A/N I appreciate you all so much! Thank you. We're going to be so busy this chapter. We'll see how Cyrus did with the plans. Daryl and Beth will have quite the little adventure getting their Christmas tree. Beth will make a couple of interesting visits and finally, we'll have a sweet Dixon Christmas. I hope you enjoy!
00
Staking a claim on the land had been his dream for so long. He'd thought so many times that for whatever reasons it may never come to pass. But it was all different now, it seemed like everything was happening so quickly he thought maybe he was dreaming. He wasn't complaining though, not at all. He was excited, feeling grateful and anxious to get started on all the hard work he knew lay ahead.
He'd talked to Reg and Jim, seeking advice on where best to get the materials needed for the irrigation system. Supplies had been on order two weeks now from an outfit out of Butte, a company Daryl and Reg had both done business with in the past.
Jim put the order through on his store account and if all went well, if the roads stayed passable, delivery was scheduled for early January. But if the weather turned bad as it usually did, he'd have to wait until late spring.
Daryl knew his young nephew was bright, he'd always been the one to study and read, but Cyrus had stunned him. And not just him. When Daryl and the young boy took the irrigation plans to Eugene and asked him to look them over even Eugene was impressed. "I'm feeling susceptible to a takeover of my position as town smarty. I think this mere boy may be trying to usurp said position," he declared. He wasn't making a joke, Eugene didn't make jokes.
It so happened that while the blacksmith and his nephew were in the land office Milton Mamet stopped by, meaning to send a telegram. He greeted all present and inquired as to how they were doing, and that's when Eugene piped in about the claim smithy had staked. Eugene told the banker, "Have a gander at this. As impossible as it may be to believe, a ten year old figured this and he drew it all up like a professional."
Milton Mamet studied the paper and the figures and looked to the boy, "How are things at school? I'm asking about your arithmetic classes in particular."
The little boy shrugged, "I'm done with all the arithmetic they have at school, I finished up last year."
Milton looked at Daryl and asked, "You don't suppose your brother would allow me to work with Cyrus do you? He could come by the bank after school and I'd tutor him in advanced mathematics, no payment expected of course. If everything were to go as I think it might, in a year or two he could work into a banking apprenticeship."
It was something Daryl wouldn't choose for himself. A stuffy indoor job sitting at a desk, but this was for Cyrus and his nephew was obviously interested in a whole world of different things than he. Still he didn't want the boy to feel "pushed into" something he didn't care to do, so he asked Cyrus, "Whaddya think? Would ya wanna?"
The young boy's face was beaming, "Yes sir I'd want to, a lot."
Daryl nodded once or twice before telling the banker, "I can't speak for his Daddy but I'll talk ta him and see what he has ta say. I reckon he'll wanna come by and have a word with ya on it one way or the other."
The blacksmith shook hands with the banker and Cyrus felt like a grown up when the banker shook his hand as well and told the boy, "I hope we'll be working together soon."
Cyrus looked so serious when he answered back, "Yes sir Mister Mamet, me too."
On his way home from work that night Daryl stopped by his brother's place. Despite the frost in the air the brothers walked out by the shed and rolled themselves a smoke. Daryl shared with his brother about the irrigation plans and what Eugene Porter had said, and then he told him of the banker's offer. "I asked Cyrus and he says he'd like ta have the chance. He's mighty bright Merle, bank work might be just the ticket for your boy."
Merle wasn't sure quite what to think at first. Dixons weren't bankers and such as that. They worked the land and the factories and the mines, but Cyrus was different than any other Dixon. The boy had a knack for book-learning, he was always reading and figuring something. After a long drag on his smoke he told Daryl, "Well ya know I always have thought a Cyrus as a fella whose meant ta do sumthin' besides bustin' his ass workin' in a mine or a field all day. I'll go have a talk with the banker after work tomorrow and see just what it is he has in mind."
00
There was just one week until Christmas and Beth was excited. Her husband had promised her as soon as he arrived home from work Saturday they would take the horses into the woods. Not far, just to a place he knew of close by. As soon as he was out the door that morning she hurried through her chores, then dressed in her "boy clothes" in anticipation of their trip to the woods.
Christmas was her favorite time of year and she was thrilled to be spending her first Christmas with her husband. He'd teased her and told her Christmas was no big deal, "I mean it is cuz a Jesus bein' born and all, but other than that it ain't nuthin' we gotta fuss over."
