Note
Posted as an advent calendar story on Tumblr in 2023.
"We should get this for Steve." Evelyn's voice was laced with barely repressed laughter and Sam turned around to see what she was referring to. He burst out laughing when he saw the long thin object she held in her hands.
"He'd be offended," Sam said. "We have to get it."
It was a fancy-looking cane, in some polished dark red wood and the handle of bronze and shaped like an eagle.
"It's perfect, isn't it!" Evelyn looked closer at the eagle, her fingers tracing the beak.
Steve had been subjected to the old man jokes since he woke up from the ice, but after he had retired from being Captain America, there had been no end to them. He didn't hide the fact that he was more than over it, but that didn't stop his friends. When you were 100 going on 30, what else could people do.
Sam picked at the price tag at the bottom of the cane and nearly choked on his own breath. "No chance in hell, babe," he said.
Evelyn raised the cane to inspect the tag and nearly dropped the stick in surprise. "Oh no, you're right. No chance in hell." She put it back in its holder on the wall so gently you'd think it was made of glass. "Gotta be real bronze or something."
"Who's left on our list now? Except the old man?" Sam asked and put his sunglasses on as they left the store, there wasn't really anything else that looked promising in there.
Evelyn pulled out a piece of paper from her jacket pocket and read, moving her finger down the list finding the ones that weren't crossed out. "Cassie, Sarah, Morgan, Scott. And no, we are still not getting Scott an ant farm."
"I don't see why we ca-"
"Because the whole world is his ant farm." She pursed her lips, but when Sam looked at her he saw her eyes sparkled with playfulness. They walked on down the busy sidewalk. "But I suppose a small toy farm set would be fun, he could set it up in the garden in the summer and play with his ants."
Sam chuckled. "Agreed. Toy store next."
"Might find something for Morgan there too."
It was about two weeks left before Christmas. The streets were packed with people doing their Christmas errands. Lights were hung everywhere, up lamp posts, around naked tree branches, and here and there was a beautifully twinkling Christmas tree. Santas called out ho ho ho and rang their bells from the front of stores, some of them collecting for various charities. Every time the door to a shop opened, there was the beat of some Christmas song.
It was a bit much, but all the lights and sounds, not to mention all the people being so caught up in their own holiday stresses, meant that Sam could walk around pretty much unnoticed. Though, just in case, Evelyn had put an old knitted hat on top of his head to protect your pretty head from the cold before they went out. She had also handed him a pair of sunglasses, which he had protested, but she had just sent him a look, and he had obediently put them on.
He had been asked to give a few Captain America signatures at the cash register whenever they bought something and people had time to notice things around them, but Sam didn't mind as long as it wasn't swarms of people.
They found what they needed in the toy store, a farmhouse playset for Scott and a science kit for Morgan. It looked pretty advanced, the recommended age was far beyond her years, but it would probably be a walk in the park. Pepper was an intelligent woman, but Morgan was showing signs of becoming the kind of genius that Tony was. There was no doubt that she would eventually make just as big – if not bigger – of an impact on the world as her father.
"I'm getting hungry," Sam said, laying a hand on his stomach, feeling the gnawing start.
"Me too," Evelyn said. "Grab a burger there?" She pointed to the corner place near the ice skating rink.
Sam's lips curled up in a quick smile before nodding.
The two of them stepped inside the door, and it was nice and warm, and smelling deliciously. They placed their order at the self-ordering station and then went to sit in a booth by the window, with a view of the rink while they waited for their burgers.
As Evelyn glanced out the window, Sam snuck his hands across the table and took hers in his. She was cold, so he tried to rub some warmth into them. She smiled distractedly and then nodded towards the rink.
"I'm getting bad vibes from that place," she said with a pout.
Sam chuckled. "I can't imagine why," he said sarcastically.
A few days before Christmas two years ago, they had gone to the very rink they now had a view of, and it hadn't exactly gone well.
"I'm not sure this is a good idea, babe." Sam wasn't feeling confident at all as he attempted to stand up on the rented ice skates. He'd just laced them up and had done them as tight as he could, hoping it would give him extra support.
Evelyn had wanted to go skating, having seen an advertisement for their local ice rink in the newspaper. Sam thought it sounded like a great idea and was immediately on board, but now... he wasn't so sure.
"I mean, I did go skating as a kid, but I was young and dumb. Falling over wasn't a big deal."
"Come on, you're Captain America," Evelyn said, standing up on equally unsure legs. "But I know what you mean. It doesn't feel safe. But we have to try now that we've come so far."
The two of them held on tightly to each other as they carefully made their way out onto the ice. It was late at night two days before Christmas, so the rink was almost empty. No one that was interested in watching if they made a fool of themselves, just another couple who looked like they were about to leave and a small group of friends.
It didn't take long until they felt more secure and dared to let go of each other a bit. Evelyn even went ahead of Sam, and he watched as she slid over the ice. She looked more graceful than she probably realised, and he thought she was like an ice angel, in her white coat, white cable knit hat. Not colours she usually wore, but it was her warmest outfit, and it was perfect for the activity in Sam's opinion.
Evelyn looked back over her shoulder with a huge grin and then she sped up and squealed with delight. Sam laughed and sped up to keep up with her.
It wasn't really that different from the first time he flew. The ice was polished to perfection and it was a smooth glide, but Sam still preferred the air any day.
They got more and more confident and soon they were racing each other around the rink, laughing. Sam let her get ahead, then caught up with her, again and again. Until he decided he had to win and passed her, grabbed her arm and swung around. She crashed into him with a yelp and his back bumped into the edge of the rink.
"Sam!"
He laughed and held her tightly to steady her. "You okay?"
Evelyn nodded and looked up into his eyes.
"I'm glad you suggested this." He leaned down and kissed her cold nose.
"Me too. It's been so long since I've done this."
"And –" Sam looked around the skating rink and then back down at her "– we are all alone now." He wiggled his eyebrows.
"Mr Wilson! If you're thinking what I think you're thinking... I'm not interested in frost bite on my ass."
"That wasn't what I was thinking at all!" He tightened his arms around her as he laughed, the frost smoke from his breath surrounding her. "It's just nice being here with you all alone."
Evelyn smiled and raised up on the tips of her skates to kiss him and Sam could have stayed in this perfect moment forever. But she was in a playful mood, and just as he was starting to lean in and deepen the kiss, she slipped out of his arms and shot off down the rink. Sam didn't need many seconds before he shot after her.
She was getting confident and zigzagged to throw him off her tail. She then leapt into the air and spun halfway around in an attempt at a pirouette, but – Sam saw it almost in slow motion – she didn't have enough momentum or professional training for that matter and landed awkwardly, her ankle twisting and bending, and she fell flat on her back with a pained scream.
Sam rushed to her – "Evelyn!" – almost sliding past her in his hurry, but jumped down hard on his knees by her side.
"My foot," she wheezed, the air had been knocked out of her, and pulled her right knee up towards her, one arm moving to cradle her leg.
Sam ignored her to make sure everything else was in order. He grabbed her face in his hands and slid one hand to the back of her head. "Did you hit your head?"
She paused to take stock of herself and then shook her head.
"Your back? Neck? Anything besides your foot hurts?"
"Hurts to fall," she whimpered and that made Sam's lips twitch in a small smile. "Mostly my pride." Her eyes were wet with unshed tears though, so Sam gently lowered her head to the ice and turned to the leg she was holding.
He took hold of it and lowered it down and then carefully began to loosen the lace of the skate. Evelyn had lifted her head slightly to look, but when he began to gently slide the skate off, she dropped her head and squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't make a sound.
Sam slipped her sock off too and then inspected her foot, looking for irregularities. "Let know where it hurts," he mumbled and began pressing gently to various parts of her foot. She made a few sounds of pain and he nodded as if in agreement. Finally, he leaned his head down to listen as he ever so carefully moved her ankle. He heard Evelyn gasp in pain, but that was all.
"I think it's sprained," he explained and she looked up at him again. "Let's get you home."
"You were very doting, that Christmas," Evelyn said, smiling playfully before digging into her hamburger, which had just been served.
Even though Sam had been pretty confident her ankle was just sprained, he had insisted on an x-ray just to be sure. It was a mild one, thankfully. But Evelyn was ordered to rest for a week, keep her foot elevated and ice it if necessary.
