Romance and Christmas Stories.

A Little Christmas Magic. Ch. 9. Family Time and Party Planning. 12/22/00

Prologue. 

As her family slept Jennifer was awake opening her gifts from her Bachelorette Party. She got a Soft White Nightie from Rosie, Chocolates from Ali, Assorted sweets from Aurora, a Scott Family Tartan from Jessica, Lucy, and Ana, and a small Tiara from Momma with a note that read "Wear this on your birthday sweetie." Love Grandma. <3 Jennifer smiled she almost forgot that her birthday was tomorrow. She took a quick shower before getting ready for bed. Jennifer had one piece of chocolate before putting her hair up for the night and was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. While his family slept later that night Jonathan took a quick shower before opening his gift from Jennifer from his Bachelor party. Quietly Jonathan unwrapped his gift and let out a low whistle at the site of the Craftsmen tool set. His wife to be was beautiful and smart, and he loved her even more then before. Jonathan put his gift on the floor by his bed and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. 

As the sun rose early that morning people were up running last min errands before Christmas. While the town of Merry and Bright is out running errands The Claus family is staying in to watch Christmas movies. They started with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and continued on with the Home Alone movies, but during commericals Ali and Aurora got to work on planning their sister Jennifer's birthday for tomorrow.  They gave Stefanie the task to keep Jennifer company tomorrow while everything got set up for her party. As soon as the movie started again they went back to watching the movies until the next commerical break. We'll need a place for the party too. Aurora said. Stefanie bit her lower lip, and said I can ask Jonathan for the keys to his house and we can use that for Jennifer's party. That would work. Ali said, but are you sure he'll give you the keys to his house. The only way to find out is to ask Jonathan. Aurora said. I'll ask him. Stefanie replied as she picked up her coat , and headed out the door with Ali and Aurora behind her. They got to the Diner and sat down and waited until Jonathan arrived. After a five min. wait Jonathan arrived at The Diner. As soon as Jonathan ordered his lunch, and sat down Ali and Aurora nudged Stefanie gently with their feet. Stefanie took a deep breath and went to talk to Jonathan with Ali and Aurora behind her. " Hey Jonathan. Stefanie said. I was wondering if I could get your house keys from you? Stefanie asked. Why? Jonathan said. Stefanie bit her lower lip and said If I tell you You can't tell anyone Okay? Okay. Jonathan said kneeling in front of Stefanie. Tomorrow is my Aunt Jennifer's birthday. And we need a place for her birthday party. Stefanie said." Whose helping you plan your Aunt Jennifer's party. Jonathan asked Stefanie. We are. Ali and Aurora said. If your planning Jennifer's birthday party Jonathan said Your gonna need extra help. Ali and Aurora thought about Jonathan's comment then turned to Stefanie and said we know no one is supposed to know about Jennifer's party, but we're gonna need help with the planning. After giving some thought to what Ali and Aurora said Stefanie agreed. What time were you thinking for Jennifer's party to start tomorrow. Jonathan asked Ali and Aurora. We were thinking 4:00 pm. Ali said. So we'll need food/drinks. Balloons, and a birthday cake. Aurora replied. To do all of that without Jennifer knowing Jonathan said Someone has to keep her occupied tomorrow I'll do it. Stefanie said. What do you have in mind for Jennifer for tomorrow? Jonathan asked. Breakfast, Shopping, then back here for lunch, before heading back to the Holly Inn to get ready for the party. That'll work. Ali and Aurora said. And a Horse Drawn Carriage will pick you and Jennifer up from the Holly Inn and bring you to the party. Jonathan said. Everyone has to be there before 4:00 pm. Stefanie said. How are you gonna get Jennifer to the party? Aurora said. I'll tell her we're going to a Pre-Wedding party at Jonathan's house. Perfect. Jonathan said. But we need to keep Jennifer busy now in order to get alot of the party planning done today, and get stuff set up. Ali said. Any ideas? Aurora asked Stefanie. After a few mins Stefanie said how about I take Jennifer to the Spa today at 12:00 pm-6:00 pm and to dinner at the Italian restaurant until say 6:30 pm. That way it'll give you extra time to finish up what your doing. "That'll work. Ali said. As soon as Stefanie and Jennifer leave for the Spa we can get started on the party planning. Aurora added. Jonathan gave Ali and Aurora his phone number, and told them to text him when Jennifer and Stefanie had left for the Spa." As Ali, Aurora, and Stefanie headed back to the Holly Inn the rest of the family were sitting in front in front of the tv watching "White Christmas". A few mins later Ali, Aurora, and Stefanie walked into the Suite. Hey Aunt Jennifer. Stefanie said How would you like to go to a Spa with me this afternoon. That would be nice. Jennifer said. Our appointment is at 12:00 pm. Stefanie said. It's ten mins to 11:00 am Rosie said So if you shower and get dressed in time you should make your appointment. As Stefanie and Jennifer go shower and get dressed Ali and Aurora tell the family that their gonna need help in planning Jennifer's birthday for tomorrow. We have the keys from Jonathan to his house for the party. Ali said. Does Jonathan and his family know about Jennifer's birthday. Santa asked. Jonathan does. Aurora said, but he'll tell his family when he gets home. Whose gonna make Jennifer and Jonathan's Wedding Cake? Colin asked While everyone is planning Jennifer's birthday. Me and Rosie can make their Wedding Cake while everyone tackles the party. Momma said. Soon Ali got a text from Jonathan letting her know that his family is ready to help with the party. Okay. Ali texted back. The Scott family is a go for the party.  