"Daryl, you can't possibly mean that. Christmas is the best day of the whole year. We celebrate the birth of Christ and share the day with family and friends and my word Daryl how can you be grumpy about that?"
He laughed as he took her in his arms and held her close, but then he softly whispered, "I know it means sumthin' special to ya and we're gonna celebrate it any damn way ya wanna, I mean darn way ya wanna."
She giggled and told him, "You shouldn't get me all riled up that way."
He arrived home a little early on that Saturday the week before Christmas. Things were not busy at the shop so he locked up and came home to her. He knew his bride was excited and anxious to get the tree, and he was always anxious to make her happy.
He'd teased her for the way she went on and on about Christmas, but his heart felt full. As they lay in bed one night he'd admitted to her that Christmas had always been a sad time for him, until her. Now that she was his wife and they shared this home together he was looking forward to Christmas for the first time in his life.
He stepped in the house and set his boots on the mat, hung his coat, hat and scarf on the pegs by the door and turned to her. He got a broad smile on his face when he saw her standing there in the boots, wool pants and wool shirt. They embraced and he whispered, "My bride's ready ta head ta the woods and chop down a tree. I guess ya don't need your husband for nuthin'."
"Quit teasing me Husband and eat your lunch. We have a tree to get while the weather is still calm."
"Yes Ma'am."
They stood holding hands and he gave the blessing and he couldn't help adding, "And God, please help me find a tree that makes my bride happy so she don't hate me."
"Daryl Dixon shame on you!" Ah but she giggled. He could make her laugh like no one else could.
While she cleaned up their dishes he went to saddle the horses, brought them around to the door and told them, "Y'all stay, we're gonna be right out." Blackie snorted a reply as if he understood completely.
He helped her with her coat, scarf and gloves and all seemed just right, until he opened the door and she saw he had Buck saddled for her instead of Ginger. "Where's my girl Daryl?"
He looked at her so seriously, shrugged and answered, "I think your girl and my boy been busy. I ain't sure, it's early, but I think she may have a baby. It don't mean ya can't ride her but the snow's gonna be deep out there and I don't wanna work her too hard."
She was hanging onto his arm, her smile wide and her eyes sparkling, "A foal? Really Daryl? Oh my I'm so happy. When will you know?"
"I'd bet on it right now today, but I'll know for sure by the end a January."
He had the horses packed like they'd be gone overnight. There were bedrolls and canteens, a cheesecloth bag of jerky, a rifle in one scabbard and an ax in the other. "Why are you taking all this stuff?" she asked.
"Ya gotta be prepared Beth. What if we was ta get stuck? What if one a the horses came up lame? What if the weather turns? Lotta things can happen even on a short trip. If we get stuck somewhere we wanna have a little bit a sumthin' ta eat and drink and some warm beddin'. If we see a mountain lion or a wolf I'll use that rifle ta shoot him, then I'll ask him if he was hungry."
"Daryl…"
"Beth…"
She shook her head trying not to smile while he gave her a leg up on Buck and then got himself up on Blackie. He let the big stallion lead the way and they took it slow. He'd shoveled snow away from the area surrounding the house but just passed the perimeter it was a foot deep and deeper. They wouldn't be going far for the tree and he was glad for that, the days were short and he didn't want to be heading back home after nightfall. It was impossible to see in the darkness, a man would only be asking for trouble.
They got to a clearing in a stand of trees and once he'd dismounted he helped her off Buck, "Ya ready ta cut down your first Montana Christmas tree?"
"I am prepared to watch you do it my Husband."
"I see, well I hope I'll please ya. Ya look around and see if there's a particular one ya like." He held her hand as they walked through the trees and it wasn't but a few minutes when she stopped and pointed at one, asking "How about that one?" He was relieved, he'd been afraid she'd pick out a thirty-footer that wouldn't even make it through the door. But she'd done just right, it was only five feet tall or so.
He cut the tree down and while he used a length of rope to secure it to his saddle, so Blackie could drag it back home, Beth was gathering up pine cones from under the big trees and putting them in an old flour sack, "Whaddya gonna do with them things?" he asked.
"I'm going to decorate with them. They smell lovely and maybe I'll even put some on the tree. Can I take some of these pine boughs home too?"
