The smart six-year-old little girl had been inside her coloured bedroom for the last hour. Amongst dolls and other toys and sitting at the small table, appropriate to her age, she surveyed her work and carefully folded the flowered paper she had written on. Then, Reilly placed it inside an envelope and used some pink glue to close it, smiling to see her job finally accomplished.

Roma was downstairs in her study and as she slowly paced from one side to another, she held her script in her hands, memorising the lines for the episode they were going to film that afternoon. Two weeks for Christmas, there was a serious delay on the filming schedule and the cast and crew feared they would have to shoot until the holidays eve.

But Reilly's soft knock on the door took her out of her thoughts and sent her slight worry away.

"G'morning, mommy!" she greeted the actress, still wearing her pink pyjamas and with the usual cheerful smile.

Roma bent down to kiss her daughter's cheek. "Good morning, sweetie! I didn't expect you to be up so early!"

"It's cuz I had something very important to do!" she informed.

Chuckling at the solemn tone in the little girl's voice, she placed the script on the table and turned her full attention to Reilly. "Oh, really? And what is it you had to do that is so important?" she wanted to know, guiding Reilly up to an armchair, where she sat down and tugged the little girl to sit on her lap.

"I wrote my letter to Santa!"

"Oh, so you decided what you want for Christmas already?"

"Yes!"

"Well... and what is it?"

"Hum... It's kind of a secret, ya know? But I'm sure Santa will bring it for y-... I mean, for me!"

"Oh, I see... And... Where is this letter? Don't you want me to mail it for you?"

"I asked Charlie to do it before I came here. He was in the kitchen having breakfast." She happily informed, much to her mother's worry.

"Charlie?"

"Yes, and he's just left. He said he's gonna mail it today!"

Roma was trying her best not to show her evident worry, after all "Santa" would need more specifics about that top secret present, but now that her letter was away in the hands of their driver, how could "he" know what to deliver? "I... I see..." She kissed her daughter's hand and caressed her hair. "You know that Santa might have some difficulties in bringing this specific present, don't you?"

"Yeah, I know but I guess he can bring me this one." There was so much hope in the her hazel eyes that it melted the actress' heart. Roma would certainly spend the next two weeks trying to find out what secret present that was.

***

Two weeks later...

It was past 5 PM on that cold December 23 when the TBAA cast and crew finally finished to shoot the last episode of the year, which would be aired on the following day. The group had remained at the Moon Water Studios for a short end of year party, and for a while, Roma backed away from the group to stay in one of the studios room, now completely empty.

The actress remained by the window, watching as the snow fell outside. Despite the serene and peaceful expression on her face, there were tears in the corner of her doe-like eyes. She had been leaning against the wall with her mind miles away from where she was. Roma was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice John's presence inside the room.

"Angel?" he spoke, calling her by the term of endearment he had borrowed from the show.

At the sound of his voice, she turned her eyes away from the window to meet his green ones. "John.."

But her tears quickly caused a worried from to appear on his forehead and in a heartbeat he was standing before her, one hand gently resting over her shoulder and another cupping her cheek, "Roma? What is it?" his green pools desperately searching for the cause for her tears.

A crying smile broke on her pretty blushing face and she lowered her head for a brief second. "It's... it's nothing, really..."

"But... angel you're crying, I-"

"I was here, thinking how good God has been to me over these years. I have my wee angel with me for good.. I have Della and Frank, who became my parents, and I have you... my dear friend, who watches over me like a real guardian angel!"

A kind smile appeared on his handsome face, and secretly he let out a sigh of relief. "You deserve all these things. And much more, baby!" he caressed her cheek with his thumb. "And just for the record, you'll always have me at your side!" John winked at her and gently wiped away the tears that fell from her sweet brown eyes. Eyes where he would always get lost in once she was standing so close, like now.

Without saying a word, the Irish actress wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly. There were so many blessings in her life, and she was so grateful for them. But on that specific year, Roma found out that one special gift had always been there by her side, on some of the worst moments of her life. she was holding this gift now. And loved him so dearly that no words could ever express everything she felt for him.

Permanently smiling, John returned that warm embrace with the same love, the same intensity. His true feelings for her were in check one more time. Roma was recovering from sad events, that was visible, and even though he was one of the greatest responsible for her recovery, the blond actor still wasn't sure of if or when he should tell her about his love.

John kissed the top of her head and enjoyed the moment, so precious to him.

"What time do you leave?" she spoke, only long minutes later and without making any movement to disentangle from his arms.

Her question brought him back to a not very pleasing reality. John was going to spend the holidays with his family, and that meant staying away from his other family, the one he had chosen with his heart. "My flight is scheduled to 8..."

Sighing deeply, she raised her head to look up at him, "Your family will be so happy to have you there with them..." she was gazing at him with admiration and somewhat proudly to have at least his friendship.

He caressed her hair and gently pulled away, searching for something inside the pocket of his jacket. "I have something for you..."

"Johnny... you've given me and Reilly so much already, you really shouldn't have to!"

Smiling, he shook his head and showed her a small crystal angel, made to be hung on a Christmas tree - the same ornament that had enchanted her so much during the filming of the Touched by an angel Christmas episode.

"I felt tempted to steal it for you but I spoke to some people and managed to get it for you as I noticed how much you liked it!"

"Oh, John... you really are the best friend someone could ever ask for!" She said, grabbing the small angel with both hands.

He playfully touched the tip of her nose with his index finger, "And you are positively the most adorable friend someone could ever ask for!" he said, loving the way her eyes lit up like a little girl's ones at receiving the small gift.

When her eyes moved from the small object to meet his, the actress felt a lump forming in her throat; an emotion she didn't know how to explain. It was as if his green pools had the power to hypnotise her and the truth was that she couldn't move her eyes away - nor did she want to.

And with John it wasn't different. John couldn't seem to get enough of her Gaelic beauty or the way she looked at him. He was suddenly committing to memory all her meek features and then staring intently at her rosy lips. They were standing just inches apart and involuntarily, eyes started to close and their faces approached.

It was then that Martha and Della entered the house, the series producer holding a small camera. She was filming the episode making of and their small party. "Oh, there you are!" she exclaimed, never stopping the recording.

"Everybody was looking for you two!" Della was visibly pleased to see her two "babies" together.

"I actually came here to say goodbye, I got to be at the airport before 8..." the blond actor informed, slightly taken aback by their sudden entrance, and reluctantly pulling away from Roma.

"Oh, stop right there where you are!" Martha suddenly spoke.

"What? Why?" John wanted to know, he and Roma confused by her words.

Martha and Della exchanged a mischievous look and the producer concluded. "You guys are standing under a mistletoe!"

The actors' blank faces were perhaps as much funny as the whole situation.

"I... I didn't realise it..." the Irish actress spoke, looking at the window frame and only then noticing there really was a mistletoe hanging in there.

"Well, fortunately for you, Della and I did. And now you two know what you have to do!"

Roma glared at Martha, not pleased at all and visibly embarrassed with that situation. But none of her two female friends were in the mood of cooperating. With a mock authoritarian tone in her voice, Della gave one step ahead as if in command of the situation. "C'mon, babies, you heard Martha. Now wrap it up cause I still got a lot to do!"

Without knowing what to do, John ran a hand through his short blond hair and lowered his head. on one side, kissing Roma was all that he'd asked for in his entire life, and he would be happy to do so, as many times as she wanted. But on the other, he could see she was embarrassed and John didn't know if she really wanted to do it. Truth to be told, he didn't know if Roma felt for him what he felt for her. And that wasn't the appropriate moment to find it out...

The Irish actress crossed her arms in front of her chest. "You know that this is not very angelic, Martha!"

"Oh, well, Monica and Andrew had their chance once the episode finished. Now c'mon, we don't have all day long and neither do you, Roma. You have to go home soon to prepare the house for tomorrow."

Martha was talking about the Christmas celebration, which, that year, would happen at Roma's house. Della, Frank, Martha and their family were spending the December 24 and 25 there.

John raised his head and, with a shy smile at Roma, he shrugged his shoulders. "These two won't leave us alone until we do what they're asking for!" he said, apologetically.

Roma could see that he too was a bit shy about that situation, and his slightly blushing face made him amazingly cute to her. The actress also smiled at him, somewhat sympathetically, and then turned to look at their two mischievous friends, narrowing her eyes. "Yes, it does seem they don't have anything else to do!"

"You guys are standing on the exact angle!" Martha replied, not caring a bit about their slight upset faces. "On three, ok? One, two..."

The couple of actors realised that it was useless to resist their teasing. And after all they were friends - very close friends. A tiny kiss on the lips was nothing to worry about, nothing that could mean something else other than the fact that they cared about each other deeply.

Why then were they felling so nervous? Why was there this persistent sensation of both fear and yearning echoing from the depths of their soul?

John caressed her cheek with the back of his hand so that she turned her face to him. as she did so, their eyes met in a loving gaze and all the nuisance about their friends' teasing was forgotten. From the slight smiles that formed on their faces it was possible to notice that their souls were immediately connected. Gently, the blond actor cupped her chin and took a few seconds to contemplate her pretty face - meek Gaelic features so perfect and so close to him. Then, aiming her rosy lips, he bent his head and crossed the small distance between them.

When their eyes closed and their lips met, it was the slightest of the contacts but it seemed like a wave of electricity was running through their bodies. The kiss under the mistletoe took more time than an usual one but nor Della or Martha dared to interrupt that sweet moment. Much on the contrary, they held their laughter and were extremely pleased to see such a cute scene. It had been a while since Roma's complicated divorce process finished that they had noticed how much John cared about the Irish actress. So much that it couldn't be just friendship. The way he looked at her, his attentiveness and all the protectiveness towards her and Reilly could only mean one thing: the blond actor was in love.

And it was possible to see that he wasn't the only one. Frequently, they could notice the way Roma looked at her male co-worker. The spark in he soft brown eyes held gratitude, admiration and much love, and whenever he was around anyone could see how her face lit up with a broad, happy smile.

Before the kiss ended, John pressed his lips more firmly onto hers and still cupping her chin, he brushed his thumb against her jaw, in a soft caress that caused pleasant butterflies in her stomach. When they reluctantly pulled away, the blond actor offered a slight smile, still contemplating her pretty face, and then kissed the tip of her nose. The way she was gazing back at him, with marvelled sparkling eyes, nearly took his breath away, and were not for Martha's voice drawing their attention back to the world around them, he would have kissed her again and again, and whispered in her ear the truth he had kept inside his heart for years.

"Cut! Beautifully done!" the producer spoke, satisfied and finally turning the camera off, she and Della delighting themselves with their friends' slight embarrassment. "Oh, and by the way, Della and were looking for you, John."

"For me?"

"Yes, baby," the old actress couldn't hide her amusement as she spoke again, "The TV has just announced that all the flights have been cancelled. There's a snowstorm coming. All the airports and roads are closed."

He and Roma looked at each other surprised and a bit worried.

***

Sometime later, John had managed to contact the airline company and his family in Mississippi. And as he hang up the phone, he let out a resigned sigh. "It's true. The flight has been cancelled and it seems I won't be going anywhere."

With Martha and Della away, Roma had been sitting by his side and placed her hand over his arm. "I'm sorry, John. I know how much you wanted to spend this holiday with your family..."

But listening to her soothing voice and feeling her delicate touch were enough to bring a smile back upon his handsome face. He covered her small hand with his. "It's ok, sweetie. It would have been much worse if I had been caught up by the snowstorm on the way. I'd probably spend Christmas in an airport waiting room."

They gazed at each other again for long seconds and it was Roma who broke the silence. "And then I would spend Christmas worrying about you... all of us would... wondering if you were alright. But now that you're here, you'll stay with us for the holiday!"

He took her hand to his lips. "Thanks, angel."

"No thanks! Your presence will be like a Christmas present to Reilly and me!"

***

"Uncle Johnny!" Reilly's excited and loud voice echoed through her house on that evening of December 24. Della and Martha, with their families, had also arrived minutes earlier and before the guests' enchanted eyes, the little girl practically jumped in his arms.

"Hey, my little angel!" he exclaimed, as she wrapped her little arms around his neck.

"I'm so happy you're here!" she said, with a broad smile, resting her head over his shoulder.

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so happy I'll spend Christmas with you too. I guess I wouldn't be able to stay away from you, you know?" deeply moved, he returned her warm embrace with the same intensity.

"She kept on asking me when her uncle Johnny would arrive and was standing by the window like a sentinel waiting for you!" Roma caressed her daughter's hair and with eyes beaming with joy to see him.

Reilly pulled away and looked at the couple with a pleased face. "I knew you'd come. I asked Santa to bring you!" and then she frowned a little, "Only... you're a wee bit early, but that's even better! I bet Santa brought you first so that the other presents would fit in his sleigh!"

They all laughed at that statement and at the seriousness with which she had said that.

"And how did you guess it, huh?! And besides this, Santa would never ever forget about my sweet little angel!"

As he kissed her cheek and carefully placed her on the floor, she kept on talking. "Will you sleep here? It's pretty cold outside!"

Chuckling at her inquisitiveness, he knelt on the floor to be on the same level as hers. "Hum... Well, I was wondering if you had any space left for me in your house!"

"Oh, yes, I got a great idea! You can sleep in mommy's bedroom! She has a huge bed, like this..." she opened up her little arms, "There's plenty of space for you! And you could hold her tight too, as I said it's pretty cold and this way she won't fell lonely in it!"

The other guests couldn't hold a huge laughter, while Roma's mouth dropped open and John ran a nervous hand through his blond hair, both of them with a blank expression on their faces.

It was Roma who managed to speak then. "That won't be necessary, missy! Your uncle Johnny has a bedroom only for him upstairs, right next to yours!"

"And I promise I won't snore!" he said, playfully blinking at her.

Slightly disappointed, the little girl shrugged her tiny shoulders. "Hum... Ok. But I still think you and mommy sleeping together would be more fun!"

Watching as her dearest friend's face went from blushing to deep red, Della intervened. "Hey, baby, why don't you show to your uncle Johnny the nativity scene you helped your mom to build, huh?"

With the cute smile back at her face, Reilly grabbed the actor's hand. "Oh, yes, come with me, uncle Johnny!"

"Thank you, Della..." Roma said, after they left the living room.

"Oh, don't thank me, baby! If you ask me, that little one over there is very, very smart!"

"I agree with Della," Martha said, also standing by the Irish actress' side, and then she lowered her voice, "and you and Johnny could use some of her ideas! Especially in the 'fun department'!"

"Martha!" Roma spoke, not all too pleased, and quite bothered with her friends' laughter.

***

Christmas night was a pleasant one for all the ones at Roma's house. It was filled with joy, laughter and much love. Reilly's cheerfulness added even more grace to the party. The hours passed and the Christmas night fell gently for them, the warmth atmosphere inside the house contrasting with the cold wind and the snow falling outside. It was past ten o'clock when Reilly's excitement and all the emotions of the day finally hit on her and the little girl's eyelids started to grow heavier with sleep. Even though she insisted on staying awake, her exhaustion was little by little winning the battle.

"I guess someone here is off to bed soon!" John spoke, softly caressing her curly brown hair. The little one had insisted he and Roma should sit together in the same sofa and as they did so, she snuggled close to her "uncle Johnny," wrapping her arms around his so that he didn't move away.

"... no... I gotta wait..." she replied, with a very sleepy voice.

Roma and John exchanged an amused glance and the actress moved to sit next to her daughter, kissing her cheek. "What are you waiting for, honey? You said you already got your Christmas present..."

"... yes... Santa delivered uncle Johnny but he could come back to say hi..." Reilly fell asleep two seconds after she had said that.

Carefully, and with genuine father care, John gathered the little girl in his arms. "I guess this is our cue!" he joked, as Roma shot him a grateful gaze, which was not left unnoticed by their friends.

The couple of actors excused themselves for a few minutes and climbed up the stairs towards Reilly's bedroom, being permanently watched by Della and Martha.

"Is it my impression or we just watched a future happy family climbing up the stairs?" the old actress spoke, she and Martha smiling at the scene.

"Oh, how I wish it would come true!"

"Well, I can't think of a more appropriate time for wishes to come true other than this!" Frank winked at them, and they laughed.

***

Roma opened up Reilly's bedroom door and John carried the little girl up to her bed. Smiling at her asleep face, so peaceful and so meek, he waited until Roma arranged the colourful blanket and then deposited his "little angel" in her bed.

"Thank you, Johnny." The Irish actress whispered, her eyes beaming with tenderness as he knelt on the floor by the bed.

"You're kidding me? I'm the one who is thankful here!" he looked at Reilly's sleeping form, "You and this little one here are so happy, everyone can see it!" he searched for her hand and squeezed it, "And that, angel, is the best Christmas present I could ever get!"

Deeply moved, the actress inched closer and brushed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "But it was perfect as Santa delivered you here!"

Chuckling and slightly blushed, he nodded his head in agreement. Reilly stirred in her bed and murmured a name that caused them to laugh. "...Rudolph..."

"John, could you get her pyjamas behind the door, please?"

While Roma removed her daughter's pink tennis shoes, he fetched the cute pair of pyjamas and then knelt down next to the bed again. Carefully not to wake her up, he caressed her curly hair. "Sleep well, my little princess. May God bless you and give you only good dreams..." John kissed her forehead, attentively watched by the Irish actress. Roma felt her heart melting at the evident love that brought her daughter and that kind loving man together. John loved Reilly like a real father, maybe the only father that the little girl had known during her entire little life.

And all his gentleness and affection weren't reflected just on the way he treated her daughter. John's loving manners and permanent care were only a few of the million things she loved about him. He rose to his feet and also caressed her hair. "I'll be downstairs."

She watched as he closed the bedroom door always careful not to wake Reilly up and then a silent tear fell from her eye.

There was no room for doubt. She loved him dearly.

***

It was almost 1 AM when John left the kitchen carrying two mugs of hot mocha. He headed to the living room where Roma had been sitting for the last ten minutes. The actress was staring at the flames dancing in the fireplace when he approached her and sat right next to her on the comfortable sofa. "Double mocha latte with a bit of chocolate!"

Roma gladly accepted it and with a cheerful smile she tilted her head to look at him. "Thank you, John. I would have to it all by myself if you weren't here, you know. I didn't expect these people felt tired so early!" she spoke, taking a sip of her favourite drink.

John had helped her to remove the dishes from the table, wash them and put them in their place for the following day's breakfast. Surprisingly, their friends started to feel sleepy a bit after the midnight supper, and Roma suspected it was all part of a plan to leave her and John alone.

And the plan had really worked.

"Angel?" his questioning gaze took her out of her thoughts and she smiled again. "I was thinking, you know... This has been one of the best Christmas of my life!"

Pleased to hear that, he also smiled. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear you saying that, Roma." The actor placed his mug on the coffee table and lay one gentle hand over her shoulder and another one on her arm. "You know what I ask God everyday of my life? To keep this spark that I can see in your eyes. To keep it alive for good!"

And Roma realised that she couldn't resist to what her heart was telling her to do. She snuggled close to him, and rested her head over his shoulder, enjoying the warmth that was coming from his body. She felt a pleasant sensation when he wrapped his arm around her small shoulders and brought her even closer to him.

"Do you know what I ask God? To keep things exactly like this... All the ones I love close to me."

"I'm sure He's listening to you, sweetie..." he kissed the top of her head as she went on talking.

"When I was a child, all Christmases were wonderful... magical... I had my mom and dad close to me, my brother and sister..." her eyes were filled with tears as she spoke and aware of this fact, even though he couldn't see them, John tightened the hold on her a bit more. "Then I lost my parents and... I thought that happiness would never return, you know. But then I had Reilly and made such wonderful friends... It was God's way to give me all the joy of the past back to my life..."

John was deeply moved to hear those words. He had always wished they had met earlier in life so that he could protect her and give her all his support. And it was at that very moment he realised he couldn't wait any longer. Roma was so precious and he had to let her know how much he loved her, how much he wanted to devote his life to her.

"I also have great memories of my Christmases. But lately I've been spending them away from the ones I love... From the one I love..." he gently pulled away and once she was gazing up at him, he held her hand and took it to his lips. The look in her eyes only encouraged him to go on talking. She was so beautiful, so amazingly adorable and he loved her so much that there was no way he could stop now.

John cupped her cheek and looked deep inside her brown pools. "You, Roma. Staying away form you angel is... unthinkable now. And if there's something I should be grateful this Christmas is the fact that I'm here, standing before you, able to hold your hand and tell you that I love you."

The tears that were in her eyes finally made their way down on her cheeks.

"I love you, Roma. I love you now, I loved you on the other Christmases, I loved you on the first moment I saw you... And if you let me, angel, I'll spend the rest of my days loving you... Even if you don't want me to, I'll still love you, with all my heart... with all my soul..."

"Oh, John..." she whispered, as he reached out and wiped her tears away. "Please, don't cry, angel."

She covered his hands with hers and leaned on his touch, treasuring the soft contact. "Oh, but I do... Because all the tears that you make me shed are tears of joy."

Finally, a slight smile appeared on his lips as now he knew the truth. His Roma was there, practically in his arms, welcoming his words with her soft brown eyes. "Don't you know you're a blessing in my life? Don't you know you've been like a Christmas present all the days of my life since we first met?" The actress let out a sigh, which was also a half sob, "I love you so much, John..."

"Roma..." the broad smile on his handsome face matched hers and it only faded when he bent his head and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was like a soft caress at first, lips carefully exploring new territory, both Roma and John treasuring that sweet moment - their first loving kiss. At least the first one after they had confessed their feelings, the mutual love they felt for each other.

John lay both hands on each side of her face as she tilted her head and then he deepened their kiss a bit more, and his tongue parted her lips and darted inside as she pulled him closer, one hand caressing the short hair at the nape of his neck. Their kiss was slow, loving, affectionate one - exactly they way they longed for on the previous day, under the mistletoe.

Two hearts beating at the same rhythm, feeling the same wave of joy, excitement and love invading their soul - which from that moment on would certainly become one, deeply and forever connected. And once air became an issue, they parted for a split second, and then another kiss started, as loving, as deep and as tender as the first one.

Roma had her arms wrapped up around John's neck, and gently, but also suddenly, the blond actor made her lie in his strong arms, his hands now holding her torso and the small of her back. He was cradling her and in between loving kisses a small giggle managed to escape from her rosy lips.

***

John and Roma spent some pleasant hours in front of the fireplace, chatting happily or making love promises in between tender kisses and loving caresses. But as the clock ticked they little by little fell in a comfortable silence. Exactly like her daughter, Roma snuggled close to John and now she felt her eyelids insisting to shut, even though she wanted to enjoy that night as much as she could.

But the actor's gentle fingers permanently stroking her auburn hair lulled her into a pleasant sleep, and he looked down to see her resting her head against his chest, arms wrapped around his torso.

"Angel? You're awake?"

"... yes..."

Her sleepy reply didn't convince him. Chuckling, John brushed away some strands of hair from her face and kissed her forehead gently and slowly. "You should rest, honey. You're tired, I can tell you are..." he whispered, and watched as a sleepy grin appeared on her face. "I'm resting already..."

"I meant resting on some more comfortable place, not in your sofa..."

"I meant your arms are comfortable..." she spoke, almost dozing off to sleep.

Grinning back at her, even though her eyes were already shut, he dared to tighten his embrace a bit more. "They'll hold you forever, angel..."

He could see her smile grew wider at those last words and then Roma was finally beaten up by the exhaustion of a busy day, filled with joy and wonderful surprises.

The blond actor remained there for a little while, watching as the last flames burned inside the fireplace. When this happened, he carefully moved to scoop Roma in his arms, now certain that she was in deep sleep. And like he had done with Reilly hours earlier, John carried his beloved upstairs, towards her bedroom.

John knew the house pretty well after all those years of unconditional and platonic love - disguised in friendship, so he knew the way to the actress' room. He found Roma's bedroom door left ajar and slowly pushed it open with his foot. There was a soft light coming from a lamp on the bedside table and it guided him up to her bed, where he gently deposited her.

With patience not to wake her up, he removed her shoes and left them by the bed. Then, he rose to his feet and picked a warm blanket from inside the closet and draped it over the actress' small form. Mission pleasantly accomplished, he just sat there by the bed and watched her sleep, as if contemplating a precious treasure. Her beautiful Gaelic features, her asleep and serene face were so gorgeous! She was so vulnerable and yet so protected by his eternal love and attentive green eyes, and John felt as if he was falling in love with her all over again.

Finally, he moved closer and lay a tender kiss against her forehead and a light one on her lips. "Sleep well, Roma... I love you."

He was about to leave when even in her sleep she reached out and grabbed his arm. "...please... don't stop holding me..."

Her whispered voice and those words brought a tender smile on his face. Maybe the perfect answer to a little girl's prayer was disguised in a Christmas present. He removed his shoes and, permanently holding her hand, he climbed in bed and lay down next to her. "Never, angel..." John whispered into her ear, and kissing her palm afterwards.

Less than a minute later, the little actress abandoned her pillow and searched for his chest, and much to his delight, he was now able to hold her tightly, exactly like he was doing downstairs. John kissed the top of her head repeatedly and caressed her hair until he too fell into a deep and contented sleep.

***

Reilly was the first one to wake up on the following morning. The little girl's hazel eyes focused on the window and by 7 AM it was possible to see snowflakes falling down from the sky and landing on the window frame. A happy grin appeared on her meek face and still rubbing her sleepy eyes, she threw the blanket away and left her bedroom.

Roma's room was right across from hers and Reilly just had to cross the corridor to reach its door. It had been left ajar and she pushed it open to enter. But before the little girl could say something, an image caused her to cover her mouth: her uncle Johnny and her mommy were peacefully sleeping in there, and he was holding her tightly exactly the way she had wanted on the previous evening.

Reilly raised her little arms as if celebrating a victory in an a competition. "Yey!" She whispered, with a broad smile from ear to ear, and then tiptoed outside the bedroom in a funny way that resembled a cartoon character.

She was careful to close the door behind her - in a way that it wasn't ajar anymore, and then returned to her own room. Urgently, she reached for some paper and pencil and once she got them, she sat at her small table. The little girl bit the tip of her pencil and tilted her head, staring at the coloured paper with a pensive expression on her face. Then, she smiled again and started to write.

After inspecting her work, Reilly smiled and folded the paper in one part, carefully placing it inside an envelope. She was planning to ask Charlie to post it for her on the following morning.

***

Two days later...

The snowstorm that had hit Salt Lake City on Christmas was finally gone and even though the temperatures were still low, the dark clouds that covered the sky went away and it was time for children to come out of their houses and play on the immense white lay of snow that covered their gardens and sidewalks, for adults to go skiing at the frozen lakes or go to a nearby restaurant or even to the cinema, still enjoying the holidays.

