The Christmas Gift...

Tom and I had only been dating just over three months. This is Christmas. His mom's house.


"Here, honey. This one is for you."
"Um, wow...that's quite a big box."


*unwrapping sounds*
*removal of paper stuffing*


"Aww, isn't that sweet? You're trying to trick me!"


*unwrapping sounds*
*removal of paper stuffing*


"Um, Tom?"
"Keep going."


*unwrapping sounds*
*removal of paper stuffing*


With raised eyebrow "Are you serious?"
Just a smile.


*unwrapping sounds*
*removal of paper stuffing*


"Ok, not that I'm trying to sound ungrateful, but seriously?"
A snicker.


*unwrapping sounds*
*removal of paper stuffing*


There is a rock (not a diamond, but a run-of-the-mill garden rock) duct taped to the bottom of the box with a tightly folded piece of paper taped to it.


*unfolding the paper*
*reading to self* 
"Ha Ha!! Check the backside of the TV stand clock. Love ya. Merry X-mas. Thomas"


"You ass!" 
Mind you, this is in front of his mom, sister, and stepdad.
*checking the back of the TV stand clock.*


There is a small grey box.
It holds a ring. 
A pink ice heart with two tiny diamonds on either side.


"It's a sweetheart ring. I love you."


~~
Week #3 for {W}rite of Passage
Write about the Christmas Gift you remember the most. Why? Who was it from? Where were you? What is the significance of it?


When I read the Challenge for this week, this is the memory that flashed first. I'm sure there are others, but this one makes me smile.
This was my first piece of jewelry from my now-husband. We were in the living room of his mom's house (we were in college during the year), and by the time I was done opening my "presents," there was wrapping paper and newspaper stuffing and boxes strewn all about the tiny living room. 
This was the first time he'd said "I love you" in front of anyone else.


I haven't worn this ring in several years due to its smaller size. 
I type this as light catches the pink heart and tiny diamonds on the ring finger of my right hand, where it fit, twelve years ago...the same as it does today.


I love you, Thomas.


More than you know.


See what everyone else received for Christmas: