17 comments/ 58954 views/ 30 favorites A Nymph for Christmas By: MaddieKim I hope you enjoy this Winter Holiday Contest entry. Please remember to vote, and if you have time, please leave a comment, too. Maddie *~*~*~* He wasn't sure when his feelings for Annalise had changed, but changed they had. His very anger at his best friend's flirtatious manner with her proved it. Steve was just being Steve, Gray reminded himself. He first saw Annalise in grade school. She had dropped her books and some older boys were teasing her. She was about the age of his sister, so Gray had stepped in and helped the little fourth grader and told the boys to get lost. That was the day their relationship began; the day he became her protector. He was an eighth-grade jock, playing baseball and basketball. It was her first day at this new and scary school. Her coppery-red, curly hair cascaded around her head to fall nearly to her shoulders. She was a skinny little thing—cute in a baby way—with a few freckles across her nose. A few days later Gray's parents introduced themselves to the new family on the block and Gray spotted Annie, that same little red-headed girl from school, peeking at him from behind her mother. After that, Gray and Annie saw a lot of one another, especially since she became his sister's best friend. Living right next door, their parents became friends, too. There were cook-outs and pool parties, birthdays and church gatherings. And, of course, school functions. Their friendship had ups and downs over the years. As he watched Steve flirt with Annie, a myriad of memories, fleeting yet poignant, invaded his thoughts. His safeguarding of Annie and his own little sister, Grace, who became Annie's first same-age friend before they became best friends, of the two girls giggling, growing, and of their sweet innocence. Annie and Grace's friendship continued even today, sixteen years later. He remembered when he entered high school and they were still grade-schoolers unworthy of his attention...unless it was to tease or protect. They entered high school when he was a senior and still a jock, star basketball player, co-captain of the team. His baseball team went to state playoffs that year As a high school freshman, Annie had filled out since that first meeting, but still a skinny, gangly kid. Looking back, he remembered how she was about in the middle of her class along with Grace. Girls not yet shapely but not looking like fifth-graders anymore, either. He became their protector again. Everyone knew not to mess with his little sister or her best friend. Then he went to college on an athletic scholarship, a big man on campus by his second year as a guard on the basketball team. His parents would come to his home games with Gracie and Annie. When he came home for semester break or for the holidays, he would see Annie with Gracie. They had grown to lovely teenagers. Unmarked, for the most part, in that dreaded acne stage, beginning to develop some tits and curvy little asses. But he never paid much attention to his little nymph; he had better fish to fry. He and Steve, friends since kindergarten, often double-dated with girls closer to their own age. And both Gracie and Annie dated boys their age. That never bothered him...then. He smiled now as he remembered the lectures he gave them about who they could and couldn't date and how they rolled their eyes. He glanced over at Annalise again. No gangly teenager now. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her red hair had darkened to a deeper shade, but still curly. He remembered a time when his 'carrot stick', a nickname he once teasingly called her, and his sister tried to straighten Annie's wayward curls...but they always came back within a few days. Finally, she quit trying and lived with the abundance of ringlets. That was okay by him because he liked those curls. He liked to pull them and see her glare at him. An hour before, he had watched Grace and Annalise 'help' Santa hand out presents to the children. Two lovely elves dressed in red and green. He smiled when he saw Santa pull the elves on his lap and ask them what they wanted for Christmas. Grace had laughed, but Annie leaned in and whispered into Santa's ear. Santa patted her hand and Gray heard him say he would see what he could do. Steve was still standing with Annie and now moved his hand to her back. Gray could feel his temper spiking. Hell, he had better get himself under control. Grace was here and she had been urging him to ask Annie out. He always resisted. She was like another sister, he told Grace. She didn't seem like a sister now. Grace would have a field day with his reaction to his friend putting moves on Annie. Gray looked around to give himself a chance to get back in control of his hormones before he went over to beat the shit out of