LACHLAN

I love the holidays. I guess I’m just like a lot of other blokes because I didn’t finish up the last of my shopping until late this afternoon. Jessie was the smart one; she bought most of her gifts online and had them wrapped and hidden safely away like pirate treasure for the past several weeks. Every so often I’d come across a brightly wrapped prezzie snuggled deep inside a cupboard or cabinet, not daring to touch it. Little Jacob came across one of ‘em when he was exploring the nursery when Jess wasn’t looking and I caught him in the act. Poor kid nearly jumped out of his skin when I snuck up behind him, but I just laughed and reminded him that it was okay to look as long as Jess didn’t find out. He was so relieved when he realized that he wasn’t in trouble and I had a sudden flash of memory from a similar event in my own childhood; I was a notorious present inspector as a young lad.

I was thinking about one memory in particular as Jess and I wrapped the last batch of presents on Christmas Eve. Rolls of brightly colored paper and ribbon were piled at the foot of the bed and I’d just tossed a couple more logs into the fireplace, stoking the embers into a happy roar.

“Don’t singe your eyebrows.”

It was Jessie speaking, but I heard my mum’s voice instead. A scene from my childhood flashed in my head and I could see her sitting at the kitchen table wrapping the last of the presents. Her red hair was pulled back in a loose bun and she was humming softly to herself. It was my job to bring in the wood for the stove and I had been purposefully stalling because I was hoping to catch a glimpse of my presents. But as usual, she sussed me out.

“Bedtime, young man. Now give your mum a kiss goodnight.”

I groaned in disappointment and she smiled. “Christmas morning may seem a long way away, but little boys need their sleep. Now scoot! Your father will be up shortly to tuck you in…”

I glanced over my shoulder to see Jess struggling to wrap a coffee maker as Kahlua decided that he needed to help her and kept trying to crawl underneath her wrapping paper.

“Babe, help me …”

I grabbed a nearby cat toy and tossed it across the room. Kahlua gave a sharp meow and pounced off after it, leaving shredded paper and tangled ribbon in his wake.

Jessie sighed in frustration. “I think he’s possessed by the ghost of Christmas.”

I went to sit down beside her, pushing aside a pile of ribbon and tape. “He’s just happy.” I peeled the adhesive backing from one of the packaged bows and placed it on her belly. “I don’t think you’ll fit under the tree.”

She stopped her wrapping and gave me a soft eyed look. “This holiday is so different from last year. I spent it all alone and I didn’t even decorate my apartment. I remember just feeling so lonely and wishing that I had someone special to share it with.”

She reached for my hand and I gave hers a gentle squeeze. “Are you saying things are better this time around?”

Her eyes softened even more. “What do you think?”

“No regrets?”

She shook her head. “None. What about you?”

I’ve told her often enough that I really don’t miss flying and I’m happy working with my hands. But she’s always worried that her getting pregnant so unexpectedly forced me into making a decision I wasn’t ready to make.

“You know the real answer to that, sweetheart. Everything’s just apples.”

The logs in the fireplace popped noisily and Kahlua shot across the room, landing back on the bed in a crush of paper and ribbon. I reached out to tug his great tail and he swatted at my hand before darting off the bed and dashing out the bedroom door.

“He musta just taken a hearty dump.” 

Jessie chuckled and sniffed the air. “We’ll know in a minute. You changed his litter box, didn’t you?”

“Litter boxes and dirty nappies. Is this what I have to look forward to?”

“You’re forgetting loss of sleep, two AM feedings …”

“Oh, I’m so ready. Bring it on.”

Jess removed the bow from her belly and placed it on my head. “You make a great Christmas present, you know that?”

I reached down and tweaked her big toe. “Who’s the coffee maker for, by the way?”

She put another bow on my head and grinned. “Egan. He’s always so grumpy when he drops Jacob off in the mornings so I figured he could use new one.”

“Good idea, but I think his grumpiness comes from a lack of sex.” I waggled my eyebrows knowingly. “Poor bugger’s been climbing the walls.”

Jessie’s expression was one of disbelief. “If Egan really wanted to get laid he certainly wouldn’t need to look very far for a suitable volunteer.”

I shrugged. “You’re probably right. I think he’s a bit overwhelmed from sudden parenthood. His whole lifestyle’s changed. He’s always been quiet and serious, but now he’s got a rambunctious seven year old to look after.”

“He’s handling it all pretty well, I think. He loves that little boy beyond all reason. And Jacob adores him.”

