| “Walker? Come on Cowboy. It’s time to get up.” Alex purred as she snuggled up to him and began kissing her way up to his lips. “Hmmm.” Walker moaned as he awoke to the heat of her passionate little kisses. Wrapping his arms tightly around her soft body, he once again savored the joyous sensations of waking up each and every morning since their marriage; seven months before, in her loving arms. “Come on sleepy head. Wake up.” “Mmmm...I don’t want to wake up. This feels too good.” Walker replied as he pulled her even tighter against him. “Oh no you don’t Cowboy. I want you up and out of this bed.” Alex giggled as she tried to pull away from him. Walker opened his eyes as he grinned slyly, “I don’t want to get up, BUT...I do want you.” With one swift movement, Walker had her pinned helplessly beneath him. Alex’s laughter rang through out the room as she tried in vain to free herself. “Walker. Let me go. You promised that we would go and get our Christmas tree this morning. I’ve already had my shower, so now it’s time for you to get up.” Walker glanced at the clock on the night stand. “Alex, it is only 7 in the morning. The Christmas tree lots don’t even open till 10. We have plenty of time.” Walker’s lips slowly descended towards hers. “Walker.” Alex pushed against his chest with a soft moan as she felt his desire growing against her thigh. “I don’t want to go to a Christmas tree lot. I want us to go out and cut down our own tree. It’s more special that way.” Walker continued to seduce his wife as his hands began to gently explore her body threw the t-shirt of his she wore to bed, as he replied, “A tree is a tree Alex. Why do we have to go out and cut one down ourselves?” Walker raised his head, to look at her, as he awaited her reply. Alex frowned dejectedly. “Oh Walker...just any tree won’t do, not this year anyway. This year is very special to me...to us. It’s our first Christmas together being married and I want everything to be absolutely perfect. I just thought it would be romantic if we took Ranger and Angel and went out to find our own Christmas tree...together. Besides there are only six more days till Christmas eve and the lots don’t even have any good trees left.” Walker reached up to caress her cheek. “It really means that much to you, doesn’t it?” he asked, even though he knew what her answer would be. “Yes it does. Please Walker?” she replied, giving him her very best pout; the one she knew he couldn’t deny. “You are sure something Alex Walker. You know I can’t say no to you when you give me that look.” Walker said, with a warm smile on his face. “OK...you win. We will go out and cut down our very own Christmas tree.” Alex squealed with delight, as she began to rain small kisses all over his face in her happiness. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You go and take your shower now and I’ll get breakfast ready.” “I have an even better idea.” Walker said as he pulled her close against his aroused body once again. “And just what is this idea of yours?” Alex asked, as his skilled and gentle hands began to roam over her body, sending tingling sensations shooting through her. “I say we skip breakfast this morning and stay here just a little while longer.” he said huskily, as he looked deep into her eyes. “You know I can’t refuse you when you look at me like that.” she sighed as their passion took over; consuming them both. ******** “Alex...come on. What is taking you so long?” Walker yelled. “I’m coming...I’m coming.” Alex said as she exited the house pulling the door shut behind her. Hurrying down the steps to where he waited with the horses she handed him the picnic basket and blanket that she carried. “What’s this for?” “I fixed us some bagels and brought some juice for us. Someone here made us miss breakfast. Remember?” she giggled as she stroked Angels nose softly. Walker laughed as he threw the blanket across his saddle and hung the basket off of it’s horn as he moved to help Alex to get mounted. Placing his hands on her slender hips, he kissed the tip of her nose. “I didn’t hear you complaining about missing breakfast when we were missing it.” “No, I defiantly wasn’t complaining,” Alex replied as she kissed him tenderly. “On the contrary, but I do know that we will both get pretty hungry by the time we get to where the tree is, cut it down and get it back here.” “Just where do you think we are going to find a tree anyway? I can’t remember any being big enough anywhere here on the ranch.” “I already found it; just last week as a matter of fact. It was the day