Through The Eyes Of Love

Silence fell over the group. Betty's knuckles turned white where she was clamped onto Charles arm. Joel felt perspiration break out on his neck, and felt the need to adjust the collar of his shirt. Charles stared at Joel, unwaveringly. As if he was reading him; checking his sincerity.

Joel was about to apologize for coming and leave when Charles stood up and extended his hand.

"You have my blessing. I think you two will be very good for each other."

"Thank you! Charles, you'll never regret it, and neither will Eve." Joel shook his hand enthusiastically, unable to think of anything else to add.

Betty sprung from the couch and launched herself at Joel, throwing her arms around his neck. Joel laughed and spun her around once, then sat her on her feet by her husband. As if it were planned, the trio joined hands, and Charles' deep voice filled the room.

"Lord, please watch over Joel and Eve, and show them how to keep happiness in their hearts. We don't expect them to travel a road without rocks, but when they do come to one, Lord, help them step over it instead of stumbling. Thank you for bringing us all together as a family. In Your precious name, amen."

"Amen." Joel and Betty chorused.

They enjoyed their coffee, over which Joel explained his plans. Betty was delighted, and Charles was approving. They beamed at each other, knowing that Eve was going to be thrilled.

"Oh beautiful star, the hope, the grace,

For the redeem the good and the blessed

Yonder in glory when the crown is won

Jesus is now the star divine

Brighter and brighter He will shine

Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem

Shine upon us until the glory dawns

Give us a lamp to light the way

Unto the land of perfect day

Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on."

Eve stepped away from the podium to twelve different voices protesting.

"Miss Eve, you sing it tonight! We aren't that good!"

"Yes you guys are! I'm telling you!" Eve laughed. The kids were trying to talk her into singing at the midnight service.

"We'll sing back up. You sing the real part!"

Eve looked at the group of children, their ages ranging from nine to seventeen. All of their faces were lit with happiness, and their cheeks were flushed with excitement. This was the first year the church was doing a midnight service, so they were mostly just happy to be staying up late. But Eve held out hope that they were excited it was Jesus' birthday and that yes, Santa came tonight.

"All right , all right, you heathens. I'll sing and you guys do the back up. I can't believe I let you talk me into this!"

She couldn't help but want them to all be happy. Since her childhood had been so dismal, she was happy to bring smiles to the little faces that surrounded her, and the not so little faces as well.

"Has everyone been working on their good deeds?"

A couple grumbled, but mostly the answers were affirmative.

"Only two days left.. Better get some stuff done!"

With bright eyes and happy hearts, the kids left and Eve straightened up the room. The smaller children were upstairs practicing walking on for their manger scene, and by the sound of laughter drifting downstairs it was going well. Eve grinned, a lightness in her heart that hadn't been there earlier.

Joel stopped at the doorway and watched Eve as she reorganized her area, humming to herself. She really did have a beautiful voice. Everything about her was beautiful actually. He admired the way her jeans encased her legs and hips, perfectly molded to her bottom. Eve had her back to him, and he enjoyed watching her toss her hair over her shoulder when it fell down around her face. The red cowl-neck sweater she was wearing suited her dark hair and eyes.

When she turned, a smile was already on her face, but when she spied him in the doorway, her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Joel! Shouldn't you be doing something productive?" Eve shoved the sleeves of her sweater up her forearms.

"Already did. Are you done too?"

"Yup. Just tidying. I think the kids are contagious- I'm really excited for midnight to get here. Joel, something in my heart feels... right. Do you know what I mean?"

He did, and he assured her of that.

"Maybe I'm being silly. I haven't felt this happy in years. Is it something in the air?" Eve's smile broadened.

"Perhaps. But I think it's because you're a woman in love this year." Joel crossed the room to stand in front of her.

"So now you're taking credit?" Her brown eyes gleamed.

"I am." Joel wrapped his arms around her.

"Joel. We're in God's basement. You shouldn't hold me this close." Eve laughed, a blush staining her cheeks.

"I've wracked my brain trying to come up with a better setting, but I can't think of one. Would you marry me, if I asked?"

"Joel! I- well.." Eve lowered her eyes, and Joel felt a knot hit the pit of his stomach.