"Whatever ya want that a horse can pull or carry you can have it." He couldn't imagine what she had planned for it all but it didn't really matter. She seemed so happy and he was happy too. Then he got an idea he hoped maybe she'd agree to.
While he pulled the bedroll off Blackie she was still gathering her boughs, not paying attention to what he was up to. He'd spotted it though, the perfect place. It was a clear patch under the branches of a huge pine. It was bare of snow and the ground was dry, covered only by a blanket of fallen needles.
He loosened the straps and lay the thick blanket open, then he thought he'd best get the other bedroll too. He had the straps off and it laying there next to him when he sat down and called to her, "Beth, Sweetheart, c'mere and sit a minute."
She sensed right away what was on his mind and she wanted to say no, not out there. What if someone happened by? What if an animal did? But he was her husband and she was his wife and he had that naughty little grin on his face. She simply smiled back and walked that way.
She sat beside him and his arm slipped across her shoulders while he wrapped the second bedroll around them. "Just tryin' ta get ya warm is all."
"Yes Mister Dixon, I'm very well aware of just how warm you would like me to get."
"Ya are, huh? Well then how about we lay down here." He didn't wait for a response. Almost before she realized what was happening he was laying on his back and her head was resting on his chest, and his arm still lay across her shoulders.
He removed his holster and sidearm laying them on the blanket just above his head. "I'll keep the pistol handy in case a nosey critter comes by." While he said those words he was loosening the buttons of her coat and he spread it open. His hand lightly rubbed over her shirt and he felt her small breasts, he smiled and leaning in he kissed her deeply as his fingers deftly opened the buttons of her wool shirt.
She was already feeling the excitement but she was nervous too and she asked, "Are you sure no one will catch us?"
He drew back looking in her eyes and he appeared to be considering her question quite seriously, while his hand had already moved to her trousers opening the buttons there, "I don't know who that'd be but if anyone does they won't see nuthin' but my bare ass. I mean bottom."
Her face was already pink from the cold air but the color deepened and she murmured, "Daryl…"
He smiled back, "Beth…"
His hand slid up under the long underwear shirt and gently clasped her breast, "Cold?" He asked.
"Mmm, yes, but good."
That was all the encouragement her husband needed. He quickly had the second bedroll covering them completely, her shirt pulled up and his mouth on her breast. His hand had ventured inside her long underwear pants and his fingers teased at the wetness of her most personal area. When her slim hips began to rise in response to his touch he slipped a finger inside her and she moaned, "Daryl, it feels…" his bride not being able to get the rest of her words out excited him more and his attentions intensified.
There was something about being in the outdoors, under a tree with her husband and him behaving as if they were in their own bed. The feeling of being exposed not just to him but to nature and to the world. The daring of it and the thought that someone could come by. It all seemed to make his fondling, and the way his lips and tongue were teasing and tasting her body, all that much more tantalizing.
He rolled a bit to his side and began to loosen the buttons of his own trousers and she found herself assisting him. He did not pull them completely off, but just down enough, and then he did the same with hers. The blanket still covered them from head to toe as he looked at her and smiled, "Maybe you should try bein' on top, it might be a little rough on this hard ground."
As he spoke his fingers never stopped teasing her and she was nearly breathless when she said, "But Daryl that's, well it's unnatural isn't it?"
He kept smiling as he shrugged and answered, "It don't seem unnatural ta me, it might be kinda fun. C'mon, if ya don't like it we'll just roll on over."
She was certain her face was on fire and not just from his words but from the heat of the moment. It was also the thought of something else so different and so new she was about to do with her husband. He lay flat and his hands were around her waist as she lifted a leg up and across him, straddling him. He had that mischievous grin she couldn't quite resist as he smiled up at her, "Hey Wife." Even though he seemed to be making light, her husband's intense gaze and the way he bit at his bottom lip, she knew he was ready for her.
His hands had slid inside her underwear shirt and the contrast of the cold weather and her husband's warm touch added to her excitement and her yearning for him. His fingers were pinching and pulling at her nipples to just shy of hurting, and she found herself so ready and anxious for him. She rested palms on his shoulders while she raised her bottom up and he slipped his manhood inside her.
His hands clasped her hips and it was as if he were guiding her movements as her hips began to rock back and forth on him. At first she was self-conscious. It was the way he was looking up at her with one hand still grasping her hip while his other had slipped up her shirt and was teasing her nipple. And it was the feel of that little bump, the one whose power they were both so aware of rubbing on his manhood…the sensation and intensity of it were making her move faster, rubbing on him more.