When the doorbell rang at Roma's house, the Irish actress was tidying up her closet, picking some clothes she didn't wear any longer and selecting them to donate to the poor. Her hair was tied up in a haphazard ponytail and she was wearing a simple pair of blue jeans and a white sweater.

Frowning a little, and wondering who it could be at that time of the morning, she rose to her feet and went downstairs. Maria had already left, after preparing some food for lunch, and Charlie had taken Della and Reilly to the park, as the little girl insisted her beloved auntie Della had to learn how to ski. Therefore, Julie was also away and Roma was the only one in the house.

When the Irish actress opened the door, her face was one of surprise. "John!"

Her face lit up at his presence. Roma felt that pleasant sensation of butterflies in her stomach, which she was getting used to it. He was so amazingly handsome wearing that black jacket that always made him so charming and green sweater that matched the colour of his eyes.

"I was wondering if I could kidnap you for some time!" he said, returning her broad smile, and offering her a red rose.

She gladly accepted the flower and as she did so, he took her hand and kissed its back. "I didn't know you were coming! I'm... not even dressed properly..." Roma was slightly embarrassed as she was wearing the most simple clothes and her hair was not in its best form. But the blond actor stepped closer and, with a permanent smile, he cupped her chin up, studying every detail of her face. And the fact that she was in such common clothes and with her hair disarrayed only made her even more adorable to him.

"Every time I see you, you look more beautiful than the day before, you know?"

"You're far too kind..." she replied, blushing but also enjoying the way he looked at her.

"Hum... I don't know about that, but I always tell the truth!" he gave one step closer and moved his hand to stroke her cheek, "And the truth right now is that I was missing you so much, angel..."

"Then you know how I was feeling this morning... Missing you terribly too..."

His eyes only moved away from her beaming brown eyes when they sought for her lips. A few moments later, their eyes were closing and their faces inching closer and closer until a sweet caress came out of their morning meeting. John's lips pressed against hers and the fact that he was so gently caressing her face made Roma feel her legs weak.

That sweet kiss ended up becoming tiny ones against her lips, and she let out a small giggle. "Don't you think you should come in?"

"Well, yeah, I think I'll have to wait for you to get ready... Even though you look gorgeous to me exactly the way you are!" he joked, playfully touching her nose.

"Wait for me to get ready?"

"Yes, we're going to have lunch together!" he announced, closing the door behind him and watching as surprise and joy appeared on her meek face. "I know Reilly and Della are having a few ski lessons at the park and I figured you'd be alone here..."

Yes, he knew her heart and every move she made better than anybody. Maybe better than herself. The Irish actress wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly; listening to the beat of his heart as she rested her head over his chest. John returned that warm embrace, soothing her back and caressing her auburn hair.

"You are the sweetest and kindest man I've ever met..." she said, receiving a loving kiss on the top of her head. And then she caused him to chuckle. "And the most charming and handsome too!"

***

John waited for Roma for nearly 40 minutes, and every time he thought about how long women took to get ready he smiled. Not just because it was something funny but because he wanted that "ritual" to repeat for the rest of his days. He was walking along the living room, with his hands tugged in his pockets when finally, his beloved appeared on the top of the stairs. He had to hide his amusement as he noticed that she was wearing a new pair of blue jeans and now a pink sweater, clothes that resembled the ones she was wearing previously. Now her hair was loosen and once she was standing before him, he could smell her sweet perfume.

"Did I take too long?" she wanted to know, genuinely worried.

"Erm... well..." he looked at her from head to toe, never getting enough of her beauty, and then offered a smile. "... it was totally worth it!"

Still smiling, Roma crossed her arms in front of her chest and narrowed her eyes, and John gently grabbed her face with both hands, pressing his lips onto hers one more time.

He took her hand into his and kissed its back, "Ready?"

"Yes, where are we going?" she wanted to know, as they headed to the door.

"Oh, well, I-"

Before John could finish his sentence, they saw Charlie, Roma's driver, coming through the entrance gate. He was alone but had an amused smile on his face.

"Charlie? I thought you would come back later on..." Roma wanted to know, noticing that he was alone.

"Yes, Mrs Reese and Reilly are at the park but Reilly forgot to bring her little friend, Alice..." he said, causing the couple to chuckle. Alice was the little girl's teddy bear. "I came back to take it for her!"

"Oh, dear... I'll get her for you, Charlie."

"Oh, Ms Downey, I ended up forgetting to give you these..." the young man handed her two envelopes and they immediately recognised Reilly's handwriting in it.

"Oh, those are..."

"Letters addressed to 'Santa'!" he said.

Smiling, the actress kept the letters in her hands and went upstairs to get Reilly's teddy bear. When the driver went away, she looked at John rather amused. "Let's see why two letters were necessary instead of one!

She opened up the envelopes and the couple started to read the letters. When they finished the first one, Roma covered her mouth in surprise, while John couldn't help laughing. "You see, I'm glad Santa was considerate at the delivery! I can already picture myself all dirty with smoke once I was reached the chimney bottom!"

She let out a laughter and was visibly moved to read it. "I can't believe she wrote all these things..." Roma looked at him, "All these things about you, John..."

"Well, I can say our little one is the smartest little girl I've ever met! She got it all right: I love you both and will protect you for the rest of my life, that's for sure!"

Shooting him a grateful look, she turned to see the second letter. John lay gentle arms over her small shoulders and squeezed them, also reading it.

And when they finished, Roma didn't know what to do nor what to say. And John could see she was blushing deeply what that second wish. And secretly, the idea of giving Reilly a little brother or sister sounded just wonderful.