"Don't be afraid to give me an honest answer, Eve. Whatever it is, we can deal with it." He tried to be diplomatic, but was failing. His heart was quivering.

Deep brown eyes full of love lifted to meet his. Joel felt the knot unravel even as her mouth opened.

"Yes Joel, I would." Eve smiled with tears in her eyes.

"Would you marry me tonight, after the service?"

"What! So soon?"

"Why wait? We love each other, and I already asked your father for permission." Joel flashed a grin.

"You rotten thing, sneaking behind my back." Eve pretended to be offended.

"Just say yes."

"Yes." Eve's voice was little more than a whisper.

Joel dipped his head and caught her lips with his, his heart singing.

The pews in the small church were almost filled to capacity. The lights were dimmed, and what seemed like hundred of candles were lit, filling the sanctuary with a warm glow. The pulpit had been moved to the side, and the small children were set up for their manger scene, albeit a bit squirmy. The congregation giggled as they tugged on their costumes, and the 'baby Jesus' kept trying to get out of the manger.

The men's group sang a few songs, then Eve and her study group went up to sing. Her voice held a slight wobble; she could feel the meaning of Christmas down to her soul. As promised, the kids sang back up. There were a few skits, and they even played a trivia game about Jesus' birth.

The pastor delivered the message, and when they sang their hymns, Eve was certain that it had never been so blissful. Every face was wreathed in a smile, and she knew it was the best Christmas eve ever.

"Brothers and sisters, we are here tonight because our Savior was born. Other people miss out on half of what Christmas is about. Yes, it's awesome that Santa comes and brings us presents... but if it wasn't for the fact it was Jesus' birthday, Santa would have no reason to!" That was met with a few chuckles, and the children were delighted.

"Christmas has gotten so commercialized, and everyone is more worried with buying the perfect gift than they are with what Christmas is truly about. It's about love, folks. I hope you all spend more time with your family than you do with opening presents. I ask God for love for each of you. Let's close in prayer."

On cue, every head bowed, and the pastor led them in prayer. Eve's eyes went misty. Betty and Charles had been her personal saviors, and she would never be able to pay back their kindness in a million years. She knew God had his hand on her from that day she was a teenager, and she thanked Him for that. She also thanked Him for bringing her into the life of that childless couple.

Joel's hand squeezed hers as if he knew she needed it. A quick glance showed that his eyes were still shut. Eve smiled. She loved Joel, so much, and she knew they were going to be happy.

"Amen."

"Now, folks, I know this is a little unusual, but my brother Joel has something he'd like to say." The pastor grinned.

A murmur ran through the crowd. Joel gave her hand a squeeze as he stood and headed for the pulpit.

"Everyone, I have some wonderful news. Eve has given me the great honor of agreeing to marry me."

Startled gasps and congratulations rang through the air. The hands of people closest to her touched Eve's shoulders, and she turned to smile at everyone.

"Furthermore, we're going to get married right now, tonight, and we'd like for you all to stay and be our guests."

Everyone cheered and not a person moved from their seats. Except Eve.

She stood and met Joel up front, and they joined hands as the pastor began the ceremony. Eve suddenly realized Joel had never given her a ring. She looked at him questioningly and he glanced down at his pocket, or so she assumed.

When it came time for the ring, Joel reached in his pocket and produced a beautiful set that interlocked. It looked antique, and it was. It had been his grandmothers. Tears stung Eve's eyes as he slipped it on her finger, and then it was done. She was his.

"You may kiss the bride."

Joel took her in his arms gently, and only kissed her with a tenth of the love and passion he felt, but they were in church after all. As they walked down the aisle, an outpouring of love and congratulations followed them. Eve blew kisses at people and Joel waved. They walked straight down the stairs, and out the door into a Christmas night that had turned white.

"I can't believe it started to snow!" Eve watched out the window of the car as big puffy snowflakes drifted to the ground.

"I ordered it. How could it be Christmas eve with no snow?" Joel grinned and kicked the heat up a notch.

"I love it. It's perfect. Everything was perfect." Eve turned slightly in her seat to face him.

The glow from the dashboard highlighted only half of his face, but Eve didn't mind. Every bit of his features were branded into her memory.

"It sure was. I think everyone just wanted to pass out. No one saw that coming but your parents." Joel laughed.

