20
Gigget returned to the living room to check on them.
Bing sat on the sofa with a child on each side. Djoni and Amoretta listened intently as he read about the birth of Jesus from Luke 2. It wasn’t just any Christmas story; it was the one that mattered.
He glanced up at her, gaze appreciative, and his smile, just for her, lit up the room.
Gigget’s heart overflowed with joy. She grinned and went to prepare breakfast. Bing had made it home. God had answered her prayer. She called them into the kitchen as she plated the French toast.
The children dragged Bing in and placed him in the spot next to where Gigget usually sat.
“Would you please pray the blessing?” Gigget asked Bing.
“I’d be honored.” Bing reached a hand across the table to Djoni and grabbed Gigget’s hand. Gigget reached her free hand to Amoretta. A circle of faith and love.
“Dearest Jesus, on this day when we celebrate Your birth, we give You all the praise and honor due Your name. Thank You for bringing me home safely so I could share this moment with these people who have become so dear to me. Thank You for this wonderful meal. Bless the hands that prepared it and let it nourish us so we can continue to serve You.”
“Amens” chorused, and the hands dropped.
Gigget served Bing first, and then the children before putting some on her plate. She had no appetite. What was it about this man that set her insides fluttering like wild snowflakes swirling around?
Her phone alerted. She clicked on the image and showed it to Bing.
“Call the police,” he said as he rose from the table.
Gigget dialed. She whispered to the kids. “Someone is trespassing—stay here, please.”
~*~
Bing wasn’t sure what to do. He spied the vehicle parked behind his in the camera shot, but the person was moving toward the front of the house.
He slipped out the back door and crept behind his truck to the other vehicle. He crouched down and let air out of the front tire, and then moved to rear tire to do the same thing. They’d have a difficult time getting away quickly.
He leaned on his truck, crossed his arms, and waited for the intruder to realize he was there. He shivered, regretting not grabbing his jacket before heading out.
The police car drove up without sirens, but the lights were twirling.
The intruder ran to the vehicle and got in. His ex-wife stared from the windshield.
The officer walked to the driver’s side of her vehicle. “Get out!” he ordered.
She tried to back up, but her tires couldn’t catch and an alarm sounded at the low tire pressure. She banged on the steering wheel and rested her head there.
“Turn off the vehicle and get out with your hands up.” The police officer’s tone was firm.
A second squad car drove up.
“Merry Christmas, Bing. How are you doing this fine day?” The first officer asked as he put handcuffs on Bing’s ex-wife.
“I just returned from overseas early this morning and was enjoying a delightful breakfast until she showed up.”
“Welcome back. Thank you for your service.” He turned and read Sharlie her rights.
She swore under her breath. “Bing, I knew you were here. I saw your truck. You need to stop stalking me.”
Bingle raised his eyebrows. “I was invited to this home this morning. I do not believe you were. It appears that you are stalking me.”
“I have video showing you driving past my house every day for weeks.”
“I’ve been deployed for weeks and just got back yesterday. My commanding officer can confirm that. My truck has been parked in my spot at the apartment while I was gone.
“There is a warrant out for this woman’s arrest. She’s wanted for federal crimes, not just the stalking. If you and Ms. Wicket desire to press charges we can take care of that.”
“Certainly. Do you want to take our statement today or have us come to the station tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow will be fine. You enjoy your Christmas. You’ve definitely earned the right to that.”
“I appreciate that, Lieutenant Kerfuffle. Merry Christmas and thank you for working the holiday and responding so quickly. It was good seeing you again. Give my regards to your wife, and those cute kiddos of yours.”
“I will and Merry Christmas to you, too.” The officer escorted Sharlie to the squad car. A protective hand went over her head as he helped her get in the back seat.
Bing turned off her car and left the keys on the seat. He’d deal with that later. He headed back into the house. The front door opened as he neared it.
Gigget waited there with her children.
“They got her?” she asked.
“Yes. We need to go to the sheriff’s office tomorrow to press charges.”
“Oh, I’m not sure.”
He tilted his head as he closed the door. “After all she’s done to destroy your life? It’s not being mean, Gigget. We do need to forgive her, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t face the consequences of her crimes. It’s unlikely she’ll do jail time, but I’m beginning to wonder about her mental health. Maybe she’ll be forced to get the help she needs.”
She nodded. “Let’s get back to breakfast.”
They went to the table.
Gigget reheated their plates, and when they were done, Bing insisted on them all helping to clear the table. Soon the dishwasher was loaded and running and everything was put away.
Bing turned to Gigget and the kids. “It has been a long time since I’ve had Christmas to celebrate with anyone. What’s next?”
“Presents!” the kids cried out, and dragged him back to the living room.