So close to Christmas, it hadn't been easy for her to obey, but Sam had insisted very very hard and she had caved. The very same evening they had gone skating they had planned on decorating the tree, so Sam had done that, following every order Evelyn gave him. He'd wrapped and delivered the last presents. He'd ironed his shirt and her dress for Christmas dinner at Pepper and Morgan's. He'd made breakfast, lunch and dinner. And he had snuggled the shit out of her the rest of the time, icing her ankle when the pain got too much.
Exactly a week later, like clockwork, Evelyn's ankle had been as good as new.
It had been a long day, but they'd finally crossed everyone off their gift-list. Sam had a small mission that took a couple of days, and Evelyn buried herself in work while he was gone. But as soon as he had come home and she had showered him with care for a few hours, they got to baking.
Their kitchen wasn't large and it got messy very quickly. But they were having fun together, and Sam made sure it didn't get too messy. They had the radio on, but no Christmas music. It was enough of that everywhere else, so they were listening to some local band from New Orleans. Apparently, the singer was a distant relative of his. Slow, soft and comfortable, but occasionally a fast beat made them dance a little. Sam even sang along with the music now and then, their dog joining in sometimes.
Evelyn was using a small spoon to press lightly down on the dozen carefully rolled balls on the sheet pan in front of her. Sam was stirring a couple of jars of different flavours jam, getting ready to dollop some onto the thumbprint cookies.
"Oh, I just remembered!" Evelyn exclaimed, dumping the spoon into a dirty mixing bowl in the sink. "The restaurant finally confirmed our reservation today."
Sam scooped up a generous amount of raspberry jam and dropped it onto one of the cookies. "About goddamn time. How long has been since I first called them?" He looked at Evelyn as she leaned her back against the sink.
"A couple of months, I think." She shook her head. "It's going to be worth it though."
This Christmas Day would be the fifth anniversary of their first date. There was this fancy and ridiculously expensive restaurant they'd always wanted to go to, so they decided they would treat themselves this anniversary.
"I fucking hope so," he said. The last cookie was filled, and Evelyn put the pan into the oven while Sam put the jam away.
"Set the timer for me," she said, twiddling with the knobs on the oven.
"Right," he said fishing his phone from his pocket. "We gotta give some of these thumbprint cookies to Barnes, by the way. He loves them."
"I don't think there's enough, if we're giving your sister some too. But I can make some more while you're away."
Sam had to go away for a couple of days again, it wasn't that unusual for him to be away before Christmas, there was a lot for Captain America to do around the holidays. But good and bad.
"You tend to bake if I'm away around the holidays," he commented fondly. "Ever since our second Christmas together."
It was dark outside and the bedroom was quiet. Sam wasn't sure what had woken him up.
Then there was a creaking of the bedroom door and – on instant alert – he raised up on his shoulders and looked towards the door. A fluffy white head poked through the opening, dark eyes looked around, spotted Sam, and then the rest of the dog's body followed, the little tail wagging excitedly.
Sam breathed with relief and laid down again. Evelyn had brought her dog, he had forgotten in his morning grogginess. The pitter-patter sound of paws made him look up again and the dog was coming to his side of the bed. "Hey, you. Merry Christmas, little buddy."
A quiet bark came in reply.
Sam rolled over onto his stomach and reached down to pet the little creature. "Got a special present for you today. And your mom."
"Oh yeah? Wha's tha'?" A scratchy and sleepy voice came from Sam's other side. A huge grin spread across his face as he turned around.
"Merry Christmas, gorgeous," he said and leaned down for a kiss. Evelyn hummed against his lips and Sam felt nerves and excitement battle in his stomach.
"Merry Christmas, silly," she greeted when he pulled back. She rubbed sleep out of her eyes and yawned. "What's this about a special present for me and my fluffy friend?"
Sam rolled around again and reached down to get something from the drawer in his bedside cabinet. Evelyn called the dog over to her side and lifted him into bed. As if he had understood them, the dog sat quietly in her lap looking almost expectantly at Sam when he turned to them with the first gift. "Open his first."
It was a fairly big rectangular package, beautifully wrapped. She shook it gently, but there was nothing that made any sound. Evelyn tore the paper away and saw a box containing a food and water bowl, almost the same as she already had for her dog. She frowned and looked questioningly at Sam.
His eyes were playful. "I thought you could keep this set here," he said and handed her another much smaller package. This one was square and had her heart thumping wildly. Sam could see it in her face what she thought he was doing. They had talked about marriage when they decided to go steady, both wanted to at some point, but not yet. They'd only been together for a year. Sam hoped she wouldn't be disappointed or think it was a cheesy gift.
She pulled the paper off so gently, revealing – not a velvet box – but a simple brown cardboard box with something rattling lightly inside. Sam saw her initial dread becoming curiosity. Like she was afraid something would jump out of it, she pulled the flaps open at the top and peered inside.
A frown of confusion flitted across Evelyn's face as she pulled out a key with a small red bow tied around it. She held it in her hand and looked questioningly at Sam.
"I thought you should have a key to my place," he explained. "I know you aren't ready for us to move in together yet, but you and the little buddy should be able to come and go as you like, whether I'm here or not."
"Sam..." Her voice was thick with emotion. She stared down at the shiny, very obviously freshly cut key.
"You already know the code and security phrase to my alarm, they're no good without the key too."
She let out a small chuckle, blinking away tears. A wet nose nudged her hand, demanding attention, and she laughed. "Yes, I'll feed you soon." She closed her hand around the key and held it to her chest. "This is the best present I've ever gotten, Sam." Then she leaned over, put her free hand around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.
Sam had to go away for a few days between Christmas and New Year's, and Evelyn had spent all the time he was gone at his place. That's when she learned that she liked to bake to distract herself from worrying about him when he was gone.
She'd gone home when he left for his mission, but after just a few restless hours at home, she had grabbed the new key and gone back. She was always worried about him when he was gone, and it somehow felt safer to be surrounded by his things. His place was closer to her work too, so that was a nice bonus.
Watching Food Network snuggled under a blanket with the dog, she'd felt inspired to try to recreate the cake they had made. It hadn't been perfect, but it tasted delicious, and she didn't stop baking until Sam came home.
Every time he went away after that, she and the dog moved temporarily into his place. And if it was near a holiday, she would fill his freezer with baked goods to distract herself from missing him too much. Even after they moved in together, she kept up the holiday baking.
"I like drowning my missing you in flour and sugar and eggs," Evelyn said in response to Sam's comment about her baking. She walked over to him and snuck her arms around his waist, leaning into him. Sam held her close and breathed her in. She smelled like vanilla and ginger and cinnamon and cloves and it was intoxicating in a warm and fuzzy way.
"Do you think the gingerbread cookies are cool enough to decorate now?" he asked, lips moving against her hair.
She reached behind him and got a gingerbread star from the cooling rack, leaned back and fed it to him. "You tell me."
Sam bit off a piece. "Need a bit longer, but it tastes good."
There was an indignant bark and they looked down to see the dog looking up and the gingerbread cookie in Evelyn's hand, tongue hanging out and hope in his eyes.
"These are not for you, buddy," Evelyn chastised. "But I got some Christmas treats for you at the store today, I'll go get them."
Evelyn made a huge batch of thumbprint cookies for Bucky while Sam was away. The mission was thankfully a peaceful one this time, or she'd probably have baked them out of the house. It was still a few days left for Christmas, so she put Bucky's cookies in the freezer, then made plenty of buns and bread and cookies to donate to their local meal centre. She also took on some extra hours at the zoo where she worked, so she was thoroughly tired at the end of the day and fell asleep without missing Sam too much.
It was a Sunday afternoon when he came home and he found her sitting on the floor wrapping presents. The dog had woken up from his nap and rushed to Sam when he came in.
"Hello, buddy." Sam kneeled to cuddle the fluffy creature quickly before sitting down next to Evelyn and greeting her with a deep kiss. "I've missed you both," he whispered against her lips.
"We missed you too. How was your trip?" Evelyn reached for the tape dispenser and tore off a couple of pieces.
