Embers of Love: A Christmas Promise

"This will be my first Christmas without my parents," she said softly.

Flint's eyes greeted Noelle with a tender gaze. He reached for her hands and interlaced them with his.

"I know, honey, I am sorry. It will feel different for all of us,' Flint answered as he raised her hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss.

So much of her life was based around her parents. As her parents aged and health problems appeared, Noah and Flint cared for them. The connection between them all got more powerful. When Noelle's father passed away, he left the farm to her. Noelle's father knew that Noelle would continue his vision of family, a celebration of life and nostalgia.

"Life is like a fire, is it? It's full of energy, spark, and a bright yellow intensity that can rival any brilliant sunset. Yet there is a peacefulness with its gracefully rhythmic movements." Noelle murmured.

Flint continued to watch Noelle as she spoke. He had taken one of the body-warming hot ciders and handed it to her. As Flint sipped, he felt the cinnamon-infused cider slide down his throat to pool warmth into his belly.

"I don't know. Being cheerful to all the customers looking for that perfect tree has tired me. It's hard to fully be joyful when my mom and dad are no longer here," Noelle said as she took a small sip of her Hot Apple Cider. The apple-sweet cinnamon was a soothing comfort to Noelle.

They sat in compatible silence in the intimate living room. The sounds of gusty winds, Mother Nature's song playing loudly outside, the fire crackling, and Bailey's soft snores blended together to create a warm, intimate setting that could challenge any hygge atmosphere.

After some time, Flint spoke up, as he also was entertained by the dancing flames.

"No, you are right. A fire is so symbolic of life. The flames are as fleeting as the moments of life," Flint said. "When we first build a fire, it's small and tentative, like a newborn. With care, nature, and just the right amount of kindling, the fire grows with energy, force, and power."

Flint got up from the couch and went over to the hearth. He began to stoke the fire into more life; he then pointed to the crackling of the flames.

"See the flames pop and spark?" said Flint.

Noelle got up and joined him by the fireplace. "Yes", she said.

"Those exciting popping and crackling are our life experiences; they mirror laughter, love, failures, all the moments," Flint said, "Our countless quiet conversations about life, our dreams, and our hopes."

Noel was staring into the bright flames. Noel pointed to the gray ash that was building under the charred firewood.

"The ash symbolizes the ones we've lost, for those flames are no longer burning," Noelle said.

Flint put down the poker and drew Noelle into a loving embrace.

"Yes, the ashes represent those no longer with us." Flint paused briefly and said, "Your mom and dad."

Noelle and Flint hugged each other by the fire. Each takes warmth and loves one another. After a few moments, they parted and continued to watch the dying flames in the fireplace. Noel was the one who finally broke the silence.

"If a fire symbolizes a new life. Then our little ember is starting to grow. I hope she or he will be as bright and vigorous as its daddy," she said.

Flint looked at her, beginning to fully understand her meaning. They both had wanted to start a family, but with the care of her parents the last few years, there was no time.

"Do you have something to tell me?" he said, a look of anticipation in his eyes.

Noelle's face broke into a smile. "You just said it yourself. When one life passes, another one begins the heartbreaking life cycle. But yes, as I sit here missing my parents, I tell you we have a new little ember growing inside me."

"We have long waited to have a child," Flint joyfully cried.

"I know," said Noelle with happy tears streaming down her face, "We just didn't have the time with my parents aging and health issues. Plus, with your business getting up and running. The time wasn't right. It is now!" said Noelle enthusiastically.

"Have you seen the Doctor? Are you ok? How far along are you!" Flint rapidly fired off questions like one of those marshmallow blast guns that kids have.

"Yes, I am in excellent health. My OBGYN said they would be monitoring me a little more since I am in my late thirties. But they don't accept any problems," Noelle paused for a second and then said, "My due date is Dad's birthday in July."

Flint smiled and said, "He would have loved that!"

Giggling, Noelle said, "Yes, and Mom would have been jealous!"

When their giggling and laughing subsided, they stood in loving silence.

"It's our time now to live our life to the fullest," Flint said as he hugged Noelle again.

As Flint and Noelle rejoiced about their impending baby, the echoes of their love lingered like the embers in the fireplace. It was a perfect scene that would rival any Hallmark movie.

Not wanting to be left out, Bailey joined in their sweet celebration. Among the fluttered kisses that Noelle and Flint continue giving one another, the fire that once was roaring gradually lowered into a bed of quiet ashes.

It is a symbolic transition into a new chapter for this little family of three. The promise of new life was akin to a gentle flame waiting to make its new home in their hearth. The most beautiful Christmas gift they could anticipate.

The evening with the soft snow falling outside, the fire's wisps sailed out of their chimney to dance with the innocent white snow in the frost air. A new beginning was about to begin as the Christmas spirits of the past vanished into thin air.

The End

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Thank you for reading.