“Thanks. It’s a lot of work, though. I didn’t realize how much, all the years you did most of it for us,” Angie said to Tina.

“See?” Bette chimed in, sounding satisfied that a lesson had been imparted. “Now you know.”

“I got it. There’s one thing missing, though.”

“What’s that?” Bette asked.

“Room spray. The tree smells like the attic.”

Angie giggled and ducked out of Bette’s reach as Bette pretended to chase her out of the room.

“Yeah, you better run!” Bette called as Angie scampered off. She turned to face Tina. “Well, T?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you feeling more in the spirit of things?”

Tina sighed and put a faux introspective look on her face. “Almost.”

“Almost? What else would help?”

“Dinner.”

Bette furrowed her brow. “It’s a little early, but I could order something, yeah.”

“Not tonight. I mean Christmas dinner. You can cook.”

Bette tilted her head. “You want me to cook?”

“Yup. And do all the cleaning up. Don’t look so worried, Bette. You can leave it in Angie’s capable hands if you must.”

“Uh huh. You want to entrust Christmas dinner in the hands of a 12 year old?”

“A 12 year old, you… I anticipate about the same median result.”

Tina laughed as it was her turn to dodge away from Bette, but allowed herself to be caught in Bette’s arms.

“One other thing,” Tina said, as her laughter subsided and she looked up at Bette with merry eyes.

“Hmm?”

“You forgot something while you were decorating.”

“If you say ’mistletoe,’ you’re not getting kissed right now. Or later.”

Tina laughed again. “Clichés are a part of me getting into the spirit of things, just like you wanted – remember?”

“I’ve never needed mistletoe to do this.” Their lips met and Tina lost herself in the moment. She suddenly felt warm and tingly, and it had nothing to do with Christmas cheer. When she reluctantly broke their kiss she smiled at Bette. “I’ve taught you well.”

“Believe it or not, I knew how to kiss before I met you, T.”

“I didn’t mean the kiss – I meant that line. Hallmark worthy, babe. Truly.”

“Shut up,” Bette said, kissing the tip of Tina’s nose. “We’re going to have a merry Christmas, whether you like it or not.”

“Oh, I’ll like it. Let’s make cookies with Angie. I’ll help. Gluten and sugar free, if you want.” With a little smile, Tina added under her breath, “Flavor free, too. Just like you like them.”

“Wait a minute.” Bette released Tina from her embrace and crossed her arms. “So you trust me to make Christmas dinner, but not Christmas cookies?”

Tina held up her hands. “It’ll be your show. I’ll just make sure the cookies are out of the oven before they turn into coal briquettes.”

“That happened one time, T. One time!” Bette closed her eyes in resignation and shook her head.

“Sorry, but Christmas memories are forever, babe.”

Bette smiled in spite of herself and followed the trail of Tina’s laughter into the kitchen.

THE END