Steve. The place was decorated to the hilt. Little white lights were blinking in all the windows. Garland was strung on the mantel and up the stair railing with little lights and bright red apples, succulent oranges—hell, he'd better not think 'suck' anything—and gold balls with gold and green leaves. And the abundance of food tested the sturdiness of the buffet table. A wine fountain was flanked by Christmas punch and nuts and mints. Christmas music drifted in from the next room where the dancing had already started. The South Shore Country Club knew how to throw a party. Christmas was only two days away. He saw his parents in deep discussion with friends that included Annie's parents. Annie's dad should go over and knock Steve's head off. Damn, what was he thinking? Annie was 26 now and living in her own apartment near the interior design studio where she worked. Her parents would probably be glad to see her with a man. He even heard his mom and hers discussing Annie and Grace not long ago. "It's time for those girls to settle down and marry," they said. "Hey, big brother, what are you doing over here by yourself? Lucy's been asking around for you." Gracie's smile was mischievous. Gray wondered what his little sister was up to now. "I saw her. It's over," he said, "been over forever." "Maybe she doesn't know it or doesn't want it to be over. Maybe if you looked like you were hooking up with someone else, she'd get the message." "Maybe." "Come on," Gracie said linking her arm with Gray's. "Let's go see what Annie and Steve are talking about." *~*~*~* Grace held out her hand and Steve put a $5 bill in it, then leaned in. Grace was trapped when he placed his forearm on the wall next to her head. He leaned in so close that Grace could feel the heat radiating off his body. "I didn't believe you, minx, when you said Gray wanted Annalise. But when you bet me, I knew it was my chance to have something I've wanted for a long while, too." Grace was breathing hard. "What do you want, Steve? I said we'd bet $5." "And I said, win or lose, you would owe me. Remember, minx? I'm here to collect." Before she could respond, his mouth covered hers. When his tongue swept across the seam of her lips demanding, no polite request, but demanding to be let in, she opened her mouth without thinking. Before she knew what was happening, he maneuvered her farther into the shadows. When he lifted his head, she was flushed and breathing hard. There was a confused look in her eyes. He chuckled. "Let's go." "Go? Go where?" "To tell your mom and dad I'm taking you home. You've developed a slight stomach ache. You're okay and don't want to interrupt their evening. I've volunteered to take you home." "But I was going to stay with them tonight." "You've changed your mind...just in case it's catching. Tell them you'll be okay, but you just want to make sure...and that you'll be over tomorrow." *~*~*~* Gray barely got the door shut before he had Annalise backed against it. He kissed her. It was a gentle kiss, but firm and...possessive. It sent shivers of desire down her spine and suddenly she was damp. That's all it took. He pulled back, satisfaction and triumph all over his smug face. "I've waited years for this. I didn't know you were the one I wanted, not consciously, not until tonight. When I saw Steve kissing you, I thought I'd have to kill him. He's been my best friend for more than 20 years and I was ready to send him into the next life." Gray leaned down and kissed Annie, softly even sweetly, as he cupped her face, tenderly caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. His fingers threaded through her hair, strands curling around his wrists. She whimpered as he tilted her head just the way he wanted and began an assault against her soft neck. He could feel her pulse beating out of control. He nipped her shoulder, then soothed the tiny bite with his tongue when she whimpered again. When he lifted his lips, her legs threatened to turn to noodles. She was sure she was going to be a puddle at his feet, but he slid his hands to her bottom and lifted her up and against him. There would be no doubt of his desire for her. He pushed her dress out of the way and lifted her leg around his hip, opening her. Now he could hold her against the door with his body, his hands free to roam. He knew he wouldn't be able to play for long, but he was going to play for awhile. He lifted her a bit higher. "Put your other leg around me. I won't drop you, nymph. That's what you looked like tonight, a nymph, a sexy flame-haired woodland nymph...and I want you." "Gray...?" "Later, we'll talk later." Her heart was beating so loud, she was sure he could hear it. But when he put his hand on the back of her thigh to help her lift her other leg, she could feel his erection pressing hard against her clit and all