“Well, a cuppa hot coffee in the morning might help take off the edge.” I watched as she finished wrapping Egan’s present and I couldn’t hold back a laugh.

“Okay, what’s so funny?”

“I was just thinking about something Jeff told me this morning. Guess what he got your mum for Christmas?”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“An electric toilet seat. You know how she’s always complaining about how cold her bathroom is in the morning?”

Jess giggled and put one more bow on my head. “She’ll probably love it. You know how she and Jeff get on so well. Maybe we should get one for our bathroom and …”

She stopped mid sentence, her face tightening up as if she were in pain. My breath caught in my throat as I reached out to touch her belly. “Sweetheart?”

The unasked question burned in my brain but Jess read my thoughts and shook her head. “Just a really hard kick. Things are getting pretty tight in there and I think the baby’s restless. He’s always more active at night.”

As if agreeing, I felt a sharp jab against my hand. “Maybe we’ll have a Christmas baby?”

Jessie looked horrified. “It’s too early. I still have two and a half weeks to go.”

“I wouldn’t mind one bit.”

She frowned and handed me a roll of tape, quickly changing the subject. “You can wrap Nathan’s pajamas ... they’re the green flannel ones with the little fire engines. Try using the blue snowman paper; there should be just enough.”

I sifted through the packages on the bed until I found the pajamas. “Hey Jess?”

“Hmmm?”

“I think this is the nicest Christmas I can remember.”

She stopped fussing with the ribbon and put Egan’s present down on the floor. That was my cue to make my move. Scooting over next to her, I took her in my arms and hugged her close.

She kissed me, tasting of cinnamon and chocolate chip cookies. “You look cute with those silly bows in your hair.”

I’d forgotten all about them. “You can always try putting a bow somewhere else.”

She wasn’t buying it. “Nice try, flyboy. Let’s finish wrapping all these presents first.”

But instead of moving away, she settled closer in my arms. Ho, Ho, Ho, indeed.

EGAN

Funny how quickly things change in man’s life. Last year at this time I was spendin’ my Christmas Eve in Corpus Christi with a pretty little school teacher, enjoying her home cooking and sharing her king sized bed. One year later I’m living in the frozen tundra and lookin’ after a little ghost from my past. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not suggestin’ that I’m unhappy or would have it any other way, but sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed.

I wasn’t prepared for how this little boy would tug at my heart and can’t remember loving anyone or anything so fiercely. I’ve always taken care of those who came under my wing, but I’m beginning to understand a little more about the powerful ties of blood. It’s stronger than our strange shared bonds of brotherhood and more endearing than any other relationship I’ve ever known. Jacob is a living breathing part of me, the confirmation of my own mortality. I’ll always grieve for not being there for him in the very beginning, but we seem to be making good headway as newly acquainted father and son. To see him
come out of his shell and growing less fearful reassures me that I did the right thing by bringing him here to Vermont.

Since it’s Christmas Eve, I let him stay up a little later than usual. We visited with Riley and John for a bit over dinner, his eyes glowing at the sight of their great Christmas tree and all the presents tagged with his name. I was worried that he might make a fuss over having to wait until tomorrow to open them, but he took it well when reminded it would be more fun to open them with all the family tomorrow evening. I assured him that he’d still be able to open my gifts in the morning.

“Dad, can we watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?”

We’d just gotten back to our apartment and he’d changed into his pajamas and brushed his teeth without being asked so I was obliged to agree. Never mind that he’s watched that darn show every night this week.

I went over to the bookshelf and looked through the DVDs. “How about the Grinch? Wouldn’t you rather watch that instead?”

“The Grinch is ugly.” He plopped down on the couch and looked up at me, his green eyes shining. “I like Yukon Cornelius. He kind of reminds me of Uncle John.”

I couldn’t help a chuckle. Damn if the kid wasn’t right. “I don’t think I’d tell Uncle John that, but Aunt Riley might think it’s funny, so you can tell her.”

“Okay.”

I knew damn well that he would, too. I found the DVD I was looking for and pulled it from the shelf.  “How’s about Home Alone?”

“No. Aunt Jessie and I watched that two days ago.”

“Okay.” I picked out another movie. “Lion King?”

“Daddy!”

I put the Disney DVD back and pulled out Rudolph. “Okay, okay, Yukon Cornelius it is.”

“And Rudolph!”

“Oh yeah, and Rudolph.” How could I ever forget? I loaded up the player and plopped down on the couch beside him. .

“I love you, dad.” He snuggled in closer and I wrapped my arm around him.

I felt my heart swell. “I love you too, son.”

SAMANTHA

My name wasn’t on the duty roster for the evening, but I volunteered to work a double shift. A lot of the guys have wives and families so the unmarried personnel often step in to give the favor. I really didn’t mind. Christmas Eve in Stowe is generally pretty quiet, especially after eight o’clock.

I did my usual rounds; checking out the shops and departing carloads of last minute shoppers on Route 100. Curling up along Main Street, then over to the Library and back past the station, I made my way along the lower portion on Mountain Road. A few revelers here and there as they made their way from the pubs and back to the warmth and safety of their hotel rooms. A couple of the churches were holding midnight mass and services, but I didn’t expect any trouble from that group of individuals.

Around one AM I started to get a little restless. I radioed in to the station and Billy Tanner, the graveyard dispatch responded with a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells.

“I hope you’re drinkin’ nothing stronger than coffee, Billy Tanner. How are things holdin’ up back at the ranch?”

Billy’s voice crackled over the radio in response. “Slow and steady, Officer De La Croix. How ‘bout you?”       

“Looks like everyone’s nestled in for their long winter naps. I think I’m gonna make a pass over by the high school and check on old Henry MacDonald.”

Henry was well known to the residents of downtown Stowe as a harmless though homeless local. Towards the end of the month his Social Security money began to run low and that’s when he often found himself in trouble.

The radio crackled again. “He’s probably holed up in the gardener’s shed over by the horticulture building. The Principal changed the locks to keep Henry out, but it’s never stopped him before.”

I liked Henry. His age was somewhere between sixty and a hundred and he reminded me of some of my grandfather’s crony friends. I afforded him the respect due one his age, greeting him as Uncle whenever our paths crossed. In truth, I was a little worried; it was dreadfully cold and I hated to think of anyone alone and homeless, especially on Christmas Eve. I had an old blanket in the back of the Bronco and an as yet untouched thermos of coffee. It wasn’t much, but enough to offer a small bit of comfort.

I cruised past the football field, and all looked as it should; quiet, deserted, and lonely. Around the next corner was the horticulture building, and a few yards away from this stood the old shed Billy Tanner had mentioned. I saw the glow of a cigarette and a huddled figure near the back of the structure and drove the Bronco across the field, stopping just a few yards away.

“Henry MacDonald.” I called out. “Is that you over by that shed?” I grabbed my flashlight and pointed it his way. “It’s Officer De La Croix.”

“Turn that light out, girl! You tryin’ to blind me?”

I was relieved to discover him as crotchety as ever. Reaching for the blanket and my thermos I went out to greet him. “I have some hot coffee, so you might wanna be nice to me.”

I heard his raspy laughter croaking out into the night. As I came closer I was glad that I’d found him; he looked thinner than I last remembered, and his eyes were red and glassy.

“Workin’ graveyard tonight, I see. Tell me, young lady, why aren’t you home where it’s safe and warm?”

I set the blanket around his shoulders and poured a capful of coffee. “I could ask the same of you.”

He accepted my offering, taking a long sip before giving his answer. “I’m a drunken old man who made too many bad choices. I would have left long ago, but the Lord hasn’t figured out what to do with me. You thinkin’ of stickin’ around after the season’s over?”

I shook my head. “You know me, Uncle. I like to keep moving.”

“You’re gonna stay this time.”

“No way. The new Sheriff is unbearable and there’s nothing to really hold me here after the winter.”

“He’s aware of your presence and he longs for your comfort. Only he hasn’t realized it just yet.”

“The Sheriff?” Maybe Henry had been drinking more than I first suspected. “If he had his way, he’d just as soon tie me to the dispatch desk.”

Henry waved his hand. “Not him. The other one. And you’ve noticed him too, but you’re too stubborn to let him see that you’re interested.”

“Now you’re talkin’ in riddles.”

Henry laughed. “I calls ‘em as I sees ‘em, kid. You’ll understand after you find the lost colt.”

Okay. Henry’s predictions were fueled more by cheap drugstore wine than by any mystical knowledge, but I decided to humor him. “Okay, Uncle, I’ll keep an eye out for a stray pony, but I’m still leaving come springtime.”

He just chuckled to himself and wrapped the blanket tighter around his shoulders. “Thank you for the coffee. Don’t worry about me. I made a deal with the Principal and he’s agreed to let me use the shed over Christmas break as long as I clean up after myself and clear out by January fifth.”

