Even though Ryan had gotten up, and brought her back to bed, he was not fully awake yet.

     “In just a little while, Dessie,” he yawned.

     “Pwesents, Pa!” Dessie really insisted this time, her words still garbled, and she tried so hard to get them out.

     “I have a feeling she’s not going to let us go back to sleep, Ma,” Ryan yawned again.

     “I have the same feeling, Pa,” she yawned back.

     Ryan turned over and planted her Christmas kiss firmly on her lips.  She touched his face, as he smoothed her bulging belly.

     “Merry Christmas,” he said into her eyes when he drew back.

   &...

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