thought about beating hearts scattered. She moaned. When he started nipping little bites down her neck, she tilted her head. A little cry eased out as he licked where he had bitten. He covered her mouth again and the kiss was almost...urgent, causing a need in Annalise she had never felt before. With his left arm against the door, his body pressed against her firmly. He could feel the hard points of her nipples pressing against her bra into his chest. He had to touch those breasts, taste them. His right hand moved down from her neck to her shoulder, then covered what would soon be in his mouth. He pinched. She cried out. "Please..." "I'll please us both, nymph, but first we need to play a little. You're not ready for me." "Gray, don't tease—" The sentence was left hanging when he pinched again, a little more pressure than before. She felt the tiny pain change to pleasure and shoot straight down to her core. No dampness now, she was wet. He leaned his upper body back, slid his hands behind her back, and unzipped her emerald dress. "Your dress is beautiful, Annie, it brings out the beautiful color of your eyes. You look just like a Christmas present all in green with your flame-colored hair, but it's time for it to go. It's time to unwrap the present." His hands went to her shoulders and pulled the dress down, exposing her lacy bra. "You're beautiful, Annie, and I really like sexy underwear, but this has to go, too. Later, if I let you get dressed again, you can model it for me." She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. He chuckled and leaned in to kiss her, hard and demanding. Then lifted her higher and covered her breast, sucking it into his mouth. He played with the nipple, pressing it against the roof of his mouth and then forcefully sucking until it was bright red and distended. He moved his hand up to pinch and pull as he turned his attention to the other breast. Soon both were hard, red, swollen points. Her hands were in his hair, not sure whether to push him away or pull him closer. It didn't matter, he wasn't stopping. Suddenly he was a starving man and she was a banquet. With his mouth still on her, his hand left her breast and caressed her side, then traveled to her thigh...then farther. He was pleased to feel her bare thigh against his wrist. She wasn't wearing panty hose; she had on thigh high stockings that caressed her legs like his hand caressed her slit. He watched her as he tugged the crotch of her panties out of the way and felt the moisture. Her green eyes widened. "You're wet, red. Wet and hot and I want you." Annalise couldn't say anything. She wanted him, too...wanted him badly. She'd never wanted anyone the way she wanted Gray. In truth, she had never wanted anyone but Gray. Her hands were still in his hair. She pulled him down for another kiss. He chuckled. "It seems you want me, too, Annie." He stroked her slit and she couldn't hold back the moan. "You're wet, wet for me. That's good because I'm wanting you something fierce, but first I'm going to make you cum for me right here against the door. You need to be real quiet this first time. Anyone passing the apartment will be able to hear you. They'll know we're making love right against this door." His finger started to pump slowly in and out of her. She was so tight, tighter than any girl he had ever had. She pressed her head against the back the door as a little moan escaped. Her nails bit into his shoulders. "That's right, Annie, tighten your legs around me, but in this position, you can't close them even if you wanted to. And I don't think you want to, do you, sweetheart? No, you want what I'm giving you. I can feel your plump folds against my fingers. I can feel your nipples pressing against my chest. Soon I'll have them in my mouth again." Annie arched her hips against Gray as another moan came out. His words were as intoxicating as his fingers. He added another finger and continued to nip at her mouth and jaw, little biting nips that sent quivers throughout her entire body. "Please..." "What do you want, Annie? More? Do you want more, Annie?" Gray kept his eyes on her face. He knew she was near. Her vaginal muscles quivered and pulled at his fingers. He rubbed his erection against her clit and pumped his fingers harder into her impossibly tight channel. His mouth came down on hers and his tongue mimicked his fingers. Soon his cock would replace his fingers. "Gray, Gray, please, please...oh, oh." Annie's whole body tightened and shudders ran the length of her. Her muscles around his fingers threatened to pull him entirely inside her. He could feel each and every quiver, every tremor. Suddenly she went limp. "Beautiful, so beautiful," he whispered. She started to slide down and he tightened his hold. "No, you don't. I'm not done with you yet. There's more inside