I took Angel out for that long ride. You know, the afternoon I was home so early. Anyway, we rode down to the southern most border of the ranch. There is a grove of beautiful trees down there and right in the center of the grove is our very own, first Christmas tree.” Alex smiled with satisfaction. “So, you have it already picked out?” Alex nodded. “Well if you already know where it is, and you already have it all picked out, what do you need me for then?” “What do I need you for? Well, to cut the tree down silly.” Alex giggled playfully. Walker grinned. “Oh...so you just need me for my body then hugh?” Alex leaned into him; rubbing her body against him sensuously as she proceeded to kiss him with a burning desire. When she finally pulled her lips from his, she whispered breathlessly, “I always need you my love...body, mind, heart and soul. Everyday...for the rest of all eternity.” Walker pulled her lips back to his as he murmured, “I need you too...I always have, and I always will.” ******** Walker and Alex had been riding for almost an hour in the crisp December air. They were taking great pleasure in being alone together; just enjoying each other’s company and the beautiful landscape that surrounded them. They rode leisurely side by side; holding hands as Alex talked none stop about how she wished they would have snow for Christmas day, but knew that it was highly unlikely that they would. She talked in detail about exactly how she wanted the tree to be decorated and how she wanted to put lights and garland around the railing and posts on the front porch. Unexpectedly, Alex broke free from Walker’s side; as she nudged Angel in the sides to race across the field, to a small grove of trees that stood on the other side. She dismounted, just as Walker stopped Ranger beside her. “What’s the rush?” he asked as he in turn dismounted. “This is it Walker. This is the place. Our tree is just over there. Come on.” She excitedly grabbed his hand; pulling at him to follow her. “Woo Alex. Don’t you think we should tie the horses up and grab our stuff first? It would be an awfully long walk back to the ranch if they got spooked and took off on us.” Walker chuckled. She reminded him of a small child with her excitement. “Oh...yeah...I guess we should.” she giggled as she grabbed the blanket and picnic basket off of his saddle; waiting anxiously while Walker hobbled the horses and grabbed the small ax he had brought along. “Ready now?” she asked; already heading off towards the center of the grove. “After you my dear,” he replied laughing, as he hurried to catch up with her. When he was beside her once again, he shifted the ax to his other hand as he placed his arm around her waist; matching his steps to hers. Giving him a loving smile, Alex continued swerving through trees into the grove where she stopped suddenly. Walker heard her swift intake of breath as she dropped what she was carrying; pointing to the tree that stood off by itself. “There it is. What do you think Walker? Isn’t it the most beautiful Christmas tree you ever seen in your entire life?” She wrapped her arms around his waist laying her head against his chest as she gazed at the tree. Walker had to admit that it was a fine looking tree. It stood about six and a half feet tall and it had a nice round shape to it. Kissing the top of her head he replied, “It sure is honey. You picked out one fine looking tree. I guess I will get busy and get it cut down.” “Do you want to eat something before you get started?” Alex asked looking up at him. “No. I’ll eat and have something to drink when I am finished. Why don’t you sit down on the blanket back here out of the way.” Walker picked up the ax and walked over to the tree. Just as he was about to take his first swing at the tree’s trunk, Alex’s call of “WAIT!” stopped him dead in his tracks. Turning around he saw her hurrying towards him. “What’s wrong Alex?” he questioned. “I’ve changed my mind.” “What do you mean you’ve changed your mind?” Walker was totally confused now. “I thought you said this was our perfect tree? You were so excited about it just a minute ago.” “I know. I am excited about it. Or I was. I don’t know. Maybe we shouldn’t cut it down. It’s just so beautiful and well, maybe it isn’t right that we take and kill it just for our enjoyment.” “Alex. It’s a tree for heavens sake. Make up your mind.” Walker said gruffly. As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted them, as he saw the tears welling in Alex’s eyes. Drawing her into his arms quickly, he held her tight as