Just then the radio crackled and Billy Tanner’s voice cut through the night. “Officer  De La Croix? Officer Wilson needs some back up over at Blessed Sacrament. Seems to be some kind of unknown disturbance involving the church choir and a few rowdy tourists and a tin of fruitcake. What’s your ETA?”

Henry cackled. “Now that sounds rather interesting. Far more entertaining than sittin’ here talking to an old drunk.” He handed back the cap to my thermos and I turned to go, shaking my head over Billy Tanner’s call. Figures. What would Christmas Eve be without the traditional tin of fruitcake?

“Merry Christmas, Henry.” I called out and reached for the radio.

“Merry Christmas, Samantha. Keep your eyes and heart open.”

NATALIE

Christmas Eve! It was Christmas Eve and I was so excited I could barely contain myself. I had gotten Jack the perfect gift and couldn’t wait to show it to him. I fed Chelsea and got her down for the night while Jack started a fire in the fireplace and waited for me on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa. When Chelsea had finally fallen asleep, I crept in and snuggled next to him, smiling expectantly. All day I had dropped hints that I wanted to follow my family’s tradition and open presents on Christmas Eve, and I was sure he’d agree.

“Jack, do you want to open your present now?”

He looked at me as if I had three heads. “Open presents now?” He harrumphed. “Absolutely not! Out of the question.” He shook his head disagreeably, then caught sight of my shocked expression and softened. “It’s just not done, my love,” he reasoned. “It’s just not the thing.”

“But Jack, my family has always opened presents on Christmas Eve.” I whined, and maybe even pouted a bit, I admit. But Jack had that look, the I am an unmovable rock and will not change my mind no matter how much you pout look. So, I conceded defeat. I sighed and took a sip of my cocoa. “All right, Jack. I can wait ‘til tomorrow.” I tried to hide my disappointment, but not too hard.

He shook his head and chuckled. “My impatient little dove.” I turned to him, eyebrows raised. “One present only … just one, the rest must wait until the morning.”

“Thank you, Jack!” I gave him a big, sloppy kiss. He untangled himself and reached under the couch pulling out a box … a light blue box tied with white ribbon. He had planned this all along, the big tease!

“For you, my love.” He placed the box in my hands and I quickly untied the ribbon, lifted the lid and opened the case inside. Laying on a bed a satin was a delicate platinum necklace threaded with diamonds. I caught my breath … it was gorgeous!

Jack took it from my hands and fastened it around my neck, his fingers tickling my skin while he fiddled with the clasp. I turned to face him. “How does it look?”

His eyes brightened and he fingered the diamonds resting near my throat. “It is beautiful, and it suits you.”

I hugged him and whispered, “Thank you, Jack.”

Pulling back, I jumped up. “Your turn!” I grabbed a small wrapped package from under the tree. “This is for you, sweetie. I hope you like it.”

He smiled and tore open the paper, uncovering a small framed photograph of Egan holding the reins of a beautiful black horse. Jack wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. “Um … yes, lovely photo, my dear. I shall treasure it.”

“It’s a horse, Jack.” I said, pointing to the photo.

“I see that,” he replied, puzzled.

“He’s your horse. That’s Licorice. He’s a four year old American Saddle Horse stallion. We can go see him tomorrow if you want. He’s stabled down the road where Riley’s horse is.”

Jack was astonished. “My horse? You purchased a horse for me?”

“Yes, do you like him? I had Egan look him over to make sure he’d be okay. Egan said he was in great shape, no problems or anything.”

Jack was so quiet staring at the picture that I started to worry that he didn’t like him. “I thought you might like to have a horse,” I explained nervously. “I know before you crossed, you loved horses.” My words began tumbling out of my mouth. “When I realized you haven’t had one since you’d been here, it seemed like the perfect gift. I’m sorry if it was the wrong idea.” I paused before adding, “We could sell him if you don’t like him.”

Jack shook his head and looked at me. His eyes were glistening. “No, no … he’s fine.” He smiled. “Thank you my love. He’s a beautiful gift and yes, I would like to see him tomorrow.”

Relieved, I took the picture and put in on the coffee table, then sat on his lap. His hands were warm on my back and I leaned in and kissed him, happy to be in his arms. “Merry Christmas, Jack.”

I giggled as he picked me up neatly and carried me down the hall to our room. “Merry Christmas, my love,” he replied as he closed our door.

