Downton Christmas Countdown!

Dec 6th: A Special Present.

As Bates walked into the warm jewelry store, and out of the cold, he couldn't help but smile at the glass cases around the room, filled with beautiful bracelets, rings and necklaces. He had walked in, looking for a gift for his wife, his precious wife, who had done more for him than had ever been done by anyone else.

He looked around, at the cases, wondering what to buy. But first, he needed a wedding band for himself, to show the whole world he was proud to be married. So he went over to a saleslady, and asked.

"Excuse me, I was looking to buy a wedding band for myself?"

"Certainly. We do free engravings, would you like to have anything engraved on it?"

"Just the date, April eleventh, 1919. And the word always." He said, knowing he would be proud to show his ring to Anna. She took some notes, and said. "Is there anything else I can help you with, sir?"

"I would like to buy a necklace, a locket."

"And would you like to have anything engraved on it, sir?"

"I would like you to put the initials A.S. and J.B. with the year 1919 engraved on the back. The initials on the front."

"All right," said the saleswoman. She named the price, and he handed over a years wages (he had plenty of money saved up.) She then said. "You can pick up your order tomorrow, sir, if you'll just give me your name?"

"Bates. John Bates." He replied, and she thanked him, then he left.

XxXxXxX

On Christmas morning, Anna was sitting on the sofa, when he handed her the small box, and then held his own box in his hands. She opened it, and her eyes filled with tears. "Oh John!" She said softly, and he pressed the clasp, and it opened, showing a picture of them. He closed it again, then helped her put it on. Then he showed her his own box, and opened it. She watched with wide eyes, as he took out his wedding band. "John?" she asked softly.

"Anna May Bates..." he said gently. "I wanted to buy a wedding ring, because I am so proud of being your husband, and I want to tell the world that I am married to the most beautiful and kind woman in the world."

She leaned over and kissed him, wrapping her arms around him, before he whispered in her ear. "Merry, merry Christmas darling." Then she gave him another kiss, and slid the ring on his finger.