the tears made their way down her cheeks. “Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. If you don’t want to cut the tree down we won’t.” “I know I’m being silly and I don’t know why,” she sniffed as she pulled back and swiped angrily at the tears. “It just seems like such a waist of this beautiful tree that’s all.” “It’s not a waist if it makes you happy Alex.” Walker thought for a moment before he continued, “Tell you what. How about we go ahead and cut this one down, then come spring we go and buy another one to plant and replace this one? We can bring it back to this very spot to plant it even. Would that make you feel better?” She nodded her head enthusiastically. “Yes...it makes me feel much better. I don’t know why you put up with me.” “I do...It’s because I love you.” Walker said, as he gave her a peck on the cheek. “I love you too.” Alex smiled. “So. Do I cut the tree down?” “Yes.” “OK...back over to the blanket you go.” he said as he turned her around, guiding her back to the blanket. Once she had re-seated herself, he returned to the job at hand. ******** Almost four hours later, Walker and Alex both flopped tiredly down onto the couch in the living room. It had taken them well over two hours to get the tree back to the ranch without damaging it. Once they had accomplished that, it had taken them the remainder of the time to get it in the tree stand and squeezed through the front door and into the living room. But somehow they had managed. The tree now stood straight, tall and proud in the corner of the room. “Well Mrs. Walker, what do you think now? Are you still pleased with your choice of trees?” “It was a lot more work than I expected but, yes...I am pleased.” Leaning over to kiss him lovingly she whispered, “Thank you darling for helping me. I love you so much.” “I love you too, so it was my pleasure. Besides, I love to see your eyes sparkle with excitement. So, what’s next on your list of things to get down this weekend?” Walker asked, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. “My, my. You certainly have gotten into the festive spirit. Well...I guess the next thing to do would be to get the decorations and lights gathered up. I have the decorations already carried down from the attic and they are sitting in the spare bedroom upstairs. And I bought all new lights for the tree and the porch railings; which are in bags in the back seat of my car.” “OK then, I’ll go get the decorations and you can go get the lights.” Walker said, kissing her cheek before he rose and headed upstairs. Alex sat for a few moments longer, just staring at the tree. A tender smile crossed her face at the tremendous amount of happiness and joy that filled her heart. This Christmas was truly going to be the best she had ever had. It would be a Christmas to be remembered; perfect in every way. Saying a silent pray of thanks, she then rose to retrieve the Christmas lights. ******** C.D. and Jimmy could hear their two friends laughter as soon as they stepped onto the front porch of the ranch. After knocking and not getting a response, they opened the front door and walked in. There in the living room stood Walker wrapped in Christmas tree lights from head to toe as Alex was throwing tinsel at him. They both burst out laughing at the site; announcing their presence. “What in sam hill are you doing Cordell? Don’t you know the lights are supposed to go on the tree?” C.D. yelled over top of their robust laughter. “Tell that to Alex. SHE’S the one that did this to me.” Walker retorted, a broad smile on his face, as he struggled trying to free himself from the strands of lights. Looking at Alex, he continued, “You just wait Alexandra Cahill Walker. I will get you for this.” Alex giggled and moved out of his reach to stand behind C.D., as she stuck her tongue out at him playfully. “Cordell, I just want to know how the devil you got yourself in this kind of a predicament?” C.D. asked, as he held his side from laughing. “Alex cheats, that’s how. SHE doesn’t play fair.” “Well I thought we were coming out here to help you two decorate the house for Christmas. I didn’t know we were going to be decorating you.” C.D. laughed. Jimmy was laughing so hard he had tears running down his face as Alex threw another handful of tinsel at his partner from over C.D.’s shoulder. “You know though C.D., Walker does make a pretty good Christmas tree. All he is missing is the ornaments. Hey we can hang them off of his ears.” Trivette picked up an ornament out of a box that was sitting on the coffee table as he walked over to his best friend. Looking closely at the ornament in his hand; then to Walker’s ear he continued, “Of course we’d have to pierce his ears first. Oh man...Where’s your video camera Alex? They would love this down at headquarters.” “TRIVETTE! Don’t even think about it.” Walker growled. “Oh come on Walker. This is priceless. The mighty Texas Ranger Cordell Walker looking like a Christmas tree. At least let us take a picture of it.” “Forget it Trivette! Now get over here and get me out of these things?” Trivette continued to laugh as he started to help untangle his partner. Alex linked her arm with C.D.’s. “I think it’s time for me to make my retreat now C.D....BEFORE Walker gets out of those lights. Let’s you and I go make us all something to snack on.” “I think that’s a good idea honey.” C.D. replied with a roar of renewed laughter, as Alex threw the remainder of the tinsel at Walker as they strutted past him and headed towards the kitchen. “You just wait Alex.” Walker grumbled good-naturedly as Trivette tried; and failed, to contain his laughter; continuing to work on the tangled lights as he asked, “Geez Walker...your hands are even tied up in these things. Just how did Alex manage to do this to you?” “Never mind Trivette. Just keep untangling.” Walker replied. As his partner concentrated intently on his task, Walker felt his face redden just thinking about exactly how Alex had diverted his attention long enough to do this to him. ******** “Is it safe to come back in here yet?” Alex called out as she and C.D. entered the living room, carrying a tray of sandwiches, chips and cups of hot chocolate for the four of them. “Yeah it’s safe. Trivette and I have the lights all on the tree....where they belong I might add.” Walker replied as he walked slowly towards his wife as she turned her back to him to sit the tray down on the coffee table. As soon as the tray was safely in place, Walker grabbed her as he said, “But as for you Mrs. Walker...It is far from being safe in here.” Alex’s squeals of laughter filled the air as Walker effortlessly and efficiently picked her up; slinging her over his shoulder. “Walker! You put me down right this minute.” Alex said as she struggled trying to get out of his hold. Turning towards the other two occupants of the room, who were trying unsuccessfully to hide their laughter, she implored, “C.D.? Jimmy? Come on you two. Stop laughing and help me.” “Oh no. I’m not getting involved in this. I have to work with him.” Jimmy replied as C.D. added, “Well now Alex honey. I think this here is one of those married couple things...something just the two of you need to work out.” Walker chuckled softly as he spun her around in a circle a couple of times before placing her back on her now unsteady feet. Quickly he moved to the coffee table and reached for the can of whipped cream that was supposed to be used in the hot chocolate. Slowly, he began to shake the can threateningly; pointing it in her direction. “Walker...You wouldn’t dare.” Alex gasped, as she slowly began to back away from him. Walker gave her a big grin and nodded his head as he began to move towards her. C.D. and Jimmy’s laughter grew in intensity as Walker began to stalk Alex’s every move around the room, as he threatened her constantly with the whipped cream. Their taunts of “Ugh oh Alex...you are in for it now,” spurred Walker on in his pleasurable game of cat and mouse. Every avenue of escape that Alex tried, Walker would block; all the while getting closer and closer to her. When Alex tried to hide behind C.D. and Jimmy, they immediately stepped aside to give Walker a clear and unhindered shot at her. Alex’s disgruntled, “Thanks a lot you two” brought even more hoots of laughter from the pair. Walker took careful aim at his beloved wife as she pleaded with him playfully. Giving her a sly little wink, Walker hurriedly turned on his two unsuspecting friends; catching them completely off guard as he proceeded to spray them with the cream. When the can was empty, C.D. and Jimmy both looked like they were snowmen. Their faces and shirts were covered in the white substance. Alex; who had moved to Walker’s side during his friendly attack on their friends and now stood wrapped in Walker’s arms as they both laughed hysterically. They couldn’t believe that during the entire time Walker was spraying his two friends they hadn’t moved an inch; they had just stood there as if they were frozen in place. When they did finally react to Walker’s actions, instead of the expected hollering and carrying on