's face matched his as she watched the wonderment cross his face. She loved this look, one where Matt smiled with his whole face and the skin around his eyes crinkled. She wanted to kiss each and every crease on his face.
"I don't need you to give me a present…" he spoke softly, "This was the best present you could ever give me." Scooting so Gabby was firmly against the chair, Matt lowered himself so he was level with her belly. "Hey there Smudge, it's Daddy. You and Mama just gave me the best Christmas present ever," he spoke against her belly.
Gabby smiled as she let her head fall back against the chair and a hand massaged Matt's shoulder as she listened to him speak. Matt's smiled widened even more, he hadn't thought that possible, as he felt a light thumping against his hand. "You... my precious Smudge are going to be spoilt next Christmas. We can't wait to meet you," he whispered before pressing one last kiss to Gabby's belly.
~ Her nostrils are opening now for "practice breathing"; she'll go through the same motions of real breathing but inhale amniotic fluid instead of air ~
Spanish Translation: Antonio - who taught you to come barging into this house, with your voice raised? Your sister is asleep. Your father and I taught you better manners than this.
One Christmas chapter down ~ Review and let me know what you think
~Em