Our first Christmas
(by Kimbre)
“John?” Roma scurried from the kitchen at the sound of the front door opening, surprised at how quickly she had gotten used to the fact that her boyfriend now lived here. With tomorrow being Christmas Eve, the couple had finally decided just last week to take the next step in their relationship and by the end of that weekend, all of John’s belongings had been moved into Roma’s house.
But all the moving last weekend had put the couple a little behind on Christmas, so while John had run out to do some last minute shopping, the little actress had busied herself in the kitchen baking cookies, wanting to get as much done before Reilly was out of school at the end of the day for Christmas break. Roma had never felt so happy, knowing that this would the best Christmas she would spend since being a child. She had a family now and they were all together. John would not be going home Christmas Eve and she would have the blessing of waking on Christmas morning being in his arms and Reilly…the little girl was nearly beside herself with joy at having her Uncle Johnny with them at long last.
Her mind was buzzing with all these pleasant thoughts as she made her way to the foyer, “Did you get the rest of the gifts? Reilly is going to love that-.” But one look at John made her stop short, “Johnny? What is it? What’s wrong?”
Roma flew to his side, her dark eyes filled with worry. Her beloved John was pale but as her hand reached up to touch his cheek, her eyes widened. He was burning with fever.
“John!”
“Angel, it’s okay,” He responded weakly as with her help, he laid down the packages.
“No, it isn’t, Johnny. You’re burning up with fever! We need to get you to the doctor!” She helped him off with his coat and then with an arm around his waist, she led him to the sofa so he could sit down.
Leaning back, John immediately closed his eyes, “No. I’ve already seen him. I got a little dizzy in the mall and called from my cell. It’s no big deal, baby, just the flu, I’m afraid.”
“Oh Johnny,” Her hand smoothed back his sweat dampened hair as her heart ached for him, “C’mon, mister, you need to be in bed!”
He gave out a low moan, knowing she was right, but yet not really wanting to move again so soon. But he allowed her to help him to his feet, trying not to lean too heavily on her tiny form as she helped him up the stairs to the bedroom.
“Let me go down and get you some ginger ale,” Roma offered once he was settled into bed, “Is your stomach upset?”
He let out a sigh, hating this situation, “I didn’t manage to hold onto breakfast…”
“I’ll be right back.”
Roma nearly ran back downstairs, her heart pounding loudly in her chest, feeling very afraid. “It’s just the flu, Roma,” she murmured to herself as she grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with crushed ice. But that was when she realized it was more than the flu. In the whole time she had known John Dye, she had never once known him to be sick. In fact, he was always taking care of her and Reilly. This wasn’t a situation she was accustomed to, but now she resolved that she would take care of this man that she loved with her entire heart the same way he had always taken care of her.
Pouring the ginger ale, Roma then carried it back up the stairs to the bedroom. John was already starting to drift off to sleep, but his eyes opened when he saw her return. She helped him to sit up and to bring the glass to his lips.
“Just sip it, Johnny,” She urged worriedly and once he had drank some of the carbonated beverage, she set it on the nightstand beside of him and then vanished into the bathroom, returning with a cool, wet cloth for his head.
John watched her carefully as she bathed his forehead, taking in her troubled expression despite how miserable he felt, “Angel, don’t look so upset.”
“I don’t like you being sick,” Roma murmured tenderly, moving to kiss his cheek lovingly, “But at least the flu only lasts a day or so.”
“Please, don’t allow Reilly in here. It’s Christmas. I’d feel terrible if she got sick.”
She watched as his green eyes began to drift closed, “No, I won’t. But don’t you worry about anything more, other than getting well.”
The little actress sat with him, stroking his hair until he drifted off to sleep, her dark eyes distressed as she noticed him shivering. Getting up from the bed, she grabbed another quilt from the chair and tucked it around him. Gazing down into his flushed face, Roma felt her vision blur with tears, “Please, Johnny, feel better soon.”
*****
“But why not, mommy?” Six year old Reilly was heading for a terrible pout, “I don’t care if I do get sick. Uncle Johnny needs me to take care of him!”
