First Steps: A Sequel to One Step Closer

Chapter 3

"She's a baby Ashley, it's not like she can say everything." Kelly said.

"Can you guys stop arguing about my baby?" I asked sarcastically.

"Sorry." They said at the same time.

"You guys make yourselves comfortable while we go get ready."

Lydia laid her head on Kelly's chest as we walked down the hallway.

In our room, I pulled on a pair of leggings and a Christmas sweater. I flipped my head over to pull it up into a bun. I looked up to see Jack pulling on a sweater that matched mine.

"Can I give you your Christmas present early?" He asked.

"Jack, you didn't have to."

"Yes I did. You're my wife and I wanted to make our, well let's see, wow our fourth Christmas together very special. So, close your eyes and hold out your hands."

I giggled and did just that. I felt him place a box in my hands. I opened my eyes to a long velvet box with a small card on top.

It read, 'To my wife, I'm so lucky to be able to call you that. Merry Christmas. Love, Your Husband.'

I opened the box to reveal a beautiful necklace with a charm that read, 'H&J.'

"Jack, it's beautiful. Thank you." I looked up at him with tears in my eyes.

"Can I help you put it on?"

"Of course."

I handed him the piece of jewelry and turned around. I placed it around my neck and fastened the clasp. I touched the two letters and turned around to face him. I placed a kiss on his lips and smiled.

"It's perfect. Thank you."

He smiled.

"Now I have to give you yours." I made my way to the bed and pulled a wrapped present from underneath.

"It's a little cheesy and I know that you're the artist in the family but I really wanted to make you something that came from my heart."

He unwrapped it gently. It revealed a canvas that had a painted heart in the middle. Inside the heart, was a painted key.

"Heather, it's beautiful."

"Read the card."

He turned the canvas over to reveal a card taped to the bottom. He read aloud, "It's been four years since our first Christmas together as boyfriend and girlfriend. Now, we have spent three Christmases together as husband and wife. Every year, you never fail to hold the key to my heart. Merry Christmas. Love, Your Wife."

I looked up to see that he had tears in his eyes as well.

"Do you like it?" I asked.

"Do I like it? Heather, I love it." He wrapped his arms around me and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

"I love you so much." I said.