Shirley Temple Short Stories Shirley type children's stories (Picture: Vintage Fire Engine, Loma Linda Fire Dept CA)

See Stories: Little Missy, Poor Little Rag Doll, Little Miss Hollywood, The Little Major, The Littlest Diplomat, The Littlest Sailor, The Littlest Fire Fighter

THE LITTLEST FIRE FIGHTER - By Rex W. Clark, January 16, 2005
(For All the fire fighters who gave their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. You’re our hero's and shall never be forgotten)

Chapter 1 - Introduction

One snowy winter day a cute little girl of about six years of age with blonde bouncing curls, all bundled up in a warm white coat, red boots, a red muffler wrapped around her throat and a pair of red mittens on her hands, was walking down the main street of a small town bustling with people going about a busy day of Christmas shopping in preparation for that one wonderful day of the year when all the children await the arrival of Ol' Saint Nick. As the little girl was passing by the local book store the little girl cheerfully greeted the plump elderly owner as he was putting out a set of magazines for display, “Hi Mr. Wilson.” Mr. Wilson looked up and smiled as he cheerfully returned the greeting. “Hi ya Trisha, what’s Santa Clause bringing ya this year?” Trisha smiled as she cheerfully replied, “He’s bringing me a dolly, a teacup set, a bicycle, and a pair of roller skates.” Mr. Wilson chuckled as he cheerfully commented, “You must have been a very good girl to get all those nice gifts, most kids only get a couple of things they ask Santa for.” Trisha smiled as she motioned with her arms as she said, “I just told him that I’d put out a great big piece of chocolate cake and a big glass of milk if he’d bring me everything I ask for.” Mr. Wilson laughed as he said, “With an offer like that, I’m sure that Santa will bring you every single thing you asked for.” Trisha’s eyes lit up, her voice rang with excitement as she asked, “Honor bright?” Mr. Wilson’s voice was full of holiday cheer as he said, “I hear that Santa favors little girls who put out chocolate cake, I heard from a very reliable source that it’s his favorite treat.” Trisha smiled ear-to-ear as her voice rang with excitement, “Oh goody, goody then I’ll leave him the biggest piece of chocolate cake he’s ever seen.” Mr. Wilson waved as he cheerfully bid farewell, “You have a merry Christmas and say hello to your mother for me.” Trisha smiled as she said, “I will, you have a merry Christmas too, good bye.”

Meanwhile at the town’s fire station a fireman was performing the last of routine maintenance on the fire engine as a fellow fireman cheerfully asked, “Hey Steve, where’s Trisha?” Steve looked at the date on the calendar on the wall it was December 1st 1943, and cheerfully replied, “She should be along any minute now, this is the day of the week that we spend time somewhere special together.” The fireman laughed as he said, “That little girl has you wrapped around her finger.” Steve in a semi serious tone said, “I’ve sort off become a father to her since her own father was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor two years ago, Robert was my best friend.” The fireman hung his head as he sadly said, “Losing her father sure was hard on that little girl, Robert was a good man.” Steve tossed a wrench into the toolbox next to the fire engine as he said, “He shot down two zeros before one aced him, his wing man said he didn’t make it out before his plane hit the drink.” About that time Trisha came through the kitchen door as several of the firemen cheerfully greeted her, “Hi ya chief.” “Well if it isn’t our littlest fire fighter.” “Hi ya sweetie pie.” “Hey pumpkin.” “What’s Santa bringing ya this year?” Trisha cheerfully returned the greeting, “Hi ya palsie walsies, been putting out any fires since I was away?” One of the fire fighters cheerfully replied, “Not since last week when your friend Timmy almost burned old lady Thompson’s house down when he tried to light the candles on her Christmas tree.” Trisha chuckled as she said, “Oh you must mean Ol' Mrs. Snoopy Snoot.” Everyone in the firehouse erupted with laughter when they heard Trisha’s nick name for Old Lady Thompson. Steve chuckled and shook his finger at Trisha as he said, “Santa won’t bring you any toys if you call Old Lady Thompson Ol' Mrs. Snoopy Snoot, you should call her by her real name”. One of the fire fighters put his hand on her shoulder as he teased, “Hey lay off the kid, she hit it the nail right on the head when she nick named Old Lady Thompson Ol' Mrs. Snoopy Snoot, it fits her like a glove.” Another fire fighter swooped Trisha off her feet as he cheerfully asked, “What’s Santa bringing ya this year?” Trisha smiled, her voice rang with excitement as she replied, “He’s bringing me a dolly, a teacup set, a bicycle, and a pair of roller skates.” The fire fighter laughed as he asked, “Oh my goodness that’s a mighty tall order do you think Santa has enough room on his sleigh for all that neat stuff?” Trisha smiled as she cheerfully replied, “He’s magic, he can carry anything in the world we ask him for.” The fire chief tapped Trisha on her shoulder as he teasingly asked, “Do you think he has room for a shiny new fire engine on that sleigh of his?” Trisha chuckled as she replied, “I don’t know but I’ll ask him to bring you one if you like.” The fire chief smiled and gently pinched the end of Trisha’s nose as he cheerfully said, “I’d be the happiest man in the whole world if Santa could really bring me a shiny new fire engine.” Steve smiled as he took Trisha into his arms from the other fire fighter as he cheerfully said, “I hate to break this up, but Trisha and I have a date.” One of the other fire fighters cheerfully asked Trisha, “Oh that sounds like fun where are you going, can I come?” Trisha laughed as she replied, “No silly this is just for Steve and I, we’re going to the movies and the penny arcade.” The fire fighter pretended to be sad as he said, “Oh you broke my heart.” Trisha laughed and said, “I’ll bring you back a dolly and some cotton candy.” The fire fighter smiled as he said, “I can hardly wait.” Steve put Trisha down, took her by the hand as she said as they were headed for the kitchen door, “We’ll see ya later palsie walsies good bye.”

After the movie was over, Trisha and Steve were walking hand in hand on their way to the penny arcade and just as they were passing Gibson’s Department store Trisha saw Santa in the store with a little boy on his lap and a long line of children waiting for their turn to see him. Trisha looked up at Steve with big brown puppy dog eyes as she asked, “Can I go ask Santa if he could bring Chief Jackson a shiny new fire engine for Christmas?” Steve was about to say no, but he just couldn’t say no to those adorable big brown eyes so instead he cheerfully replied, “Sure, let’s give it a shot that old fire engine has seen it’s better days I think it’s time for us to ask Santa if he could bring us a shiny new one with a big ladder so we can reach the top of even the tallest buildings.” Trisha gasped, her voice rang with excitement as she said, “Oh goody, goody.” She didn’t waste any time as she pulled Steve by the hand into the department store and got in line to see Santa. Several minutes passed, one by one each child had his/her chance to sit on Santa’s lap and ask for that special toy. Finally it was Trisha’s turn, she smiled ear-to-ear as she skipped up to Santa who in one motion lifted her off her feet and sat her gently on his lap and looked into her big brown eyes as he asked, “Well my little angel, what would you like me to bring you for Christmas?” Trisha smiled as she cheerfully replied, “Oh this isn’t for me, this is for Chief Jackson.” Santa’s eyes were full of surprise as he said, “Oh my, that’s very nice of you to ask me to bring something for a friend.” Trisha smiled as she said, “Thank you, Chief Jackson asked me to ask you if you could bring him a shiny new fire engine with a big ladder so the firemen could reach the tops of even the tallest of buildings, but he was afraid you wouldn’t be able to fit it into your sleigh.”  Santa chuckled as he said, “Chief Jackson is correct, I couldn’t fit his shiny new fire engine into my sleigh.” Trisha’s eyes filled with sadness as she said, “Then you won’t be able to bring the chief a shiny new fire engine oh he’s going to be so disappointed.” Santa smiled as he continued, “However, I’ll see if I can drive it to the firehouse my self on Christmas day.” Trisha smiled ear-to-ear, her eyes lit up, her voice rang with excitement as she said, “You mean you really will bring the chief a shiny new fire engine with a big ladder.” Santa chuckled as he said, “And a real bell, a loud air horn, and a really loud siren.” Trisha smiled and hugged Santa as she cheerfully said, “Oh Santa you’re the best.” Santa smiled as he said, “I think you’re pretty swell too.”

Chapter 2 - Penny Arcade

After Trisha had finished with Santa, Steve looked at his watch and suggested, “I think we’d better call your mother so she won’t be worried,” Trisha looked up at Steve with those same adorable big brown eyes as she said, “Oh my mommy won’t be worried just as long as I’m with you.” Steve smiled as he said, “Just the same we should call her and let her know you’re ok.” Trisha agreed, “ok,” as Steve led her to a pay phone just outside the door of the diner. He pulled a coin out of the pocket of his trousers, put it into the coin slot of the pay phone and dialled a number. On the other end an expensive looking telephone was ringing, and continued to ring several times as a lady dressed in a suit of very costly clothing snidely asked as she picked up the receiver, “Can’t anyone answer the phone?” And spoke into it, “Hello.” Steve on the other end asked, “May I speak to Mrs. Martin please?” The lady lowered the receiver as she called out, “Janet, Janet.” A pretty lady dressed in a servants uniform came into the room and answered, “Yes maam?” The lady holding the phone snidely said, “It’s for you,” as she handed Janet the phone.” The lady left the room as Janet spoke into the phone, “Hello”, Steve on the other end spoke into the phone, “Hello Janet, Trisha and I wanted to check in with you, here I’ll put her on” Trisha held the phone to her ear as she spoke into it, “Hi mommy, Uncle Steve and I are going to the penny arcade.” Janet smiled on the other end as she said, “Ok, you have a nice time and be back in time for dinner.” Trisha smiled as she said, “Ok mommy, I’ll bring you back something special”, Trisha handed the phone back to Steve who then spoke into it, “We’re gong to have a bit of lunch before we go to the arcade, I’ll have Trisha back in time for dinner.” On the other end Janet smiled as she spoke into the phone, “Ok, you both have a nice time". As Steve hung up the phone Trisha asked, “Can I have a grilled cheese?” Steve teasingly asked, “What about an order of fries and a soda pop to go along with that grilled cheese?” Trisha smiled as she cheerfully replied, “Yea them to.” The two of them continued on into the diner and took a seat at a booth. After a short time, a middle-aged waitress came to take their order. She cheerfully greeted Trisha, “Well if it isn’t the littlest fire fighter, what’s Santa Clause bringing you this year?” Trisha cheerfully replied, “He’s bringing me a dolly, a teacup set, a bicycle, and a pair of roller skates.” The waitress smiled as she commented, “Oh my it sounds like you’ve been a very good little girl to get Santa Clause to bring you so many toys.” Trisha smiled as she said while motioning with her hands, “Oh I just told him I’d leave him a great big piece of chocolate cake and a big glass of milk if he’d bring me every thing I asked him for.” The waitress smiled as she cheerfully said, “With an offer like that, I’m sure that Santa Clause will bring you every single thing you asked for.” Trisha’s eyes lit up as she said, “That’s what Mr. Wilson said.” The waitress smiled as she said, “Mr. Wilson and I hear from a very reliable source that chocolate cake is Santa Clause’s favorite treat.” Trisha’s eyes lit up again as she said, “Oh goody, then I’ll leave him the biggest piece of chocolate cake that he’s ever seen.” The waitress smiled as she said, “Speaking of chocolate cake, that’s our desert special of the day, what can I get the two of you?” Steve and Trisha ordered as holiday shoppers passed the diner on their way to buy everything on their shopping lists, while children laughed and played in the falling snow in the town square, some making a snow man while others had snow ball fights with one another and anyone else who happened to pass them in the square.

Meanwhile Trisha’s mother was on her way upstairs in the two-story mansion with an armload of freshly ironed linen when Mrs. Wade, (the owner’s wife), stopped her and snidely said to her, “Janet I don’t approve of personal phone calls to the workers during working hours and I don’t approve of fire fighters visiting you and your little girl during working hours as well.” Janet nervously said, “I apologize, the fire fighters have all adopted Trisha as their own since her father died.” Mrs. Wade interrupted her and said, “You’re a good worker but I just can’t have it, if you wish to continue on with us you’ll have to put a stop to it.” Janet’s face filled with sadness as she said, “Yes maam.”

Later Janet was coming into the laundry room with an armload of dirty linen when a fellow worker Mrs. Tibbins from the kitchen was picking up a load of clean dishtowels and seeing the sad look on Janet’s face asked, “What’s the long face for, you look as if you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders?” Janet sadly explained, “Mrs. Wade doesn’t want me to have any more phone calls or visitors.” Mrs. Tibbins angrily said, “She doesn’t, that hateful thing thinks she can rule our lives as if we’re slaves rather than employees well some day she’ll get what’s coming to her and that hateful husband of hers.”

Later back at the firehouse, Trisha and Steve were with the other fire fighters laughing and having a good time together when one of the fire fighters laid a pretty doll into her arms as he said, “A friend of mine on the fire department in Glendale rescued her from the fire at the toy store the other day I told him I knew you’d take good care of her.” Trisha’s eyes lit up with compassion and love as she said, “Oh thank you I’ll take very good care of her.” One of the fire fighters asked, “What are you going to name her?” Trisha looked down at the doll cradled in her arms and said, “I know I’ll name her Jackie.” The fire fighters all laughed as Trisha smiled. One of them said, “That’s a very good name for her.”  Steve looked at the clock on the wall and said, “It’s getting late you need to be getting back home, I’m sure you’re mother is awfully worried about you.” Trisha looked up at Steve with those adorable big brown eyes as she said, “Oh she’s never worried just as long as I’m with you.” Steve said as he was pulling out his car keys, “Just the same I need to get you home, It’s getting late.” All of the fire fighters were saying goodbye to Trisha as her and Steve headed for the door on their way to his car.

Chapter 3 - The Wade Mansion

Steve and Trisha arrived at the back servant’s entrance of the Wade mansion, Steve pushed a button by the door. A buzzer sounded from the kitchen signalling that someone was at the back door. Janet opened the door and quietly said to Steve and Trisha, “Be quiet, Mrs. Wade is on the war path.” Steve quietly said after Trisha had gone inside, “Everyone is having a Christmas party for Trisha on Wednesday Christmas eve so I’ll pick the two of you up at 9:00 am, it’s a surprise so don’t mention anything to her about it.” Janet smiled as she said, “You’ve been so kind to Trisha, I just can’t find the words to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for her.” Steve smiled back as he said, “I love her as if she were my own, I know that’s what Robert would’ve wanted”. Janet smiled, her eyes sparkled as she said, “That’s certainly what I would’ve wanted if I were in his shoes.” Steve boyishly smiled then remembered Trisha’s doll that he was holding and held it up to Janet as he said, “A friend of Peter’s on the Glendale fire department rescued this doll from the fire at the toy store the other day and gave it to Trisha.” Steve was handing the doll to Janet as she was saying when she accidentally dropped it, “That’s very sweet of him, say.” Steve picked up the doll and as he was handing it back to Janet, she accidentally grasped the fingers on his hand that was covered by the doll’s dress, their eyes met and for the first time realized that they had more in common than they had realized.” Both of them felt an attraction for one another they had never felt but in that instant knew that it had been there all along. Janet took the doll and cradled it into her left arm as Steve said, “I’ll see you and Trisha at 9:00 on Wednesday.” Janet smiled as she said, “We’ll be counting the hours until then.” Steve cheerfully and nervously said as he fidgeted with his car keys. “Ok, well I guess I better get back to the fire station, I’ll see you later.” Janet closed the door, leaned against it and sighed deeply with a smile on her face.

About that time Trisha came into the room smiling ear-to-ear as she said, “Oh you like him a lot.” Janet smiled as she teased, “You little brat, you were spying on me.” Trisha’s smile widened, her dimples appeared as she, teased, “You’ve got a boyfriend.” Janet laid the doll on the counter as she quickly walked over to Trisha and took her into her arms as she lovingly asked, “So what’s it to ya kiddo?” Trisha laughed as she replied “If you and Uncle Steve get married, then he’ll really be my daddy.” Janet smiled as she lovingly said, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it now in the meant time you keep quiet.” Trisha smiled ear-to-ear as she said, “Ohh I’m telling on you.” Janet laughed as she put her forehead against Trisha’s and said, “Why you little brat.” Trisha lovingly said, “I love you mommy.” Janet lovingly said back, “I love you too.” Trisha’s brow wrinkled as she put her index finger against her cheek and then said, “Mommy you’ve never told Santa what you wanted for Christmas, you’d better go and sit in his lap and tell him or you might not get anything for Christmas.” Janet laughed and hugged Trisha as she lovingly said, “I already have everything I want for Christmas.” Trisha’s brow again wrinkled as she asked, “How could you already have every single thing you wanted for Christmas if Santa hasn’t come yet.” Janet lovingly replied, I have my very own sweet baby to cheer me up and keep me company, apart from that there’s nothing else I could possibly ask for.” Trisha’s voice saddened a little as she said, “There’s only one other thing that I really want for Christmas.” Janet’s voice was full of curiosity as she asked, “What’s that?” Trisha looked at Janet with those big adorable brown eyes and said, “I want Steve to be my daddy.”

Chapter 4 - A Party for Christmas

The next morning, Trisha awakened to the heavenly aroma of bacon and eggs along with home made biscuits as they were being served to the Wades in the dining room. Trisha sat up in bed rubbing the sleep from her eyes, quickly climbed out of bed, put a housecoat on that had been placed on a night stand next to the bed the night before, put her little feet into her house shoes and quickly walked into the kitchen where Janet was pouring milk into two glasses sitting on a silver platter. Trisha smiled as she said, “Oh my goodness that smells good.” Janet smiled as she said, “It smells so good that I could eat it all up in one bite.” Trisha rubbed her tummy as she said, “I’m so hungry I could eat it all up myself.” Janet chuckled and said, “After I’m done serving Mr. and Mrs. Wade, I’ll fix us both some breakfast.” Trisha rubbed her tummy as she said, “Yummy.”

After breakfast, Trisha was in the kitchen helping Janet and Mrs. Tibbins dry and put away the last of the dishes when the buzzer sounded. Trisha jumped down from the stool she had been standing on and opened the back door. Steve smiled as he cheerfully asked, “Hey pumpkin, are you ready to play Santa today?” Trisha’s brow wrinkled and asked, “How could I play Santa, I don’t have a red suit, a sleigh, reindeer, or any presents that I could deliver?” Steve chuckled and said, “We don’t need the red suit, sleigh, or the rein-deer, but we have plenty of presents we can deliver to the children who live at the Lake-side Orphanage, the fire fighters have collected enough toys for every single child there.” Trisha clapped her hands one time as she cheerfully said, “Oh goody.”

Steve hoisted Trisha into his arms and stepped into the kitchen and greeted everyone. “Hi ya palsie walsies, ya getting ready for Christmas?” Mrs. Tibbins smiled as she said,“ Were just about ready as we’ll ever be.” About that time Mr. Wade came into the room and said to Mr. Tibbins, “Harold I’m hosting a Christmas party for all of my employees at the factory Tuesday so I’ll expect nothing less than perfect service from your staff. Elizabeth I’ll expect nothing less than a perfect Christmas dinner with all the holiday Trimmings.” Mr. and Mrs. Tibbins both answered, “Yes sir.” Mr. Wade looked at Steve then at Janet as he snidely said, “Janet I hope you remember what Mrs. Wade said about visitors during working hours.” Janet humbly replied, “Steve is just picking up Trisha to deliver Christmas gifts to the children at the orphanage today.” Mr. Wade arrogantly said, “We just can’t have it, next time he can phone you and you can have Trisha wait by the road for his arrival.” Steve looked Mr. Wade in the eye as he said, “Anything can happen to her waiting that far from the house, it must be at least two hundred yards and that’s a very busy street, she could be run over by a car or kidnapped.” Mr. Wade snidely said, “That’s no concern of ours.” Mr. Wade turned around and left as Steve asked Janet, “How can you stand working for people like that?” Janet replied, “It’s not so bad once you’ve gotten used to them.” Steve said as he was helping Trisha with her coat, boots, and mittens, “I’ll call you before I bring Trisha back, have someone meet her out by the road.” Trisha kissed Janet and waved at Mr. and Mrs. Tibbins as her and Steve were closing the door behind them.

Chapter 5 - The Orphanage

Later Steve and Trisha were stepping through the doors of The Lakeside Orphanage with a very large cloth bag filled with toys. At once a small crowd of children ran up to Steve cheerfully shouting “Uncle Steve, it’s Uncle Steve.” Steve knelt down to hug and kiss every one of them as he gave each of the children a toy. The director stopped what she was doing and walked over smiling as she said to Steve, “These children all look forward to your visits especially during the Christmas season.” Steve and the director continued talking as Trisha noticed one little girl who was quietly sobbing with her head down. Trisha felt real compassion for her walked over to her and asked, “Why are you crying?” The little girl about six years of age with blonde hair, and tear filled baby blue eyes replied, “Everyone got a toy except me.” Trisha looked inside the bag that was now empty then back at he little girl who hung her head as she continued sobbing. Trisha then remembered the doll the fire fighter gave her, went back to Steve’s car, looked at the doll, picked it up, cradled it in her arms and looked into its eyes as she lovingly said, “Baby girl I would love to keep you, but there’s a little girl who doesn’t have anyone to tuck her into bed and kiss her goodnight. She would love to have you more than anything else in the whole world, so I want you to be a good girl and make her Christmas very special.” Trisha then went back inside of the orphanage and held the doll out to the little girl as she said, “She’s an orphan too and she’s looking for someone to love her, kiss her and tuck her into bed each night.” The little girl’s eyes lit up with love and compassion as she cheerfully said while taking the doll and hugging it tightly, “Oh I’ll take very good care of her, I’ll kiss her and tuck her into bed each night.” Steve looked on smiling as Trisha gave the doll to the little girl. The director lovingly said as Trisha was giving the little girl the doll. “Aw that’s so sweet of her, you must be very proud of her.” Steve’s voice almost broke as he replied, “Yes I’m very proud of her, she knows what it’s like not to have parents.” The director asked, “She’s an orphan too?” Steve explained, “No her father was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor two years ago.” The director’s eyes filled with tears as she said, “I’m so sorry to hear about that, it must be very hard for her not having her father around.” Steve went on to explain, “I’ve sort of become a father to her since she lost her own father.” The director looked at Steve with eyes filled with love as she said, “It seems to me that you are her father, meaning that you didn’t choose to be a father figure but rather she’s chosen you to be her father and if I were you I’d try my very best to make it permanent.” Steve continued to watch Trisha as her and the little girl continued to play and said, “I couldn’t possibly imagine my world without her in it.” The director smiled as she said, “You better think about what I just said before someone else comes along and takes the little girl and her mother away from you forever.” Steve looked at the director then at Trisha as if his world was crashing in and said, “I’ve never really thought of that ever happening, but if it did my world would never be the same, I just couldn’t ever imagine her calling someone else daddy or him tucking her into bed every night, or drying her tears when she’s sad.”  The director smiled and squeezed Steve’s hand as she lovingly said, “I know you’ll do the right thing, when you do, I just know that she’ll be the happiest and the luckiest little girl in the whole world.”

After Steve finished talking with the director, he went into the director’s office to phone Janet. He picked up the phone and dialled her number. On the other end the phone rang as Janet quickly walked into the living room to answer it and picked it upon the third ring, she said, “Hello.” Steve smiled when he recognized Janet’s voice and cheerfully said, “Hi Janet, it’s me Steve.” Janet cheerfully said back, “Oh hi Steve”. Steve asked, “Did you have a nice evening?” Janet chuckled a little then said, “That’s supposed to be my line I’m ok I hope you and Trisha had a nice evening with all the children at the orphanage.” Steve cheerfully said, “Trisha had a lot of fun, she really made me proud of her tonight.” Janet cheerfully asked, “Oh really, what did she do?” Steve replied, “After we passed out all the toys to the children there was one little girl Trisha’s age who didn’t get anything.” Janet feeling sorry for the little girl said, “Oh poor thing.” Steve continued, “Trisha noticed her crying and asked her why, the little girl explained that she was the only child who didn’t get anything.” Janet said, “Oh poor little thing felt left out.” Steve continued, “So Trisha went to the car and got the doll that Peter’s friend rescued from the fire at the toy store in Glendale and gave it to the little girl.” Janet’s voice almost broke as she proudly said, “Oh that was very sweet of her, she must have made the little girl feel really special.” Steve proudly said, “Yes she made the little girl feel so special you should have seen the look on her face when Trisha told her the doll was an orphan also when she gave it to the little girl, I was so proud of her.” Janet’s voice changed a little as she said; “I can’t thank you enough for all the nice things you do for Trisha.” Steve’s voice also changed as he said, “Trisha means the world to me, it’s like she’s my own little girl, I’d do anything in the world for her.” Janet smiled as she said, “She thinks of you as her father she really adores you”, Steve smiled as he said, “I really wish I was her father, I wouldn’t do any thing different except read her a story as I tuck her into bed each night.” Janet’s voice sounded semi serious as she said, “She really wants a father, if she could choose one she’d no doubt choose you.” Steve smiled as he suggested, “Why don’t the three of us go see that Christmas pageant the children are putting on at Mrs. Thompson’s church tomorrow night.” Janet smiled as she cheerfully replied, “Oh that would be wonderful.” Steve’s smile widened as he said, “Great I’ll pick the two of you up at six thirty sharp.” Janet cheerfully said, “We’ll be ready, by the way when will you like me to meet you by the road when you drop off Trisha?” Steve cheerfully replied, “I’ll be there in half an hour”. Janet cheerfully said, “I’ll be waiting, see ya.” Steve said, “See ya.” Then hung up the phone.

Later on the way to drop Trisha at her home, Steve said, “Trisha,” Trisha had been looking at all the Christmas decorations on all the homes along the streets as they made their way home, turned her head and smiled as Steve called her name. Steve continued, “If you had to choose from anyone in the whole world to be your father, who would you like most to be your father?” Trisha turned her head sideways slightly and smiled as she cheerfully replied, “I’d choose you to be my daddy because it’s like you really are my daddy.” Steve’s heart melted as he heard the words spoken by Trisha and asked, “Would you be mad or happy if your mother and I went on a date.” Trisha thought for a moment and asked, “Is a date where two people do a lot of hugging and kissing?” Steve laughed as he said, “Yes something like that.” Trisha smiled as she said, “If you take my mommy on a date then I’d be very happy, but if someone else took my mommy on a date I’d be sad.” Steve curiously asked, “Why would you be sad if someone else went on a date with your mother?” Trisha looked down as she sadly replied, “Because I’d be afraid she might get married and I might not get to see you anymore.” Steve asked, “You don’t want your mother to get married again so you can have a daddy to love you?” Trisha looked up at Steve with a look he’d never seen from her before as she said, “I want my mommy and I to get married to you so you can be my daddy because I don’t want anyone else to be my daddy except you.” Steve’s heart again melted but this time he knew he had to do some-thing to make this a reality because the thought of loosing both of them was too much for him to deal with. Steve winked his eye as he asked, “What if I told you that your mother and I were going on a date tomorrow night and you get to come?” Trisha smiled as she asked, “You mean a real live date where’s there’s a lot of hugging and kissing?” Steve laughed and replied, “I don’t know about the kissing, but I’m sure we’ll hug sometime during our date.” Trisha asked, “Do I have to close my eyes if you kiss my mommy"? Steve smiled as he replied, “You’re supposed to close your eyes, but I won’t tell if I see you peeking.” Trisha smiled and said as she was shaking her finger at Steve, “I want to peek because I want to make sure you do it right, you’ve never been married before like my mommy so I want to make sure you kiss my mommy like a daddy is supposed to kiss a mommy.” Steve laughed and said, “Well then it’s ok if you peek so you can make sure I kiss your mother just right.” Trisha smiled as she asked, “Honor bright”? Steve chuckled as he replied, “Honor bright.”  

Chapter 6 - Janet & Steve's First Date

The next evening Janet was putting on her makeup in preparation for her and Steve’s first official date as Trisha was picking up several bottles of perfume opening the tops as she smelled the heavenly fragrance of each one until she had found the one that suited her then took the bottle of costly perfume and cheerfully said as she sprayed a liberal amount around Janet’s neck, “Mommy this is your first date with Steve so you have to smell nice because he’s never been on a date before and we want to knock his socks off.” Janet chuckled as she fanned the spray while saying, “We’ll do more than knock his socks off he’ll be able to smell us a mile away,” Trisha smiled and put the bottle of perfume down, looked at Janet as she stood up and cheerfully said, “Mommy we’re gonna knock his socks off.” About that time Mrs. Tibbins came into the room and cheerfully said, Steve’s at the back door.” Trisha took Janet’s hand and began pulling her and cheerfully said to Mrs. Tibbins who was still standing in the doorway smiling, “Please excuse us but were in a hurry.” Janet chuckled and said as she was being pulled by the hand into the kitchen, “Slow down it’s as if were off to put out a fire rather than going on a date.” Just as they were entering the kitchen where Steve was waiting Trisha cheerfully asked, “Isn’t my mommy pretty?” Steve was wide eyed and smiled as he commented, “Your mommy is simply beautiful.” Janet blushed and was about to thank him for the comment but was interrupted as Trisha cheerfully asked, “Does she knock your socks off?” Steve smiled as he looked at Janet as he cheerfully replied, “She sure does.” Trisha smiled ear-to-ear as she said to Janet, “I told you we would knock his socks off.” Steve looked at his watch and said, “We better get started the pageant will be starting in half an hour.” He then opened the kitchen door for Janet and Trisha as they all started for the church where the pageant was being held.

Later at the pageant Mrs. Thompson came and cheerfully commented, “Steve, Janet it’s very nice seeing the two of you together.” Janet smiled as she said, “We wanted to bring Trisha to see the pageant.” Mrs. Thompson looked down at Trisha and smiled then looked back at Janet as she said, “It’s very nice to see the two of you dating you make such a lovely couple.” Mrs. Thompson looked down at Trisha and continued, “Your little girl needs a father and there’s no doubt that Steve would fill that role very nicely.” Steve smiled as he asked, “Did you ever get the repairs from the fire on your house done?” Mrs. Thompson replied, “I just can’t believe that little Timmy actually thought he was supposed to light the candles on my Christmas tree, why I was in the kitchen baking him some cookies when I smelled smoke so I went to see where it was coming from and almost had a coronary when I saw my tree on fire and Timmy trying to put it out with my new shawl.”  Steve commented, “At least both of you got out safely.” Mrs. Thompson went on to say, “Timmy said he was lighting the candles on my Christmas tree when the needles caught fire.” Steve said as he, Janet and Trisha started for the large sanctuary, “I’m glad you’re ok and nothing more than a few items were lost, you have a merry Christmas.”

After the pageant Steve suggested, “Let’s go for dinner at Ruby’s diner I’m sure the two of you must be hungry.” Janet looked at her watch, smiled and politely said, “That’s very nice of you, we really have to be.” Trisha interrupted pleading with her, “Please mommy let’s have dinner with Steve he’s been awfully nice?” Janet smiled as she replied, “I guess it’ll be ok but I’m paying for the two of us.” Steve smiled as he said, “I’m treating tonight after all this is our first official date.” Janet smiled as she said, “That’s too much to ask of you, you’ve been very kind the pageant was enough", Steve persisted, “I insist.” Janet looked down at Trisha’s puppy dog eyes that were pleading with her then looked up and smiled as she said, “Ok but next time it’s on us". Trisha smiled as she cheerfully said, “Oh goody, goody.”

After dinner, Steve was just stopping his car in front of the Wade mansion, shut off the engine, got out and opened the doors for Janet and Trisha. The three of them walked to the servant’s entrance. Janet turned around and said to Steve, “Thank you for a lovely evening.” Steve said as he took her hand, “I hope this is only the beginning of many evenings together to come.” Janet smiled and said, “That would be very nice, meaning we could spend a lot more time together.” Steve smiled and said, “This is the best evening I’ve ever had I’m looking forward to many more to come.” Janet looked down at Trisha who was looking on wide-eyed with a big smile and said, “I can hardly wait until the special event Wednesday.” Steve smiled as he said, “I’ll come and pick the two of you up at 8:30 am.” Janet was opening the door to the kitchen when Steve motioned with his hand for Trisha to turn around, took Janet into his arms and gently kissed her.” Trisha knew what was coming and looked on wide-eyed smiling ear-to-ear and as Steve and Janet kissed she cheerfully said, “Oh my goodness.” Steve and Janet laughed as Trisha continued smiling. Steve swooped Trisha off her feet and cheerfully asked her, “What were you doing peeking, you’re supposed to close your eyes.” Trisha’s brow wrinkled as she said, “I wanted to make sure you kissed my mommy correctly. ”Steve laughed and then asked, “Did I do it right?” Trisha smiled as she replied, “You kissed her just like a daddy should.” Janet gasped as she cheerfully said, “Trisha why you little brat, are you trying to play little miss matchmaker?” Trisha smiled as she replied, “Yep you bet I am.” Janet again gasped as she gently pinched Trisha’s ear, “Why of all the nerve, my own daughter trying to marry me off.” Trisha put her arms around Janet’s and Steve’s necks smiling as she said, “Now mommy you need someone to kiss you goodnight and I need a daddy.” Janet and Steve both blushed as they looked at one another. Steve put Trisha down took out his keys as he cheerfully said, “I’ll pick the two of you up at 8.30 Wednesday.” Janet smiled as she cheerfully said, “Yea that’ll be great we’ll be waiting.” Steve then cheerfully said as he backed away from the door smiling, “See ya.” Janet waved with one hand as she said, “See ya,” and closed the door and sighed as she leaned against it. Trisha smiled, her brow wrinkled as she said while walking over to her, “I think you’re in love.” Janet took Trisha into her arms and gently pinched the end of her nose as she lovingly said, “I’m not sure what it is, but it sure feels good.” Trisha smiled as she cheerfully said, “Oh my goodness.”

Wednesday morning came, Steve Janet and Trisha were entering the lounge of the fire station where a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with numerous gifts under it was standing. All the fire fighters cheerfully greeted Trisha, “Merry Christmas Trisha". Trisha looked around wide eyed at all the gifts as she asked, “Is all this for me?” Steve squatted next to her as he lovingly replied, “Yes, it’s all for you.” Trisha smiled, her eyes were filled with surprise as she looked at all the gifts. One of the fire fighters handed Steve a doll as Trisha was looking at all the gifts. Trisha’s eyes sparkled as Steve gently laid the doll into her arms. She gasped, looked up at Steve and at all the fire fighters as she asked, “Is this for me?” One of the fire fighters asked, “Trisha what are you going to name her?” She looked at the doll and thought for a moment and cheerfully replied, “I know I’ll name her Misty.” Everyone laughed as Trisha cradled the doll in her arms and cheerfully said, “Thank you all ever, ever so much.” One of the fire fighters turned on the radio sitting on a stand next to a desk as everyone else were laughing and having a good time as Trisha opened her gifts. As the radio warmed up it began playing a song that was just ending then the announcer cheerfully said, “And now for all the children in our listening audiences the songs that bring happiness to people everywhere.” The fan-fare to a cute song started playing as one of the fire fighters said to Trisha, “Hey Trisha you know that song sing it for us.” Trisha began to sing a delightful tune as she did a cute dance for everyone. As the song ended Trisha gave Steve a big kiss on the cheek followed up with a big hug. Afterwards everyone in the fire station continue enjoying the party being held for Trisha as it started to snow outside.

Chapter 7 - Christmas Morning

It was Christmas morning, Trisha jumped out of bed at the first light, ran into the living room where the Christmas tree was and gasped as she saw a brand new bicycle parked next to it. She climbed on the bike inspecting every inch of it. She then saw a pair of roller skates, jumped off the bike and picked them up and spun the wheels as she said, “Oh boy.” She then spotted a teacup set, put the skates down, opened the teacup set and arranged four place settings on the coffee table. She then saw blonde curly hair on the backside of the Christmas tree. She went to see and gasped as she saw the most beautiful doll she had ever seen. She picked the doll up cradling it in her arms and looked into the dolls blue eyes as she lovingly said, “Oh baby girl I’m going to take very good care of you, I’ll kiss you and tuck you into bed every night you’re going to be very happy here.” Janet and Steve came into the room and smiled when they saw the look on Trisha’s face as she played with her new doll. Trisha looked up at Steve and smiled as she cheerfully said, “Santa Clause brought me every single think I asked for, I’m pretty lucky.” Steve lovingly said, “Yes you sure are.” Trisha thought for a moment and asked, “I wonder if Santa Clause brought Chief Jackson his shiny new fire engine he promised?” Steve’s voice sounded a little sad as he replied, “I don’t think so the same old fire engine was still there this morning when I passed the fire station this morning on my way over here.” Trisha’s eyes filled with tears as she sadly said, “Santa Clause promised he’d drive the fire engine to the fire station himself.” Trisha wept as Steve held her close as he lovingly said trying to comfort her, “I know Santa Clause promised to bring Chief Jackson a new fire engine, perhaps he couldn’t bring it this year, maybe next year he could.” Trisha looked at Steve and sadly said as the tears were streaming down her face, “But he promised he’d give Chief Jackson one this year.” Steve wiped the tears from her face as he said, “Perhaps Santa couldn’t fit it into his budget this year, there’s always next..” A loud distinct air horn blew from the street. “Honk, honk.” And the sound of air brakes setting, “Kachoose.” Trisha’s eyes lit up as she ran and opened the door. Much to her surprise parked on the street in front of the Wade mansion was the most beautiful fire engine she’d ever seen complete with a big folded ladder. She simply marvelled at the flashing lights and noticed Santa Clause himself waving at her from the driver’s seat. Trisha’s voice was filled with excitement as she shouted, “He did, Santa Clause is really here with a shiny new fire engine just as he promised.” Janet and Steve followed Trisha as she ran out to the road where Santa helped her aboard the fire engine. As Janet and Steve were climbing aboard the fire engine, Trisha was giving Santa a hug as she cheerfully said, “Oh Santa you’re the best, this is the best Christmas ever.” Santa smiled as he asked, “Shall we deliver Chief Jackson his shiny new fire engine?” Trisha smiled as she cheerfully replied, “Oh yes.” Santa cheerfully said as he released the air brakes, put the fire engine in gear and pressed on the accelerator as the engine roared, “Well then let’s surprise the Chief.”

As the fire engine was rounding the corner to the fire station Trisha pulled on the cord as the air horn loudly sounded as Santa sounded the siren. All the fire fighters including Chief Jackson came outside to see what the commotion was as Santa was driving the fire engine into the driveway of the fire station set the brakes and shut off the engine. As Santa, Steve, Janet and Trisha were climbing down from the fire engine, Chief Jackson cheerfully asked Santa, “I can’t believe it, is this really for us?” Santa smiled as he replied, “You can thank Trisha she asked me to bring it to you.” Steve then recognized Santa and pulled him aside as Trisha was busy showing Chief Jackson all the bells and whistles on the fire engine, he asked, “Mr. Wilson, how did you swing it?” Mr. Wilson smiled as he said, “My father was a tycoon in the large truck manufacturing industry I inherited the business when he passed on.” Steve’s voice was full of surprise as he asked, “If you own such a large business, what are you doing operating a book store in a small town like this?” Mr. Wilson cheerfully replied, “The business runs itself so I spend my time doing what I love, running my five and dime book store while the misses runs the diner.” Janet’s eyes lit up as she asked, “Ruby’s diner is yours also?” Mr. Wilson smiled as he replied, “It belongs to the misses, but she makes everyone think she’s the waitress.” Steve smiled as he said, “So that’s why she knew you liked chocolate cake.” Mr. Wilson pulled his beard down as he softly said, “Don’t give us away I enjoy playing Santa every year for all the children I like the look in their eyes when they tell me every thing Santa brought them.” Janet hugged Mr. Wilson as she said, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for Trisha.” Mr. Wilson smiled as he said, “It’s truly more blessed to give than to receive.” Steve cheerfully agreed, “It sure is.”

About that time Trisha came pulling Chief Jackson by the hand as she was saying to him, “I asked Santa Clause to bring you this shiny new fire engine so you be really good and say thank you for the fire engine.” Chief Jackson was smiling as he said while he shook Santa’s hand, “I can’t believe this is really happening, where on earth did you". Santa interrupted him, “Never mind all that this is what Trisha ordered.” Chief Jackson looked down at Trisha and back up at Santa as he asked, “What Trisha ordered?” Santa smiled as he explained, “Trisha said she wanted me to bring you a shiny new fire engine with a loud siren, an air horn complete with a ladder to reach even the tallest of buildings, well there wasn’t anything like that, so I had one built just for you with all the latest bells and whistles or say siren. This baby’s the state of the art, a prototype the future of all fire engines.” Chief Jackson looked at the fire engine and cheerfully said, “Oh my goodness.”

Chapter 8 - A Fateful Mistake

Several days later Mr. Wade got up from his chair, put his pipe upside down on a magazine on a stand next to the chair and went to bed. As Trisha was getting a drink of water from a glass next to a pitcher of water Janet hat left her in the kitchen, Mrs. Wade came into the kitchen and snidely said, “Trisha tell your mother I don’t approve of that fire fighter coming to visit the two of you.” Trisha said, “Steve comes to visit because he’s in love with my mommy.” Mrs. Wade put her hands on her hips as she said, “This is a very wealthy neighborhood having fire fighters coming to visit doesn’t look very becoming of Mr. Wade and I, tell your mother if she wishes to stay on with us she’ll have to correct this.” Trisha sadly said as she put the glass down, “Yes maam. ”Trisha went into Janet’s room and sadly said what Mrs. Wade had said. Trisha looked at Janet with sad tear filled eyes as she asked, “Mommy will we ever get to see Steve ever again?” Janet took Trisha into her arms, wiped away her tears as she said, “Of course we’ll see Steve, he just can’t come here, so we’ll have to go to see him.” Trisha smiled as she hugged Janet and said, “I love you mommy.” Janet said, “I love you, now you get to bed, we have to get up early, we’re spending new year’s eve with Steve". Trisha smiled as she cheerfully said, “Oh goody.” At that Trisha got into bed next to Janet and went to sleep.”

Later on that night, Trisha awoke to the smell of smoke, got out of bed to see. She went to the living room finding the door open where a small stand, chair, and curtain were on fire. She immediately ran back to the bedroom where she had been sleeping with her mother and shook her by the shoulder while saying as her voice filled with much excitement, “Mommy the house is on fire.” Janet quickly jumped out of bed and while she was putting on her robe said to Trisha; “I’ll call Steve while you wake everyone up and get them outside.” At that Trisha began to run through the house to each of he rooms pounding on the doors while shouting, “Fire, everyone get up the house is on fire!” She continued running through the house waking everyone up. Everyone she had just awakened were quickly running down the hall and out the back door as Trisha continued going to each of the doors waking people up. The house was quickly filling up with smoke as she went to the Wades room shouting as she pounded on the door, “Fire the house is on fire we have to get out!” She pounded on the door until Mr. Wade opened the door as he angrily asked, “What in the Sam Hill is going on?” Trisha’s voice was filled with alarm as she said, “The house is on fire.” Mr. Wade said to Mrs. Wade as he put on his robe, “Penny get up the house is on fire I’m going to see if I can’t put it out.” After he left, Mrs. Wade, she began frantically pacing in her bedroom in a panic almost shouting, “Oh my God, what am I going to do, please someone help me.” Trisha took Mrs. Wades hand and began leading her to safety down the hall and out the back door as Steve and the other fire fighters were racing up the street in their new fire engine with the siren blazing and its lights flashing. Before the fire engine came to a stop Steve hit the ground running as he quickly ran to the house hoping to find that everyone had safely made it out. He arrived at the front door kicked it in shouting, “Janet, Trisha!” Janet heard him from the back door and shouted through the house, “We’re all ok, we’re all outside.” Steve then ran around to the back as the other fire fighters ran into the house with fire hoses and began to put out the fire. Steve ran up to Janet and Trisha who threw their arms around him as Janet franticly said, “Thank God you came as quickly as you did.” Steve asked, “How did the fire get started?” Janet replied, “I don’t know, Trisha woke me up telling me of the fire, I told her to go and wake everyone up so she began running through the house waking everyone up and helped Mrs. Wade get out safely while Mr. Wade went and tried to put the fire out himself.” Steve looked down at Trisha as he proudly said, “I’m very proud of you for being so brave you saved a lot of lives tonight you’re a hero.”