"So dull. A major criterion for being a politician is to be dull." The dog settled itself between his legs, demanding more cuddles and Sam provided. "As far as I know, my schedule is free for the rest of the year."
"Knock on wood," Evelyn said, glueing a big red bow to the present in front of her. "By the way, remember that light show we saw when Sarah, AJ and Cass were here for Christmas last year?"
Sam made a sound of agreement and buried his face in the dog's fur.
"I bought us tickets for after dinner on our anniversary."
Sam looked up at her. "Perfect ending on a perfect day," he said with a smile. "A carriage ride to the restaurant, a fancy three-course meal with an expensive wine package, light show. Accompanied by the love of my life."
Sam had usually spent all his Christmases at home in Delacroix with Sarah and her family. Occasionally, joined by Bucky, who Cass and AJ had adopted as a bonus-uncle. Evelyn had joined Sam since they got together, but last year, they'd decided to switch it up and invite Sarah and her boys to their apartment.
Since they didn't have a big house to roam around in, Sarah and the boys had spent the nights at a hotel, and it had all been more of a city event. But it had been a nice Christmas nonetheless. They had all agreed that it was better at Sarah's lake house though, and they'd go back there next time.
But one thing that the lake house didn't have, was a light show.
One of the local parks had started a tradition of putting on a show in the evening every day until New Year's Eve, starting on Christmas Day. The trees and paths and structures were decorated with beautiful twinkling lights and moving holiday creatures. There were light fountains and canopies, and even lights down in the ponds. At the entrance, you could buy an electric candle to carry with you through the park, all proceeds being donated to various charities. And when they came out at the other end, drones were creating silent fireworks in the night sky.
Sam's nephews had loved it, they all had. Sam and Evelyn had promised to invite them up for New Year's the next year, since the light show changed for that final day.
Sam and Evelyn were excited to see the light show again on their anniversary, it was rumoured to be bigger and more spectacular this year. All the plans and preparations for the big day were done. Not that it was much, but getting that restaurant reservation had been a real chore.
The restaurant had a long waiting list, and while Sam didn't like using his name to get ahead, he had tried with this one. It had not worked. They'd got the reservation in the end though, and now everything was ready.
In the days leading up to Christmas, they went around and handed out their presents, decorated their home, and finally, three days before the big day, they decorated the tree listening to Christmas music for the first time that year.
Sam strung the lights around the tree while Evelyn rummaged through a couple of boxes to find the ornaments she liked. She sang along to the upbeat song, making unintelligible words for the parts of the lyrics she wasn't as familiar with. Sam smiled as he listened to her, occasionally glancing past the tree to see her bobbing her head along. He paused what he was doing to see her bend down, ass towards him, and he cocked his head looking at her. Then she stood up and held the tree topper in her hands, blowing at it to dust it off, only to sneeze violently.
"Bless you," he said with a chuckle once she had stopped. He shook his head to clear it and focused on the lights again. Sometimes he was stunned by how much in love with her he still was, after five years together and knowing her for seven. It was just like that first year full of excitement and exploring and getting to know each other intimately and emotionally, only now they were secure with each other.
"What are you grinning about?" Evelyn asked suddenly, standing next to him holding the tree topper.
He looked at her and was sure his eyes would have been shaped like hearts if it had been possible. "I love you," he said simply.
"Love you too," she said, a little perplexed, but didn't question it. Instead, she held up the topper. "We haven't used this since we bought it."
Sam looked down into her hands. It was a silver-plated star, with a cut-out design, and a light inside. He'd bought it three years ago. The star symbol had grown on Sam since he started bearing the superhero star of Captain America, and when he had seen the tree topper in the store, he thought it was the perfect ornament, and he knew Evelyn would like it too.
The scene was very much the same with Evelyn standing there with the tree topper in her hands while Sam was stringing on the lights, three years ago on the day. She had unboxed the star and paused in their discussion to admire it.
"It's beautiful, Sam," she said with a smile. She gingerly pulled it from the packaging and handed it to him so he could put it on. Their tree was taller than usual that year and he had gotten Redwing out to fly the star to the top. Evelyn had shook her head, but smiled behind his back. Once he'd secured the shining topper he went back to stringing on lights and Evelyn stared at him. "Are you going to answer my question?"
He paused. "Of course, I want you to move in, Evelyn," he started. "That's not the point."
She took a deep breath to keep her calm. "Then what is the point?"
It was Sam's turn to take a deep breath. He stepped back from the tree, sat down on the armrest of the couch and looked at her. "I'm Captain America..."
"So?"
"It wasn't the safest title for Steve to hold and it's definitely not safe for me. And I don't have superhuman strength or... anything. You can understand that?"
"Sam." Evelyn put her hands on her hips. Her thinking he was being ridiculous was clear in her voice and her entire posture. "What exactly would be different from what we've been doing the past year? Since you gave me the key to this place?"
"Everything. They'll know, know how to get to me."
"Samuel." That was her clue for being tired of his bullshit. "We have been together for two years, publicly for a year and a half. If I hadn't accepted the risk of being with you, I would have never gone on a first date with you, let alone a second. I practically live here already. When was the last time I spent a night in my own place? I don't remember. The only thing that would be different is that my mail will be delivered here instead."
They stared at each other for several long moments.
"Besides, you're the one who brought up the subject today and when I was positive about it, you changed your mind."
Sam shook his head and looked down at his feet with exasperation, but there was a smile on his lips. "You're right," he conceded, then looked up at her. "Of course you're right, babe."
Evelyn walked over to him and nudged her way in between his legs, sliding her hands around his neck.
Sam held her close and looked up into her shining eyes. "Will you move in with me, Evelyn?"
"Yes, I will, Sam. Me and the little buddy." She leaned down and they signed the agreement with a kiss.
"Why haven't we used it since then?" Sam asked and took the star from her.
"No idea. It was at the bottom, so we probably forgot about it."
"It's going up now." Just like last time, Sam called for Redwing to fly the star up.
They put up more and more decorations, dancing and singing along to the Christmas music. The dog had joined them at first, but he quickly grew tired of them and retired to his bed in front of the TV. It was starting to look festive and they were almost finished when Evelyn's phone rang loud over the speakers, and the music paused.
She picked it up from the coffee table and groaned. "It's my boss." She answered and walked towards the kitchen as she listened to the voice at the other end.
Sam looked over at her and saw her face fall with each second until she nodded in defeat. "I'll be there," she said and hung up. The music started up again. "I have to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day."
"What? Why?" Sam walked towards her.
"A couple of people have gotten sick and we have those babies that need to be fed and looked after. They're calling in a couple of us." Sam saw her eyes fill with tears. She had worked so hard to be guaranteed these next few days off. And they had both been looking forward to their dinner reservations and plans for their anniversary.
"Oh, sweetheart," Sam said as her tears started to fall. He swooped her up in his arms and held her close, letting her cry out of her frustrations. This happened too often at her work, and it both stressed and frustrated her. Sam knew she would never say no if asked to work extra, because she had so much love in her heart for animals, and being an animal keeper made her feel responsible for the creatures in her care. It was one of the things he loved about her, her big heart.
"I won't be able to make it to our reservation," Evelyn said, her voice muffled and sniffly against his shoulder. "Definitely not the carriage ride. And probably not the light show either."
"I'll take care of that, my love," Sam said reassuringly, stroking her back. His mind was already working on coming up with something different to celebrate their five years together.
"Maybe you can go with someone else instead."
"And who should that be? Barnes?" Sam leaned back and made her look up at him. "Can you imagine me and Bucky riding around in a horse and carriage?"
Evelyn couldn't help but smile through her tears at the image her brain conjured up.
Sam smiled back. "I'll take care of everything," he said and kissed her nose. Then her cheeks and all over her face to stop the tears. "We'll have a nice quiet celebration instead."
"Thank you," she said and leaned into him again.
The two of them finished decorating the Christmas tree, with a bit less dancing and singing. Sam is discreetly working on new plans behind her back on the day before Christmas Eve. And when Evelyn goes to work that morning, he sends her off with a kiss that has her looking a little dazed and flustered.
