Kindling Life By The Fireplace

Noelle giggled and turned to him. "I just might have to take you up on the offer," She said with a quick kiss. "Right now, I want to hang out by the fire, enjoy listening to Christmas music, and cuddle with you," Noelle said.

Just then, Bailey, who was sitting in the entryway, gave a little whimper. Noelle looked into Bailey's hazelnut-colored eyes and added, "And you too, Bailey," who seemed to understand, stood up quickly with a wagging tail and gave a happy bark for being included.

Flint gave a backside a quick, loving pat. Then he walked into the kitchen; Noelle kicked off her winter boots and entered her living room. Her eyes feasted on the sight before her. The simple open-concept layout was designed to create a warm, inviting environment.

Being a master carpenter, Flint took great care when he built their home with their vision in mind. When they married fifteen years ago, Noelle and Flint had lived with their parents for the first five years.

Noelle was just twenty-one on their wedding day, and Flint was twenty-eight. The Winterhavens, Noelle's parents, let them live rent-free so Flint could build his building contractor business.

After five years, Flint had enough money from his "Everly Craft Builders" business to purchase this empty lot for a song, eight years ago. They wanted to use the mountain views to build their dream home. Plus, it was down the road from where Noelle's parents used to live.

The layout was presented as a large room with tall, sloped ceilings and big picturesque windows to showcase the beautiful mountain peaks of Alaska.

To the right of their front door was their homey kitchen, nestled in the openness of their cabin. To the left was the large living room that featured their L-shaped couch that hugged their rustic stone fireplace that was a see-through to their bedroom.

Noelle hummed along with the following Christmas song that started to play. The soft, warm glow from the fireplace cast shadows on their stone hearth, adding a feeling of coziness. The peppermint bouquet with the timeless fragrances of wintery evergreen made Noelle's senses excited to be home.

Noelle loved Christmas. It was her parent's favorite time of year too. A lot of the Christmas decorations were from her parents' home. Mom had loved to collect Santa Claus teapots and cardinals. And Dad really got into the spirit of Christmas.

Every year, he had placed a metal fire truck made for a toddler with a giant Teddy Bear sitting in the firetruck by the Christmas tree. His last Christmas with Noelle and Flint, he said, make sure you give this to our future grandchild.

Due to her parent's health issues and running the family business, Noelle and Flint delayed having children of their own. There was never enough time to add to their family.

That is why Bailey had become a little more special than just a family dog. Bailey was Noelle and Flint's baby in a way. Bailey had filled a void in their lives.

As she approached the fireplace, she gazed at the powerful flames. Noelle became mesmerized by the shadows flickering near their Christmas tree and the red fire truck with Dad's Teddy Bear.

Flint walked in, carrying the tray of sweet delights. Bailey joined Noelle on the couch. Flint set the tray down on the coffee table and sat down. Noelle leaned into Flint's arms and gave him another big hug that ended with a sweet, sensual kiss. Her hands drifted to the back of his neck to toy with his chestnut-colored hair.

Flint welcomed this passionate kiss from Noelle. He took his hands and ran them down her slim, graceful lower back. He loved the feel of his hands gliding over the wool of her red sweater to the rough texture of her blue jeans.

Bailey's barking and insistence to get between them had them pulling it away with a reluctant giggle. Noel bent down again to hug her chocolate and white furry Labradoodle.

"Bailey is jealous again," said Flint, helping himself to the snacks he had prepared for them.

"I know, and I love it!" Noelle said with a giggle as she began to sprinkle kisses all over the furry Labradoodle's sweet face. Flint had a piece of cheese on a whole wheat cracker in one hand and hot Apple Cider in the other as he sat back.

"As long as Bailey knows, we have to share with you. I will not get jealous," he said with a laugh, "I think you love that dog more than me!"

"Well, there are times…." Noelle stated with a cheeky grin. Flint sent her a pretend shocked expression and then busted into laughter.

Seeing that Flint had food in his face, Bailey leaped over Noelle like one of Santa's reindeer and almost took the savory snack out of Flint's hand. Quickly, Flint raised his snack from Bailey's greedy mouth. However, hot apple cider went spilling over the mug rim, burning Flint a little. Noelle got Bailey down from mauling Flint and told Bailey to get down.

Noelle then began to laugh a sultry chuckle that vibrated in their cozy family room that looked like a photo from a Christmas catalog. Bailey jumped off the couch to see what else she could get into trouble with.

Bailey's rapidly wagging tail almost knocked off one of Noelle's mom's Santa sitting on the coffee table. Noelle leaned over to the right, the Santa figurine dressed for fly fishing. Noelle then looked around the room to check out all the other fun Christmas decorations.

Santa statuettes decorated every corner, with fresh pine garlands gracefully hanging on the fireplace mantle to charming red cardinal figurines dressed in cute Santa hats and scarfs. The rustic wood coffee table and end tables, lovely crafted by Flint, added to the warmth of the homey setting.

The soft, buttery leather coach hugged Noelle in a cool embrace. She pulled her mother's silky cardinal red cashmere blanket across her shoulders. The bold red color created a stark contrast against Noelle's rich, dark chocolate brown hair.

The blustering wind began making itself known outside their warm golden room. They could hear the hooting of a Barred Owl in the distance. Every night around 5:30 pm, the echos from this extraordinary bird vibrated from one of the trees on their property. Flint got up to stoke the fire back into life, then returned to the couch to snuggle up to Noelle.

Bailey, who had been looking out the window to watch for wildlife, got bored and returned to the couch. Bailey jumped up alongside Noelle and curled up against her side. Noelle was so grateful for this moment.

The feeling of Christmas swept across the cozy space. The soft tunes of Christmas songs continued to play on their old-fashioned radio, nestled next to family photos on one of their bookshelves.

Noelle stared into the dancing flames, mesmerized by the unstoppable fire.

"What are you thinking about?' Flint said as he helped himself to cheese and apple slices.

Noelle took a long, deep breath and let it out slowly. Her heart caught a little as she slowly turned her sad eyes to Flint.

**********

To be continued….

Thank you for reading.