"I... I guess..." she tried to speak, not managing to conclude her sentence. A while ago, before she found herself completely in love with John, she had thought that Reilly would be her only child. The idea of having another baby was in the past, as she kept on remembering all the hard times she had been through when she was pregnant and David kept on being an abusive husband. That fact had left deep wounds in her soul.

But John was nothing like David and having his baby sounded... the most beautiful thing that could happen between them besides their love itself.

Noticing her embarrassment, and quite amused with the letter himself, John kissed her cheek and tightened the hold around her shoulders. "You know what? Our little angel does have credit with Santa and a wish from her is definitely something we should not ignore! That's why I think we should keep an eye on that stork!"

The Irish actress finally let go of her embarrassment and let out a laughter as he made her turn around to face him. "And I guess I'll be happy to help Santa with that one!"

John kissed his giggling girlfriend and they held each other tightly; happiness invading their hearts.

***

Four months later...

John crossed the gates of the Moon Water Studios and headed to his dressing room. He had an amazing job, a cute step-daughter who he loved as if she was his real baby girl, wonderful friends and he also had Roma. The Irish actress made him the happiest guy in the world and conquering her heart after so many years loving her in silence was probably the best achievement in his life. Since their romance started, on a magical Christmas night, it was possible to notice a permanent trace of joy in his green eyes. That day it wasn't different and once he had changed his clothes to perform the angel Andrew, the actor went to the make up room. To his surprise, only Nancy, the hairdresser, was there.

"Hey, good morning, Nancy. Is Roma ready already?" he wanted to know, finding his girlfriend's absence a bit strange.

"Oh, she didn't show up today."

He frowned with worry as he heard that piece of news. "She didn't? But we spoke yesterday and she told me she had a few scenes to shoot early in the morning..."

"Yes, she was scheduled to be here..." the woman spoke, preparing his make up while he reached for his cell phone and pressed only one button - Roma's number was the one he called more frequently than any other.

On the other side of the line, after many callings, he head a low and weak voice. "Hullo?"

"Roma? Angel, are you home?"

"John... Y-yes... yes, I am..."

"Why? What happened?"

"I... I wasn't feeling alright..." he could notice the reluctance in her voice and it only caused him to be twice more worried.

He rose to his feet and gave a few steps, leaving the hairdresser behind. "Not feeling well? What's wrong, angel?"

"I... It's just an indisposition, John... I'll call Bob and tell him I'll film in the afternoon..." she replied, "Please, don't worry, I'm getting better already... really..."

Sighing deeply, he ran a hand through his blond hair and tried to stay calm. "Okay... Did you take any medicine?"

Her stammering told him she wasn't telling him the complete truth. "I... I prepared some tea... I... I guess it's... it's taking its effect already, you know..."

"Alright..."

"I'll be fine, John... I... I will..."

"It's okay, angel. You lie down and rest, will you?"

"I am already..."

"Ok... I love you."

"I love you too..."

He could sense a half sob hidden in between those words and if he was initially worried about her condition, now that he hang up the phone, he was nearly terrified. She wasn't feeling alright at all, and her being all alone in that house wasn't a good idea. He excused himself and left the studio five minutes later.

John parked his car in front of Roma's house and crossed the front gates. Fortunately he had the keys and didn't have to ring the bell. Charlie was out with Maria as they were making the supermarket shopping and little Reilly was at school now. John opened up the door and called out his girlfriend's name, just to let her know he was the one coming in. Quickly, he climbed up the stairs and headed to her room.

"Roma? Angel, may I come in?" he said, knocking softly at the door.

"C-come in, John..."

As he heard her reply, he gently pushed the door open and saw her sitting on her bed, leaning against a pillow and still wearing her sleeping gown. John frowned when he saw that her face was pale and there were dark circles under her eyes. She had been sick, that was for sure.

In a heartbeat, he was sitting at the edge of the bed, taking her hands in his own and searching for the truth inside her gentle brown pools. "Roma? Baby, please, tell me what's wrong..."

"Oh, John, you didn't have to come to see me... What about the filming? You were supposed to be at the studio now..." she said, all worried about his presence there.

"Of course I had, angel! You're not feeling well, baby, I can see it... What's wrong with you? How long have you been feeling like this?"

She couldn't bear his inquisitive and worried gaze. Roma lowered her head, shame and guilt tearing up her soul. How could she tell him what was wrong? How did she let that happen in the first place? What if he got mad at her? What if he didn't mean for that to happen? What if he felt like she had betrayed his confidence by not being careful enough to avoid it?

Biting her lower lip, she tried in vain to stifle a sob. And that one tiny action nearly made him frantic, millions of thoughts running through his mind.

Gently, and trying to control himself, he cupped her face and made her look at him. "Roma, baby, what is it? Why are you crying? Please, angel, tell me... I... I can see there seems to be something very wrong in your eyes but..."

He stopped talking when she broke down and cried. "Oh, John..."

Not knowing what to do, and terribly afraid of what was behind those tears, he pulled her in a tight, warm embrace. Kissing the side of her head repeatedly, he soothed her back and whispered loving words to her ear, until the moment she calmed down. It was then that he pulled away and wiped her tears with gentle fingers.

"Angel, look at me and tell me what's wrong? Was is something I said? Was it something I did?"

"Oh, no! No!" she quickly replied, not bearing the idea to make him feel guilty. "I did!" Roma finally confessed.

Extremely confused, he shook his head, "What did you do, angel? And what is it that you're feeling? I can see you've been sick! Baby, please, let me take care of you..."