JOHN

Six AM, Christmas morning and even Nathan’s still sleeping. Damn, have you got any idea how rare it was for me to find a few quiet moments with my wife during the holidays? Trust me, real rare. Not only are we in the dead center of a booming ski season, but she’s again hosting the Christmas dinner and I can just feel that any minute she’s going to wake like someone lit a firecracker under her nice ass and charge for the kitchen. This was my only moment to make my move.

I got some good moves. The moment my fingertips grazed her hip, I could feel she was ready and willing. We’ve been working hard at this. Not screwing. Making another baby. It’d be nice to get her pregnant and not have to think about it anymore. Granted, we not at the stage of worrying or anything. We’re not taking temperatures or watching calendars or making charts, she hasn’t asked me to wear boxers instead of briefs and we’re not thinking about talking to doctors about it. We’re just trying. This morning, I wasn’t trying anything. I was just loving her. Loving every inch, every flavor, every quiet squeal and every sigh of her. There, be nice to plant one with that, wouldn’t it.

“Merry Christmas, baby,” I moaned, snuggling close and tightening my arm over her. Didn’t want her escaping to do her Christmas cooking thing. Odd, she didn’t even try to escape. I looked into her eyes. “You okay?”

“I’m happy, John. Just feeling … safe … and happy. Merry Christmas.”

I’d almost forgotten how hard things used to be for her long ago. A whole lifetime ago. It was a major effort to get her to actually say that one word. Safe. No ex-husband would ever again beat on her; no violence would ever slam through her life. Not as long as I live, that’s for damn sure. If she could say she felt safe, I can say I’ve done the impossible. For years it was a struggle and now, it felt smooth, easy, blessed. Damn, I felt good. Talk about getting a gift. “Oh… hey, I wanna give you your gift, okay?”

Riley grinned at me, her dark eyes twinkling. “I thought you just gave me your gift.”

“Funny. I got a real gift for you,” I padded to the closet and tugged out a long mailing tube. I’d have stuck a bow on it, but I was afraid she’d suspect and investigate, so I simply handed it to her un-garnished.

She shuffled on the bed and tugged the lid off, pulling out the large blueprints and unrolling them on the bed. “What is this?”

“Expansion, starting right at this wall.” I pressed my palm against the wall behind our bed. “It’s the bigger, better, new and improved apartment you wanted. Look,” I pointed. “Kevin’s put everything in there you talked about. Bigger kitchen, massive dining room and family room. We’ll have four bedrooms and … what? Why are you crying?”

“John, it’s … really … really wonderful and I love it, I really do … but … who knows when we can do it? We can’t put Jack and Nat out. But I really love it. It’s perfect.”

I huffed. God sakes, I completely forgot the most important part of all this. “Baby, I talked to Jack last week. He’s put in a bid for that big house down on White Birch Road. The big old Arts and Crafts house the Palmers are selling. He thinks they’ll be in it by April. Kevin says he can start on this project by May.”

Her eyes glowed and she smiled wide. “So … this can really happen? Really?”

“Riles, why else would I make it your Christmas gift?”

Oh yeah, she was happy. Twice! Twice in one morning! And me, forty-three years old. I still got it. Damn! Then, enjoying the afterglow and touching and wet feelings all over, in toddles Nathan. He climbed onto our bed and gave us a blank stare.

“Daddy, is it Christmas morning yet?” Poor kid’s been asking that for days.
 
KIM

I awoke to the scent of coffee brewing. I smiled sleepily, listening to the soft gurgling sounds of the coffee maker and the soft scuff of slippers on the linoleum floor in the kitchen. For a moment I thought I was home at Jess and Lach’s but then I caught the sound of a familiar sigh and my eyes shot open.

Emmie’s apartment. My smile grew.

The empty space next to me was still warm and I rolled over, grabbed her pillow and breathed deep. So okay, underneath my smarmy bastard exterior I’m a closet romantic. So sue me. We all have our secrets. Problem is, the woman I love beyond all reason in the next room knows most of them. But she’s decided to give me a second chance in spite of it all.

Footsteps came back towards the bedroom and there she stood, a cuppa coffee in each hand and her hair sticking out at odd angles like a crazy halo. Funny pink flannies and a smile as her eyes fell to the tented sheet between my legs. 

“Good morning.”

“Mmmm…coffee.”

She laughed and joined me, carefully handing over my cup as she placed her own on the nightstand. I sat up, trying not to spill as I reached along the floor with my free hand.

