Billy B and MJ were traversing the cobblestone sidewalks of St Charles. Most people seemed very happy. Christmas is a happy time of year. The holiday decorations were resplendent. The wind was cold but their hearts were warm. Giant Nutcrackers were guarding the doors of the shops and their regular toothy grin was plastered on their faces. Everyone smiled more broadly as the holiday season lends itself to smiles. The Santa Claus and Dickens characters were absent as they did not appear on Tuesday. However, Billy B saw them in his mind’s eye. They walked the length of the historic Missouri town. At the end of the first leg of the walk was their favorite store. They always found something special in their Christmas Store. The Big Laddro Santa that MJ got for Billy B when he turned 50 held a special place in their hearts.

Billy B thought it a bit unusual that MJ was shopping with some determination and he wondered to himself if she was a girl on a mission.

Christmas Trees…the small decorative variety captured her imagination. And then there was the handpainted and handmade Nutcracker ornaments in a wonderful wooden box that were on sale for 50% off. Folks were talkative with strangers and spoke of their Christmas Dreams and their hope for the future.

As Billy B and MJ walked to their restaurant for lunch of Reuben Sandwiches and Grand Marnier a young woman stopped them and asked MJ for her opinion on the wedding ring that she had just purchased for her beloved. The ring was beautiful but the look of love in her eyes was mesmerizing. She indicated that her betrothed was a woman and quickly commented that we would…’ Tread lightly on that subject…’ MJ and Billy B told her that was wonderful and congratulated her…whereupon her eyes glistened and she wished them Merry Christmas and pronounced God’s blessing upon them. The Ringbearer and person unequivocally in love said, ‘It is about love and nothing more.’