Cool. Aurora said. Ali's phone beeped again with  another text from Jonathan saying Lucy, Ana, and his Mom Jessica will be making Jennifer's birthday cake. Perfect. Rosie said. While the family was planning Jennifer's birthday party Stefanie and Jennifer were finishing up their showers, drying off, and getting dressed.  Soon their dressed, and are heading out the suite door, down the elevator, and out the door of the Holly Inn. As soon Jennifer and Stefanie  leave for the Spa Ali texted Jonathan letting him know that they can start on the party planning. Outside Jennifer and Stefanie walk to the Spa. During the walk Stefanie tells her Aunt that she's gonna get a mani/pedi when they get to the Spa. Why? Jennifer asked. Keeping a straight face Stefanie tells her Aunt that there is a is a Pre-Wedding Party tomorrow, and she needs to get her nails done. As Jennifer and Stefanie walked to the Spa she thought about how her birthday is . tomorrow and yet no one has asked her what she wants for her birthday. But the Pre-Wedding Party sounds nice. Jennifer thought and how it would be nice to see Jonathan and his family again. Soon Jennifer and Stefanie get to the Spa once inside Stefanie gives her name to the young woman at the front desk. After checking them in she has Jennifer and Stefanie head into the women's locker room to change into Robes and slippers before heading to the Salon to get their mani/pedis, and their hair washed and trimmed. Then they move on to the massage room where both Jennifer and Stefanie stepped into the bathroom and changed out of their robes and covered themselves with soft fluffy towels and laid on the tables they closed their eyes and enjoyed the scent of Gingerbread that came from a candle a min. later two Spa employees walked in, and asked Stefanie and Jennifer which massage oil scent they would like Jennifer chose the Peppermint and Stefanie chose the Gingerbread. After an hour both Jennifer and Stefanie were relaxed and they headed to the hot tub room and sat in two different tubs Jennifer had a sugar cookie bath bomb in the tub while Stefanie had a Vanilla Spice bath bomb in hers. An employee came and asked them if they want anything to drink? Two glasses of Sparkling Cider please. Stefanie said and Thank you. A few mins. later the employee came back with two glasses of Sparkling Cider and handed one to Jennifer and the other to Stefanie. When the young woman left Jennifer and Stefanie sat back relaxed and sipped their Cider. While Jennifer and Stefanie were at the Spa Jonathan, Ali, Aurora, and both families were busy getting decorations, balloons, plates, cups, spoons, sodas, and ice for tomorrow. Lucy, Ana, and Jessica were making Jennifer's birthday cake. While the cake was baking they went into the living room to help put up the decorations while Drew and JD blew up the balloons with the helium tanks they rented for today. The food will be taken care of tomorrow. Drew said when Ali asked him about the pizzas. Okay. Ali said but the food has to be here before Jennifer and Stefanie get here at exactly 4:00 pm."I have a quick question? Aurora said. How are Jennifer and Stefanie getting here tomorrow from the Holly Inn. I have that taken care of. Jonathan replied. I have a Horse Drawn Carriage picking them up tomorrow from the Holly Inn." Drew and JD let out a low whistle. You must really Love Jennifer to do that for her. Drew said. He does. Santa said to Drew. And Jennifer has always wanted to ride in a Horse Drawn Carriage ever since she saw the Disney Classic "Cinderella". Rosie added. Not to mention Jennifer sang "So this is Love" Cora said. Momma rolled her eyes. Too bad that idiot turned out to be a slimy toad then a Prince. She said. Amen grandma. Ali and Aurora commented. Cora's eyes turned Dark Blue at the memory. Rosie noticed the look on Cora's face. Cora. Rosie said Are you okay? I'm fine. Cora replied. I just remembered  the way that jerk treated Jennifer. Jennifer's a kind, sweet, helpful person Cora said, but it made me mad to see that jerk smack her because she wouldn't give him twenty  dollars to put gas in his car. At Cora's words Jonathan hissed under his breath, and said that jackass better hope I don't get my hands on him for the way he treated Jennifer. I wouldn't worry about him. Cora said. He's in the North Pole Prison for assaulting a member of the Claus family. Which is frowned upon in the North Pole. Colin chimed in. It's frowned upon here too in the United States. Lucy said. I would hope so. Santa said I don't want anything to happen to Jennifer. I assure you. Jonathan said seriously to Santa that Jennifer is safe with me and my family. Absolutely. Drew and JD added. All three of our sons would never hurt their ladies. John said. Our boys were raised to treat women with respect. Jessica added. Back at the Spa Jennifer and Stefanie got out of their tubs to head to the showers. They left their empty glasses sitting on a table outside of the showers. Jennifer and Stefanie washed off the oils and the bath bombs under warm showers with Peppermint scented body wash. When they were done they put their robes and slippers back on before going to cool off in a room close to the front of the Spa. Outside the sun was slowly going down. Stefanie texted Ali to see how the party planning was going.  