When the blissful kisses and caresses ended, they carried David upstairs and gently tucked him into bed. And then they returned to the living room to prepare it for

Santa's arrival. When the living room was in perfect condition, Daphne turned to her husband.

"I suppose we should be getting to bed soon. Your father and Ronee will be here at noon sharp and I have a feeling that we'll have to start looking for another house

on December 26th because this one will be full of toys."

Niles laughed and kissed her forehead. "I think you're right."

They turned out the lights and walked upstairs hand in hand to their bedroom. When they were changed into their pajamas, they took one more opportunity to share a

series of intimate kisses.

"You know, I have a confession to make." Niles said.

"Oh... All right. What is it?"

Niles kissed her hand and led her to the bed, gesturing her to sit down.

"You're not the only one who was remembering that Christmas; the one where Dad was in the Christmas pageant."

"You mean, you were thinking about Eddie too? Oh, Niles I know it hurt you to lose him."

He accepted her hug but then gently pulled away. "Of course it hurt, but I was thinking of another moment from that Christmas. One that I've never told you about,

actually."

She swallowed hard, trying to contain her fear, even though she trusted her husband completely.

"All right."

"I was getting my massage and it was so relaxing that I fell asleep."

She closed her eyes, remembering her own massage. "That was heavenly, wasn't it?"

"While I was sleeping, I had the most wonderful dream."

"Really? Was I there?"

"Actually yes. You were the masseuse, and you were massaging my tender calf, which still hurt from that damn Christmas tree incident! I commented on how wonderful

the massage was and how I had never had one quite like the one you were giving me. You said you were glad. Well I had expected to see the man who was the real

masseuse, but when I looked up, I saw you dressed in a nurse's uniform. My heart was beating rapidly and then in the most heavenly gesture possible, you said you

had a Christmas present for me. I could barely respond when you climbed onto the table and began kissing me so tenderly, that I thought my heart would soar out of

my chest with love for you. And then that damn masseuse had to ruin it by pressing on my ankle a little too hard, waking me up!"

Daphne smiled and kissed him. "I'm sorry, Sweetheart. Now why don't you just relax while I go check on David and I'll be right back."

"All right."

Minutes later, Daphne returned. "He's still sleeping soundly, ready for Santa Claus."

When Niles went to hug her, she caressed his shoulders. "You're pretty tense. Perhaps you could use another massage right now."

"But it's so late."

"I don't mind." She said, smiling mischievously.

"Well, all right."

Niles took off his shirt and lay down on the bed, sighing with pleasure while Daphne gently kneaded his aching shoulders with her hands. "There. Does that feel

better?"

"Yes... Thank you so much."

"Hold that thought. I'll be right back."

He lifted his head in confusion as she left the room and then returned moments later dressed in a very familiar nurse's uniform.

"Daphne... What..."

"I'm here to make your dream come true."

"M-my..."

She climbed onto the bed and kissed him deeply.

"There. How was that? Was it like the kiss in your dream?"

"Not at all."

Taken back she tried to hide the hurt in her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He kissed her again. "It means that it was more wonderful than I ever dreamed."

"Well then, perhaps I should try it again."