A love letter for the New Year!

Christmas and Boxing Day had been truly awesome.

They had all attended the Christmas service in the beautifully decorated quaint Church. Lavinia sitting beside Alex remembered their childhood days. She loved hearing her father’s voice as he sang the carols loudly. She smiled now as she looked at him and heard his flawless singing. Her mother smiled at her and squeezed her hand. Alex's parents were seated on the other side of him. Lavinia felt happy. This year’s Christmas was one of the best she had ever celebrated.

The lunch menu was absolutely delectable with stuffed chicken roast, freshly baked garlic bread, potato cutlets with a spicy mince filling, stewed guavas and bread pudding. The traditional plum cake and a glass of wine were devoured with much delight to the accompaniment of carols later in the evening.

And, the family sat beside the beautifully decorated Christmas tree on Boxing Day exchanging gifts. They laughed and talked in the fragrant warmth of the room.

The days passed happily and much too quickly. Their parents bid goodbye with promises and invitations to visit soon.

The fireplace glowed brightly and painted everything with shades of orange and chrome. Lavinia sat on the rug in the warmth of her love’s arms. The clock was just beginning to strike the hour. It would soon be twelve. A new year was on the verge of being born. Crackers could be heard all around. The neighbours could be heard singing Auld Lang Syne and some were counting the moments to the New Year aloud.

Lavinia turned her face to plant a kiss on Alex’s cheek in the companionable silence of the room as the clock chimed the hour.

“Happy New Year Darling!” she whispered softly.

“Happy New Year, my love!” he responded and kissed her soundly.

Lavinia looked at the man she loved with all her heart and soul. She smiled and placed a kiss over his heart... tears of happiness shown in her eyes.

“Lavinia...” whispered Alex startled. “What happened?”

“Nothing... nothing... I love you, Alex!”

“I love you too, darling! Now are you going to read to me this year’s letter that you’ve written for me?” asked Alex cuddling her.

“Oh yes!” Lavinia laughed and opened her diary. She looked shyly at Alex. “Shall I begin?”

Alex looked at her face shining in the dim light of the fireplace. He kissed the tip of her nose, pushed a wayward curl behind her ear and tucked her in his side, closed his eyes and said, “Yes... I would love to hear what you’ve written for me this year.”

Lavinia smiled and started reading:

“Darling Alex,

It’s another New Year. Another 365 days beckon to me… I see them as opportunities to bask in the warmth of your love. So, before I look forward to another momentous year I want to thank you for all you’ve been to me in the previous year.

As I flick back leaves of the Album of Memories… I realize that this year drew me closer to you in every sense… Should I say… at times I could hear our hearts beating as one! You’re a darling!! You keep dropping a message once or twice in the day when you’re not at home… which makes me feel that at least I’m on your mind. You’ve made me feel loved and wanted. You’re a big Tease at times… in fact a horrible Tease but cute all the same. My love…I wonder at times had I not met you would I have ever tasted a slice of what Paradise you have led me to? Tiny acts of thoughtfulness from you leave me amazed.

I have fallen in love repeatedly over this year, with the way the corners of your eyes crinkle when you smile, the way you rub your eyes in vexation and irritation, your habit of constantly getting up and walking around, your inability to sit for long in one place, the way the wheels churn in your mind, the joyful feeling of cooking for you and watching you enjoy the food, you helping me in the kitchen, the smile on your lips, the way you mimic me, the crazy faces you make, the way you draw me closer in an embrace, the feel of your lips when you kiss me, the warmth of being held close to your heart in your arms, when you kiss my forehead, the feel of your hands… naughty or nice, oh… I could go on endlessly…! I will add to the list, you being the perfect knight in shining armour… so thoughtful and courteous. Thank you too for the beautiful moments of New Year’s Eve and these delicious warm fuzzy moments of the early hours on New Year’s morning…! These I will add to my Album of Memories of our journey.

I want to live the next and the next and the next and yet, the next year with you… I want to learn more about you and keep falling more and more in love with you… with all your lovable and not so lovable habits and actions. This is my New Year Wish. I also wish that your love for me never ends.

So…crossing over into the New Year… I wish you A Very Happy New Year…with the hope of adding to my treasure trove of Happy Memories!!

With all of my love!

Your Lavinia”