you and I'm going to get all of it." He tightened his arms as he turned and walked to his bedroom. He got the apartment after he started with Kittering and Duncan Engineering Firm. His degree was in Structural Engineering. He had received offers for pro ball, but he loved building things more than basketball and was wise enough to know, while he was considered good in college, he would be just average or even less in the pros. Building was his first love, not basketball. He had brought other women to this room, but never one more important than Annie, never one he wanted to keep. And he wanted to keep Annalise. It took him awhile to realize it, nearly decade to open his eyes and see the girl he loved like a sister was the woman he wanted for a wife. Before he took her back to her apartment in the morning, she would know it, too. Annie had her arms limply around his neck and her head on his shoulder. He pulled the bedspread back and set her gently on the bed. "Unhook your feet, nymph. Ah, that's the way." Her dress was tangled around her waist and he took it off, taking her panties with it. Her shoes lay somewhere near the door. He smiled and ran his hand over her calf. "I think we'll leave these on for the moment," he murmured, referring to her stockings. "So pretty," he whispered. She looked up at him with wide eyes as he softly combed his fingers through her lower curls. "I want you," she whispered. "I know and I want you, too, Annalise." She put her hand on Gray's arm and he smiled down at her, then brought her hand to his lips. He kissed her palm, then her wrist before laying it back on her stomach. He took off his clothes, got into bed and pulled her close. *~*~*~* "I'm not a virgin," Grace blurted out. Steve laughed, "I never expected you to be, minx. You're 26. But from now on, you'll only be with me." "I think Annie is," she murmured. "What? Are you sure?" "No, I not sure, that's why I said 'I think'," Grace said thoughtfully. "What makes you say that?" "Oh, I don't know." "You had a reason to say it. Why do you think Annie's a virgin? She's 26, too. You guys used to double-date and I've heard some of the lectures Gray gave you both. What makes you think Annie's a virgin?" Grace turned slightly pink. "Sometimes when we talk—" "Girl talk?" Steve laughed. "Girls talk about guys and sex?" "Yes, girl talk! And, yes, sometimes we talk about sex." "Go on." "Annie never says much and will never admit to doing anymore than just, you know, petting. Nothing more." "Gray has enough experience for both of them," Steve laughed, then turned serious. "But I meant what I said, minx. No more experimentation for you unless it's with me. Do you understand?" "You have no rights to make any demands," she hissed as she tried to wiggle out from under him. It was like trying to move a mountain. He was nearly as tall as Gray and certainly weighed as much, if not more. He was solid with capital S. His broad shoulders blocked most of the dim light in the room. His forearms trapped her, but his hands gently cupped her face. They were still clothed, but he was lying on top between her legs. He pressed his lower body against her mound and chuckled. She was a feisty little minx, always had been. She was a little shorter than Annalise, maybe five six and more outgoing. She was the leader whenever they got into trouble. He remembered the time they were going to test Gray's shaving cream. It took them two hours to clean the bathroom to Gray's mom's satisfaction...and half of Grace's meager allowance to buy Gray another can. They were eleven then, he thought. She had grown up quite a bit since then and he loved her curvy, lush body. The cleavage she showed tonight was fine when they were alone, but he would have to nip showing that much in public from now on. No other man was going to look at what was his. Her blond hair always turned him on; he really liked blonds. And he could fall right into her deep brown eyes, eyes that reminded him of her brother, his best friend. He'd never told Gray he had the hots for his sister. Of course, he didn't realize it until this last year or so, then had to wait for her to ditch her latest boyfriend. Tonight was his chance to show her that she was his. Her body gave a little shudder and she felt the heat in her pussy as it lubricated itself. Steve wasn't milquetoast. Some guys she had dated asked if it was okay to kiss her and were so polite and slow, she'd want to scream...but not Steve. Steve took what he wanted...and tonight, it looked like it was she that he wanted...She wished that didn't turn her on so much. "It looks like I do, minx. You're mine. I've known you forever...since you were in diapers. Gray's baby sister, the pest. Then one day, you were still a pest, mind you, but I knew when the time was right, I'd have you right where you are