She tried to keep quiet but the words were out before she could stop them, "Daryl, oh my Daryl, it's, oh my…" and when her release came he leaned up almost in a seated position and his arms wrapped around her, "Feel good Sweetheart?"
"Yes, yes, so good…" she breathed out.
He lifted her shirt to expose her breasts and while she tried so hard to steady her breathing he hungrily sucked and bit at them more. All the while his hands rubbed her back and her bottom and she felt her desire piquing once again. He drew his lips from her breast only long enough to tell her, "Don't stop movin' Sweetheart, we're just startin'."
He didn't really have to tell her, he already had her ready for more, and as he lay back again he took her with him. She lay on his chest and her fingers wove through his hair while she kissed him, her hips once again in motion as she rubbed herself against his hard manhood.
As she moved he moved too, then he clasped hands to her hips steadying them, while he raised his own and pushed himself harder and deeper into her. He'd felt her body stiffen and her movements become more erratic and he knew she was losing control. He knew he was close too and her husband slipped a hand between them, teasing the little bump with his fingers. When her body began to stiffen and she groaned in pleasure he quickly rolled her on her back, pulling himself from her only as his own release came.
In spite of the frigid outdoor temperatures it was warm under the blanket and he was kissing the side of her face and nibbling at her ear when he said, "Thanks for lettin' me have my fun Beth."
She almost corrected him, after all it was her duty to meet his needs. Yet it never felt like a duty, quite the contrary. And though she'd been so hesitant at first what they'd done thrilled her too, "I love you Daryl. I always want to show you that. And Husband, I had fun too."
He held her for a moment longer before saying, "I gotta get us back home before nightfall. Wait right here and I'll get sumthin' ta clean ya." He quickly pulled up his undergarment and his trousers, had them buttoned and he was out from under the blanket. "Shit, I mean shoot, it's freezin' out here."
He hurried back with a cloth from his knapsack and she already had her shirt and coat buttoned up and raised only enough to expose where the proof of his pleasure had spilled on her skin. He wiped it from her and then as she raised her hips he tugged her trousers up and fastened the buttons. "We gotta go Beth, we don't wanna be ridin' in the dark."
"I'm ready." He helped her to her feet, quickly rolled the bedrolls, fastened the straps and secured them behind the saddles. He gave her a leg up, mounted Blackie and they kept a bit of a faster pace on their way home, the big stallion dragging the tree behind him. He smiled over at her and asked, "Did ya have fun gettin' your tree?"
"It's our tree Daryl and I had more fun than I expected. I thought I was only after a tree."
She made him laugh and he told her, "I never had such pleasure when choppin' down a tree myself."
He helped her from the horse and while she went inside he took the horses to the barn. She got the coffee going for him, tea for herself and set the pot of stew she'd made earlier back on the stove. Then she did what she was so excited to do.
She'd decorated the box that sat near the hearth and she opened it to retrieve the ornaments she'd made. She'd used pieces of fabric, leftovers from her sewing projects. She'd cut them into circles, angels, stars and trees, making a small hole at the top of each one to run a coarse thread through for hanging from the tree branches. She soaked them in a mixture of sugar melted in water and when they dried they were stiff and ready to hang.
Shortly she heard his boots hit the porch and she stood with a smile, anxious to see both her husband and their tree. The door opened and she saw he'd nailed pieces of wood to the trunk for a stand. He smiled when he asked, "Where ya want it?"
"As close to the hearth as we can without it being a danger or in your way."
He set it down and immediately her arms wrapped around him, "Thank you Daryl, it's beautiful." He kissed her and she got him his coffee and herself a cup of tea and they sat together on the sofa and admired their tree. They were both just daydreaming by the warmth of the fire when he smelled the stew and asked, "Is that our dinner I smell?"
"It is, you stay and enjoy your coffee. I want to put a little bread in the oven to warm."
After their dinner he sat and watched her as she carefully hung the ornaments. He silently questioned which of them was enjoying themselves more, then he thought to ask her, "What about all them boughs and cones ya picked up? They're out in the barn, I could bring em in."
"Thank you but it can keep until after church tomorrow. I'm going to use them to decorate the hearth."
"The whole house is gonna smell like the pines, huh?"
And she may have startled them both when she responded, "It seems to me we had quite a lovely time in the pines today, maybe the fragrance will bring you pleasant memories."
He slapped his leg and told her, "C'mere Beth Dixon I'ma turn ya over my knee." She giggled as she went to him and they cuddled by the fire enjoying their pretty tree and each other.
00
Her husband had shot four fat geese that were hanging in the root cellar and there was a plan for Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrations. It so happened that year Christmas Eve came on Saturday and Christmas Day on Sunday. Her husband would shut down the shop Friday afternoon and not open again until Monday morning.
On Christmas Eve Beth would be roasting one of the geese and her husband would cook the other on a spit over the hearth fire. Merle and Karen would cook the other two and Christmas Eve they would have a big family dinner at his brother's home.
The weeks before had passed so quickly and Beth was grateful to have completed so many of her Christmas preparations. She'd made new pinafores for her nieces in Georgia, lady's handkerchiefs for her sister in law and gentleman's handkerchiefs for her brother. All were posted and she hoped they would arrive at the family home in time for Christmas.
She'd learned Daryl's family did not exchange Christmas gifts. The children would each be receiving a gift from Santa on Christmas morning, but that would be all the gift-giving that was done.
Instead they would celebrate with a far fancier than usual dinner on Christmas Eve. Included would be three desserts, one of each child's choosing. Beth would be making Cyrus's favorite. It was something she considered more of a breakfast food than an after dinner treat, but Cyrus was Dear and when he'd asked for Sticky Buns she told him they were one of her favorites too and she'd be delighted to make them.
She would also be making a cornbread and sausage dressing, her Mama's recipe, and a pan of glazed carrots. Karen would be making fancy dinner rolls and all of the Dixon men's favorite, mashed potatoes and gravy.
00
She found such happiness that week before Christmas as she stayed busy completing the gifts she was making her husband.
There was also to be a small gathering of women at Olivia's for lunch on Tuesday. They would share the noon meal and speak of the true meaning of Christmas. Of course there would be plenty of chatting and sharing of other news as well.
Beth had made a large batch of creamed potatoes, enough to take some with her with plenty leftover for her husband that evening. She'd spent the whole morning baking several small loaves of a sweet molasses quick bread. She wrapped each in cheesecloth and tied them with a fabric bow. She would gift them to her friends for the holiday season.
She had just placed all the wrapped loaves in a basket and covered it with a cloth when Virgil arrived to take her to town. Karen was already in the sled and Virgil assisted Beth in climbing first on the porch chair and then stepping into the wagon, where Karen stood waiting to take her hand.
The gathering at Olivia's was pleasant, the mood festive as the ladies all spoke of their Christmas plans while they enjoyed the meal. Amy was getting quite far along, her baby was due the end of February and there was much excitement among the ladies over that.
Another of them was also with child. The roundness of Lori's belly had become unmistakable. Nobody would ever bring up the question that was on so many minds, instead they all remarked how excited Rick must be to be having another child.
Lori's smile was strained when she said that he was indeed excited, and then a tear rolled down her cheek when she told her friends, "We're going to get through this and our baby is going to be healthy and plump. I just know it's true." And her friends did their best to comfort her saying that was most surely true.
From Olivia's Beth set out to call on a woman who had not been included, a woman she considered her friend. She had never entered the saloon except when she had to appear at trial, and she didn't intend to that day. She simply peeked her head in and asked Caesar, "Would you be kind enough to tell Andrea I have something for her."
Caesar smiled, "I sure would but why don't you come in out of the cold and tell her yourself Beth? Don't be concerned, there's no need ta be in the saloon. I'll take you upstairs to our living quarters."
"Oh, well yes, I guess that's fine then."
She was a nervous wreck as he escorted her up the stairs, he knocked on the door before entering and announced, "Andrea you have a friend here to see you." The door opened and Beth nearly let out a gasp. The room looked like the boudoir of a fancy French courtesan. It was decorated with red satin and lace, there were plush pillows, a tall and lavish appearing bed with see-through red curtains all around, and there were dimly lit candles and a large fur rug on the floor.
Andrea was wearing a long sheer négligée with a bodice of diaphanous fabric and lace trim and bows. It left very little to the imagination and the dressing gown that covered it did nothing more to conceal Andrea's voluptuous body. Beth had never felt so out of place and almost regretted making the call, until Andrea hurried to her, embraced her and said, "Oh my Dear little friend, you've come to visit. Come, please sit."