about what a mess they were they just smiled as they moved quickly towards the couple to embrace them both; leaving Walker and Alex as messy as they were. After they all enjoyed the good-natured laugh and were able to get themselves cleaned up, they spent the remainder of the day and early evening decorating the tree and the rest of the house and porch to Alex’s specifications. When the last empty box was placed back into the attic and Alex was totally satisfied with the placement of everything, the men sat down to enjoy a cup of coffee and some cookies Alex had made. As C.D. and Jimmy bickered over who got what cookies, Alex moved over to the tree. Walker watched silently as she stood gazing at it. Rising to walk to his beloved wife’s side, he immediately saw the tears glistening in her sky blue eyes. Wrapping his arms around her gently he whispered softly, “What’s wrong honey?” “I don’t know. I’ve felt weepy all day. I just want this Christmas to be the best that we have ever had. I know you probably think I am being overly emotional and silly, but I can’t seem to help it.” she replied softly as Walker kissed her on the tip of her nose; wrapping his arms more tightly around her. As he held her close, he remembered he had in fact noticed several times through out the day the tears in her eyes. Placing his finger tips on her chin, he tilted her head back so he could look into her eyes. Brushing the tears away he replied, “No I don’t think you’re being silly.” The tears continued to trickle down her cheeks as she sighed, “I love you so much.” “I love you too.” he responded as he captured her lips in a slow and tender kiss. Before they could get carried away by the desires that were building within them, Walker reluctantly broke off the kiss as he whispered breathlessly in her ear, “I think we should pick up where we left off just now...AFTER C.D. and Trivette leave.” Alex nodded as she hugged him to her tightly. Jimmy nudged C.D. in the side as they both turned their attention to the couple by the tree. C.D. smiled brightly as he said, “You know Jimmy...it does this old heart good to see those two finally together and so happy.” “Yeah I know what you mean C.D. It was a long time in coming, but it sure was worth the wait.” “Yes it was. A love like theirs doesn’t happen too often in this world. It’s a rare thing that’s for sure. Yes sir...a rare and wonderful thing.” C.D. said as they both sat there grinning from ear to ear. “All right you two.” Walker said as he moved over to the recliner, settling Alex on his lap. “What are you both grinning about?” “Well Cordell...I was just sitting here telling Jimmy how nice it was that you and Alex are finally together. And I was just getting ready to say that I think we need to really combine our efforts and concentrate on getting him hitched up with someone who is as special as our little Alex here is.” C.D. replied with a broad grin. “You know C.D. I think you’re right. We do need to find and set Trivette up with someone.” Walker said; joining in on C.D.’s playful spoofing of their friend. “Woo...wait a minute you guys. I....” Jimmy stuttered. He was never really sure when Walker and C.D. ganged up on him, whether they were being serious or not. “Oh now Jimmy, you don’t have to thank us. We are more than willing to help you out.” C.D. laughed. “Hey Cordell...How about that little filly down in warrants? You know...the one that gets all excited when Jimmy here walks in the room. The blonde one...Susan I think her name is.” “SUSAN. Big dog...her hair isn’t blonde...it’s gray. She is as old as you are for crying out loud.” “And just what is so bad about being my age? Age has nothing to do with it son. The older you are the more experienced you are that’s all.” C.D. bellowed as Alex and Walker tried to keep from laughing out loud. “I think you need to be told some very important things about life Jimmy Trivette.” C.D. stated firmly; enjoying his little game of torture. He looked hard at his friend and saw the confused and questioning look on the younger man’s face as he went on to say, “Yes...I mean to tell you some of the little know facts of life.” “OH MY GOD! The facts of life! Alex? Walker? Help me!” Jimmy pleaded as he tried to rise from the sofa, only to be pulled firmly back down by C.D. “Oh no you don’t. You just sit right back down here and listen to what I have to say.” C.D. said as he kept a firm grip on Trivette’s arm and tried hard to contain his own laughter. “I hate to break it to you son but just because there is snow on the roof” he paused