now. Do you think I'd risk my friendship with Gray for a one-night stand? No way! But risk it for forever? You bet I would, but I don't think the friendship is at risk if I want forever. And it's going to be forever, Grace." Then he kissed her. *~*~*~* Gray's hand slowly swept her length from shoulder to hip and back again. He was on his side and she was flat on her back next to him. He hadn't turned on the lights of the bedroom; he'd do that later when she was more comfortable with her nudity. The light from the hall was enough to see her in all her glory. And a glorious sight it was. Her skin was alabaster, the creamy pale of a redhead. A Nymph for Christmas "You are so beautiful. Your skin feels like silk, so soft. Your breasts are lovely; just the right size for my hands. And look at your tight little nipples peak." He leaned down and kissed the tip of one, then the other. "Gray...," she whispered hesitatingly as she moved to cover herself with her hands. There was a sweet innocence Gray found endearing, but along with the innocence was uncertainty. She started to move her legs to get off the bed. Gray covered her thighs with his leg, catching them as they opened wide in her movement. He anchored her to the bed. "No, you don't, nymph. I said we weren't done. I want to see you...all of you." "Gray, this makes me uncomfortable." "Why? You're beautiful and I intend to see you like this a lot." She arched her back and moaned as his mouth covered a nipple again and sucked forcefully. Her hands went to his shoulders, nails biting into his flesh. "Ohhh," she softly cried out. He moved down, sliding between her spread legs, his destination...those dark red curls and what they concealed. "Gray, no, oh no, don't," she cried out even as she arched her pelvis when he separated her folds and took one long lick. Gray caught her hands, briefly holding them down as he licked again...and again. Then he pulled the nub peeking out from under its protective hood into his mouth. She tasted of sweetness and honey, a musky smell uniquely Annalise. He played softly with the pearl and pressed his tongue against her as he entered her with one finger. She was very wet and oh, so tight. He wasn't going to last. He knew that. But first, he wanted her to climax again while his tongue played with the bundle of nerves. He found a soft spongy place just on the opposite side of her clitoris and pressed from the inside. She screamed. He felt her clench everywhere. Her thighs became rigid against his arms, her stomach muscles tightened, and her channel spasmed with wave after wave of contractions. She was so responsive! He loved watching the wonder on her face, her eyes sightless, and her mouth slightly open as he continued to gently move his fingers in and out of her. When Gray was certain she was coming down from her violent climax, he moved up her body and positioned himself at her entrance. He cupped her face. "I love you, Annalise," he said as he thrust completely into her just as he lowered his mouth to hers. His gasp mingled with her surprised cry of stunned pain when he found something he didn't expect...not in a 26 year old. Holding himself still, his shocked eyes looked into hers. She pulled in tiny gasps of air. How could she be a virgin at her age? He knew she dated just as his sister Grace did. And look how she responded to him, almost like it was just for him... "Are you all right?" He rubbed his thumb across her cheek and leaned down to gently kiss her forehead. "Why didn't you tell me?" "I didn't want you to stop." "Nothing could have made me stop tonight, nymph. I would have broached the subject a little differently, though. Relax and breathe in and out. It will stop hurting, I promise." "What would you have done differently?" She may be 26, but she certainly wasn't ignorant of the female anatomy. She was prepared for a slight pain and that's all it was really. She slowly breathed in and out until the pain passed. She started to rub her hands up and down his biceps. He was so gorgeous. Her fingers raked through his sandy brown hair, but his eyes, his beautiful dark chocolate eyes, had always been her downfall. Gray could feel her relaxing and gently started to move back and forth. Annie lifted her leg and hooked it around his thigh as she arched her pelvis. She moaned as her head fell back. Gray, never one to miss an opportunity, kissed her neck. "Why, Annie? Why now? Why me?" he said with his lips on her neck, feeling her pulse begin to even out. "It could never be anyone but you, Gray. I love you. I always have, ever since fourth grade. I loved you, but to you, I was another little sister. I didn't think you would ever love me back. We would date, Grace and I, different boys, but it was never right. I was glad when she and I went to different colleges and she didn't want