Wed or Dead

LV

When they went down to the city, they could admire the Christmas market with holiday-themed street vendors.

Out of curiosity, Eliana tried roasted chestnuts. They had a slightly sweet flavor, like sweet potatoes, but she was weirded out by their spongey texture. Not her favorite snack to be honest.

"We should decorate the house" Eliana suggested, inspired by the trees lit up with snowflake-shaped lights and other holiday-themed decorations that were beautifying the streets of the town.

When she entered the store with handmade Christmas Tree ornaments she could hear Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms playing in the background.

"I will call the staff someone will take care of preparations," Rafael said.

"No!" Eliana stopped him quickly. "Christmas is a family holiday. We should decorate the house when the kids are here. Dress a Christmas tree, bake cookies, prepare dinner. We do it with Casey every year" she explained while she picked a white ceramic bauble painted with bright colors and hand-lettered calligraphy saying Marry Christmas. 

"How is that our job? We have a staff that can do all of it for us" Rafael asked. clearly not understanding.

"It's not a job it's a part of the celebration. A bonding time opportunity" she explained patiently.

"I guess that might be a way of looking at it," Rafael said after he gave it some thought. "My grandfather organizes a Christmas banquet every year it's a rather formal event, we're not used to it being a family holiday "

Eliana's eyes widened in shock and then she received an additional motivation to make this year's Christmas Eve really special.

So the shopping began. They bought a pine tree. Each year Eli and Casey used the fake one and Eliana was overjoyed that finally, she could afford to get a real tree. She also bought a lot of small presents for kids and Christmas decorations.

"Wait! Do you hear that?" She stopped abruptly.

"What?" He asked concerned by her spooked-out voice.

"No one is calling you. Why is the first Christmas miracle so early? How the hell did that happen?" She shamelessly took a phone from his pants pocket, well aware that if she had tried something as bold as this just a few months ago she would get her killed.

Rafael shook his head and his bafflement turned into amusement.

"Lorenzo is taking over the business for the holidays so there's no need to call me" he explained.

''When was the last time you took a break from work like this?" She asked curiously.

"Since parents died I just focused on keeping the business afloat so it has been several years by now"

"You're amazing," she said, admiring his hard work and commitment, she knew Rafael didn't want pity and it would just annoy him if she started fussing over his difficult fate.

"So are you. You have suffered the pain of losing your parents twice and yet you survived and now you're doing well. I'm so happy I've met you Eli" he said with love. She blushed. Their hands met and they didn't let go until the end of their walk.

"Look, this place looks interesting," Eliana said pointing at the dining area in front of them. It was called Clark's place. Eliana was drawn to it because of the cozy decor of the mountain cabin and cute red gingham tablecloths at the center of each there was a candle stand. The place was almost full but they managed to snatch a free table near the fireplace.

Eliana almost moaned at the chance of warming up after spending a few hours in minus temperatures.

"Caviar, lobster rolls, clam chowders. None of those things I've ever tried before" Eliana said.