It's going good. Ali said. Cool. Stefanie said. Me and Jennifer are going next door to get some dinner we should be done by 6:30 pm. She added. After Jennifer and Stefanie have cooled off they went into the locker room to get dressed by then the sun had started to set. At 6:00pm Jennifer and Stefanie left the Spa and went next door to the Best Italian Restaurant in Merry and Bright, CO. Once inside Stefanie lead her Aunt to the best table in the restaurant and sat down. Jennifer sat across from her niece. Soon a waitress came and took their order. We'll have the small plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Stefanie said and some breadsticks. And your drinks. The young woman asked. Two glasses of your Sparkling Cider. Stefanie said. The waitress left to get their dinner. A min. later the waitress was back with two glasses of their Sparkling Cider and set the glasses on their table, and returned to the kitchen to get their food and was back a min later and set the breadsticks and spaghetti and meatballs on their table. Thank you. Stefanie said. As the waitress walked away to help another table. Stefanie raised her glass to her Aunt and said To the most Amazing Aunt and Sweetest person ever. Awwww. Thanks sweetie. Jennifer said. Today has been a great day. They touched glasses and took a sip before eating their dinner. The sun had set completely by 6:30pm. Jonathan and both families had stopped for the evening and headed home except Jonathan who stayed in his house. At the restaurant the waitress has brought their leftover food to Stefanie and Jennifer. Thank you. Stefanie said. Your welcome and have a good evening. The waitress said politely. Outside it was dark and not safe to walk back to the Holly Inn. Jennifer took her phone out, and called Jonathan. At his house Jonathan picked up his cell phone after seeing Jennifer's name on the screen. Hello. Jonathan said. Hey Jonathan. Jennifer said I was wondering if you could come pick me and Stefanie up from the Italian restaurant next door to the Spa. Please. Jennifer pleaded it's too dark for me and Stefanie to walk back to the Holly Inn. Stay inside the restaurant. Jonathan said I'll be there in five mins. Thank you. Jennifer said as she hung up her cell phone. Jonathan will be here in five mins to get us. Jennifer said to Stefanie. Five mins later a white SUV  pulled up outside the restaurant Jennifer and Stefanie ran outside and got into the SUV. As Jonathan pulled away from the curb both Jennifer and Stefanie fastened their seatbelts. Where to? Jonathan asked. The Holly Inn please. Jennifer said As they got close to the Holly Inn Stefanie suggested that Jonathan and Jennifer spend some together after they dropped her off at the Holly Inn. Soon Jonathan pulled up to The Holly Inn, and dropped Stefanie off. As Stefanie got out of the SUV Jennifer told her to let the family know that she was with Jonathan and will be back in awhile. Ok. Stefanie said as she took the doggiebag of food inside with her. When Stefanie has disappeared into the lobby and got into the elevator Jonathan and Jennifer headed to a Cozy Romantic spot and parked for awhile in the space next to the snow covered bridge and Gazebo. This is such a Romantic spot. Jennifer said. It reminds me of the scene in the Disney Classic  "Cinderella" where Cinderella and The Prince sang and danced. Jonathan smiled, and said "Shall we recreate that scene? Jennifer blushed and said Yes." They got out of the SUV and as Jennifer stepped into Jonathan's arms she started to hum the beginning of "So this is Love" as they danced Jennifer and Jonathan took turns singing. They stopped dancing long enough to take a walk across the bridge to the Gazebo where they shared a sweet, passionate kiss before they walked back to Jonathan's SUV and got in before heading back to the Holly Inn to drop Jennifer off for the night. I'll see you tomorrow. Jonathan said kissing Jennifer's cheek before stepping out of the SUV. Good night. Jennifer said. Goodnight sweetheart. Jonathan said as Jennifer headed inside The Holly Inn for the night. Jonathan drove back to his house for the night just as Jennifer walked into the Suite where everyone was watching "It's A Wonderful Life" on tv. Jennifer felt like she was floating on a cloud after spending some time with Jonathan. As she entered her room she smiled as she went to take a shower. After taking a quick shower Jennifer got ready for bed, and sat in her room to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" on tv. As soon as the movie ended Jennifer and her family went to sleep for the night.