to compare notes anymore. She wasn't...promiscuous," she said when Gray's eyes narrowed, "but certainly more adventurous than me." "I'll talk to her later," Gray said ominously. "I don't think you're going to have to. I think Steve is doing that, probably right now." "Steve? Steve was kissing you when we walked over tonight." "We were under the mistletoe. Besides, it's Grace he wants. I think he's wanted her for a while now." Then she chuckled. "I think they had a bet about you and me." "A bet? I'll bet him. I can still knock his head into next week." Then he looked down at her. She had gifted him with her most precious gift. She had given him her virginity. He wanted more. He wanted her totally. He swelled inside her and saw her eyes widen. He hooked his arms under her and cupped her shoulders, gently arousing her again. She cried out in small little whimpers as her legs tightened around him. Her arms molded around him as her fingers combed through his hair. He felt the perspiration break out on his forehead and down his spine. She felt so good, so right. *~*~*~* "I'm going to make you forget every other man you've been with, Gracie. I'm going to fuck you until all you can think about is me," Steve promised her as he peeled her clothes off. "Why the hell do you have so many clothes on?" Grace laughed as she started to unbutton his shirt. "The harder you work for it, the more you'll appreciate it, buddy." "Appreciate it, hell. How would you like it if I forbid you to wear panties? Or make you take them off when we're out at a restaurant? You'll think work harder, then!" She just laughed and caught his ear with her teeth. "You little minx," he snarled then he just ripped a hole in her pantyhose. In record-setting time, he unzipped his pants and plunged into her hot tunnel. Her vaginal wall encased him and caressed him. "God, you feel good." "Maybe next time, we could take all of our clothes off," Grace giggled. "You bet we will and right after I have you naked, I'm going to spank that beautiful ass for biting my ear, minx." All he could hear were her giggles that turned into moans, then demands. *~*~*~* Annalise was cocooned in the quilt from Gray's bed and in his arms. She was still naked because he hadn't let her get dressed. They were in his big lounge chair, watching the snow fall. The warm shower they took made her sleepy. Gray had on his sweats and held her close with her head tucked under his. "We're only supposed to get a light dusting now, but the weatherman said by Christmas night or the next day, we could get a deep snow—10 to 12 inches, maybe more." "You have a beautiful view here. I love the city when it snows. It's so pure and clean...at least for a tiny little while until it gets all trudged in and slushy. Right now, though, with new snow and Christmas lights, the city looks beautiful." "Do you want to live here or do you want me to move into your apartment?" "What? What? We've not even dated. This...this," she swept her hand out from the cover and then quickly back in to pull the quilt back over her naked breasts, "this is just a one time—" "No, nymph, it is not just a one time deal. I told you I love you. You said you love me, too. We're going to get married, the sooner the better. I think Valentines' Day would be perfect. Can you get a wedding together by Valentines' Day? Your mom and mine can do a lot of the legwork. And Gracie can help." He laughed at her utter surprise and kissed her forehead, then her lovely pouty mouth...and took the opportunity to slip his hand under the quilt to her breast. *~*~*~* "How long do you think it will take them to work things out and set a wedding date?" "Who? Annalise and Gray?" "Of course, Annalise and Gray. Who else would I be talking about, minx?" "Quit talking. Quit thinking about them, Steve. Come on, you beast, quit teasing me. Thrust harder. You won't let me move to help things along, so focus, dang it." "Not until we get some things straightened out, minx. If they don't take too long, maybe we can have a double wedding. We know all the same people. Our folks are all friends—" "Wedding? Wedding? Hell, I'm not marrying you. You haven't even asked me. And I'd say no anyway. I don't want to get married." "How long do you want to be here, Gracie? I can tease you for a long time, after all, I've come twice tonight. I can hold out for a long time. I'll make you beg for it...even after you agree to marry me. I'll suck those nipples until they're red and raw. I'll play with that ass and rub that little clit until you're almost there, then I'll stop. I'm 30, Gracie. I've had a lot of practice on how to please a woman. I didn't spend all my time studying law. How long do you want to be here, Gracie? Your parents are going to be calling pretty soon to see if you still have a stomach ache, minx, and guess what? I