"A Christmas Romance: The Evening Begins" | Christmas Tales

 December has arrived, and as always, the radio in my kitchen plays joyful Christmas tunes while I prepare for an evening with Niccolò Machiavelli.

It’s amusing how the lyrics of Deck the Halls feel perfectly timed, filling the air as I slip into my formal wear:
🎵
"Deck the halls with boughs of holly,"
"Fa la la la la, la la la la,"
"Don we now our gay apparel,"
"Fa la la la la, la la la la."

.....

And dressed, I certainly am, wrapped in red. A striking red cocktail dress, designed by Valentino. Every detail of my ensemble matches the theme: red leather pumps, a sleek red clutch, and a subtle red ribbon adorning my high bun. A delicate mist of CHANEL perfume lingers on my wrist and neck. I feel beautiful. I feel ready for romance, ready for a night that feels touched by Christmas magic itself.

…..

As I finish, Niccolò arrives in front of my Co‑op apartment in a sleek 2022 BMW X6 luxury sedan. A diplomat’s lifestyle, I imagine, suits him well.
He calls on my iPhone, and his voice sounds soft and warm.

"Mia, I’ve just pulled up, I’ll be at your door shortly."

I smile, already eager to step into the night, my heart fluttering with anticipation.

…..

When I open my door, Niccolò is impeccable. Wrapped in the sophistication of designer Giorgio Armani, he is a vision of tailored perfection, a black Peak Lapel Single‑Button Suit, paired with a crisp Italian cuff fitted shirt and silver cufflinks. His pencil‑cut, ankle‑length trousers sharpen his silhouette, and black patent leather loafers complete the refined elegance.

We match elegance and sophistication. We are two striking figures stepping into the evening.

…..

With a charming grin, he presents me with a bouquet of tulips. My heart skips.

"How does he know I adore tulips?"

I place them in a vase, my smile lingering.

…..

As we exit, Niccolò’s gaze drifts upward, his expression teasing as he notes the mistletoe above my door.

"Mia, tradition demands we kiss beneath it, for peace and good luck."

My heart pounds twice, maybe more.

But Niccolò doesn’t settle for a simple kiss. His lips press against mine, warm and deliberate, before his tongue glides into my mouth. What a kiss! What a man! Giggles.

…..

Hand in hand, we step into the night. No man has ever held my hand in public before, and the thrill of it sends delight through my veins.

The evening has already exceeded expectations.

Flowers, a kiss, his touch.

…..

We arrive at Masseria, the renowned Italian restaurant curated by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli.

As Niccolò parks the car, I quickly pull up the restaurant’s Instagram page, its ambiance whispers romance, intimacy, and fine cuisine.

Tonight, I will experience it all with a man who feels almost heaven‑sent, as if this moment had been waiting for me all along.

The night feels wrapped in possibility, as if the season itself is opening a door I never expected to walk through.

“Thank you, God in Jesus name, for this gentleman!”

.....


(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)