Today I finished stuffing the stockings for my husband's parents, sister, and his sister's wife. Then, to celebrate a day of mostly sloth, we watched the first half of the Hogfather movie, and ate mince pies. Because we're wild and reckless and that's just how we roll.

It is a rare day that goes by where I don't at some point stop and think of how lucky I am I found my fella. Even when he's ruining my surprise gifts for him for Christmas (he has the most uncanny ability to accomplish this) I can't stop myself from wondering over how lucky I am.

Now and then, I've had people comment on that (often with more than a healthy dose of 'you two make me sick' said in jest). When I got to Chapter 14 on my chapter-a-day jaunt through A Coventry Christmas by Becky Cochrane, I was all sappy-faced and googly over Evan and his new found fella.

Because, aww.

I also have a confession to make: I read all the way through the rest of the book last night. Much like Keelie when she has to remind herself that the world is not a shiny-happy place all the time, I had a rather racist customer, so when I had some time to delve into the book I just didn't come back up for air. I needed the happiness. But I'm still going to revisit each chapter for the rest of the book, one day at a time. Truly.

Chapter the Fourteenth (or, I'd Read It To You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You)

Oh! The cabin. The freaking cabin! Evan and his fellow in the cabin. I, like Keelie, want to be curled up in the warm attic and just bask in the glow of the awesomeness. Also, I love Keelie's questions and how she's making sure Evan isn't going to end up squelched and hidden. Lord she's a good friend.

The transition of this chapter - and Keelie's major life choice made on what seems somewhat like a whim - made me whoop a little when I read it. I think we've all been in the situation where we've just wanted to cut and run, but practicality generally makes that a no-go. Keelie gets to do it for us. We live vicariously.

And oh yeah, the return of Doctor Delish - and Keelie fibbing - gah!

Coveted Coventry Moments: