A Christmas Romance
By Joannie Kay

© copyright 2005 By Joannie Kay and ABCD Webmasters
Christmasromance Lg
Introduction

Chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Betsy wasn't about to admit to her parents and brothers she couldn't afford to buy a plane ticket home for the holidays, and her old car wasn't up for the sixteen hour drive. So, to spare her pride, she invented a new boyfriend, and told her family she couldn't bear to leave him alone for Christmas. When the last of her first grade pupils leave for their Christmas break, Betsy thinks she is all alone in the school building, and sobs at the idea of being all alone for the holidays. Tim Feeney overhears her sobs, and is amazed to learn that she doesn't have a husband or a boyfriend… He asks her out, tells her he knows how to deal with bratty behavior, and gives her a demonstration the very next morning!

Betsy is furious when her brother shows up to check out her ‘boyfriend', but once she learns her entire family is worried about her she feels guilty. Tim doesn't believe in telling fibs, and Betsy soon learns that he has a very effective way of dealing with her less than stellar behavior.
Thank you for ordering from RomanticSpankings.com. Your card will be billed as "ABCD Graphics and Design." 

A Christmas Romance
Chapter One
By Joannie Kay

© copyright 2005 By Joannie Kay and ABCD Webmasters

Betsy watched her students leave at early dismissal, and did her best to smile at their enthusiastic cries of, “Merry Christmas, Miss Beecher!” She heard her voice answering them, and doing her best to sound as if she meant it, but at the moment, Betsy was feeling just about as blue as a body could feel and not be sobbing her heart out. That would wait until the last of the children were gone, and she was positive that no one would come back for a lost mitten, or a pair of boots… No, Betsy didn't want anyone to feel sorry for her, or even worse, to pity her. It was her decision not to go home for the holidays. She was an adult, and she'd made a bunch of poor financial decisions since moving so far away from her family… and of course, her old car had compounded her overspending by needing four brand new tires, a new starter, and a fuel pump… all in the last month. Simply put, she couldn't afford to fly home because her credit cards were maxed out, and her car wasn't trustworthy enough to make the sixteen hour drive. If she broke down, she would have no choice but to call her family for help to rescue her.

Oh, her father and mother, or her grandparents, or either of her older brothers would have paid for her ticket, and then subjected her to all kinds of scolds for jacking her credit cards to such a state… especially if they knew she'd gone crazy in furnishing her apartment, and Betsy decided she simply couldn't admit to making such a mess of her finances. It was easier to stay in Tamat, and make up a little fib in the form of a new boyfriend she was so madly in love with that she couldn't fly home for the holidays and leave him all alone. Betsy managed to convince them, only because they couldn't see her face and eyes, and they stopped begging her to come home. They weren't pleased with her decision, but she was an adult and entitled to live her life as she chose.

Of course, there was no boyfriend. She hadn't even been on a date since moving to Tamat to teach school! Most of the other teachers were all married, or much older… and Betsy didn't have much of a social life, which was one reason her credit cards were maxed out. She spent too much of her free time shopping… just to be out and doing something. Her apartment was very nice as a result, and she would simply have to remind herself of that fact as she spent the holidays all alone!

Betsy was in no hurry to leave the building. She had nothing to do for the next two and a half weeks. Absolutely nothing… Her blue eyes filled with tears, and she finally gave in to them. She thought she was alone in the building, and thought she might as well have a good cry and get it out of her system before she drove home. Sobs racked her slender body, and Betsy didn't try to hold back. Once the storm passed, she would pull herself together, and go home to a comfort meal of Campbell's Mushroom Soup and potato chips, and Diet Rite Cola.

When the door to her classroom opened a good ten minutes later Betsy re box she kept on her desk to share with her little first graders. She wiped her eyes, and wanted to sink through the floor when she realized her makeup had to be smeared everywhere. Betsy looked at Tim's shirt, and was relieved there weren't black smudges of mascara everywhere. “Isn't she expecting you?”

“I'm not married, Betsy, and I don't have a girlfriend, either,” he admitted, and then added, “To be honest, I was in a relationship last year at this time, but when she realized that teachers don't make a lot of money, she moved on.” Tim didn't think that pretty little Betsy needed to know that the main reason Lois split was because he promised to spank her if she didn't stop overspending.

“You're better off without her, then,” Betsy nodded. “If she cares more about money than you, then you would end up miserable.” Her blue eyes widened. “I'm sorry; I had no right to say that. I apologize.”

“No need to apologize for speaking the truth,” Tim smiled. “I happen to agree with you. Now that we've established I'm not neglecting a wife or girlfriend by standing here talking to you, let's get back to you, and what has you crying as though your heart is breaking…” When she didn't reply, but teared up again, he asked, “Boyfriend troubles?”

“Oh no!” Betsy's eyes widened as she looked up at him. “I'm not seeing anyone either,” she claimed. “It's nothing like that… I'm just feeling sorry for myself because I can't go home for Christmas this year. It's the first time I won't be there, and it's making me a little blue.”

“Why can't you go home?” Tim questioned.

“It's a matter of pride,” Betsy admitted truthfully. “I won't ask my folks for money, and I can't afford to make the trip.”

“Would you take a loan from a fellow teacher?” he offered. “You can pay me back in small payments when you get paid…”

“No,” she said firmly. “It's my own fault I'm in this predicament, and I'll suffer the consequences.” She offered a watery smile, “Thank you, though. It's so nice of you to offer, but I can't take money. It wouldn't be right.”

“In that case, would you join me for an early dinner? It seems like a shame for us both to be alone when neither of us wants to be alone.”

“I'd love to,” Betsy replied. “Thanks for inviting me…” she smiled again, and then said, “I'll need to go to the lounge and fix my face…”

“Take your time,” Tim said, and when she was at the door he called out, “Betsy…?” When she turned to look at him, he added, “If I'd known you weren't seeing anyone, I would have asked you out weeks ago…”

Betsy blue eyes sparkled. “I would have said ‘yes',” she replied, and then hurried to fix her makeup and run a brush through her light brown hair. When she returned to her classroom, Tim was wearing his coat and holding hers. He helped her into it, and ushered her out the door, flipping off the lights that had drawn his attention in the first place.

“We'll drop your car off at your place, and then we'll go together in my car,” Tim bossed.