Caesar grinned and said, "I'll see you later my Dearest. Beth."
The tufted settee was of red crushed velvet and Beth almost felt naughty just to be sitting on it. This woman whom she cared for, but who she knew she would certainly never understand asked, "May I get you a glass of sherry or perhaps a whiskey?"
"Oh thank you no, I don't drink. I've only stopped to wish you a Merry Christmas and to leave you this small gift." She lifted the cloth covering her basket and took out of loaf of the sweet bread. "I'm sorry it isn't more."
Andrea scolded, "No, don't you be sorry. This is the most lovely and kindest gift I have ever received. Now, I must give you something in return."
"Oh no, that's not necessary, please. It's only a loaf of bread."
"Only? But you made it yourself and brought it to me. You're my first lady caller. The first to make an attempt at being my friend. You're very special Beth."
She hurried to her dresser and opened the bottommost drawer. She drew out a package wrapped in tissue and tied with a lace bow. "You must have this. I ordered it all the way from Paris, France only to discover it's far too small for me. It should fit you just right."
The women chatted for a while before Beth excused herself, "I'm sorry but I must go. I need to make one more stop before I meet my husband." She carefully folded the wrapped package, placed it in her basket and covered it with the cloth.
Before she left the women hugged and gave each other a kiss as they wished one another a Merry Christmas.
School had been dismissed, the last of the children running toward home when she arrived. She walked in the classroom and none other than Mister Ezekiel King stood there chatting with the marm. He was smiling and speaking to her in his grand style as he offered her a gift of dried fruits. That was not all, Beth saw that Miss Carol Peletier, the woman who had sworn off all men forever, had a very lovely smile for the man.
She felt as if she were eavesdropping and she cleared her throat alerting them of her presence. They quickly turned and just as quickly she apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I've just brought Carol a small gift. Just a loaf of sweetbread."
Carol thanked her for her kindness and Ezekiel said, "I'll go now and leave you ladies to your visit."
Beth was terribly uncomfortable, more so than she'd been at Andrea's, she was sure she was interrupting a courtship call. "No please, I can't stay. My husband is waiting for me at his shop. I wish you both a very Merry Christmas."
00
It was a rare occasion that her husband had an entire day off, a day when they had nowhere they needed to be first thing in the morning. He took advantage of this time he had with her as they made love in such a slow and leisurely way. Afterward he held her close and they enjoyed the lazy time they had together as they lingered in their bed.
When they finally rose she began to prepare their breakfast while he cared for the animals. It was Christmas Eve and she made him waffles with ham and homemade syrup and they took their time enjoying the meal together.
Afterwards he went out to shovel snow and then retrieved two of the geese from the root cellar. He would pluck them and singe off the pinfeathers and then they would lard them and cook them for their family dinner.
While he was busy with his chores she made the sticky buns and her mother's dressing recipe, she glazed the carrots and finally she made two recipes of a special treat. One recipe she would divide in portions and wrap in cloth to give to each of the Dixon children, the second batch was for her husband.
The package from her brother had arrived earlier that week. There were two wrapped gifts, one for her husband and one for herself. They were under the tree. Her brother had included a package of Georgia peanuts and she had roasted them to use in the treat she was making, Peanut Brittle.
They got to his brother's home and they could feel the excitement in the air. Merle and Virgil were busy telling Mary Ellen grand tales about Santa Claus as Cyrus listened almost as delighted as his little sister. Her Daddy told her, "When your Uncle Daryl was about Cyrus' size he darn near caught ol' Santa. Only missed him by a hair. I got no idea what he thought he was gonna do with him once he had him."
Mary Ellen's eyes were huge when she turned to her Uncle and asked, "Really Uncle Daryl? Is it true?"
Her Uncle only asked back, "Ya don't think your Daddy would lie to ya do ya?"
The meal was happy and festive as they laughed and told stories of Christmas. The next day they would all gather after church and enjoy the leftovers of the meal once again. They paused and held hands as they took a moment to speak of the gratitude they felt at having such an abundance of blessings.
Beth gave the children her gifts of candy and they were all so delighted until their Mama told them, "You've had enough sweets. There will be no more candy eating tonight." They all looked so glum until she smiled and said, "You can have it with breakfast."
Daryl and Beth had a grand time but they were so happy to get home and have time alone together. He took the lantern and went to the root cellar and when he returned he had a bottle of whiskey. "I don't know Daryl, I've never tried it. I'm almost afraid."
He poured himself a cup and then he poured her one. He went to the pantry and took a jar of peaches, opened it and added some of the sweet juice to her cup. They sat on the sofa and sipped their whiskey and he smiled, "I can't wait for mornin', I wanna give ya your gifts now." She was as anxious as him and she agreed.
He'd wrapped them in butcher paper and she found his efforts quite charming. He handed her one saying, "I bought this for ya cuz when I seen it I thought a you and your pretty hair right away."
She couldn't imagine what it might be and when she tore the paper off her hand went to her mouth, "Oh my gosh Daryl, it's so beautiful." It was a metal box with a green enamel finish and it was covered with beautiful hand painted pink flowers. She carefully lifted the lid to reveal the contents. Each piece of the vanity set was decorated with gold filigree, each piece prettier than the next. There was a hand-held mirror, a beautiful hairbrush and a comb. There were even fancy manicure tools including a buffer and a nail file. "I have never seen anything so lovely Daryl. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and beautiful gift."
They kissed and then he handed her the second gift, "This is just sumthin' I made ya myself. Not fancy like the other."
She shook her head, "If you made it I know it's wonderful and I'm sure it's quite fancy enough." She opened it and she was immediately overcome with emotion. It was so beautiful. The wood cover had been sanded smooth, the inscription burned into it and a shiny lacquer painted over all. It read, "The Memories of Beth Dixon 1882 to 1883." It was full of blank pages, all carefully bound in the wood cover with leather lacing. She was nearly speechless but managed to ask, "Daryl, what made you think to make me such a beautiful thing?"
He shrugged, "Well I know ya like ta write your memories in that journal thing every day so I just thought I'd start makin' ya a book for that each year. 1882 ain't but a week away."
She started to cry and he didn't know what could be wrong, "Beth, I'm sorry, what? Did I do sumthin' wrong?"
"Oh my gosh no. Everything is so perfect. I'm just afraid my gifts for you aren't special enough."
"Oh bullshit. I mean, oh that ain't true at all. Let's see."
She handed him the first and he open the fabric that covered them, "See what I said? These are perfect. I been needin' em and wantin' em and my pretty wife made me two pair. I love them and I love you."
"It's just socks Daryl."
"Whaddya mean just socks? If ya ever went without a pair you'd know how special they are. But these, these here are the best socks in the world cuz my wife made em for me with her own pretty hands."
"Daryl, there is no one like you. I'm sure of that." She was smiling as she handed him the second package.
"Well now, I got my socks what else could I need?" He opened the fabric wrap to reveal a long wool scarf. "Beth this is wonderful," He wrapped it around his neck, "Real winter ain't even got here yet, this is gonna come in so handy when it does."
He was acting like everything was so perfect but she was feeling bad. His gifts to her were so much nicer. Maybe it was the whiskey that helped the thought come to her. She wondered if she dared, and she told herself yes, this was Daryl and she wanted to. "I have one more gift for you. I have to go in the bedroom and get it ready, I'll call for you when it's time to come in."
He had a puzzled look but agreed, "Alright, I'll wait here."
She wasn't sure why she'd hidden it, it was just that it was something so personal and not like anything she'd ever considered wearing. When Andrea had given the package to her she hadn't even dared to open it until after her husband went to work the next morning.
Now on Christmas Eve of 1881 she stripped off all her clothes and put the gown on. It was gossamer-thin and she knew every part of her body was visible through the beautiful négligée with its fancy satin and lace trim. She felt so womanly, so comely and she did what Andrea told her to do. She'd been so embarrassed at the time but she realized Andrea knew a great deal more about pleasing men than she did. So she pinched at her nipples until they were bright pink and taut and then she opened the bedroom door just far enough to call to him, "Daryl, your present is ready."
00
A/N I have a feeling he'll enjoy that gift very much. Please leave a comment / review and let me know your thoughts :) if you'd like to see the Christmas chapter photo it's on my tumblr blogs gneebee, bethylmethbrick and A Place Called Heavenly. I hope to see you all back next Friday when we fast forward to February...burr. Until then remember, I love ya large and appreciate you greatly! xo gneebee