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"Waiting," replied Jake, folding his hands patiently.

"You're acting like a little kid," smiled Abby. "You know that, don't you?"

"It's our first Christmas together," he grinned. "Aren't you excited, Abby?"

"Well, yeah," she sighed, "but not five-in-the-morning excited."

"I don't believe you," replied Jake, a smile playing around the corners of his mouth. His exuberance was contagious, and even though Abby wanted to deny it, she could feel the excitement of the day beginning to build.

"You win," she sighed, sitting up in bed. "There's no going back to sleep, now." It was then that she noticed Jake was wearing the new suit and tie he had bought a few days ago. "You really are ready," she observed. "I suppose," she sighed, climbing out of bed, "I'd better shower and get ready for church, myself."

Jake silently watched Abby as she put on her robe. He closed his eyes tightly and sighed. It was easier to watch the fish swimming in the aquarium, than to see her graceful movements and do nothing about it. Jake also couldn't touch the fish, but at least, he didn't want to.

After Abby had decided what she would wear that day from her closet, she disappeared into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Jake loosened his tie and went to the window. It was dark outside, but he could see the snow still falling. The longer he watched, the more Jake realized how heavily the snow was coming down.

"Hey, Abby," he called, going into the hallway and speaking through the bathroom door, "do you remember what the weather forecast was for today?"

"No, I didn't think to check," came her response.

"The snow's coming down pretty hard," he informed her. "I'm not sure it's going to be safe to drive to church, today. I'd better call Dad."

Before Abby had a chance to tell him that her father was probably still asleep in bed, Jake was in the living room, dialing her parents' house.

"Yes?" came a sleepy voice on the other end of the phone.

"Terry, it's Jake," explained the young man. "It's snowing really hard right now. I don't think it's a good idea to be traveling anywhere, today. I don't want Abby getting stuck in the snow-- even if it is with us."

Terry checked out the window to see for himself.

"I'm afraid I agree," he answered, a little disappointedly. "Oh well, John was going to stay behind with Izzy, anyway. I guess we might as well stay home with the ladies, this Christmas morning. Say," he added, just noticing the time, "you're up a little early, aren't you?"

"I suppose I am," Jake confessed, with some embarrassment.

"No harm in that," smiled Terry. "Why don't you both come over and I'll help you make breakfast? That should wake up John and Izzy! Afterward, we could open gifts."

"We'll be over as soon as I can get Abby out of the bathroom," Jake grinned excitedly.

By the time Abby was dressed, Jake had their winter coats ready and waiting in the living room. She noticed two large white bags with several boxes stacked inside. One bag was obviously Jake's, for she could see the wide outline of a canvas bulging out the sides of the bag, and the shape of a large box that immediately intrigued her.

"Did you find all the presents I wrapped?" she asked, as Jake helped her into a heavy coat.

"All the ones that you had stacked in the corner," replied Jake, putting on his own protection from the cold.

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