"Simon Says"

Ellis remained in Simon's arms, enjoying the closeness of him, and the feeling of being connected to another human being. She couldn't bear to be alone right now. The emptiness seemed to abate when she was in personal contact with someone she cared for. And knowing that someone cared for her made it even better. Simon had a way of listening to her, letting her vocalize her pain, yet knowing the right words to say that would put a smile back on her face. The holiday was making her mindful of those who were painfully absent, but at the same time, she was equally aware of the support she still had.

"You know something?" Simon asked. "I'm not blind."

"That's certainly good news."

"And in most situations, I don't appear too brain dead."

"You were accepted into medical school," Ellis said, as she raised her head and looked into his eyes. "Your brain functions must be doing something right."

"And definitely no lobotomy."

"Sounds like you are in excellent health."

"Except for a heart condition."

"Well, you're in luck," Ellis said, feeling her former sadness slipping away. "I just happen to know someone who will become a great heart surgeon in a few years."

Simon shook his head. "Far too advanced to wait that long."

"Sounds serious."

"It is." Simon put a finger under Ellis's chin and lifted it, gazing intently into her eyes. Then he bent his head forward and kissed her. His lips brushed across hers gently, a brief kiss, yet one that stirred every dormant passion inside of Ellis. When he captured her lips again, this time with eagerness and desire, Ellis could feel her legs go limp. When the kiss ended, she fell against him with her heart racing.

"That . . . was nice," she finally said.

"Yes," Simon said hoarsely. "Yes, it was."

She finally forced herself to pull away from him. "Our coffee's getting cold," she said.

"The coffee is the last thing on my mind."

"I appreciate your honesty." Ellis looked at Simon as he stood there before her, the glow of the fire flickering in his face, the lights from the tree illuminating his back. It was like a scene from a romantic movie, one she didn't want to end.

"What are you thinking?" Simon asked.

Ellis flashed him a warm smile. "I'm thinking of how memorable you are making this Christmas. What are you thinking, Simon?”

"How to get the nerve to say something I've never said before," he answered. "And I'm thinking how lovely you look in the fire light, and how wonderful it was to kiss you just now."

Ellis felt both elation and awkwardness as she stood there in front of him. Not knowing how to respond, she simply said, "Thank you for tonight. All you did, the tree, the fire, the way you comforted me . . . it was all . . . very special to me."

"I love you, Ellis."

Fresh tears pooled in her eyes. The plot in her personal romantic movie was unfolding as it should. In her heart, she knew it would not end. It would play happily ever after, capturing a lifetime of thrilling episodes. This movie, this moment, was only the first in a long series between them.

"Ellis, I know it may be too soon for you. It's okay. I just wanted you to know how I feel . . . "

"Simon," Ellis whispered softly. "I'm not brain dead, either."

He smiled and opened his arms to her. Ellis went to him without hesitation. Simon held her tightly, alternately stroking her hair and kissing her forehead. "I love you, Ellis," he repeated. "I love you."

Ellis closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulders. She let his words sink in, she savored them. She was sure no known drug or tonic could equal the effect Simon was having on her now. His love, all that he had said in those few little words, was the balm she needed to repair her injured soul.

Ellis lifted her head and gazed into Simon's eyes. "Simon Garrett," she said softly. "I love you, too."