Roma sighed softly, calling on her patience. She was tired from a very busy afternoon of checking on John, baking cookies, wrapping the last of the gifts and tidying up the house, “Reilly, honey, it’s so sweet of you to want to take care of him, but he asked me not to allow you in there because he wouldn’t be able to bear it if you got sick right before Christmas,” She knelt down to look her little daughter in the eye, “That’s what Uncle Johnny wants the most for you right now; to have a happy and healthy Christmas. Don’t you think we should give him what he wants?”
Subdued now, the little girl gave a tiny nod but a moment later tears filled her eyes, “Yes, but I want to be able to do something for him, mommy, ‘cause he has always taken care of us.”
“Oh Reilly,” Roma pulled her child into her arms and held her close, her own eyes burning with tears once more, “I know, baby, but there isn’t much we can do for him. The flu just has to run its course. There isn’t even any medicine for it,” Hearing Reilly sniffle, she pulled away to look into the little girl’s eyes, “I have an idea. Even though you can’t go in there to take care of John, how about you make him a beautiful get well card? You know how much he loves your drawings and I’m certain that would make him feel a wee bit better.”
“You think so?” Reilly asked hopefully as her mother wiped away her tears.
“I know so, sweetheart.”
A little grin broke on her sweet face, “Okay! I need to go find my biggest box of crayons! Will you help me spell the bigger words, mommy?”
“Of course I will,” Roma smiled, watching as her daughter raced off to her bedroom to begin her task.
****
The evening progressed quietly, and despite Roma’s best attempts, John’s upset stomach was unable to even handle tea and toast. But she continued to request that he drink every time he was awake, fearing he would become dehydrated if he didn’t.
With Reilly safely tucked into bed, and the card for her Uncle Johnny sitting on the nightstand, waiting for him to wake up again, Roma changed into her pajamas and wearily slipped in beside of him. Propping herself up on her elbow, she gazed into his sleeping face, her eyes taking in every tiny detail of this man that she loved. She was still feeling rather unsettled about him being so ill, but even more than that, she felt fiercely protective. John had given her nearly everything that was most important to her and he had done it selflessly. When her world had fallen apart, when the stories of David’s horrendous abuse came out in the way of tears that dampened John’s shoulders, he had taken it all in stride and had cared for her. When David had tried to get custody of Reilly, John had stood by her side through all of it, reassuring her and supporting her. For two years after that, he had been so patient as her broken heart had slowly healed enough to begin to consider having someone else in her life…him.
“I love you so much, John Dye,” Roma whispered before she snuggled close to him and finally fell asleep.
*****
By morning’s light, Roma stretched sleepily, suddenly aware that strong arms were around her and upon opening her eyes, she found John’s loving green eyes focused on her.
“Hey,” She whispered, “How are you feeling?”
“I think the worst is over, Angel, thanks to you.” Though still feeling weak, John was fairly certain his fever was gone judging by the fact that he was no longer so terribly cold.
“I didn’t really do anything, Johnny-.” But a finger to her lips silenced her.
“Yes, you did. Even when I was sleeping most of yesterday, I could sense your presence every time you came in here to check on me. You took care of me, Angel.”
Looking into his eyes, her vision clouded with tears, “I was really scared, Johnny. You were so sick!”
Tugging her closer, he kissed the top of her head repeatedly, “I’m so sorry, baby.”
“No…it isn’t your fault you got sick…it just got me to thinking… trying to imagine just how terrible life would be without you in it!” Her voice caught in a sob as she buried her face against his chest.
“Roma...” John couldn’t help but smile despite her obvious distress,”Sweetie, it was just the flu.”
“I know...but I just felt so helpless!” She closed her eyes, feeling his hand running through her hair soothingly and the motion began to calm her.
Hearing her quiet, John moved his hand to cup her chin, forcing their eyes to meet, “Just for the record, angel, I am always going to be here with you in this life. It’s going to take more than the flu to get rid of me.”
“Promise?” Roma whispered, her eyes while still teary were shining with her love for him.
“Promise.”
“Do you think you can eat something this morning?”
“Only if you’ll allow me to come down to the kitchen,” He grinned, stifling a laugh at her adorable stern expression.
“No way, Mr. Dye. Not yet. If you can keep some breakfast down, then we’ll talk about you getting up,” Untangling herself from his warm embrace, Roma grabbed her robe, “I’ll be right back. Oh, and there is some reading material for you on the nightstand.”
John watched her go, an amused expression on his face before he sat up and saw the folded piece of thick paper on the nightstand. Picking it up, he smiled, instantly recognizing Reilly’s artwork. She had drawn a Christmas tree with red and yellow decorations, adorned on top with a little angel. Under the tree were many presents and next to the tree, she had drawn three people which were unmistakably he, Roma and Reilly. Written across the top with red crayon and in the bold handwriting of a child, it said, “Our first Christmas together”. His eyes smarted with tears as he opened the card to read the inside: “Please get well, Uncle Johnny because me and mommy love you very, very, very much. Love, Reilly.”
Laying the card in his lap, the actor smiled. It had been a long road, but he was finally home with the two people he loved the most in the world.
*****
As John handled breakfast without incident, Roma hesitantly allowed him out of bed. By the time they had both showered, Reilly was up and standing in their doorway rubbing her little eyes.
“Uncle Johnny, are you better?” Her face was filled with hope and concern.
“Yes, my little princess, I am feeling much better. Still a little bit tired, but well enough to hug my favorite little one.”
That was all Reilly needed to hear to throw herself into his arms, “I’m so glad you’re better! Mommy and me were worried!”
Hugging her tightly, John and Roma shared a tender glance, “Me too, sweetie, because now I get to enjoy Christmas with my two girls!”
“Yes, and we have lots to do to get ready for Santa!” Reilly pronounced happily, “I have to pick out cookies that mommy didn’t burn because she was up here with you, because I don’t want to leave Santa burned cookies and I have to make sure we have carrots for all the reindeer too. They will be working very hard tonight with all that flying, so when they get here, they need a little treat so they have enough energy to visit all the other children!”
“Well then,” John chuckled, loving her enthusiasm, “I suppose we better get a move on! I have a couple of things to take care of today too.”
“John,” Roma’s voice was guarded as she looked at him worriedly, “Please, don’t push yourself today. You’re not completely recovered yet.”
Getting up from where he was kneeling by Reilly, John cupped her cheek tenderly, “I promise, angel. I only have one tiny errand to run today and I’ll even have Charlie drive me.”
“Thank you,” She murmured, as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, “I just love you so much.”
“I love you too, baby. Forever.”
****
The rest of the day was very busy for one little Irish actress, who refused to allow John to help her. She insisted on him resting and playing with Reilly while she prepared everything she could in advance for the Christmas dinner tomorrow as Della and Frank would be joining them.
John had slipped out for a little over an hour and Roma felt as if she were holding her breath the entire time he was away. When he had returned, she had fussed over him, checking to make sure he didn’t have a temperature and though she had seen the laughing look in his green eyes, he had allowed her to check him over until she was satisfied that he was indeed on the mend.
By the time it was bedtime for Reilly, the little girl had changed her mind entirely about going to sleep.
“But I want to see Santa, mommy,” She insisted, “I could sleep right here under the tree and then Santa and me could have the cookies together!”
“Hmm,” John raised his eyebrows in amusement, “I think someone is just trying to figure out a way to get a few more cookies for herself!” He looked at Roma, catching her thankful look. He knew she was tired after all she had done today and trying to coax Reilly into bed was something she really didn’t want to have to do.
“Uncle Johnny!” Reilly managed to look appalled at his suggestion, but could just barely stifle her giggle.
“You do remember that Santa only comes when little ones are in bed asleep,” He reminded her gently as he pulled her onto his lap, “Not that he wouldn’t love to see you, as I’m certain he would, but if he stayed and talked with every chatty little girl, well, he’d never get any presents delivered!”
“Hmmm…yes, I see your point, Uncle Johnny,” The precocious little girl replied thoughtfully, causing both adults to smile secretly, “All right then, I supposed you’d better get me to bed quick!”
Ten minutes later, Reilly was tucked soundly into her little bed, with hugs and prayers from both John and Roma. The excitement of the day had apparently tuckered her out, despite her desire to share cookies with Santa, as she was asleep before the adults had left the room.
“How soon before Operation Santa?” John asked with a grin as he and Roma walked back downstairs to the living room where a fire was burning in the fireplace.
“Let’s give it an hour to make sure she is good and asleep,” Roma suggested as they sat down on the sofa together she was instantly tugged into his arms. Resting her head against his chest, she let out a contented sigh, “This is such a perfect Christmas.”
He smiled lovingly as he kissed the top of her head, “I couldn’t agree more, Angel. Being here with you and Reilly…well, there is nothing else I could ever want for.”
“We’re the ones who are blessed, Johnny,” She whispered, snuggling closer as she looked up into his eyes. Clearly able to see that he was about to protest, she continued, “Yes, we are. Had you not been so patient with me…had you not waited until I was ready to accept your love…” Tears stung her eyes as she bit her lower lip, “I’m sorry I was stubborn. When I think of what I could have missed out on…”
“Hey now, none of that,” John murmured tenderly as he swiped with his thumb the one tear that fell from her doe like eyes, “There was no chance of me moving on without you, sweetheart. Once in love with Roma Downey, there could never be anyone else for me. I love you with all that I am, Roma and incidentally, I happen to love your cute little stubborn streak every bit as much.”
“Oh Johnny, I love you too…so much…just so incredibly much.” They were quiet for a few minutes, before she spoke again, “You’re feeling better?”
John didn’t miss the hint of worry in her Irish lilt and he smiled, “Nearly perfect, Angel. With you in my arms, how else could I possibly feel?”
*****
Morning came all too early by means of one excited little girl climbing onto their bed.
“Mommy! Uncle Johnny! Come quick! Santa was here! He was here!”
John opened his eyes sleepily and grinned, stealing a glance at the clock, as Roma wearily opened her dark eyes. Six thirty.
“Was he now?” He asked, watching with amusement as Reilly attempted to pull her half sleeping mother from his embrace.
“Yes! I can see the tree from the top of the stairs and I bet he left both of you some presents too, so hurry up so you can open them!”
Roma grinned, managing to ignore the dull pounding in her head, “Well then, I guess we’d better get down there!”
“YAY!” The little girl scurried down off the bed and waited impatiently for the two adults to get up and pull on robes. But once they had, Reilly simply looked at them both with a smile on her pretty face.
“Well, poppet, let’s go,” Roma urged, “Your presents await.”
Reilly looked at her mother and then at John with a look of peace in her hazel eyes, “I think I’m a very lucky girl, you know,” She informed them, watching as they exchanged a glance, “I already got the best Christmas present ever. Both of you being here, together with me.”
Touched beyond words, Roma knelt down in front of her daughter, “You know what, Reilly? I think you are absolutely right.”
“Don’t you think so, Uncle Johnny?” Reilly looked up at him hopefully.
John blinked to clear the moisture from his eyes and then scooped Reilly up in his arms, “Yes, I think so too. Being here with my two favorite girls in the world is the best Christmas present I’ve ever had,” He hugged the little girl tightly to himself as he brought Roma’s hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
“Now can we open presents?”
John laughed and winked at Roma, “Yes, I suppose we can.”
“You two head on down. I’ll be no more than a minute,” Roma insisted, “I just want to wash my face.”
Sensing that she was feeling a bit emotional, John nodded in understanding, “We’ll wait for you, Angel.”
“But hurry, mommy!”
As John left the bedroom with Reilly still in his arms, Roma nearly raced to the bathroom. After being violently ill, she splashed water on her face and brushed her teeth, completely unwilling to succumb to the flu she was obviously coming down with. Quickly she put on a wee bit of blush to cover the paleness of her face and then forced herself to hurry downstairs.
*****
The morning passed in a blur as gifts were exchanged and then John offered to fix breakfast while Roma showered. The little actress was feeling horrible and she took a shower as hot as she could bear to warm herself from the terrible chills that had invaded her body, but she was determined not to let anything ruin this day for Reilly nor John. It was their first Christmas together! Yes, there had been other Christmases shared, but this was the first one since she and John had confessed their love for each other and she didn’t want it to be any less than perfect.
She managed to forego breakfast by insisting she needed to get the Christmas meal started as Della and Frank would be arriving soon and just when John was about to insist that Roma sit down and take a rest the doorbell rang as their company arrived. As John and an excited Reilly greeted their guests, Roma felt her stomach lurch once more and was able to hurry up the steps unnoticed. She longed to just curl up in bed and sleep until she felt better and had this been any other day, she would have done just that.
“Baby, what can I do to help?” Della asked as she walked into the kitchen a little bit later.
“Actually, I have everything pretty much under control. It’s nearly ready.”
As Roma smiled at her, Della frowned, “You look tired. Are you feeling all right?”
Waving her hand, the little actress smiled, “Reilly had us up very early, as you can imagine, but it was wonderful, Della. Waking up on Christmas morning with John here…” Emotion combined with how miserable she felt threatened to choke her as she lowered her eyes to hide tears.
The older actress smiled, “I always knew you two belonged together. It was impossible for me to miss the way that boy looked at you from the first moment he saw you,” Approaching the young woman she had always thought of as a daughter, Della laid a hand on her cheek, “I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it is to see you two together at long last,” Her words faded as she frowned, “Baby, you’ve got a fever.”
Roma’s expression turned desperate, “I’m fine-.”
“You’re burning up!” Della replied sternly, letting Roma know with her tone that lying was not an option.
“Please, Della, it’s just a wee little flu. Don’t tell John as he’ll worry and I want today to be perfect.”
“Baby, the fact that you’re sick has nothing to do with today being perfect. It’s perfect because you’re all together…because we’re all together,” She sighed, seeing the pleading look in her friend’s eyes, “All right. I’ll keep quiet for now, but you’re letting me do the rest of the work in this kitchen and Frank and I are leaving early.”
Knowing she would have to live with that compromise, Roma nodded her head in agreement.
“Now, sit. And tell me what needs to be done.”
****
Dinner was filled with laughter and only Della noticed how Roma arranged the food on her plate again and again in an attempt to make it look like she had eaten. Fact was, it was all she could do to contain her stomach in the face of so much food and the little actress knew if she took one bite, she would surely be sick again. Thankfully, Reilly kept John very entertained throughout the meal, though Roma didn’t notice his frequent worried glances towards her.
“I’ll clear the table and take care of the dishes,” Della announced once the meal was finished.
“I’ll help,” John added firmly, not allowing for any argument from Roma. He couldn’t miss how peaked she looked nor the fact that she hadn’t eaten a thing despite her attempts to make it look like she had. He had a feeling she was tired from all she had done yesterday and today and he was determined that her work for the holiday end now.
“Well, that just leaves us then, little lady,” Frank winked at Reilly, who grinned up at him.
“Did you see my new doll, Uncle Frank?” She got down from her chair and tugged on his hand, “Come on, so you two can be properly introduced!”
Roma managed a laugh as Frank followed her into the living room with a chuckle and once John and Della had carried a load of dishes into the kitchen, the little actress took a long sip of water, even though her stomach lurched its disapproval.
Grabbing a stack of plates, she got up and walked slowly to the kitchen, but as soon as she pushed the door open, she felt the room begin to spin as her vision went fuzzy around the edges.
“John…” She murmured as she felt the stack of dishes slide from her arms, and hit the floor even as she tried to cling to consciousness.
The sound of shattering china, caused both John and Della to whirl around, and John moved quickly to catch Roma in his arms before she hit the floor, “Angel!”
He lowered her to the floor slowly, being careful of the broken glass. The fact that she had passed out terrified him, but not nearly as much as the hot feel of her skin as he patted her cheek gently to try to revive her, “Open your eyes, baby. Come on, wake up for me.”
“She wasn’t feeling well,” Della confessed as she hurriedly grabbed a dishtowel from the drawer and ran it under cold water, “Here, baby, try this,” She handed him the towel and watched worriedly as he bathed her forehead, “She didn’t want you to know.”
Before he could question further, Roma’s lashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes, “John? What…what happened?”
“You’re sick, that’s what happened,” He stated with a frown, though his heart was filled with great relief to see her eyes open once more.
“Get her upstairs, John. I’ll take care of things down here while Reilly is busy with Frank.” As John scooped the little actress up in his arms, Della met her eyes with Roma’s, “Your secret is out, baby. I’ll be up with some ginger ale once you’re settled.”
Though she wanted to apologize as well as cry, she was simply too sick to do anything but let her head rest against John’s chest as he carried her up the back steps in order to not alarm Reilly.
Sitting her down on the edge of the bed, John grabbed a pair of her pajamas out of the dresser, but when he turned around she was already bolting for the bathroom. He quickly followed her and soothed her as she was sick once more, before carrying her back to bed and helping her to change her clothes.
Pulling back the comforter on the bed, he looked at her sternly, “Into bed with you, young lady,” Helping her to get situated, he grabbed another blanket, worried with how badly she was trembling with cold. He so wanted to ask her why she hadn’t told him how she was feeling, but he knew it would have to wait. Getting her better was his priority right now.
