Page 33 of First Christmas

Later after we’d cleaned up, had dessert, and watched a Christmas movie together. We said our good-bye’s and I-love-you’s.

“Thank you for inviting me and the girls over tonight.” said Monica softly, standing by her car.

Lexi, Lacey, and Nat were hugging and chattering goodbye behind us.

“It means a lot. It’s been different this year,” she said, trailing off, her eyes seeming to shimmer in the streetlight.

I scooped her into a big hug. “Any time, Mon. I’m always here for you and the girls.”

She returned my hug, patting my back. Stepping aside she hugged Becks tightly and told her she loved her.

“I love you too, Mon. Merry Christmas.” said Becks softly, handing her a small package.

“Becks!” said Monica, exasperated.

We’d already given the girls their gifts inside, but Rebecca had wanted to do this privately, unsure of how Monica would react. I knew she’d love it but Becks was so nervous about anything regarding this. I’d helped her with it and made it happen knowing it would mean the world to Monica.

Opening the box, she gasped, immediately denying.

“Becks, Lucas, I can’t accept this.” she exclaimed, looking at the sapphire ring in a white gold setting. “It looks expensive.”

“It's yours,” said Becks. “From us and Paul.”

Monica’s head jerked up, meeting my eyes, then Becks’.

“What?” she whispered.

“I used some of his ashes you gave me” I said gruffly. “They're in the stone. Becks had Paul’s badge number engraved on the inside along with ‘Firecracker’ for what he called you.”

Tears were streaming down Monica’s face and Beck’s too again. The girls were watching, wide-eyed and quiet.

Monica slipped the ring on her finger and it fit perfectly.

“How did you know the size?” she asked, sniffling.

“Paul.” I murmured.

Her eyes swung up to mine then Becks’ questioningly.

“He gave us your ring size. In case something ever happened. He said to make you a piece of jewelry. He left the design to Lucas’ or my discretion. But he wanted sapphire and white gold. He even had money in the envelope to pay for half.” Becks’ broke off sniffling. “It was for the first holiday or occasion after….if something happened.”

Monica covered her face, crying freely now.

“I let Becks’ design it, and really thank God she’s here now. Can you imagine what it would’ve looked like if I’d tried to do that on my own?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood. “I don’t know what Paul was thinking, leaving me with that kind of responsibility before he knew Becks would be around.”

Monica snorted and tossed her head back laughing through her tears.

“That’s just something Paul would do.” she giggled. “Make you panic as one of his damn jokes.”

Becks laughed and stepped forward hugging her tight again.

“I love you, Mon.” she whispered.

“I love you too.” Monica returned.

Chapter 13

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” I whispered, leaning down and kissing Nat’s forehead.

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