There was no room for a tree in the apartment, but Sara wanted one, so it was set up on the deck. It was placed in front of the window, which turned out to be a good thing, since Sara insisted on keeping the drapes open to enjoy the lights. She liked the idea of making love in the glow of the tree. Len liked the idea of privacy. As always, they arrived at their own solution. It suited them, and other people's opinions didn't figure into the equation.

The tree was enormous, and blocked the entire window. It was covered in blue and white lights, and silver tinsel. The tinsel was of the single strand variety. Len shuddered and predicted they'd be finding bits of the damn stuff for the rest of their lives. He did have to admit that it cast a lovely, shimmery glow over the room.

The focal point of that room was Sara. She was sprawled across their bed in a cozy nest of pillows and velvety blankets. And she was reading a book.

"Is that mine?"

"Hmm?" She turned another page.

"Sara, is that my new book? The one I've been tearing this place apart to find?"

She finally looked up. "This one? It was right here. It's really good."

"I know. That's why I want to finish it."

"No…I mean it's really good. I didn't think I'd like this kind of thing, but the heroine is amazing!"

"I know. She reminds me of you. That's why I like them."

He set one knee on the bed, reaching for his book. Sara dodged out of reach, curling up against the headboard.

"Look, there's a whole series. Why don't you start at the beginning, and let me have that one?"

"I wanna find out what happens next!"

"So do I!"

Len's expression turned crafty. "Suppose I trade you your present for my book?" he suggested.

Sara eyed him over the top of the book. "I dunno…this is an awfully good story."

"I'll make it worth your while," Len promised, climbing up next to her.

He held out a blue velvet jewelry case enticingly. Grinning, Sara pounced on her gift, while Len reclaimed his book.

"This is beautiful," she murmured, touching the shimmering blue glass beads gently.

"It was my grandmother's. I had the beads restrung and a new clasp put on. It's just glass. Louis would have sold it if it was worth anything-"

Sara silenced his stammering by reaching up and grasping his chin firmly in one small hand. "It's worth everything."