As she was still shivering, John walked around to the other side of the bed and pulled back the covers. Getting into bed, he pulled her into his arms and against his warm body, tugging the blankets up around her small shoulders.
“You should check on Reilly,” Roma murmured weakly.
“Della and Frank are downstairs, so she’s fine, Angel.” He assured her, kissing her forehead gently.
“I’m so sorry,” She uttered tearfully.
“Sorry? Roma, whatever for? You don’t have anything to be sorry about other than not telling me you were so sick! You should have been in bed today, not cooking dinner for five!”
“I wanted our first Christmas to be perfect,” She blurted out on a sob, burying her face against his chest.
John blinked as he gazed down at her, watching as her shoulders trembled with chills and tears. Tenderly, he put his fingers under her chin to raise her head, “My sweet angel, don’t you know by now that any day spent with you is perfect?
“Oh John, there is nothing perfect about this! This wasn’t supposed to happen!” More tears spilled from her eyes as she watched him shake his head.
“You know what wasn’t supposed to happen, sweetheart?” He whispered soothingly, his green eyes shining with the intense love he felt for her at that moment and every moment, “The most beautiful, sweet, caring creature in this world was never supposed to fall in love with a guy like me…but she did and there is nothing on this earth any more perfect for me than that.”
Overcome with emotion, the little actress buried her face against him once again, her small fists clutching his shirt, “I love you so much…I don’t think I could love you anymore if I tried.”
A tender smile crossed John’s handsome face as his fingers brushed through her auburn hair, “That suits me just fine, baby.” He readjusted the blankets around her, “Are you warm enough, Angel?” His lips grazed her forehead, feeling the heat from her fever.
“Mmm Hmm,” She replied, closing her eyes as his hand in her hair and his heartbeat beneath her ear began to soothe her.
John looked up as the door opened and Della walked in, carrying a glass of ginger ale and crushed ice. Seeing as Roma was still awake, she spoke softly, “The kitchen is all cleaned up and Reilly is all packed to spend two nights with us while her mother recovers from the flu. The last thing you need is that little baby coming down with it.”
“Thanks, Della,” He smiled his thanks as he took the glass from her and coaxed Roma to take a few feeble sips, much as she had done for him only three days ago.
“Not a problem, Lovejuice and I trust you to keep this baby down and quiet until this thing passes.”
“Not a problem,” He echoed her sentiments with a wink.
“Please tell Reilly we love her, Della,” Roma urged quietly, “And I hope you and Frank don’t come down with it.”
“Not a chance of that, baby. We’re too old and cranky to be sick,” Getting the weak smile she had hoped for, she leaned over the bed and gave Roma a kiss on the cheek, “Feel better soon, baby. John, you call if you need anything,” She added, giving him a peck on the cheek as well.
Once Della had gone, John turned his attention back to his girlfriend, “Are you doing all right, baby?”
Roma gave a weary nod, “Don’t go anywhere, ok?”
“Wasn’t planning on it, Angel; now or ever.”
*****
Late afternoon soon turned into evening and then night, and Roma slept through most of it safely in John’s arms. Each time she awoke, he would get her fresh ginger ale to keep her stomach settled, and it appeared to be working as she had not been sick again. When he wasn’t sleeping, he simply held her and watched over her, monitoring her fever and making certain she was warm enough.
When he again opened his eyes, it was late morning and gazing down at Roma, he instantly noticed that her color was better. His lips against her forehead also brought him the relief that her fever had finally broken and he could see that she was sleeping peacefully at last, though he still intended to spoil her and keep her quiet all day.
John contemplated going downstairs to fix her something light for breakfast, but then changed his mind. Instead, he grabbed a quick shower, a change of clothes and returned to bed. He was content to simply hold her close, laying soft kisses against her hair as he waited for her to wake up on her own. Fifteen minutes later, that’s what happened.
“Good morning, beautiful angel.”
The soft sound of John’s voice caused Roma’s eyes to open completely. Smiling sleepily, she murmured a “Good morning” before she began to take a mental inventory of how she was feeling.
“Your fever is gone, baby,” He assured her.
“I feel better,” She admitted, snuggling closer to him and letting out a kitten like yawn. For a moment, her mind played over the somewhat fuzzy details of yesterday before she looked up at him, “Despite everything, was your Christmas a good one, Johnny?”
Gazing into her doe like eyes, he nodded his head, “It was, Roma, but I would have traded all of it to have not experienced that terrible moment when you were unconscious in my arms,” John’s voice was gentle seeing the guilt that flickered in hers, “I was scared to death, baby.”
“I should have told you,” She murmured, feeling badly for frightening him, “I guess I just got caught up in how I imagined our first Christmas together would be and I didn’t want it to be any other way. But it didn’t really matter as I remember so little of it.”
He heard the trace of sadness in her voice and his heart ached. Roma had known so many sad Christmases in her life; without one or more parent, alone in a new country, at the hands of an abusive husband and though this one was far from sad, it was also less than perfect.
“Well, we’ll just have to fix that.” John replied firmly as he kissed her cheek, “Now, do you think you can eat?”
“I do,” she replied, giving him a smile as she sat up in bed.
“Not so fast, missy. If I let you out of bed today, it will only be to move to the couch,” His voice was stern, but he watched her grin at the twinkle in his eyes, “So, why don’t you get a shower and then come downstairs while I fix you something for breakfast…or rather, lunch.”
When she agreed, he waited until he made certain she was strong enough to be up and about. The flu had left him feeling weak and though Roma was still a bit peaked, she assured him she would be fine.
John puttered around the kitchen, trying to decide what to fix for Roma that would still be mild enough to not upset her stomach. He was hoping that she was fully recovered but he didn’t want to take any chances by fixing something that had the potential to be too heavy.
The fact that she had pushed herself all morning and into the afternoon yesterday left him shaking his head. She had such the stubborn streak! But it was also one of the things he loved about her, though there were many things. Deciding on tea and toast, he put two slices of bread in the toaster and pulled the butter from the refrigerator.
“I guess I just got caught up in how I imagined our first Christmas together would be and I didn’t want it to be any other way. But it didn’t really matter as I remember so little of it.”
Her words from moments ago echoed inside his head and caused him to frown. Her life had been so hard for so many years and he couldn’t help but feel responsible for her getting sick to begin with. After all, he was one who had brought the flu home to her and she had dedicated herself to him getting well, only to get sick herself on Christmas morning. That simply wouldn’t do.
*****
“Why am I still so tired?” Roma sighed as John helped her up the stairs to their bedroom.
“It’s the flu, Angel, and it takes it out of you for a day or so. A little nap and you’ll feel much better.” He pulled back the down comforter for her and waiting until she curled up in bed before covering her snugly, “We need a few things from the market, baby. Will you be okay while I step out for an hour?” Her fever had not returned, so he felt relatively comfortable in leaving her briefly while she slept.
“I’ll be fine, Johnny,” She replied before a kitten like yawn interrupted her that made him smile at her adoringly.
“All right then,” Leaning down, he pecked her lightly on the lips, “Sleep well, my angel. I won’t be gone long.”
He remained for a few more minutes, stroking her temple with the backs of his fingers until she drifted off to sleep, a peaceful expression on her face. Then, certain she’d be fine, he slipped out.
*****
When Roma opened her eyes again, she was immediately aware of John’s loving, green eyed gaze upon her and she smiled sleepily, “Wow, you’re back already?”
John chuckled softly, “Already? Baby, you’ve been asleep for almost four hours!”
Her eyes opened wider, “Really? I have?” Hearing his soft laugh, a blush rose to her cheeks.
“Yes, but you needed the rest. Now, how do you feel?” He tugged her tightly up against his chest and listened to her pleasant sigh of happiness.
“Better. A lot better, actually. Of course, waking up in the arms of a handsome man is definitely good medicine.” Roma breathed in the scent of him and then paused, “You smell like....turkey?”
John laughed again, “Well, it seems my secret is out.”
Roma’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, “What secret?”
Getting up from the bed, he extended his hand to her, “You’ll just have to come see.”
Curiosity twinkled in her eyes as she got up, and holding tightly to his hand, she followed him downstairs.
John held his breath for a moment as they ascended the steps but then smiled when he heard her tiny gasp.
The room was dark with the exception of the Christmas tree lights and candles on the mantle, the tables and a warm fire was roaring in the fireplace. In front of the fire, a small table was set up with candles and place settings for a romantic dinner as the sound of soft music wafted up from the stereo in the corner.
“Johnny?” Roma turned large questioning eyes to him.
Tenderly, John framed her face with his hands, “The way I see it, Miss Downey, Christmas has twelve days. Now, you may have been sick for the first day, but the others are still wide open to be celebrated.”
Tears welled up in her dark eyes, “Oh John, I...” Burying her face against his chest, she began to cry softly, “I love you so much...just so much.”
Holding her close, he kissed the top of her head, “Not half as much as I love you, Angel,” Hearing her quiet weeping, he continued softly, tenderly, “I realized this morning why this Christmas was so important to you; that you were longing for some good memories to store away of a holiday that has not always been a happy one for you and I’m so sorry, Roma, that I didn’t realize it sooner.” Pulling away, he took her face in his hands once more, “But this is the first of many, many perfect holidays that we will spend together. I promise you that. So, since you couldn’t put aside any memories from yesterday due to feeling so poorly, why don’t we create some right now?”
A teary smile trembled on her lips as she looked into his eyes, “How do you know me so well, John Dye?”
Swiping at her tears, he replied softly, “Because I have loved you for so long, baby and every day, that love just grows stronger. It’s...it’s all I know, Roma.”
“Me too,” She whispered, before their lips met in a sweet kiss that ended with much smaller ones as John kissed her tears away.
“Our dinner is getting cold,” He stated a minute later, “Do you think you can eat? Do you feel all right?”
“I feel wonderful,” Roma replied as he held out her chair for her, before sitting down across from her.
Dinner was a quiet, sweet affair, with small conversation and tender glances exchanged between the couple. As they finished their coffee, John moved to the stereo and started a cd. Then, turning to Roma, he extended his hand, “Angel, may I have the honour of this dance?”
A deep blush rose to her cheeks, as she accepted, her smaller fingers curling around his as he pulled her to her feet and into his arms as the soft lyrics began to play.
Now
Now when it rains I don't feel cold
Now that I have your hand to hold
The winds might blow through me
But I don't care
There's no harm in thunder if you are there and
Now
Now when we touch my feelings fly
Now when I'm smiling I know why
You light up my world like the morning sun
You're so deep within me we're almost one
(*) And now
All the fears that I had start to fade
I was always afraid love might forget me
Love might let me down
Then look who I found
And now, now
Now when I wake there's someone home
I'll never face the nights alone
You gave me the courage I need to win
To open my heart and to let you in
And I never really knew how until now
No, I never really knew how until now
Roma was not surprised to feel the presence of tears in her eyes once more as she listened to the words to the song that summed up everything she was feeling so perfectly. Gazing up at him, she tried to speak around the emotion in her throat,
“John...my dear John...” A tiny sob escaped her, seeing the deep love and tenderness in his eyes, “I want you to know that...everything that’s happened in my life...if I had to do it over, in order to get back to this moment, I would and would never think twice about it.” She could see the tears glistening in his own eyes as he swiped at her tears with his fingers, “All the horrible things...they all brought me to you and...I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world.”
His fingers lightly touched her face before he led her over to the sofa and indicated for her to sit down. There were both tears and confusion on her face and John had to blink to clear his own eyes, “Angel, I was going to wait until later as I had a few more things planned, but I don’t think any other moment is going to feel as perfect to me as this one does.”
Kneeling down in front of her, he reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, before he looked up into her teary eyes, “Roma, you know how much I love you, how much I’ve always loved you, even before you officially knew it. Every moment I’m with you, is so special, that I never want it to end. You and Reilly, you are my family and I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of the two of you,” Reaching out, he cupped her cheek, “Baby, you have made nearly every dream I’ve ever had come true and now I’m asking if you’ll make just one more happen, though I am far from deserving.”
Tears continued to slip from her eyes as Roma watched John reach into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. A sob escaped her as he opened it and the candlelight caught the sparkle of the diamond engagement ring.
“Marry me, Angel,” John whispered as a tear escaped his own eye, “You’ll make me the happiest man in this world.”
A smile broke out over Roma’s face as she began to cry harder, “Yes Johnny. Yes, I’ll marry you. I’ll marry you...” Her hand trembled as he held it and slipped the ring onto her finger. A moment later, she was in his arms, kissing him as they exchanged words of love and devotion.