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a lot of folks were eating in. Cody asked for a corner table and the hostess led them to a secluded spot.
    “I love this place. I used to come here a lot ,” Jessica told him as they perused the menu.
    “I like it too but I haven’t been here in a while. I believe I’ll have the catfish, how about you, babe?”
    “That sounds good to me , too. You can order for me.”
    He placed the order with the wait ress and after she’d gone, Cody reached across the table and took Jessica’s hand in his. “I’m looking forward to spending Christmas with you, Jessie.”
    “Thank you, Cody. I know it ’ll be special.”
    Their salads were brought to the table along with iced tea for the both of them. They talked easily while eating, discussing their families and past holidays.
    After they’d finished the main course, he asked if she’d like dessert. “Yes, but not here. I’m making a special dessert when we get home.”
    “A ll right, then I’ll get the check and we’ll go on to church. I think you’ll like the Christmas service.”
    On the way to the church, he reached over and took her hand. He looked at her and smiled. Merry Christmas to me , she thought as she returned the smile, her green eyes shining.
    “Here we are. This is the church my family attended for years,” he told her as they pulled into the parking lot of a quaint, old-fashioned little church. Christmas wreaths adorned the doors and a nativity scene graced the front lawn.
    “It’s just like the old churches you see in the movies ,” Jessica said as he helped her out of the car.
    “I guess that’s why I like it so much.” He leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the cheek and taking her hand in his, led her into the building.
    The service was beautiful with the children’s choir performing a medley of traditional Christmas carols. When it was over, several people greeted Cody and spoke to Jessica.
    On the way home, Cody asked, “ So do you usually open your gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?”
    “When I was growing up, we opened family gifts to each other on Christmas Eve, but Santa’s gifts were in the morning. What did your family do?”
    “Believe it or not, that’s exactly what we did. Are we going to wait until morning to open ours?”
    “I think I’d like that.”
    “Okay if you insist…”
    “What’s the matter, you can’t wait to see what I got for you?” she teased.
    “More like I can’t wait for you to see what I bought for you, pretty lady,” he replied with a deep chuckle.
    “You’re such a little boy at heart.”
    “But you like that I’m a grown up boy at other times.” He gave her a look that warmed her to the very core of her being.
    “What’s the plan for tonight?” she asked softly.
    “You’ll just have to wait and see.”
    When t hey pulled into the driveway, he parked and walked around to the passenger side to help her out. When he’d unlocked the front door, he surprised her by picking her up and carrying her inside. Depositing her on the sectional couch, he turned the Christmas tree lights on and turned off all the other lights in the room.
    “Oh, Cody, it’s perfect, so cozy and beautiful.” She gestured for him to sit beside her.
    “Wait just a minute, Jessie.” He went into the kitchen and returned with two glasses of red wine. He set them on the coffee table and lit the three Christmas candles in the centerpiece, which decorated the table.
    When he finally sat beside her, he handed her a glass and taking the other one, he toasted her, “ To our first Christmas Eve.”
    “How sweet, Cody,” She took a sip of the wine and leaned in for a kiss. She was not disappointed.
    She leaned back and snuggled next to him, enjoying the sweet red wine and the tender moment. “Let’s watch Christmas movies or did you get burned out on them last night?” he asked as he gently rubbed her arm.
    “Oh, you don’t know me very well, big guy. I never get tired of watching Christmas movies.