Page 31 of Christmas Wishes

"I do."

"I've talked to my sons and we're gathering a group of volunteers to help get the Williamson property back on track."

"You didn't have to do that."

"I want to help, and so does the rest of Woodland Falls. Not everyone will forget as easily as some of us, but when they see the good you are doing – I've been told about your many visits to social services and doing pro bono work – they'll come around. Just be patient."

"Thanks, ma'am."

"Looks like you're bride is done with my son."

I look towards the dance floor and see my beautiful Lilah surrounded by a group of people. She's very charismatic and now some of the friends she used to have have started to come back to her. She still stands by me, though, so they can't say anything bad about me in front of her. I walk up to the group and try to get inside where she is laughing with someone.

"Excuse me, Excuse me. I'd like a word with my wife."

Lilah's face lights up at my use of the word 'wife' and starts moving towards me. We find each other and her delight is palpable.

"Is it too soon to leave?"

"Yes, Gene, it's too soon."

"Want to dance some more?"

"I'm hungry. Let's sit down and have something to eat while I tell you what the social services told me today."

I sit down at our table and plop her in my lap. She giggles, but doesn't move away from the spot. A server brings us some food and I start feeding my beautiful wife.

"I love you, Lilah."

"Mhmmm." She answers, her mouth full.

"Keep chewing, I want your belly full when we leave for our honeymoon."

She swallows and puts a hand up when I'm about to give her more food.

"It's not going to be easy to get the Mcallisters to live with us. It might take six months to a year."

"Did you tell Connor?"

"Yeah, he's really down about it. Mrs. Stillman says she'll try to find another family for them in the meantime. They do get to do their community service helping with the Youth Center project."

"That I did know. It will keep them out of trouble, for sure."

"Are you sure it's okay if I take those online classes? I want to be able to be a guidance counselor in the center."

"You can do anything your heart guides you to do, wife."

"I love you, Gene."

She opens her sweet little mouth that looks like sin and I start feeding her again. When it's time for the New Year's countdown we stare into each other's eyes and then kiss like it was the first time. I don't remember when I wished it, but having a family with an angel is definitely marked on my list as done.

Epilogue

Next Christmas Eve

Lilah

I'm laying on the comfy couch, by the fireplace, daydreaming about my naughty husband. Even at thirty nine weeks pregnant he can't get enough of me. The afternoon shenanigans have left me in a bit of a slumber.

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