"I... I've been sick... for the last two weeks now..."

John's eyes grew wide. "Two weeks? And why didn't you tell me? Did you go to the doctor? What did he say?"

The way she fidgeted with her fingers told him how nervous she was. But now there was no turning back - she should tell him the truth. "Y-yes... I... I did... I went to the doctor yesterday and she just confirmed what I already knew, John..." after a short pause, she spoke again, "I don't know how it happened... I know I was supposed to be careful... I... I hope you can forgive me..." She took his hand in both of hers, "Please, forgive me, John... I swear I didn't do it on purpose..."

"Do what on purpose? Roma, angel, there's possibly nothing you can do that will make me upset!"

"I'm pregnant..." she finally said, guilt all over her face.

"What?" his eyes grew wider for the second time, and John took a deep breath as he heard that. "Roma... did you say you're pregnant? Pregnant?!"

At least he thought he had heard that. Were the words that had come through her mouth really true? Was that some kind of a dream? And his shocked expression only made Roma think the worst.

She lowered her head and whispered again. "I'm so sorry..."

The actor shook his head and cupped her chin, lifting her face up one more time. "Sorry? Roma... Angel, do you have any idea of how... how amazingly happy you're making me right now?"

He caressed her face and then, as if he was seeking for the materialised truth, he reached over and touched her belly. It was still flat, there was no visible sign that their baby was in there. But the way he was stroking it was already so gentle and so careful that it seemed he was already feeling the little one.

"Pregnant..." he spoke, more to himself, still processing what she was telling him. "We are going to have a baby... There is a little baby here... Our baby..."

His tender caress and the moved smile that appeared on his lips also changed something inside Roma's heart. It had been heavy and anguished, and due to terrible memories from the past, she thought that her pregnancy could mean an inconvenience to him... a way to keep him attached to her for the rest of their life.

"You're not... You're happy about it?"

"Happy? Roma, the word 'happy' doesn't even get closer to how I'm feeling right now, baby!" he said, with a broad smile and tears in the corner of his eyes, "We're going to have a baby and I'm the happiest man in the world!" There was so much love in his eyes that now she felt bad to think he might not like the breaking news.

Tears fell down her eyes and she stroked his handsome face. "I'm so sorry..."

"Roma, angel, you have no reason to apologise, it's absurd!"

"I'm sorry I thought you might... feel... that you could feel I was careless..."

He lay both hands on each side of her face, looking at her very closely. He too shedding a tear of emotion. "I love you so much, Roma..." John crossed the small distance between them and kissed her softly and repeatedly, and feeling her heart ten times lighter and aching with so much love, she welcomed his caresses with the same affection.

"I love you too... so much, John... so much..." she pulled away but only for an inch as her teary eyes met his and he spoke again. "I'll be a daddy... And for the second time..."

A sob escaped her as he said so; those few words had a much greater meaning. She touched his cheek. "Yes..."

John pressed his lips against hers one more time and it was then that they heard the car crossing the gates of the house and being parked. Reilly was back from school and once she broke into the house, they could hear her little girl's voice echoing through the rooms.

She was at her mother's door a second later and once she saw who was there a broad smile appeared on her cute face. "Uncle Johnny!"

"Hey, my little angel!" he said, holding her tightly as she threw herself in his arms.

"I'm so happy when you're here with mommy and me!" she exchanged his embrace for her mother's and remained by Roma's side, holding her tightly as she knew Roma hadn't been feeling alright. The resemblance between mother and daughter was amazing and he felt his heart full to think that soon there would be a third little one exactly like them for him to admire.

"You'll stay here with us?" she wanted to know, "Mom isn't feeling well and you gotta take care of her."

"Yes, I will stay, little angel, and will take care of your mother and you!"

Pleased to hear that, she turned to look at her mother. "Yey!"

Giggling, Roma kissed her forehead and then gazed at John, silent words being spoken between them. Then the actress turned to the girl again and held her tiny hand in hers. "Sweetie, there's something uncle Johnny and I want to tell you..."

"What is it?" she wanted to know, her curious hazel eyes turning from her mother to her stepfather.

***

"A little brother or sister?!" Reilly exclaimed, not believing what she has just heard.

"Yes, sweetie... I'm expecting a wee baby..." her mother told her, gently caressing her face.

"And you'll become a big sister!" John added, winking at her.

Much to their relief, although they more or less expected that reaction, she smiled and her eyes grew wider. "Oh, wow, Santa did bring my present earlier this year!"

They looked at each other and chuckled, aware that she was talking about the letter she had written on the previous Christmas.

"I guess he did! Again, because you deserve that all your wishes come true, sweetie!" John spoke, kissing the top of her head.

She scratched her head. "You see, I gotta write another letter to thank him and the stork... he wouldn't have made it without her!" Reilly climbed out of her mom's bed, "I'll be right back!"

With amused eyes, they watched as the little girl left the room and only then chuckled at her enthusiasm and at her conclusions about her mother's pregnancy. "Did I tell you we should keep an eye on these trio?" John moved and sat down next to her, wrapping his arms around her small shoulders and kissing her cheek.

"Trio?"

"Yeah! Our little angel, Santa and the stork!" Giggling, Roma kissed his arm as he kept on talking. "And I thought I would receive some credit for it too!"

Giggling even more, she turned her head to look at him. "Well, I think that during this process we might have done something to... you know... to help our cute trio!"

Laughing, he captured her beautiful smile in one more loving kiss, tenderly stroking her belly.

AND NOW I REALLY MEAN IT!