While she's gone, he and their dog get everything ready and are pretty pleased with himself by the time she comes home late that night. He reheats dinner leftovers for her while she showers, and then the two of them and the little fluffy one snuggle on the couch. They have all the lights off, except the Christmas tree lights. There's a predictable but cosy holiday movie on TV, but their attention isn't really on the movie. It's just background noise for them enjoying each other's company and occasionally making out until it's time for bed.
On the morning of Christmas Day, Evelyn sneaks out of bed and has gone to work before Sam wakes up. He knows she's heartbroken that their plans had to be cancelled and probably had a hard enough time leaving without him being awake. But he was excited for when she came back.
It wasn't too late by the time Evelyn came home, but Sam was ready for her. As soon as he heard her key in the lock, he hurried to the kitchen where he had his jacket and shoes at the ready. He quickly pulled them on and then grabbed an antler hairband from the counter and put it on the dog. Then he fumbled with his phone and pressed play.
"Get ready, buddy," he whispered and the two of them stood at the ready in the kitchen, just out of sight from the entrance.
When the door clicked shut behind Evelyn, Sam heard a deep, but relieved sigh before she dropped her bag to the floor and kicked off her shoes.
"You might want to put your shoes back on," he said. "And keep your jacket on."
He heard her pause in undressing and then she walked further inside, a frown on her face. When she saw them, her confusion grew. "Did you put fake antlers on our dog?" The mini-reindeer hurried over to Evelyn for welcome-home cuddles. She knelt and kissed his nose and then looked at him with an amused grin. "You look ridiculous, boy. But so cute."
Sam walked over and knelt for his own greeting. "Happy anniversary, babygirl," he said and reached for a kiss.
"Happy anniversary." She smiled into the kiss. "What's all this? Why are you dressed to go outside?"
"Since our plans had to be cancelled, I made different plans. Better plans, in my opinion."
"Better than dinner at a two-star-Michelin restaurant?"
"Yeah, I think so. Put your shoes back on and I'll put a sweater on the dog."
"I don't want to spend more time out in the cold, Sam."
"It won't be that cold, I've made sure of that. I promise."
Conceding, Evelyn put on her shoes, but grabbed an extra scarf and put on a hat while Sam dressed the dog. They went out and locked the door behind them. But instead of going down and out like Evelyn had expected, Sam led them into the elevator and took them up to the roof.
When they stepped out onto the rooftop terrace, Evelyn's jaw dropped. The residents of the apartments always decorated the terrace with lights for Christmas, but she had yet to see it from up there, always from the street. It was absolutely beautiful, with gently twinkling lights around the edges and a canopy of lights over the picnic table that was always there. Sam had put a basket on it and set it up with plates and cutlery. A heat lamp stood near the table. The benches were laid out with thick blankets.
Evelyn took a few steps towards the table, but then stopped and gasped. She hadn't noticed the music at first, but when she did she spun around looking questioningly at Sam.
"I decided to recreate our first date," he explained. "It's not the same, obviously. No Christmas concert, but I found the album online. I've got us turkey sandwiches from the same place we ate at and I got some fancy dog food. And it's thankfully not as cold as it was that winter, but..."
He led her over to the picnic table and that's when she saw there weren't just blankets lying there. Sam had bought them oversized matching Christmas sweaters.
"I thought these should fit over our jackets to help keep us warm." He held one up for her to see.
"That is the ugliest sweater I've ever seen!"
He laughed. "I know! Isn't it great?"
Evelyn grabbed it and put it on. It was certainly big enough to fit over her coat but was still snug enough to be warm. It was red, of course, with Rudolph printed on it in some fluffy fabric that she could run her fingers through. He had a bulbous nose covered in red sequins. He wore sunglasses that were actual plastic glasses glued around his face. And he wore a hat with the bobble being a giant light grey ball of yarn. The arms were embroidered to have fairy lights wrapped around them and each light was a handful of different coloured sequins. Sam's sweater was almost the same, except his had a green background.
"You are right, Sam. Better than a two-star-Michelin restaurant."
He just smiled and wrapped his arms around her, looking down into her eyes. "It's been five amazing years. It has to be celebrated in style."
She giggled and reached up for a kiss. They stood there for a few moments until the dog interrupted them with an impatient bark.
"Yes, we should eat," Sam said and winked at Evelyn.