When Shane left Ryans house she drove straight to the toy store. She had to pick up a toy for the toy drive at the light festival tonight. Not only that, she had some other gifts to buy.

Not telling a soul, Shane makes a yearly trip to the store and buys gifts for kids that arent so lucky. Kids that are growing up just like she did. Street kids, abused and neglected kids. Kids that feel unloved and unworthy of life most of the time. Shane knew these feelings all to well.


Her thoughts drifted back to and 8 year old girl and a simple prayer

Dear God,

Its me Shane McCutheon., Im not real good at this prayer stuff. I cant say if you are really there are not, or if I believe in you.. If you are there God, I would really like a familyIm pretty good, most of the time. I know I say too many bad words. I can work on that. And Im sorry about kicking Jason in the face. But he really did deserve it. AnywayI promise that I will be good from now on. Just tired of being lonely God. Please send someone to love me.Amen.

Remembering that moment made Shane uneasy. The prayer was never answered. Life just got worse after that. It made Shane think she did something to deserve all the pain life dealt her. She put on a mask. One of many she would learn to wear. A mask put on for protection and self preservation. A mask to hide behind.

These days Shane was tired of hiding, and she was tired of being alone. She was beginning to believe she wasnt meant to be alone. The unspoken prayer in her heart was turning into Send me someone to love.

She made a one more stop before she went home. When she got home, she showered and changed. For the first time in her lifeShane was edgy. Dont ***** this up, Stud, she said and laughed at herself as she headed out the door.

Shane knocked on the door. Ryan was kneeling and holding Max and Sam back as she opened the door. Ryan stood up, and Shane stared in bewilderment. She blinked and swallowed hard, and uttered, You are so beautiful. Shane couldnt believe she said it. To be honest, she wasnt even sure the words made it out of her mouth. This is for you, as she handed Ryan the single stem red rose.

You are very sweet, as Ryan kissed Shanes cheek. Let me let the dogs out and grab the keys, and Ill be ready. Ryan grabbed the keys off the key holder, kissed the rose and laid it down on the counter.

For a minute there Shane had forgotten about driving that incredible car. Ryan handed Shane the keys and they headed to the garage. Shes all yours, be gentle with her.

Im always gentle with the ladies, as Shane started the car up. The engine purred like a sophisticated alley cat.

Oh my God, Ryan, this car is ***** awesome.

Shane backed up and pulled away. Ryan loved watching the excitement as Shane shifted the gears. It was like watching a kid in a candy store. She liked how good it made Shane feel.

When they arrived at the lights festival they had a hard time finding a parking space. After ten minutes they finally found a spot. Shane darted out and around the car and opened the door for Ryan. Ryan laughed, I guess chivalry isnt dead after all.

No Ma’am, its not, Shane smiled. Shane grabbed the toy from the backseat. And they starting walking the long walk through the parking lot.

You normally carry toys around with you, Shane?

No Its for the toy drive. They like for you bring a toy.

Howd you know that?

What Im about to tell you, you have to swear to complete secrecy. Im mean pinky swear and cross your heart, hope to die swear.

OK, Ryan laughed, crossed her heart and held out her pinky.

I come out here every year by myself. I like looking at the lights and people. I like watching all the families. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever have a family to share this with. I didnt have much of a family growing up.

Ryan grabbed Shanes hand, I think it is one of the cutest things I have ever heard.
Thank you for sharing it with me. Ryan let go of Shanes hand she continued walking.

Shane stopped and frowned at Ryan.

What? Ryan asked in confusion.

Shane smiled, grabbed Ryans hand and started walking again. Ryan just smiled and shook her head.

They dropped the toy off and Shane paid for their tickets.

Wowthese lights are beautiful Shane.

Its really cool, isnt it?

It took them an hour to walk around to look at all the lights. Ryan didnt realize the lights were going to be representations of city landmarks. Shane didnt let go of Ryans hand for one minute. She loved how easy it was to talk to Ryan. How easy it was to be herself. And she loved how Ryans hand felt in hers.

You want something to drink or eat? Shane asked.

Yeahlets get some hot chocolate, as Ryan led Shane to a street vendor.

Shane paid for the drinks and they found a cozy, quiet park bench. Ryan snuggled up to Shane as they sipped their cocoa. Shane liked having Ryan close. It felt good.