He glanced at her once, then turned his head for a slightly longer look. A sizzle of tension flew between them. The past week had been busy, hectic, and sexually charged. It had just hit them both that it was their wedding night. And that they wouldn't have to struggle with any internal conflict... because they were married. Joel's eyes flew quickly back to the road, and Eve felt a flush heat her cheeks. In less than ten minutes, they would be at her house and there was nothing standing between them but their clothes.

A shiver of pleasure ran down her spine, and she mentally urged Joel to drive faster. Joel seemed unaffected, but he wasn't by a long shot. The same thoughts had occurred to him, and he tried not to push on the gas pedal any harder. They were almost home. He was already aroused, and he wanted to get to her house as soon as he could. She was his wife. Nothing stood between them; nothing could stop him from losing himself inside of her.

The rest of the trip was made in silence and it was uncomfortable. Nerves were kicking in, and Joel didn't know how long he would last before he pounced her. They stepped from the warm interior of the car into the snowy night, and Eve made quick work unlocking the door. Once inside, both were unsure of what to do.

"Would you like-"

"How about if we-"

The couple laughed nervously. They stood there a moment watching each other. Eve was going to offer to make some peppermint tea, and Joel was going to suggest they put in a Christmas movie. It was late though, they should probably get to bed... the thought crossed their minds at the same time.

Joel shook his head with a smile on his face. "Come here."

Eve stepped into his arms more than willingly. She rested her forehead against the side of his neck, and breathed in the fragrance of his cologne. She sighed, and wrapped her arms more tightly around his torso. Joel's hands moved over her back, kneading gently, relaxing her. After a few minutes, he slid one hand up to cup her cheek and he leaned away from her slightly.

Eve's eyes opened, curious, and Joel met her gaze for a half second before his mouth swooped down on hers. His tongue lapped at the seam of her lips, and she opened for him. Her tongue darted out to meet his, and they devoured each other. Eve's hands plunged into his hair and she held onto him for dear life, while his hands caressed her backside and pulled her up against him.

The proof of his desire pressed against her belly, and she wriggled her hips against him, something deep inside of her opening, wanting to be filled and satisfied. She slid one hand down and between them and pressed her palm against his cock. She gasped at the feel of him, hard and throbbing against her. Eve felt herself growing wet, and that feeling deep at the core of her womanhood grew stronger.

Joel groaned as she laid her hand on him; his cock twitched and grew impossibly bigger. He felt like he would explode at any moment. He knew their first time together wouldn't last long, but he didn't want to disgrace himself immediately. He reached and caught her hand, breaking off their kiss at the same time.

"Let's go to bed."

Eve only nodded then turned to lead the way. Joel watched her ass as it swayed under her black slacks, then groaned and averted his eyes. Eve heard him and glanced over her shoulder with a smirk gracing her lips.

"Problems?"

"You have no idea."

The musical sound of her laughter floated back to him, and Joel rolled his eyes and tried to think of other things. It was impossible. He could still feel her curves against him, still smell her shampoo and perfume, and still taste her on his lips.

Joel went straight to the bed and laid down, closing his eyes.

"Give me a minute. I've got to get myself together here." He huffed a self-depreciating laugh.

"Take your time." Eve smothered a giggle.

He heard a drawer close, then the bathroom door shut and he took a chance and opened his eyes. Yes, she was in the bathroom. Joel took a few deep, steadying breaths. In his mind, he chanted, 'you're twenty-eight, not sixteen.' over and over. It was only a few minutes later that he heard the bathroom door squeak. He opened one eye and saw her in the doorway, highlighted by the light from the bathroom. His breath hissed from between his teeth.

Eve stood, surprisingly self confident, wearing nothing but a sheer red nightie that barely touched the tops of her thighs. The white lace that accented the trim was at once innocent and beguiling. All of Joel's hard work calming himself down was gone in an instant.

"There's a good chance you're trying to kill me." His face looked almost pained.

"Nope. Just want to make sure ya got what you paid for." Eve wiggled her eyebrows and moved from the doorway to the bed.

Joel's eyes traveled the length of her. When he reached the top of her head, he shut his eyes and Eve watched as his jaw clenched. Again, she laughed.

"Nothing about this is funny."

"Sir, I have to disagree. You look miserable. And the woman in me loves it."

Eve put a knee on the bed and crawled over to where he was laying. He felt her hands at the waistband of his pants and his eyes flew open again.

"Are you going to help?" Eve smiled at him.

"I suppose." Joel sat up and pulled his shirt over his head, throwing it to the floor.

Eve's hands moved back to his waist, and she undid his belt, then his button, then his zipper. She pulled at the waistband until Joel lifted his hips and his pants slid free. She moved down to his feet and tugged off his shoes, then pulled his pants the rest of the way down. The only thing between her and his full nudity was his boxers.

"Joel, not to sound crass, but I feel like I'm raping you." Eve crawled back up the length of his body.

"I am trying not to pounce you and finish in five seconds flat. You're killing me here."

"I don't expect this first time to last forever. And we have the rest of our lives to make up for it." Eve's voice sounded serious, but when he looked at her, she couldn't hide the twinkle in her eye or the quirk of her lips.

"I warned you." Joel lunged up at her, and took her down onto her back.

Eve laughed and wriggled beneath him, adjusting herself. Joel laid nestled between her legs, and all hilarity disappeared from their faces. She could feel every inch of him pressing against her, and Joel knew she wasn't wearing panties. His mouth again covered hers as he hips rocked up against her. Eve moaned in her throat, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Joel tore his mouth from hers to trail kisses along her jaw and neck, his hands exploring every inch of her he could reach.

He finally shifted to the side slightly and slid his hand between them, his jaw clenching as he heard Eve's whimper when his fingers brushed the length of her slit. He delved into her deeper, encouraged by her moans as he spread her wetness around. Eve's head dropped back and her eyes fluttered shut. Never had anything in her life felt that good. They had done things before, but there was always a catch in the back of her mind- something telling her what they were doing was wrong.

There was no such internal voice this time, and Eve's conscience was clear. Her hips lifted to meet Joel's hand, and his fingers slipped inside of her. Her eyes flew open and she met Joel's gaze, his fingers moving gently. In that moment, Eve felt him in her soul. She reached for him, intending to give him some pleasure also, but he moved his hips from her.

"Next time." He softened his words with a smile.

"Joel... please.." Eve's breathy request was little more than a whisper.

Joel sat back on his knees and pulled his boxers down, shoving them off roughly. When he covered her body again with his own, there was nothing between them, and his cock slid between her lips naturally. He reached down and guided the tip to her entrance, and Eve braced herself, practically sobbing with the need to feel him. Inch by inch he slid into her waiting depths, slowly, so slowly.. Eve didn't know how to say it, but she just wanted him to... fuck her. She felt herself blush even thinking the word.

She again wrapped her legs around his waist, hitching her knees up his side, both of them gasping as he hit bottom. Joel rested his weight on his hands on either side of her shoulders, and Eve's hands wandered restlessly up and down his back as he started to move. Only a few strokes in, her hands drifted to his hips and urged him inside of her. As Eve writhed beneath him, Joel wanted to go faster, but he was afraid of cheating her, so he tried to hold back.

He dropped his head next to hers and closed his eyes, willing himself not to hear her breathy panting or the ragged whimpers tearing from her throat. He was so close, and he knew she hadn't come yet. He was about to move his hand to help that along when her lips pressed next to his ear.

"Joel?"

"Yes?"

"Please... fuck me."

Joel heard himself gasp, first at the use of the word, then at it's implications. He couldn't move.

"Stop holding back. I want you... I want to feel you... please.." Eve wriggled restlessly beneath him.

His hips picked up the tempo, and Eve whispered 'yes', and he knew he was doing something right. He reached between them and found her clit, rubbing it in time with his strokes. Eve's breath caught in her throat and she bit her bottom lip to keep from yelling out. Joel thrust harder, hit deeper, stayed longer, and Eve finally bucked violently against him. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her fingernails bit into the skin of his hips. He was only able to enjoy her orgasm for a moment before he growled and the first spurt of cum left his body.

Joel moved spasmodically, twitching inside of her as her muscles clamped around him, wringing every last drop from him. He shuddered, rolling them to the side so he didn't crush her. Eve's eyes popped open as he shifted inside of her. They were limp and satisfied, hovering on the brink of sleep and wakefulness.