Work Text:
My voice, a beacon in the night
My words will be your light
To carry you to me
-Winter Song by Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles
The Bailey house was finally quiet, George was thankful for everyone who had came to give money, but he wanted some time with just Mary and their children.
The kids had fallen asleep a few hours ago, and from the sounds of it were deeply asleep. Mary had gone to bed as well. Despite everything, George was not tired. He was so thankful to be alive.
He looked around; the house looked a bit messy sure, but it was also a home. He could see Zuzu’s dolls, Pete’s book, and Mary’s sweater. The tree looked beautiful, with presents under the tree.
George and Mary had decided not to get anything for each other, just the kids would be getting presents. Still, after everything that had happened, he wanted to do something for Mary. She worked so hard, she deserved a little something. But what? Even though they had gotten more money to cover the lost money, it still belonged to the savings & loan, plus nothing was open anyway.
George had never been that great at expressing himself, when he did though, Mary loved it. George decided he would write a heartfelt letter and make breakfast for everyone.
He decided to write the letter first. Once he got going, he thought his writing was pretty good, but he was always such a slow writer at the start. Eventually he managed to write what he thought was a pretty good and heartfelt letter.
By the time he was done writing, it was time to make breakfast. He got all the ingredients out; he was going to make pancakes and eggs. He didn’t cook often, but there was something very satisfying about it. He made scrambled eggs for Mary.
After George and Mary got married, she taught him how to cook. It was fun, trying new things to cook. He missed that, he was going to make time for things like that going forward.
He got the tray out, and placed everything for Mary on the tray. George carefully walked up the stairs, and into their bedroom.
He could see Mary was starting to wake up, she looked beautiful, he did not think she could ever look bad.
Mary rolled over, and when she saw George with the tray, a big smile formed.
“Oh darling, that smells wonderful,” Mary said.
“It’s all for you,” George said as he handed the tray to Mary.
Mary took a bite; the pancakes were delicious; fluffy and soft.
“Are the children up yet,”? Mary asked.
“Still sound asleep, I know it’s Christmas but they did stay up very late. I’m inclined to just let them sleep,” George said.
Mary nodded her head, she was not going to complain about getting some time alone with her husband. They were so busy, it was hard to find time for just the two of them.
Once she was done eating, George handed her his letter.
My dear Mary,
I have never been all that great at expressing my feelings, but I need you to know how much I love you. What happened last night, put everything into perspective.
I know you have told me that you loved me since we were children, it took me much longer but I know now that we were always meant to be.
I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for you. You gave up our honeymoon money, and never once complained. You inspire me to always do the right thing.
I will be more intentional about spending time together and with the kids too.
I love you, and I do not ever regret building a life with you. Thank you for always being by my side, and picking me up when I fall. I can’t wait to see where our lives take us in the future.
All my love,
George
Mary had tears in her eyes, “Oh George, this is beautiful. This means more to me than all the jewelry in the world,” she ran her hands through his hair and brought her lips to his.
Mary’s kisses were something that George always cherished. They could set his heart on fire or soothe his soul.
Soon enough, they could hear the kids waking up, excited whispers of what was to come.
George and Mary made their way down the hall, just as their kids were leaving their rooms.
George and Mary were soon greeted with hugs and wishes of “Merry Christmas”, and then running down the stairs to see what awaited them.
Pete got a copy of The Boxcar Children, Janie got Chutes and Ladders, Zuzu got a Judy Garland teen doll, and Tommy got a Magic Slate.
Once the presents were opened, George went and made omelettes for the kids and heated up the pancakes.
The kids quickly ate and then went to play with their new gifts. George and Mary sat down on the couch. He wrapped his arm around her, and she lay her head on his shoulder. It was nice just to sit back and watch their kids. It felt very peaceful.
“You know when I was little, I would dream about us getting married, it was all very idealized, everything was perfect. This is so much better. It’s not perfect, but it’s real and comfortable and I’m so lucky we get to share our life together.”
George’s heart filled with joy, Clarence showing George how much of a difference his life made was only the beginning. He had so many people who loved him.
Mary, she loved him so much. He loved everything about her even things others might find strange, like her snorting when she laughed too hard, or how she would put her cold feet on his legs to warm her up when she was cold.
Of course, things were not perfect, Potter was still around causing trouble but there were more people willing to help their neighbours than people like Potter. There was kindness everywhere he looked.
“I will still give you the moon Mary,” George said.
Mary smiled, “As lovely as that would be, I think looking at it with you is even better. After the children are asleep, why don’t we bundle up, make some hot chocolate, and look at the moon and stars?”
“It’s a date,” George replied and kissed her soundly on the lips.