Gigget chuckled and followed them.
The Christmas music played in the background which only added to the welcoming ambiance.
The gifts Bing had brought filled out the space under the tree and beyond.
“Normally we read the story of Christ’s birth, but you already did that. So, I guess we can open the gifts. You really didn’t need to go to so much trouble,” she said.
“It was a delight to do this.” Bing settled back to watch the fun. “So does this become a free-for-all with wrapping paper flying, or do you open one gift at time?”
“One gift at a time. The kids will take turns bringing packages to everyone, including themselves.”
Soon the kids were wearing new winter coats, snow pants, and boots, and modeling them.
“Take them off, children, we have more gifts under the tree.”
Djoni opened the gift, glanced at Bing, and back to the gift. “How?” He showed what was in the box, military gnome play figurines.
Bing shrugged. “A side gig. I model for those and others.”
Amoretta opened up a box with a soft gnome doll. “I’ll name her Greta. Thank you, Bing!” She hugged the doll.
Gigget opened a larger box and started to laugh. She pulled out large ceramic garden gnomes. “These are perfect. Too bad our trespasser didn’t have these to face when she came!”
“She probably would have had a heart attack,” Bing chuckled. “They really won’t do anything to protect your garden or porch, but I thought they were whimsical, fun, and that you might enjoy them.”
“I do. Thank you.”
Bing received some gifts too, a handmade scarf and mittens and matching cap. “I needed this. Thank you!”
The children had more artwork for him to hang up at his home to make it more Christmassy.
The gifts were gone, and snow was once again falling, a little heavier now.
“Can we go outside?” Djoni asked, dancing from foot to foot.
“Bundle up and then yes, go right ahead.” Gigget said.
The children rushed to put on their new winter clothes and were soon out the door.
~*~
Gigget shook her head. God, You have been so good to us . She put on some hot water to make hot chocolate for when the kids returned.
Bing came to stand beside her. “I have one more gift for you but wanted to give it to you privately.”
“Really?” She clasped the hand he offered and allowed him to lead her back to the living room to sit next to him on the sofa.
Bing cleared his throat. “There is so much I want to say. Your letters meant so much to me while I was away. I have prayed and believe God called me to this moment. I think I started to fall in love with you that first time I spied you at the Farmer’s Market. You sprinkle joy wherever you go, and are a woman of beauty that flows out of you to touch all around you.” He pulled out a small box and opened it. He slid down to one knee. “It would be my dearest wish for you to be my wife, my partner for whatever time God gives us. I know your experience hasn’t been great, but I do promise I will be faithful and will do all I can to protect and provide for you, your children, and any more we might have together.”
Gigget placed a hand on her chest, struggling to get her breath. This proposal surpassed any she’d seen in the movies. Tears flowed from her eyes.
Bing eyes grew wide.
“I…Oh, Bing, Yes. I would be delighted to be your wife. I must be crazy to be accepting this, but like you, I’ve been praying and treasuring every one of your letters.”
Bing slid the beautiful ring on her finger, a sparling diamond surrounded with blue sapphires. “I noticed your favorite color seemed to be blue and they match your gorgeous eyes.”
“I adore them. I’ve never owned anything so spectacular.” She leaned forward, put a hand on either side of his face, and planted a kiss on his lips.
Oh, my. For a first kiss it did not disappoint. She pulled back, breathless.
Bing struggled to get back to the sofa. “Wow, who’da thought the little lady would pack such a punch. Would you mind if we did that again?”
Gigget grinned. “I’d be delighted.” This time she let him draw her close, and as he wrapped his arms around her, she once again experienced that glorious passion and wonder of being loved.
When they parted, they were both a little breathless.
“Please tell me we can marry soon. With kisses like that, it will be hard for me not to want more.” Bing confessed.
“I agree. We’ll check the calendar later with the pastor. I would love a church wedding, if possible.”
“Whatever my love desires.”
They were interrupted by the children coming back in. Together they helped Djoni and Amoretta shed their outer clothes. Once mugs of hot chocolate and little marshmallows were set on the table, Bing and Gigget sat down to break the news.
“Kiddos, we have one more Christmas gift for you,” Gigget said.
Djonie’s eyes widened, and he turned to Amoretta. Both had chocolate mustaches atop their lips, and they squealed together. Then they hugged each other.
“We haven’t told you yet,” Bing said.
“We already know,” Djoni said.
“You’re our new daddy! God answered our prayers,” Amoretta exclaimed.
“He definitely did. He answered so many prayers,” Gigget said. She leaned over and gave Bing a kiss on his cheek. “I’m glad I got a gnome for Christmas.”
Bing’s cheeks grew rosy pink and his eyes twinkled. “I’ll be your Gnome forever.”