Shane asked Ryan, Do you have to work all week?

No, Im off on holiday. I have a couple of weeks of vacation I had to use or I would lose them. Are you working?

No. just a couple of clients here and there. Gotta get ready for the Vegas trip.
Just then an idea popped into Shanes head.

You should come with us. PLEEAASSEE!!! That would be awesome. Were going for New Years and we would have so much fun.

Oh no, I couldnt intrude on your friends.

OhSure you couldyou could room with me?? Shane smiled as she suggested it.
Dont say no yet Ryan, just think about. Ok??

Ok, Ryan said as she was looking in those puppy dog eyes of Shanes. She knew full well she couldnt turn Shane down, nor did she want too.

They finished the cocoa and walked to the parking lot. Shane again opened the door for Ryan. It was getting late and they headed home.

They walked up to the front porch. Both were a little nervous on how the night was going to end. Neither wanted to rush or push things. They got to the front door and Shane pulled something out of her pocket.

Ryan smiled when she saw the mistletoe Shane was holding over their heads.

Looks like we have to kiss now,” Shane said.

Looks that way, Ryan replied.

Shane was offering a softness she had never offered any woman before.

They moved closer to each other. Ryan slightly licked her lips, bit her bottom lip and let out a low, breathy, moan as Shane grabbed the front pockets of Ryans jeans and pulled her in close. Ryan responded by putting her hands on Shanes hips so that their hips were pressed together.

They held each others eyes captive for a few seconds. Ryan dropped her eyes to Shanes lips in anticipation. Shane gently pulled Ryans face back up so their eyes could meet again. Shane kissed Ryan ever so softly and gently on the lips. Ryan melted into the kiss.

Mouths still kissing and growing more intense, Shane slid her hands up Ryans arms to her shoulders. She slowly moved them back down again till they were around Ryans waist where she pulled Ryan back into her by the front of her jeans.

Ryan softly moaned at the warm feel of Shanes hands on her body and the heat that was blazing between her own thighs.

The kiss suddenly turned ravenous. Ryan slid her arms around Shanes shoulders and slowly began moving her lips and tongue over Shanes neck. Shane let out a quiet moan and was beginning to feel her own desire and wetness.

Shane moved her hands from Ryans waist up her stomach, under her shirt and finally cupping Ryans *****.

She felt Ryans hard nipples against her palms. Shanes movements became more precise as she felt Ryan respond to her touch. She knew she could drive this woman to the edge right here on the front porch.

It was already happening. Ryan whispered in her ear, I want to make love to you Shane. Please come inside with me.

It took every ounce of restraint Shane had. She took Ryans face in her hands and looked her in the eyes.

Believe me Baby, I want that too. Ive never wanted anything so ***** badly in my life.
She couldnt believe the words that were about to follow. I just.I just. Shane shook her head in frustration, Ah *****, Im so not good at this.

Ryan could tell Shane was torn and confused. What is it Shane, its ok, you can tell me.

I really like you a lot. I dont want to rush you or us and make a mistake. You know, something we would later regret. I dont want you to think I just wanna ***** you. I want your heart.

Ryan smiled at Shanes sincerity. Ryan pulled Shane into a hug and kissed her on softly.

I really like you too Shane. Youre right, maybe we should take this slow.

Shane jokingly said, Guess we better get used to taking cold showers.

Laughing, Ryan said, Together???

I really had fun tonight Ryan.

I did too.

Shane pulled Ryan into a soft, gentle kiss.
She pulled away then kissed her two fingers and placed them on Ryans lips.

Goodnight, Ryan. Ill call you tomorrow.

Night Shane, and she let go of Shanes hand.

Ryan watched Shane get in her truck. Shane waved as she drove off. Ryan walked back into the house. She picked up the rose on the counter. She took in its fragrance and kissed it again. She wondered how she was ever gonna go to sleep after tonight. She mixed up some Baileys and hot chocolate and settled in for a movie. She put her flannel pajamas on and snuggled up with the dogs. Still in the Christmas mood, she selected the White Christmas dvd. She fell asleep quietly on the couch an hour into the movie.

Across town, Shane lay in bed in her tank top and boxers. Staring at the ceiling, she whispered, Sweet Dreams, my beautiful angel.