to pat the top of his head dramatically for emphasis, before he continued, “don’t mean there ain’t one hell of a fire burning in the old fire place.” Fervent laughter filled the room as Jimmy yelled “OH my god...he’s talking about ...I’m out of here!” He then quickly broke free from C.D.’s grasp; grabbed his coat and headed out the front door as fast as he could. C.D. rose slowly; holding his aching side from all the laughing. Picking up his coat he chuckled, “Wonder if he remembers that I rode out here with him? Or do you think he is going to make me walk all the way back to town?” Before Walker or Alex could stop laughing long enough to answer, Jimmy stomped back into the house. Pointing and shaking his finger at C.D. he stated, “Not one more word out of you Big Dog or you WILL be walking back to town. I mean it. I’ll handcuff you and gag you if I have to. Not one word. Now come on...let’s go.” C.D. opened his mouth, only to immediately shut it once again as Jimmy reached behind him; pulling out his hand cuffs and a handkerchief to use as a gag. With a swift wave and a nod in the laughing couple’s direction, C.D. and Trivette turned and left the ranch house. Walker shook his head with merriment over his two best friends and about their playful sparing with each other. He turned to look lovingly at his wife; seeing the tears that once again, trickled down her face. With puzzlement in his voice he asked softly, “Honey...what’s wrong?” “Oh Walker...I’m just so happy that’s all.” She sobbed, as she clung to him and buried her head on his chest. “You sure are happy a lot today.” Walker murmured softly, as he held her to him tightly; running a comforting hand up and down her back. ******** The remainder of the week went by quickly for the newly weds as it was filled with the hustle and bustle of not only work but also with last minute shopping errands and the numerous Christmas parties that they had commitments to attend. One night was spent with the KDOOA kids; one night at H.O.P.E. house and their Christmas gathering. The next day was the annual Christmas party at Ranger headquarters followed by the big shindig that C.D. always threw for his closest friends on Christmas Eve. By the time Walker and Alex had helped C.D. clean up from the party; said their goodnights and arrived back at the ranch, it was almost midnight. Both were tired from their exhausting week of work and parties and decided to head straight upstairs. When they reached their room Alex kissed Walker quickly on the cheek before she grabbed a mysterious package from on top of the dresser and headed off towards the bathroom. Walker had a sneaky suspicion that she was up to something as he watched her move hurriedly down the hall way. A small smile of anticipation appeared on his face as he pondered what she could possibly be up to this time. On more than one occasion since they had been married, Alex had surprised him by doing something totally unexpected; which in turn, had led to some of the most amazing nights of passion they had ever experienced together. Because of this fact; and the building hope that this was what would happen tonight, Walker decided to light several candles that were placed through out the room. When the room was finally illuminated with the soft glow of the candles, Walker undressed and immediately crawled; naked into their warm, king sized bed as he waited for Alex to emerge from the bathroom. Folding his arms under his head, he gazed up at the ceiling. He was really looking forward to tomorrow morning. C.D. and Trivette weren’t coming out until 4 to exchange gifts and have dinner with them, which meant he and Alex would have the biggest part of the day to themselves. A smile appeared on his face as he let his thoughts turn to his beautiful wife. As long as he has known her, she had always got excited about Christmas. But this year her excitement surpassed any that he had ever seen before. He thought about all the fun they had decorating the house and the tree and about when they had gone shopping for presents for Trivette and C.D. He remembered how her eyes sparkled with merriment as they had lovingly found the perfect gifts and how she immediately sat down to carefully wrap them as soon as they had got back home. He loved seeing her this happy. Closing his eyes, he prayed silently to the great spirit that tomorrow turned out to be the ‘Special’ Christmas that she wanted it to be. PAGE TWO |
| A Very Special Christmas By: Dakota December 1999 |
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