Keeping Faith

Chapter Four: O' Christmas Tree

      Bacon? David pried his eyes open and took another whiff to determine the scent. Yep, that is definitely bacon... He sprung himself from the bed and had a good long stretch before he headed to the closet and pulled out a sweater and some jeans.

He closed the bedroom door as he exited the room. He briefly glanced in the direction of Faith's room before heading downstairs. Her door was closed as well. I wonder if she's still sleeping...maybe I should tell her breakfast is ready — no, just let her sleep.

David rushed down the stairs towards the appetizing aroma. As he turned the corner, he greeted them with a cheery, "Good morning!" Faith turned around from the stove and smiled, "Good morning, David."

He smiled back at her, "Where are Sharla and Jonathan?" She gestured toward their room, "Still sleeping." He nodded and planted his hands firmly on the island standing in the middle of the kitchen floor, "Do you need any help?"

She grinned, "No, that's ok. I'm almost done. Uh, how do you like your eggs?" "Over hard. I don't like the runny stuff." He replied as he poured himself a generous helping of chocolate milk.

She glanced over at him and smiled warmly, "Man after my own heart. I'm not much for the runny yoke either."

Switching subjects, David took a gamble, "Um, Faith. I was wondering." She turned in his direction as he continued, "I mean, I know we haven't really talked about it before, but I was wondering if maybe you —"

"Mm...what smells so good?" Jonathan unknowingly interrupted. Faith relieved by his unexpected entrance, responded eagerly, "Breakfast!"

Jonathan glimpsed at David and acknowledging that he had clearly disrupted something, sent his brother an apologetic look.

David gave a reluctant nod and took another swig of the icy beverage. He would find another time to speak with Faith about his feeling for her when the timing was right. Yet he wondered if the time would ever be right.

Christmas was now only three days away. Thus far the group had immensely enjoyed their holiday in Aspen. They had enjoyed the fireside Christmas storytelling before bed, snow filled activities, the carriage rides through the snow as carols were sung — but most of all, they enjoyed being together.

Today was no different. Although today they would be splitting up for a little while, because today they were each assigned their Christmas task.

Earlier that morning Sharla had made them all draw a name out of a jar she found. Since they came by plane, they were unable to bring multitudes of gifts — so, at Sharla's suggestion, they would each be responsible for the gift of the person whose name they drew.

David drove them into town and parked in front of Carl's Pharmacy on Main Street. They agreed they would meet back at the car in two hours.

David headed off to find Sharla's present. He was glad he had drawn his sister-in-law's name because he knew exactly what she would want. She kept dropping hints the entire drive to town. She wanted the new book, Destiny by her favorite author, Denise Atkins. This would be a piece of cake.

Jonathan studied the titles of each store. What in the world do I get Faith? He would have asked David, but Sharla's rules were no one could help each other. The gift had to be something you pick for them. This would be a very difficult task.

Sharla smiled as she paid for her husband's gift. It was a nice surprise to get his name from the stack. She hoped he liked the frame she had picked. She was glad that the store offered free engravings. Once the boys were born, she would put a picture of Jonathan holding them in the frame — but until then, the last ultrasound photo would have to do.