Judith Gilbert: The Mistletoe Affair

Matt folded his arms and studied the situation. “I'm really happy, but I'm not crying. Women should cry only when they're sad so we don't get confused. They're weird sometimes, aren't they, Dad?"

“Sometimes, but we love them anyway,” Jared agreed.

Everyone chuckled, except Katherine, who sniffled and elbowed Jared indignantly in the ribs.

“I bet we can make her laugh,” Jared said with mischief lighting his eyes. He bent and whispered something to Matt, who giggled.

Her mother and Thomas's eyes widened. “Oh, Katherine, you're in for it now. Run!” her mother yelled.

Katherine stood and Jared pretended to tackle her like they were on the football field and she was trying for a touchdown. His arms folded around her waist, and as they went down, he twisted his body to cushion her fall. She sprawled atop him gleefully and Matt jumped on them both. They wrestled playfully and their hands reached out to tickle her sides and under her arms. Katherine giggled and rolled, trying to escape, but Jared and Matt followed. Soon all three of them lay on the floor, laughing and hugging.

“Wait!” Katherine yelled from out of the melee. “You haven't opened your special presents from me.” She jumped up and handed each of them a gift.

Matt tore his gift open to find a pair of knight in shining armor pajamas like King Arthur in his storybook. His grin spread from ear-to-ear.

Jared tore his gift open. When he spied the Superman pajamas she'd picked out for him, his face softened with tenderness and desire. His eyes promised her his love for all of their tomorrows. As he reached to kiss her, her heart melted.

She knew every day of her life with Jared would be a perfect affair.