Tales from the Finchbottom Vale – (65) The Gentle Giant and the Christmas Maid (Part 04)

He was helping her through the small opening between the roof supports and she wriggled and squirmed like a little ginger fish.

“How are you doing?” he asked

“I’ve almost got it” she replied “another couple of inches should do it”

“Ok” he said and manhandled her a bit further and in the process the hem of her skirt was pulled up towards her waist and he was so mesmerised by what came into view that he absentmindedly caressed her plump little buttock .

“What was that?” She asked

“Cobwebs” he lied

“Ok” she replied doubtfully but he didn’t pay attention his mind was on other things as he took something from his pocket.

“I’ve got it” she shouted triumphantly “pull me back”

So he began retrieving her small frame from the darkness and lowered her to the floor.

“See I’ve got it” she said holding the angel up proudly

“Well done, its very nice” he said “But I thought you’d be more interested in this little precious parcel”

“Whats that?”

“I don’t know but it has your name on it” he said

“Has it?” she exclaimed and thrust the angel into his chest and tried to snatch the little parcel from his great paw but as Aaron was such a great bear of a man, standing 6’ 6” tall and she was

a skinny little waif standind 4’ 11” he easily held the gift out of her reach.

“Gimmi, gimmi” she said “you meanie”

“Calling me names isnt going to work” he said

“You used to be a nice boy” Toni said “But now you’re just mean”

“Ok I’ll take it away then” Aaron said and walked towards the loft hatch

“No don’t take it away” she pleaded and hopped up and down

“Please, please, please”

“I dont think you deserve it”

“But I do” she said “I really do”

“oh ok then” he relented and gave her the little parcel which she tore into in seconds to reveal a ring box and she gasped

“Whats this?” she asked in a whisper

“Open it and see” he instructed and after a deep breath she opened the box to reveal a solitaire diamond engagement ring and she gasped again.

“Is this what i think it is?” she asked

“I don’t know” he said “What do you think it is?”

“Is it an…. Engagement ring?” she asked in a childlike voice

“Yes” he replied

“You want to marry me?” Toni asked

“Yes” Aaron said and she launched herself at him and wrapped her arms around his neck, almost breaking the angel in the process, and kissed him.