Mr. Wade walked over to Janet and angrily said, “Trisha had to start this fire, how else would she know about it unless she started it.” Steve said, “Don’t be so eager to point fingers until the chief gets his report from the fire fighters.” Mr. Wade looked at Trisha then at Janet as he angrily said, “I know Trisha started it, I want the two of you out of my house by tomorrow night.” Trisha kicked Mr. Wade in the shin as she angrily said as her eyes filled with tears, “I didn’t start that fire, I woke up and smelled something burning, so I woke my mommy up she called Steve while I woke you up"! Mr. Wade hopped on one foot as he angrily said, “Who else could have started it but You!” Janet angrily said as she put her hand on Trisha’s shoulder, “She didn’t start the fire and I believe her and we’ll be out just as soon as we get our things together!” Mr. Wade angrily said, “You have until tomorrow night.” Janet angrily said, “We’ll be out just as soon as the fire is out and we can get our things together!”

About that time the Chief came over holding the remains of Mr. Wades pipe as he said to Mr. Wade, “Seems like someone left this pipe on a stack of magazines which burned when the fire started and destroyed everything in the living room and den also". Mr. Wade looked at the pipe and said, “I must have forgot to put it out before I went to bed.” He looked at Janet and Trisha then said to Steve, “So Trisha didn’t start the fire, well it’s all for the best their leaving.” Steve angrily said, “You and Mrs. Wade have mistreated the two of them from the very start. If it hadn’t been for this little girl your whole house would have burned to the ground with you in it, and this is how you repay them.” Mr. Wade asked “Surely you don’t expect me to apologize to them, they're servants for crying out loud.” Steve angrily said, “Servants my eye, why their just as good as you are, I don’t know what makes you think you’re so high and mighty!” Chief Jackson then asked, “You said you forgot to put your pipe out before going to bed?” Mr. Wade arrogantly replied, “That’s correct.” Chief Jackson looked Mr. Wade in the eye and asked, “Did you really forget to put out your pipe, or did you merely put it upside down on the magazines hoping to make it look like a mistake?” Mr. Wade arrogantly asked, “What are you implying, that I intentionally set that fire?” Chief Jackson looked him in the eye as he replied, “It looks and sounds really fishy to me, if I were you I’d get a lawyer.” Mr. Wade looked Chief Jackson up and down as he angrily asked, “Why on earth would I need a lawyer for?” Chief Jackson took the pipe from Mr. Wade as he said, “From what you just told me, I’d say this looks and smells like arson.” Mr. Wade angrily spouted, “Arson, why that’s absurd!” Chief Jackson said as he pulled out a pair of silver hand cuffs, “We’ll see what the judge has to say about it, Mr. Wade you’re under arrest for suspicion of Arson.” Mr. Wade angrily spouted as Chief Jackson handcuffed him, “Arson why that’s absurd why would I want to burn down my own home!” Chief Jackson replied as a police officer was opening a door to put Mr. Wade in the back seat, “That’s something you’ll have to explain to the judge.” Chief Jackson then turned to Steve and said, “Tom at the insurance office said the other day that Mr. Wade had taken out a rather large fire insurance policy on his home a couple of weeks ago Tom said that in their conversation Mr. Wade hinted of having a cash flow problem with his business then the fire tonight, the new fire insurance, his cash flow problem and Mr. Wade freely admitting that he forgot to put out the pipe before he went to bed and me finding it on the remains of a stack of burned magazines was too much of a coincidence to overlook.” Janet grabbed Steve’s arm and said, “A few days ago Elizabeth mentioned that someday the Wades would eventually get what was coming to them.” Trisha shook her finger towards the police car as it was driving away and said, “Oh my goodness some people never learn being bad never pays.”

Chapter 9 - Happy Ending

Chief Jackson pulled a badge out of his pocket and pinned it in on Trisha’s coat and smiled as he cheerfully said, “Looks like tonight you’re everyone’s hero.” Trisha looked at the badge on her coat and smiled ear-to-ear as she said, “I’m a real fire fighter now.” Chief Jackson hoisted her into his arms and cheerfully said, “Yes indeed you’re our littlest fire fighter.” Trisha looked down and semi sadly said, “I got every single thing for Christmas except for one thing.” Chief Jackson put his finger under Trisha’s chin raising her head and asked, “What was the one thing you wanted but didn’t get?” Trisha sadly replied, “I wanted Steve to be my daddy.” Steve and Janet looked at one another, then Janet smiled as she said, “If Steve wants to be your daddy, he would have to be my husband also, but that’s something Steve would have to decide if he wishes for your wish to come true.” Steve smiled as he said, “I couldn’t think of anything in the world I’d want more than for this to come true.” Chief Jackson smiled as he asked, “Did the two of you just do what I thought you just did"? Steve and Janet both at the same time replied, “Yes.” Embraced and kissed as Trisha’s eyes lit up her voice rang with excitement as she said, “Oh my goodness.”

A few weeks later Trisha was walking down the aisle of a large church dressed in a beautiful white dress carrying a basket of rose pedals and smiling ear-to-ear as she was dropping them on the floor while her mother wearing a wedding gown was preparing to march down the aisle to become Steve’s wife. As Trisha reached the front of the church she looked at Steve who was smiling and winked at her just as the organist began to play and Janet began her walk down the isle. Later during the ceremony the minister asked, “Could I have the rings please"? Trisha reached into the basket of rose pedals retrieving two wedding rings and handed them to the minister as he smiled then presented one to Steve and one to Janet then led them through their vows as they placed the rings on one another’s ring fingers. The minister then smiled as he cheerfully said, “I pronounce you as husband and wife you may kiss your bride.” Steve raised Janet’s veil and as the two of them kissed for what seemed like eternity Trisha looked on smiling ear-to-ear and very cheerfully said, “Oh My Goodness.”

THE END
 

Your comments on this story would be appreciated by the author Email Reply
To add stories of your own, please register first using the Guestbook
Items are published for 6-12 months and stories may be considered by book publishers or film producers
Updates made early each month. All information as supplied