Betsy saw no reason to argue. She got behind the steering wheel, and after three attempts, her car finally started. She only lived a few blocks from the school, and was relieved when her old vehicle made it into the parking place allotted her. If she didn't have so much to carry back and forth with her each day, Betsy would walk to and from school… and that was soon going to become a reality anyway, she feared. Her car was fifteen years old, and had over 200,000 thousand miles on it. She simply couldn't afford a new car.

Tim got out to open the door for Betsy, and leaned inside to say in a scolding voice, “I don't like the thought of you driving or riding in a car without your seatbelt, young lady. I couldn't believe it when you took off without buckling up!”

Betsy hated seatbelts, and always had. It was a standing battle between her and her father, and he'd taken her car keys away from her more than once when she was in high school and college for driving without her seatbelt fastened across her. Once she'd moved sixteen hours away from home, she figured she could do as she pleased. She truly believed it should be a matter of choice! But, Tim Feeney wasn't giving her a choice. He wasn't even arguing with her or discussing the issue. He was actually pulling the strap across her body, adjusting the length, and fastening it securely, then checking to make sure it was properly snug. “But, I don't like to wear a seatbelt!” she protested.

“Too bad. It's the law, and you'll wear it, and if you unfasten it,” he reached for her hand to stop her from doing just that, “I just might have to turn you over my knee and spank your cute fanny.”

The words were said lightly, but Betsy saw the warning in his dark eyes. She swallowed hard, and decided to leave the seatbelt fastened. Surely he wouldn't do such a thing…?

Tim rounded the car, got behind the wheel, and fastened his own seatbelt. “I was planning to go to Graff's… but if there is somewhere else you'd like to go…?”

“Graff's is nice,” Betsy assured him. “I've been there a couple of times with Norma Richards and Sarah Jones… when we were planning the Art Fair.”

“I like their fried chicken,” Tim grinned.

“I've never had that… mostly salads,” Betsy admitted.

“Salad is not a meal,” Tim declared, and winked when Betsy giggled. He was pleased to see her looking so happy, and she hadn't freaked out when he slipped and mentioned spanking, unlike his old girlfriend, who needed a spanking in the worst possible way. Betsy was right earlier when she told him that he was well rid of Lois. He was much happier, even if he was alone, and he'd had enough time to be well and truly over the relationship. He made light conversation and Betsy kept him smiling. When he parked the car, he turned to her and said, “I can't believe that you don't have a boyfriend, Betsy Beecher. You're special.”

She blushed, but decided to be honest. “I'm on my best behavior right now, Tim. I can be a bit of a brat at times.”

“I know a cure for that,” he whispered, then laughed at her expression. She knew exactly what he meant, and her cheeks turned a pretty pink.

“You shouldn't tease me like that, Tim,” Betsy protested. He really shouldn't! If only he knew how it made her feel… She was pretty darn old-fashioned, and the thought of a man spanking didn't fill her with shock or horror. She knew for a fact that her Pawpaw spanked her Gramma… She'd burst in on them unannounced one day, and they'd sat her down and had a long talk with her about love and respect. It seemed to make perfect sense to her, even at the tender age of sixteen. She'd wondered ever since then if her Dad, their son, spanked her Mom… He'd never spanked his children, preferring other methods of discipline, but there were times she thought her Mom sat on her chair a bit carefully.

“I'm not teasing, Betsy,” he said quietly. He got out of the car, and was around to the other side to open the door for her. He grinned when she tried to get out and the seatbelt stopped her from moving. “You may unfasten it now, Betsy,” he said dryly.

“I told you I'm not used to wearing a seatbelt,” she blushed, getting out of the car after clicking the button on the belt. She was still reeling from the information that he actually believed in spanking!

“You'd better get used to wearing one,” he said firmly, and then rested his hand on her bottom. He gave her a little pat. “Let's eat. I skipped lunch today, and I'm famished.”

They were taken to a table right away, and Tim was pleased when Betsy ordered the chicken, too. While they were waiting on their food, they talked of a million different things. Tim learned of Betsy's family, and she learned that his only living relative was a younger brother+-- who was stationed in Iraq. Tim admitted his fears for him, and Betsy promised to keep him in her prayers. Tim told her it was his first Christmas alone, too. In the space of a few minutes, she'd invited him to come over for Christmas, and said they could be alone together. He agreed, and by the time their golden brown, crispy chicken arrived, Betsy and Tim felt as though they'd known each other for a lifetime.

Dinner was over much too soon to suit either of them. Tim didn't want to take Betsy home, but he had another commitment. “Every Wednesday evening, I teach a class at the Center. You're welcome to come along if you want, but it might be a bit boring for you, Betsy.”

“So is going home and watching nothing on television,” she announced. “I'd love to come along, unless I would be in the way…?”

“No, not at all.” Tim explained a bit about the class as he drove to the Center, and Betsy was impressed. She was even more impressed when she saw how his students greeted him, so respectfully, and with such hope in their eyes. “This is my friend, Miss Beecher,” he introduced her to the class of all ages, men and women, all of whom were learning English as a second language. The time passed quickly, and there were some humorous mistakes in pronunciation. Rather than scold, or make fun, Tim took the time to explain the mispronunciation, so that the student wouldn't be embarrassed out in public. He was a very good teacher, and it was obvious the men and women in the class adored him. He spent some time afterwards looking over some papers for one man, and telling him the words said exactly what the man had been told. And, a few more minutes helping an older lady compose a note to her employer asking for a raise. An hour after the class was supposed to be over, the last student walked out the door.

“I'm impressed,” Betsy said. “Well and truly impressed, and proud of you, Tim.”

“I enjoy this, Betsy.”

“I can see that you do.”

They drove back to Betsy's apartment, and she invited Tim inside for coffee. He gave her a look, as if trying to read between the lines and decide what she meant, and Betsy said quietly, “I'm offering a cup of coffee, Tim. It's not a ‘come on',” she smiled.

“While I would appreciate a ‘come on' from a purely male ego thing, I'm relieved to know it's a coffee invite. If it's deaf, I'll take you up on it,” he answered.

“It's deaf all the time,” she replied, and added, “I'm not the ‘come on' type, Tim. I was raised with old-fashioned morals and values, and I wouldn't invite you inside for coffee if I didn't think I could trust you.” He nodded in acceptance, and she said, “Come on in.”

Tim looked around and had to smile. Betsy's apartment was a lot nicer than his, and cleaner, too. It had a homey feel. She took off her coat and hung it on a hall tree, and held out her hand for his coat, and hung it up, too. Tim followed her into the small kitchen, and too should,” she agreed.

“If we show up there together, it will be all over town that we are dating. Does that bother you, Betsy?” Tim asked.

“Not at all. Does it bother you?”

He grinned, “Nope. We are dating.” They found a tree that Betsy thought would fit into a corner of her living room, and the kids were more than willing to help Tim tie it to the roof of his car. They ran into several of their students while picking out the tree, and smiled at each other at some of the whispered giggles. A trip back to her apartment, and the tree was propped up inside the door until they could make a Wal-Mart run for a tree stand, and ornaments and lights.

Tim found it fascinating that shopping with Betsy was fun. She loved to pick out ornaments for the tree, but she was also careful to shy away from the ones that were very expensive. He loved her taste in tinsel, and they both preferred colored lights to all of one color. There was no fussing, and when he spotted one of his adult English students, and stopped to chat for a few minutes, there was no impatient toe tapping. Betsy was pleasant, and charming, and seemed to genuinely enjoy the conversation. Tim was falling hard and fast.

“I don't think it's fair that you are paying for the tree and all the decorations, Tim,” she said as they waited in line at the check out.

“I invited you to shop. And, since we are having Christmas at your place, I think I should pay for all the amenities.”

“But…”

“No fussing, Miss Beecher,” he teased.

“I'll at least get to fix you lunch,” she pouted.

“Now that sounds like a deal,” he agreed. They walked out to the car and put the packages in the trunk, and Tim opened the door for her to get inside. He could see that Betsy's mind was on something else, and he pointedly cleared his throat. “Am I going to have to repeat that earlier lesson right here in the parking lot?”

“Oh!” Betsy gasped, and she quickly reached for the seat belt. “You are a real pain in the butt on this subject, Tim Feeney!” she declared.

“I haven't even begun to show you what a pain in the butt I can be,” he returned, enjoying the sight of watching her cheeks turn a bright pink. “I'm sure we'll get around to that sooner or later, though… But, for now, I'd rather you buckle up like a good girl, so we can get back to your apartment and you can feed me. I'm about to fade away,” he declared, making sure her seatbelt was snug. He walked around to the driver's side, and got in the car and started it, and then made his way through the heavily congested parking lot, and finally out on the street.

Betsy was lost in thought, and perfectly quiet. He couldn't help but wonder if she was thinking he was some kind of freak for bringing up spanking, and finally, he turned to her at a red light and asked, “Are you upset because I promised a spanking if you don't wear your seatbelt, Betsy?”

She looked at him with serious eyes, trying to decide how to answer. “I'm not upset,” she denied. “Confused is a better word. I would like to ask you a question… and I'm not sure how to go about it without sounding… weird.”

“Just ask, Betsy. I think we need to have this discussion because my heart is getting involved real fast here, and even though I keep telling myself to tread lightly, I don't want to. I'm not blind, and I can see you are feeling the same way… So, ask your question, and let's see where we stand with each other.”

His dark eyes were serious, and encouraging her to speak her mind. Betsy took a deep breath, and spoke softly, “I do feel the same way, Tim… And I find that pretty scary. I'm reacting to you in a way I'm not used to reacting to people I barely know. When you speak firmly, I get the impression you aren't teasing at times, and then, I wonder if I am reading more into your words than you intend. I wonder if you are really teasing…? Do you truly believe in spanking a grown woman?”

Go to Chapter Two

A Christmas Romance
Chapter Two
By Joannie Kay

© copyright 2005 By Joannie Kay and ABCD Webmasters

“If that grown woman is mine, and she behaves like a bratty child, or endangers her safety, then I think a spanking is a great way to deal with the situation. I think it is one way of expressing love in a firm way. And,” he added, “I don't think any woman ever gets too old for a good spanking. If a spanking is given with love, I think it helps a marriage.” He waited a moment or two, and then asked, “Have I shocked you completely?”

“No. I'd be more upset if you were just teasing. It's kind of old-fashioned, but that is the kind of marriage I want. One like my Grandparents have… and like my parents.” She was blushing, but she was happy to know that it wasn't just a sex thing for Tim. “I'm not impressed with modern marriages.”

“Neither am I,” Tim replied seriously. “My folks bickered a lot, and were always trying to one up the other. It wasn't a peaceful home. When they died, we lived with our Uncle and Aunt, and it was a different feeling altogether. Uncle Jack was Mom's brother, and while he wasn't a bit cruel, he was the head of the house for sure. Aunt Eileen respected him, and his word was final. They loved each other, and weren't afraid to show that love. That is the kind of marriage I want, and Betsy, I'm glad we have this out in the open from the beginning, and that you are able to admit that you want the same. A lot of women these days deny their feelings for fear of what their friends would say to them if they knew.”

“And a lot of those friends who protest the most would be the ones so jealous they couldn't stand it,” Betsy said. “I went to school with someone like that… She was always protesting and claiming she was discriminated against because of her sex… and I always thought she was begging for a man to come along and put a stop to her raging.” She giggled, and continued, “One day there was a fire in their dorm room, and the firefighters toted out boxes of novels related to spanking.”

Tim chuckled. “I'm sure she was embarrassed.”

“She was furious, and claimed they were for research purposes. No one believed her.” Her smile was full of mischief, and Tim shook his head in amusement.

“How did we work together so long and not get to really know each other?” he asked, his expression full of disbelief.

“I think we both assumed the other was already involved. I couldn't imagine you not being married, Tim! And, I didn't let myself look at you than other as a colleague.”

“We should have asked, huh?” he winked, and when she nodded in agreement, he decided to continue learning more about Betsy. “Did your parents spank you?” Tim asked, wondering if the question was too personal.

“No… Well, I believe they gave me a few swats when I was really little and they were trying to teach me not to touch electrical outlets, or the oven… Things like that… But when I was older, they used grounding, or restriction, or extra chores…”

“You haven't been spanked as an adult…? Not even playfully, or sexually?” he wanted to know.

She shook her heayou won't mention his name. They think that he just might be married, and taking advantage of you.”

“Betsy, what is going on here?” Tim asked. She gave him a guilty look, and he nodded. “Seems we are going to be in for a pretty serious discussion between dates two and three, doesn't it?” He handed her a couple of bags to carry, then bossed, “Inside. You can make us some lunch, and then we'll sort this all out.”

Betsy wanted to cry, but she led the way to her apartment, unlocked the door, and let them all inside. She hung up her coat, and Tim did the same. “Hang up your coat, Wayne.”

Tim could tell that Betsy's brother was finally starting to realize that his sister was truly upset. He decided it was time to put him at ease. “I'm Tim Feeney,” he offered his hand.

“Wayne Beecher,” Wayne shook his hand. “I feel like I've barged in on something I don't understand.”

“I'm sure that Betsy will clear everything up soon, won't you, brat?” his dark eyes looked at her meaningfully.

“Yes, I will. Are you hungry, Wayne? I was going to fix something for Tim and me…”

“I'm always ready and willing to eat,” Wayne answered. “This is one neat apartment.”

“I'm going to get the tree stand set up while you're fixing food, Bets,” Tim said.

“I'll give you a hand,” Wayne offered. Once his sister was out of hearing, he asked, “What's she up to now, man?”

“I'm not really positive, Wayne,” Tim answered. “But from the guilty look on her face, I'd say she's in big trouble with a few of us.”

“How long have you known her?”

“We teach at the same school, but until yesterday, I didn't know she wasn't dating anyone. I would have asked her out weeks ago, if I'd known.”

“Sorry I came on so strong. Apparently Bet has been fibbing again.”

They got the tree in the stand, and filled the stand with water. Betsy announced that soup was on… and the two men joined her in the kitchen.

“I've seen you talk with your mouth full lots of times, Bet. What the heck is going on, and no more fibs, or I'm going to forget I'm your brother, and paddle your butt.”

“You just try it Wayne Matthew Beecher, and I'll kick your butt!”

“You're welcome to try,” he grinned at her. “Now stop stalling. I already know you haven't been dating anyone, so you can forget the ‘staying home for the holidays because of the love of your life' routine.”

“Okay, I fibbed. I didn't want any of you to feel sorry for me. I didn't have the money to buy a plane ticket.”

“You should have asked. You know I'd give you the money. So would Mom and Dad, and the Grandparents. Hell, even Dave would pay your way home, and you know how stingy he is...” he made an attempt at humor at their brother's expense. “We don't like to see Mom cry!” he scolded.

“Oh… She's not…!” Betsy felt her eyes well up with tears.

“She and Dad are scared you're involved with a married man, or with someone they wouldn't approve of. It was a toss up to see who was going to come here and save you.”

“I don't need saving!” she pouted. “I just didn't want to come home and have to explain why I couldn't afford to buy my own ticket.”

“This ought to be good…” Wayne looked at her. “Just why couldn't you afford a ticket?” he asked.

“That's my personal business.”

“Okay. I'll let Dad deal with you.”

“No. I don't want him to know about this.”

“Too late. He's going to ask questions. I can tell him for you, or you can tell him in person. If he didn't have a meeting today, he would have come himself.” He made a grand show of looking at his watch. “I have ten minutes before I am expected to call him with a report.”

Tim chuckled.

“This is not funny, Tim Feeney!”

“I think you'd best tell the truth, young lady.” He turned his hand over to show her his palm, and Betsy turned red. Wayne pretended not to notice, taking another bite of his grilled cheese sandwich.

“This is good, Bet.”

“Thanks, Wayne.” She took a sip of her tomato soup from her mug, and then said, “The truth is that I maxed out my credit cards, and then my car had to have new tires, a new fuel pump, and a starter, all in the last three weeks. It's my own fault I'm in this mess, and I wasn't going to ask for money to fix it.”

“I understand. I ate canned soup and mac and cheese for three months one time because I got in over my head. I didn't want to tell Dad and get a lecture on irresponsible spending. I sure love that stereo though,” he grinned at her. “How bad is it?” he wanted to know. “I can help out…” He was the big brother, ready to save his little sister.

“I'll be fine, Wayne. I've already cut up three cards, and I'm keeping one just for emergencies. I'm paying extra on them, and will have it under control in a few more paychecks. And just because we're having soup for lunch doesn't mean I can't afford groceries,” she smiled. “I love tomato soup.”

Wayne's cell phone rang, and he looked at the Caller ID. “Damn! Dad really was serious about calling at a certain time.” He turned on the phone. “Hey Dad…” He winked at Betsy. “Yes, I'm sitting here with her right now, and with Tim.” He winked at Tim. “He's a nice guy… Planning to smack Bet's butt as soon as I give them some privacy. I'm thinking of sneaking back inside so I can watch…” He listened and then chuckled at whatever his Dad said. “She's fine, Dad, and yes, I'll tell her to call Mom.” He nodded, and said, “Sure will. Bye.”

Wayne finished eating his lunch, then casually got to his feet and started opening cupboard doors.

“What are you doing?” Betsy asked, getting to her feet and putting her hands on her hips.

“Making sure you have enough to eat,” he answered. “Just because I did without is no sign you're going to.”

Tim had to smile as Wayne methodically made sure there was food in the house, but when he went for his sister's handbag, Tim was positive he was going to have to save Wayne's life. Betsy was using language that was going to get her bottom spanked for sure and certain as she grabbed for her bag, slapping at Wayne's hands in an attempt to get him to let go.

“Betsy, that is enough,” Tim stated sternly, and when she turned to look at him in shocked surprise, Wayne used the opportunity to check her billfold and look in her checkbook.

“Well, you sure aren't rich, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be… I guess you'll be okay. I'm going home now, and, Tim, Dad said to tell you that wooden spoons work well…” He ducked when the soup ladle came flying at his head, and said, “Merry Christmas… and good bye!”

“He makes me furious!” Betsy stomped her foot.

“I can tell,” Tim raised an eyebrow. “That language is uncalled for.”

“Easy for you to say. You're not the one who just had their privacy violated.”

“You wouldn't have had your privacy violated if you'd told the truth in the first place, young lady. Your family was worried about you, and I cannot fault them for loving you enough to make sure you're all right.”

“Oh great, you're taking Wayne's side now!”

“Betsy, did you deceive your family?” Tim asked pointedly. He saw her face color even as her eyes filled with guilt.

“Yes, I did,” she told him the truth. “I didn't want them to worry.”

“Did they worry anyway?” he asked.

“Yes, but I didn't think they would.”

“What did you tell them… exactly.”

“Does it really matter?” she was squirming now, and pretty sure she knew where this conversation was leading.

“It matters. Tell me what you said.”

“I said I was involved with someone and I didn't want to come home and leave him here all alone for Christmas.”

“If I had a sister who said something like that to me I would wonder why she wasn't bringing the guy home to meet me. Then I would start grabbing at reasons… Maybe the guy was married… or maybe he was abusive… Maybe he was a user… I'd wonder why my sister wouldn't tell me about him… and why I hadn't heard mention of him until now… And then, I'd be on a plane to wherever she was to make sure she was safe, well, and happy, and not being mistreated in any way. Once I learned she'd made up the boyfriend to cover up the fact she'd been spending too much money and just couldn't afford to come home for Christmas, I would more than likely haul her over my knee and paddle her butt a nice bright red. As her brother, I would rather she told me the simple truth and admitted she'd gotten in over her head financially and couldn't afford to come home. You put your family through some serious worry, Betsy,” he scolded.

Betsy was on the verge of tears. “I'm so sorry.”

“And instead of thanking your brother for coming here, you cursed at him for making sure you had enough food in the house, and enough money to live on.”

“I warned you I could be an awful brat at times,” she tearfully whispered.

“And I told you I had a cure for that,” Tim stated firmly.

“Are you really going to spank me?” Betsy asked in trepidation.

“Do you think you deserve a spanking?” he answered her question with a question of his own. Betsy looked at him with wide open eyes, but under his stern regard, she lowered her eyes, and then nodded her agreement. “I think you do, too, Betsy,” he agreed. “So, I guess the answer to your question is yes.”

Betsy watched as Tim got to his feet and took a wooden spatula from the ceramic jar beside the stove. He then turned toward her, took her hand in his, and pulled her over to the chair where he'd been sitting. Tim took a seat, and tugged her down over his lap. “Why are you being spanked, young lady?” he asked as he laid the wooden spatula on the table.

“Because I lied about the reason I couldn't come home.”

“That is one reason,” Tim acknowledged, and gave the seat of her jeans a firm spank. “What is another?”

“I don't know! I can't think!” Betsy exclaimed. She was feeling a sense of panic, and she wanted to get up and run! Instead, Tim easily held her right there, and spanked her three more times, hard. She felt the smacks through her jeans! “Owww!”

“What is another reason, Betsy? Think about it.”

“Because I used bad language?” she asked.

”Yes. I don't ever want to hear you talking like that!” Tim scolded, and spanked her another ten times.

“Ouch! You're hurting me, Tim!” she complained.

“Then I'm doing it right,” he answered. “What is another reason you are being spanked?”

Betsy wailed, “Because I was rude to Wayne, and didn't thank him for coming to make sure I'm okay… I was rotten to him.”

“Yes, you were. And, you were rotten to make your parents and grandparents worry about you, young lady. I think all of that together is enough reason for a good spanking, don't you?” he asked matter-of-factly.

“I'm sorry, and you were right to punish me,” Betsy admitted. She tried to push herself up off his lap, onlthen settled over his lap once more. Tim didn't keep her waiting. He used his hand to spank her thoroughly, alternating cheeks. Betsy cried out several times, and he heard her crying, too. “You're doing well, Betsy. The hardest part comes now.” Tim picked up the wooden spatula. “Twenty-five more with this, and you'll be done. I want you to count them.”

“I can't,” she protested.

“Yes, you can,” Tim insisted. The spatula sounded loud in the small kitchen, and Betsy cried out immediately. When she didn't count, Tim said firmly, “Young lady, these do not count until you do what you were told to do. We'll start over.”

Betsy cried out and tried to scramble off Tim's lap when the second smack landed. “It hurts too much! Stop!” Instead of stopping, Tim spanked her again. She wised up. “Three!”

“No, ma'am. You missed the first two, and you counted this one wrong. We'll start once more. No miscounting…” The wooden spatula was making an impression, and the next time he cracked her lower right cheek, she called out the correct number. “Good…” He continued the spanking until all twenty-five were counted, and Betsy was sobbing hard. “It's all over now, honey,” he helped her up and then held her on his lap while she cried.

“I'm so sorry!” Betsy told him.

“I know you are,” he comforted her.

Betsy controlled her tears, but made no effort to get up. It was nice to be held. She didn't even care that her jeans were lying in a puddle on the floor where she kicked them. Her backside was scorching hot! “I need to make some calls, don't I?” she finally spoke.

“When you're ready,” he agreed. It was nice holding her. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I want to be good for the rest of my natural life,” she stated truthfully.

Tim chuckled, and then gave her a tender kiss. “Get dressed, honey. We have a tree to decorate this afternoon…”

“I don't think I could get my jeans on,” she whispered in embarrassment. “My butt feels swollen!”

“Then put on some sweats,” Tim bossed, and had to admit he enjoyed the sight as she padded through the house on her way to her bedroom. He could get used to seeing her wiggle over the next sixty years or so.

Betsy was shocked when she eased her panties down and looked in the mirror and saw how red her poor bottom was. She gingerly rubbed the tender area, and was surprised at the heat radiating from her skin. She was well and truly punished, and she didn't need to feel guilty now. Betsy put on a larger pair of cotton panties, then eased a pair of gray sweat pants over her throbbing bottom, and after washing her face and brushing her hair, she walked out into the living room to find Tim untangling the new lights they bought.

They had a great time decorating the Christmas tree, and they both thought it was beautiful when they finished. Betsy fixed them some coffee and they sat on the sofa for a long time, just looking at the lights and talking, and cuddling.

Finally, Betsy took a deep breath, and said, “I'm ready to make those calls now, Tim.” When he nodded in approval, she smiled. “Dad will be the hardest, and I'm going to call him first,” she decided.

Tim gave her a hug. “Sounds like a good plan. Just remember that they love you, honey.” Betsy nodded, and after she hit speed dial, she grabbed his hand and held it for courage. It made Tim feel special and told him she wasn't the least bit upset with the fact he'd spanked her.

“Hey, Dad,” she said when he answered. “Are you busy right now?”

Tim had to smile. It was so obvious to him that Betsy was hoping to have a legitimate reason to put off the conversation, but when her Dad told her he had time to talk, Betsy took one look at him, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Betsy started out by apologizing for the worry she'd caused, and then told the truth. All of it… Tim was a bit embarrassed when the conversation turned to him, and he wondered what the other man was thinking when she stated that she'd been properly spanked!

Go to Chapter Three

A Christmas Romance
Chapter Three
By Joannie Kay

© copyright 2005 By Joannie Kay and ABCD Webmasters

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than Betsy got a worried look on her face and held out the telephone to him. “Dad wants to talk to you…”

Tim took the telephone and said, “This is Tim Feeney, Mr. Beecher.” The conversation was friendly, to Tim's surprise, and Betsy's dad seemed concerned that Wayne might have caused a problem by showing up when he did. Tim was careful to tell the man that he thought it was wonderful that Betsy had a family who loved her as much as they did.

They talked a few more minutes, and then Betsy's Dad wanted to speak to her once again. Betsy didn't say much, but she nodded and said, “Yes, Dad,” several times. Tim was pretty sure he was scolding. Betsy apologized again, and ended the call with, “I love you, too, Dad. Yes, I'll call Mom right now.” She disconnected, and told Tim, “Dad likes you. He told me that he was glad you had sense enough to spank me for lying to them… I need to call Mom now.” That call went well, and Betsy's mother was so relieved to hear that “it was only money”, she easily forgave her daughter… and hinted that she couldn't wait to meet Tim. Betsy promised her that when spring break arrived, she would do her best to get home for a visit.

Betsy called her Grandparents then, and let them know that she was fine. Her Gramma asked a few questions, and Betsy again shocked Tim by talking about the fact he'd punished her. Her Gramma talked for a while, and Betsy was smiling when she hung up.
She put the telephone aside, and leaned against Tim.

“I think you need to make another call, Bets.”

“I know… but I don't want to…”

Tim pulled her on over his lap in the next moment, and his hand rested on her bottom. “Do you need another reminder so soon, Betsy?” he asked calmly.

“No!”

“Next time I spank you it's on the bare,” he warned.

“I don't want another spanking right now, Tim… I'll call Wayne,” Betsy promised. She really did not want another of his spankings! Her butt was still extremely tender. “Please…” she whispered, and was relieved when Tim lifted her up again. He handed her the telephone, and she called Wayne, but got his voice mail. The message she left was short, but it was heartfelt, and Betsy took comfort in the fact that Tim was smiling at her in approval. After she hung up, she said, “I was being stubborn…”

“Old habits are hard to break. I still tend to boss the heck out of my brother, and he's a Marine… He gets a little tired of it, too,” Tim admitted. “You can help me see things from his point of view, okay?”

“It's a deal,” Betsy answered.

She fixed dinner for them a bit later, and when Tim went home, she put her mind to a Christmas gift for him. He called the next day, and made a dinner and movie date, and they had a wonderful time. Tim kissed her goodnight at the door, and then said, “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve… I would like to spend the day with you, if you don't mind… Something has come up on Christmas, and I can't be here.” Betsy did her best to keep her disapprite of my family's.”

”That's sweet of you,” he told her. “I'm sure I'll love them.”

“I hope so,” she agreed. “I love it when you call me like this.”

“It just doesn't seem right to be here alone now that I've met you.”

“I feel the same way.”

“Bets, I'm not playing games with you… I want the whole parcel with you… Marriage, kids, an entire life together. I've never said that to another woman, and I can't believe I'm saying it this quickly to you. My Uncle always said that when it was right, you just knew it was right. I am sure of my feelings, but I'm not going to rush you. And, until you are sure enough to let me put my ring on your finger, we'll be saying goodnight over the telephone.”

“I thought I was the one supposed to say that,” Betsy giggled.

“I just didn't want you to think I was trying to hustle you into bed. I know you're an old-fashioned girl, and I respect that. It doesn't mean I won't be taking a lot of cold showers, however.” Her answering giggle reassured him.

“Tim, I feel the same way about you. Gramma told me I would just know when it was right, and there wouldn't be a question in my heart. I knew my feelings that first night when you put the seatbelt around me. I felt special, and I simply knew I'd met the one man I wanted to be with forever. I think it's been easier to accept these feelings because we knew each other at work… And, it simply has to be right for everything to fall into place so easily… I'm truly happy when I'm with you.” They talked for several more minutes, and only when they were both feeling drowsy did they prepare to hang up.

“You've made me a happy man, Betsy Beecher. I'll be there at eight, ready for a kiss and a cranberry muffin. Goodnight now,” he told her, and once she replied, he hung up the telephone.

Betsy hugged her pillow, and wished it was time to get up! She loved the fact that she could be so open and honest with Tim, and she truly hoped he didn't think the gift she had for him was hokey.

Morning finally arrived, and Betsy took pains with her appearance. She wanted to look especially nice when Tim arrived, and she even added a touch of perfume to her spot behind her ears and to her wrists and her throat. When the doorbell rang, she rushed to open the door, and Tim came in, stomping snow off of his feet and carrying two packages. He put them under the tree, and then took her in his arms and kissed her quite thoroughly.

“You smell good!” he commented.

“So do you,” she traced his lips with her fingers. “I couldn't wait for you to get here…”

“I was up at five…” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “Do I smell coffee?” he asked with another appreciative sniff.

“Yes, you do. Have a seat. I fixed a tray to bring in here so we could watch the lights on the tree and listen to Christmas music.”

“Good thinking,” Tim approved. “He removed his coat and hung it on the halltree, and then sat on the sofa. Betsy was back right away, carrying a pretty Christmas tray, and the matching cups and plates were very festive. They enjoyed their breakfast, and once their second cups of coffee were gone, Tim announced. “I think we should pretend it is Christmas morning and open our gifts right now.”

“You don't want to wait until tonight?” Betsy was surprised.

“Nope. I want to do it right now.”

“But…”

He jumped to his feet, and handed her a package. “Open this one first,” he bossed.

Betsy smiled in anticipation as she attacked the box. It was long and slender, and she was sure it was jewelry of some kind. “Ohhhhh,” she squealed in delight when she saw the heart-shaped diamond necklace. “Tim, this is so beautiful! I love it… but it's so expensive…”

“Let me tell you what this means, honey. It is my promise to you that I want us to be forever. You are wearing my heart, and keeping it with you always. It would please me if you would wear it…?”

Betsy kissed him, and then asked him to help her put it around her neck. Once it was fastened, she had to get up and run to look at the necklace in the mirror. It was gorgeous, and she touched it reverently. “This is perfect, Tim. Thank you so much.” It was her turn to hand him a box, and watch as he unwrapped the scarf she'd picked for him.

“This is nice… and expensive…” he looked at her in surprise.

“You didn't have a scarf, and I wanted you to have something nice and soft from me to keep you warm. I love the color, too…”

“It's beautiful, Bets. Thank you.” He smiled, “Doesn't it strike you as amazing that we both put something around the other's neck…?”

“We are in tune,” she agreed.

“I have one more present for you,” he handed her a larger box, but it was extremely light. The look in his dark eyes was a mixture of amusement and trepidation, and Betsy couldn't imagine what it was.

She finally got the lid off the box, and underneath the tissue paper there was an envelope. Betsy was shocked when she realized they were airline tickets! “Tim Feeney! What are you thinking?”

“That it is Christmas, and you need to be with your family. I'm thinking that I want to do everything humanly possible and in my power to do this right… and I want to meet your family and reassure them that I'm capable of taking care of you. I want to show them I love you.” He saw the tears in her eyes, and he couldn't tell if they were happy ones, or sad, or angry.

“Oh Tim… Oh Tim… Thank you so much! Thank you. I've been trying so hard not to whine and complain… but I wanted to go home and introduce you to everyone… You just can't know how much this means to me,” she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight.

“I hoped it might,” he kissed her. “We'll have to leave for the airport soon, honey. You've got some packing to do.”

“You still have a gift to open, and I'm so embarrassed to give it to you… especially after you've spent so much money…” She got it and handed it to him, and her cheeks were a bright pink.

Tim was curious as to what could make Betsy blush so profusely. The last time he saw that particular look on her face was when she was about to be spanked for the first time. He undid the wrapping and took the lid off the box. He couldn't believe what was inside, and he looked at her in amazement. “A paddle?” he whispered, and took it out of the box. She'd obviously painted it and written the words ‘With Love' on one side. It was lightweight, but he knew it would sting like crazy. “Betsy, you're giving this to me…?” he was touched, and very nearly speechless.

“You said a spanking given with love and concern only helps a marriage,” she told him in a serious tone. “I wanted to give you a paddle decorated with love to use with love…” She blushed even more, and said, “Silly, huh?”

“Silly? Honey, you wouldn't say that if you knew how much this means to me. I'm so honored you would go to this trouble, and take the time to give me something this thoughtful. I give you my word that this paddle will never be used without love. I think you are precious to give me your trust.” Tim held her close, and then kissed her gently. “Thank you with all my heart. This Christmas is truly special in so many ways I don't know where to start.” He kissed her again, and his beeping watch separated them.

“We have exactly thirty minutes to get you packed, Bets,” he gave her bottom a playful tap with the paddle. “Tell me what I can do to help.”

“Get my suitcase down from the shelf in my closet to start, and then empty the coffee pot and throw the dishes in the dishwasher,” she bossed, and then smiled and added, “Please…?”

Tim was impressed. They were out of the apartment with five minutes to spare. The airport was busy, but they easily made it through check-in and through security, and were in the waiting area for their gate in plenty of time. Betsy was excited, and it made him smile to see her so happy.

“Do my parents know we're coming?” she suddenly asked.

“Nope. I thought it would be a nice surprise. Should we call?” he asked, wondering if he'd done something wrong.

“Oh no! I can't wait to see Mom's face! And Dad's! My Pawpaw and Gramma will be thrilled, and Gramma is going to love you for sure.”

Surprisingly their flight was only ten minutes late, and the trip went well. It was another opportunity for Betsy and Tim to share their thoughts, and the time seemed to pass very quickly. The rental car was all ready for them, and Betsy made darn sure to fasten her seat belt. She was only too aware that the paddle she'd given him for Christmas was packed discreetly in the bottom of her suitcase, at Tim's insistence.

The drive from the airport took an hour, and Betsy was elated when they pulled up in front of her parents' home. Both of her brother's cars were in the driveway, which meant they were inside. She took Tim's hand, and out of mischievousness, she decided to ring the doorbell instead of walking inside. She heard her Mom call out that she would get it, and when the door opened, she said, “Merry Christmas, Mom!”

“Betsy, you're here!” Mrs. Beecher exclaimed, and promptly burst into tears of joy as she hugged her youngest child. “This is so wonderful!”

“Betsy's here?” Tim heard the sound of a recliner footrest dropping, and footsteps.

“Yes, John… It's Betsy! And you must be Tim?” she looked at the man smiling at her daughter.

“Mom and Dad, this is Tim Feeney. Tim, this is my Mom and Dad, Gwen and John Beecher.”

“It's nice to meet you,” Tim stepped forward and shook hands with Betsy's father.

“Tim surprised me with airline tickets this morning… and here we are!” Betsy explained.

At that moment her brothers put in an appearance. “I thought we were going to have some peace this year?” Dave growled in mock annoyance, but Tim could see he was happy to see his sister as he stepped forward to give her a hug.

“And let you eat all of Mom's fudge…? I don't think so,” Betsy teased right back, and then said, “Tim this is Dave. Dave, Tim Feeney…” They shook hands, and then she said, “You've already met Wayne.”

“Good to see you, man,” Wayne grinned, shaking hands, and then he gave his little sister a bear hug. Afterwards, he turned and held out his hand to Dave.

“Damn it.” Dave took out his billfold and slapped a fifty on Wayne's outstretched hand. “You'd better not gloat, or the fight's on!”

“Easiest fifty bucks I've ever made,” Wayne gloated on purpose. “I bet him that Tim would bring you home for Christmas, Bet.” Then he looked at his brother, “Told you he's serious about her,” he slapped Dave on the back, then caught his mother's look of disapproval. “Don't worry, Mom, this is going in the collection plate tonight,” he gave her a pious look that had Betsy giggling.

“I'll be watching to kept telling all of us that your Tim was a good man, and that if it were possible, he would bring you home to us for Christmas.”

“Smart move on your part, young man,” Betsy's Pawpaw gave him a steady look. “We love this little girl, and we figured any man worth her love would do the right thing and come to meet us.” When his wife poked him, he hastily added, “No offense, young man.”

Tim smiled. “No offense taken, sir. I happen to feel the same way.”

“Another reason not to get married,” Dave grumbled to the room in general. “Having to deal with the crazy inlaws politely threatening you…”

“We'll do the same for you someday, sweetie,” Gramma promised with a giggle.

They went to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and all eyes were on Wayne as he dramatically placed Dave's fifty dollar bill in the collection basket, and when Dave tried to pick it out, Gwen slapped his hand. Betsy started giggling, and Wayne turned to wink at her. The family shared a toast when they got home from Mass, and then Tim walked Betsy to her room, and kissed her goodnight in the hallway. She warned him that it was a tradition to get up early, and realized that she wasn't kidding when he heard everyone stirring around by seven! They had a lovely breakfast of Cinnamon Rolls and Hot Chocolate, a tradition that John informed him started when Wayne was little, and continued every year thereafter. Tim was shocked that there were gifts for him, too, and he expressed the fact that he felt bad he had nothing to give in return. Gwen gave him a surprised look in return and told him that his gift to all of them was sitting beside him on the sofa! Wayne promptly stuck a bow on his sister's head, which she wore proudly.

When Betsy was showing Tim around town the next day, one of her high school friends spotted her, and invited her to lunch the next day with a group of girlfriends home for the holidays. Betsy was hesitant to go, but Tim told her she shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to catch up with her friends. Susan said she'd pick Betsy up at one, and Tim reassured her he would be just fine on his own for a while. He waited with her, and kissed her goodbye when Susan arrived. The smile on his face turned into a frown when Betsy didn't put on her seatbelt. He was going to have to make use of his Christmas gift sooner than he hoped.

Betsy wasn't wearing her seatbelt when she was dropped off three hours later, and Tim was determined it was the last time she was going to make that mistake. Fortunately, they had the house to themselves for a few more hours, so dealing with Miss Betsy wouldn't have to wait.

“Did you have fun?” he asked when she entered the house.

“Yes… Maggie is pregnant!” she exclaimed. “That was a shock!”

“She's not married?”

“Oh, yes, she is, but she's in law school, and it's going to make things difficult for them. She's happy, though, so I'm sure they'll work… What's wrong, Tim?” Betsy didn't like the look in his dark eyes.

“You've earned yourself a spanking, young lady. Want to tell me why?”

“I don't know…” she replied, but the sudden flash of guilt in her blue eyes told him differently.

“Bets, don't fib to me…”

“Okay… it's the seatbelt thing, right?”

“Right.”

“You don't understand, Tim…” she insisted.

“What is there to understand? You got into a car, twice, and didn't fasten your seatbelt. It's unsafe, and it's against the law not to wear one.”

“But, my friends would have been shocked. I mean, I think wearing a seatbelt should be a personal choice, and they all know that…”

“You were embarrassed to put it on and didn't want to explain that I insist you wear one…”

“Right,” she said in relief.

“Wrong,” Tim said firmly, and took her hand and led her upstairs and into her bedroom. “Take out the paddle, young lady.”

“But what if someone comes home…!” she argued.

“No one will be here for at least two hours,” he said calmly. “You are making this worse by stalling.”

Betsy pulled out the suitcase, opened it, and took out the paddle she'd painted with such care. She hadn't expected it to be used so soon, but here she was, in her old bedroom, and Tim was taking her to task for not wearing her seatbelt, just as he promised he would. “I won't do it again,” she told him as she handed the paddle to him.

“I intend to make sure of it,” he nodded. “Bend over the end of the bed, and keep your hands out of the way.”

Betsy didn't fuss. She wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible so that she wasn't embarrassed by anyone walking in on them. The paddle was stingy, but not unbearable, she decided. After about twenty smacks accompanied by scolding, Tim stopped. She thought he was finished, and she got up. “Down with your jeans now,” he told her.

“Oh Tim…!” He raised an eyebrow, and she knew he was perfectly serious. Betsy unfastened her jeans, and when he motioned for her to bend over the bed again, she made the decision to cooperate. This time her panties offered little protection, and since her bottom was already burning, this second flurry of spanks brought forth gasps and promises to wear her seatbelt all the time.

When he stopped for the second time, Tim put his hand on Betsy's back to keep her right where she was. “Now we'll get real serious, Bets.”

Betsy was mortally embarrassed when his fingers slid under the waistband of her panties and tugged them down to her knees. Her bared bottom was on display, and it was mortifying… and she'd never felt so vulnerable! “Please don't,” she whispered.

“You will remember this spanking the next time you ride or drive a vehicle, Betsy Beecher. You will buckle up because it is the smart thing to do. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, sir. I will,” she promised.

“Yes, you will,” Tim agreed, and gave her fifty strong smacks, covering her cheeks, her upper thighs, and her sensitive sit spot.

All Betsy could do was lie there and cry, and plead with him to stop… Finally, she said, “I'm sorry, Tim. Truly! Please! No more! I'm sorry!” Tim gave her another ten hard spanks before he decided she was truly well-spanked.

“If it is necessary to spank you for this again any time soon, young lady, you will get twice this spanking, and there won't be a warm up over your jeans and panties first.”

“I'll remember to buckle up,” she tearfully promised.

Tim pulled up her panties, and then told her to stand up and pull up her jeans. “No sweats this time. I want you to feel every bit of that spanking until it wears off.” Once Betsy was dressed again, he took her in his arms and held her. By the time it was time to go to her Grandparents'house for dinner, Betsy was comforted and over her tears.

Tim spotted the mistletoe handing over the doorway between the foyer and the living room, and bent down to kiss Betsy, much to her Gramma's delight. Her aging eyes were still observant, and having had the same difficulty in sitting on the dining room chairs herself, she was quick to ask, “Oh dear, what did you do to get yourself into trouble now, Betsy?”

“Isn't that a bit nosy, Rachel?” her husband frowned.

“Of course it is, dear,” she was nonplussed. “What did you do, honey?”

“I purposely didn't buckle up in the car when Susan picked me up today. I didn't want to have to explain that Tim insists I wear a seatbelt all the time.”

“Kind of like you when it came to going to that pool hall, Rachel…” her husband teased. “I'm glad you won't let her get away with such nonsense, young man.”

“Pawpaw, I'm sore!” Betsy pouted.

“You should be!” he informed her. “Now eat your salad. You know I hate this stuff, and if there's any left, your Gramma will be serving it to me until it's gone.”

The rest of the visit went well, and John pulled Tim aside before they left to thank him for bringing Betsy home, and for coming to meet all of them. “You've put our minds at ease.”

“That is what I hoped for, sir,” Tim smiled.

The first day back to school was exciting, and when Tim and Betsy walked into the office together, a group of teachers was already gathered. “You two certainly look happy!” Norma Richards commented. “Maybe a little Christmas Romance going on?”

“A wonderful Christmas Romance,” Betsy giggled happily.

“A Christmas Romance that is going to last for the rest of our lives,” Tim confirmed, and knew in his heart he was speaking the truth.

The End