Summary
A Peppermint Christmas Eve
Highlights
Mary's Holiday Cravings and Comforts
Mary finds great comfort in all things peppermint, particularly hot chocolate, which she enjoys while relaxing in her recliner during the cold December weather. Her evenings are spent watching classic Christmas movies as she waits for her husband, John, to return from work, all while carrying their restless, active baby.
A Mother's Connection with Dean
As the final stage of pregnancy approaches, Mary shares an intimate bond with her son, Dean. She speaks to him gently, soothing his frequent, energetic kicks while expressing deep love and excitement for his arrival. She sings holiday songs, feeling his movements as if he is dancing along to the music.
John's Return and Future Dreams
John returns home from work, bringing a warm and playful energy into the house. He greets Mary with affection, shares a moment of connection by feeling the baby move, and joins her in the Christmas spirit. The scene concludes with Mary dreamily anticipating next year's celebrations, envisioning a future filled with snow, family, and the presence of their baby boy.
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Original text
Considering all the things she could have been craving, Mary considers peppermint to be pretty mild.
Anything peppermint is privy to be consumed, candy canes, peppermint patties, junior mints, tic tacs. She even brushes her teeth far longer than necessary in order to enjoy the peppermint toothpaste.
Far and away her favorite thing, however, is peppermint hot chocolate. Ever since a friend gave her the recipe she has been making it by the potful, the cold weather of December a perfect excuse.
It’s especially nice, she decides, when she can sit in the recliner, mug carefully balanced on her swollen belly, and watch Christmas movie after Christmas movie, waiting for John to come home from the shop.
Miss Haynes, if you’re ever under a falling building and somebody runs up and offers to pick you up and carry you to safety, don’t think, don’t pause, don’t hesitate a moment, just spit in his eye.
Mary laughs, holding the mug handle halfway to her lips for a sip when Dean starts kicking, making her wince, pressing her hand against her belly.
Easy, sweetie, easy, she coos soothingly, rubbing in gentle circles until Dean settles. They are entering the final stretch now, which is as exhilarating as it is terrifying. Mary had never expected to be carrying such a restless baby but he is almost always moving, kicking and pushing and shifting around. He’s a handful already, she can't imagine what a handful he'll be once he’s in the world.
She also can't imagine loving any one being more than she loves the little life growing inside her now.
Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow!
It won’t be long before we’ll all be there with snow, snow, Mary sings along then laughs when Dean starts kicking again, pressing her head back against the recliner. Are you dancing, my little love? I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow!
Snow! John shouts from the doorway and Mary laughs again, leaning to the side to watch her husband coming in through the door, unwrapping his scarf from around his neck and grinning at her.
Heya, hot stuff. He smirks, the door clicking shut behind him, making her smile.
How was work?
Work, he replies cheekily and she shakes her head at him.
He hangs his coat up in the closet before coming in and leaning down to kiss her and stealing a sip of her hot chocolate.
Hey! she says, snatching the cup back, and he smiles, kissing her again and pressing a hand against her belly, chuckling when he can feel Dean kicking against his palm.
How’s the acrobat? he asks, sitting on the sofa across from her and she smiles, pressing her hand over the spot John’s had been a moment before.
Dancing, she says, which makes John laugh.
Well, can’t question his taste, John says, watching White Christmas on the screen now. Classic!
Of course. Can you expect anything less from a son of mine?
John looks at her fondly and Mary can’t help how her heart clenches with love for this man.
Never, he answers smoothly, standing up and laying another kiss on her lips before going into the kitchen, a plate already waiting in the refrigerator for him to heat up.
Mary reaches for her cup again, taking another long delicious swallow of the peppermint goodness and already dreaming about this time next year when she’ll have a little baby boy to hold in her lap while they watch White Christmas, presents ready for under the tree and with any luck a fresh layer of snow.
I’d love to stay up with you but I recommend a little shuteye, go to sleep! And dream of snow, snow, snow, snow, snow!