Steve was awake really early on Christmas morning. He left Dora sleeping soundly and crept downstairs in his dressing gown. As always Slugger had beaten him to it. 'Morning Slugs- Happy Christmas!'
'Blimey wot you doing up at the crack?'
'I'm making breakfast for Dora and me- I'll do some for you too if you want. No bacon and eggs for us today-it'll spoil our appetite for lunch. Mrs Porter told me she's making pigs in blankets to go with the turkey.'
'Oh yeah- wos them then?'
'Strips of bacon wrapped round sausages and baked in the oven'
'Wot you havin' then?'
Muesli, toast, honey, orange juice and our usual tea and coffee- want some?'
'Nah. I still want me fry up. Hazel'll probably just have her usual toast and marmalade.'
Steve took the finished tray, decorated with a sprig of mistletoe upstairs and put it on the table which slid over the bed. He kissed Dora awake. 'Merry Christmas love.'
'Heaven's you're an early bird. '
'I thought we'd have our breakfast before the horses today. Fuel us up against the cold and give us more time to work up an appetite.' Dora spread honey on some toast and tasyed it.
'Yum- that's delicious. Where did it come from?'
'Slugger's riding class. We did well on Saturday- honey, butter, eggs, cheese, jars of pickled onions and red cabbage, an apple pie and a fresh plucked chicken.'
'Good thing we got them those Follyfoot Tee shirts then.'
'Yeah- they loved 'em. You look good in yours too!' After they'd finished their breakfast Dora looked at the clock.
'Gosh Steve it's still early.'
'I know' he said pushing the table away and taking off his dressing gown. Smiling down at her he reached out and took off the cardigan she'd put on when she'd sat up. 'You're my best Christmas present ever- and I don't need you gift wrapped'
'I think you said on the day after your birthday that I was your best birthday present.'
'And so you were. and you'll be my Valentine and Easter Bunny- you're so beautiful.'
Half an hour later they were awakened from the doze they'd fallen into by the shrill tone of the alarm clock.Dora turned it off.
'Shurrup' she said sleepily snuggling back into Steve's arms 'Boss lady's having a Christmas lie in with her man.'
'Naughty boss lady- chores still have to be done Christmas or not.'He said tapping her bottom lightly and getting out of bed.
'Oh bother!' she said looking at his naked form as he reached for his clothes. They dressed hurriedly and were soon outside greeting their four footed friends. Hazel had recoverd sufficiently to help with feeding and Slugger helped with mucking out and despite the cold they worked hard to finish their chores. Steve stroked Alex's nose. 'No ride today fella- sorry. Maybe tomorrow eh?' He felt something cold on the back of his neck and turned to see a giggling Dora aim another snowball at him which landed harmlessly on his jacket, 'Right!' he said picking up a handful of snow himself and approaching Dora with it. She squealed and turned to run to the farmhouse. Her feet slipped and she landed awkwardly in the snow. Steve discarded the snowball and went to help her up. 'You okay love?'
'Yes I think so' she said but winced a little when she put her weight on her left ankle. Steve helped her indoors, sat her down and removed her boots and socks. He examined her ankle and gave it a massage. 'Here put it on the stool for a bit. I'll go get you some dry socks.' As she put them on she recalled Steve sitting with his foot on the same stool when he'd been caught in the trap. 'I don't think I've done anything much to it.'
'Good- we've had quite enough accidents lately!' Slugger made tea and Hazel handed round the shortbread then distributed the presents from under the tree. She was thrilled with her new riding hat. She'd bought Dora a book on horse ailments and a pen for Slugger and Steve. Slugger received a new pullover from Dora and Steve and gave everyone new woollen mittens he'd made.
From dora Steve received a new electric razor and he presented her with a beautiful soft lacey see through bedjacket to replace the old cardigan she currently wore. Later they drove to the colonel's where ron, resplendant in a new purple shirt was already enjoying a beer. Lunch was delicious but over the meal Ron, unaware that the colonel didn't yet know about it brought up the subject of Dora's accident. 'Why the devil didn't you tell me?' he exclaimed. Leaving his pudding unfinished he rose from the table and went to his study. 'When you two have finished your meal and helped with the washing up I want to see you.'
'Dear,dear, dear' said Ron.'It's suddenly turned cold in here.'