didn't use a condom any time I've been in you. Are you on the pill, Gracie? I hope not. If you get pregnant, you can't say no. What kind of example would that be to your students, Gracie?" "You bastard!" Steve laughed. "Lawyers know how to win a case, Gracie. And I was determined to win you tonight. So say yes, and I'll make you cum again. I love to hear you scream. I think we better live in my apartment. It has better soundproofing." He covered her mouth in a possessive kiss, leaving her breathless. "We'll look for a house later, maybe this spring. Come on, baby, say yes." She glared up at him and he glared right back at her, then he lowered his head again and kissed her sweetly. "Say yes, Gracie. You know you want to. I love you, baby, I can't live without you." Grace's lip trembled. "Yes," she whispered. Steve smiled at her. "In the morning, I'll buy you an engagement ring." "I want a flashy one." "Do you want to go with me to pick it out?" Steve chuckled. "Yes," but then he pinched her nipple and thrust hard into her, thrust again, and she lit up just like the fireworks lit up the sky on New Years Eve. *~*~*~* "I need to get home. Mom and Dad are expecting me—all of us—to go to Christmas Eve midnight Mass and then for me to stay there overnight for Christmas morning. And your family and mine are getting together for Christmas Dinner." "I know, love. But first we need some sleep...it's already tomorrow...then I'll take you home in time to dress for Mass. You can call your parents and tell them you'll meet them at church. Do you want to tell your parents tonight? I think it better be tonight because..." Gray got up, put Annie back in the chair, and walked over to his dresser. He unlocked the inside door of his armoire and pulled out a small box. He smiled as he walked back to Annie. When he reached her, he went down on one knee and peeled the quilt back enough to find her left hand. "I love you, Annalise. I want to marry you...the sooner the better. This ring was my grandmother's; her grandmother gave it to her. She gave it to me years ago. I never found anyone one I wanted to give it to until tonight. Until tonight when I realized you were the girl I wanted to live with for the rest of my life. Will you marry me, Annalise?" Annalise looked down at the antique emerald ring surrounded by a dozen sparkling diamonds. It was a beautiful! She looked into Gray's midnight eyes and saw his love for her. She saw her future. She saw her love for him reflected in his eyes. "Yes, I'll marry you...the sooner the better." She paused. "This is what I asked Santa for," Annalise whispered. "The ring?" "No, I asked Santa for you, Gray. I've asked him every year for as long as I can remember." She smiled, "This is the first time he's got it right." *~*~*~* The snow continued throughout the day, but the weather man was right because it was a light dusting. Annalise gathered her long gray, wool coat around her and Gray held her hand as they walked up the steps to the church where she and Gray, Grace and Steve, and David had been baptized, had their first communion, and were confirmed. Soon she and Gray would be married there...as soon as a wedding could be planned, Annie reminded herself. She smiled up at Gray and he leaned down and kissed her. The church was beautiful anytime of the year, but especially on Christmas. Huge wreaths hung on the doors. Lights twinkled on all the trees. On the lawn near the big double doors, the live nativity welcomed worshipers. Parishioners took turns as Mary and Joseph, the wise men, and shepherds. They knelt or stood in a wooden structure Gray had designed and helped build years ago. Inside the church, the candles in the Advent wreath were all lit with the exception of the Christ candle, which would be lit during the service. Poinsettias lined the chancel. There were little nativities on every windowsill. The tree in the corner on the pulpit side glowed with clear lights and chrismons-Christian symbols-made by children over the years. Annie slid in the pew next to her brother and his girlfriend. Annie's parents were on the other side. Gray slid in next to Annalise. His parents were directly in front of them and minutes later, Grace and Steve sat down with Gray's parents. Grace smiled at Gray and Annie. Then Gracie took off her gloves and casually slid her left hand along the back of the pew. A minute later, she turned her head and smiled impishly. Gray took out his wallet and handed Annie, his own sweet nymph, a $5 bill. He closed her fingers around the money and gently turned her hand over. The emerald and diamonds, shinning brightly, caressed Annie's ring finger. The look on Grace's face was priceless. Steve looked back at Gray and grinned. The two men got exactly what they wanted for Christmas! *~*~*~* Have a great Holiday Season. Maddie