“I have something for you.” I’d hidden it just underneath the bed and as my fingers grazed the small package my heart began to beat faster. Would she accept my gift or would she say it was too extravagant under the circumstances? I’m on double-secret probation and let’s face it; Emmie’s calling all the shots this time around.

“I’ve got something for you as well.” She reached over for the nightstand drawer and pulled out a narrow gold wrapped box. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

She just called me baby. That was a really good sign. She set the box between my legs and grinned as I handed over her present in return, smiling at the little bell hanging from the velvet flocked bow.

“Unwrap yours first,” I sighed.

Instead of untying the ribbon, she slipped it off the box and set it in her lap. She glanced at me curiously before popping open the lid, but her smile grew bigger when she saw what was inside.

“Oh Kimmie, they’re beautiful.”

Diamond earrings. The very same ones that I had wanted to give her the night she informed me that she was taking the job in New York. She didn’t know the whole story behind them and one day I planned to tell her. But not yet. We’re still finding our footing again and our hearts and nerves are cautiously raw.

She took them from the box and put them on. “They feel good.”

“You make them look good.”

A soft doubtful chuckle. “Knock it off, you big drongo.”

That was one of her latest endearments for me and I actually liked it. She could call me just about anything, as long her eyes sparkled like they did.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t accept them.”

Her expression grew sad, but her eyes held mine and I knew we were still okay.

“Kimmie, we’re starting over. We both made some really stupid mistakes and we both know the other is sorry. It’s gonna take time, but I think we’re worth it. Maybe I shouldn’t tell you this, but I’m miserable without you.”

Her eyes filled with tears and I pulled her into my arms. “Not half as miserable as I am without you.”

“I guess we both deserved it, but you deserved it more.” The edge was still there in her voice, but she held onto me tighter. “That’s probably not a very nice thing for me to say, but I can’t help it.”

I was okay with what she was saying. We both fucked up. “I’m just happy to hold you like this again.” It felt good.  “I’m so sorry.”

“How many times are we going to apologize to one another?”

“As long as we have to, I guess. Maybe after a while we won’t feel the need any longer.”

She pulled away just a little. “It’s your turn to open your present.”

She was biting her lip and I realized that she was just as nervous about her choice of gift as I had been for mine. I held the box to my ear and shook it lightly.

“Sounds like a key chain.”

She snorted. “Hardly.”

I gave it another shake. “A new pen and pencil set.”

“Yeah, right.”

“A gold plated candy cane?”

“Just open it already!”

The tension was broken and I ripped off the gold wrapping paper and recognized the name of the local jeweler monogrammed across the top. Emmie’s eyes were anxious as I removed the lid but my gasp of surprise made her sigh in relief.

The box held an antique Lord Elgin wristwatch. Yellow gold framing a square black face with Roman numerals and a black leather stitched band.

“It was made in the 1950’s. Cary Grant wore one just like it in North by Northwest.” 

My favorite actor and my favorite movie. “Emmie, it’s beautiful.” I took it from the box and put it on. “It feels good.”

“Do you really like it?”

“I love it.” I pulled her back into my arms and kissed her. “It’s perfect.”

Her body felt so warm and comforting and we just held onto each other for a bit, allowing the wonderful feeling of the moment to linger.

“Are you having diner with the family?” Her voice sounded sad but I was having none of it.

“Only if you come with me.”

“Oh Kimmie, are you sure?”

I kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose. “I’d be honored. And the family would love to see you, if you’re up for it.” There’d obviously be some comments and questions, but it would all be well intended.

“I didn’t buy enough presents for everyone.”

“You can put your name with mine on the ones I bought.”

“But that’ll mean that we’re back together.”

My heart fell. “I was kinda hoping that we were.”

“It’s not that. I guess I’m just a little scared, that’s all.” She snuggled in closer and held on tighter. “Okay. I’ll put my name with yours.” 

Maybe this is going to take a lot longer than I first thought. But that’s okay. I’m in for the long haul. I know what I really want, and I think that Emmie does too.

TERRY

I thought I was so crafty, so expertly covert. Eva was sound asleep, I could tell by her even breathing. I slithered a hand under my pillow and pulled out the ring; a perfect, simple marquis solitary diamond that sparkled and glowed in the dull winter morning light floating through the window. I carefully hooked it onto Eva’s left ring finger and moved it, millimeter by millimeter to her first knuckle. I drew in a silent breath, released a sigh just as silently and let my mind roll to everything that had happened to me over the past year.

So much. Some emotionally painful, some physically painful, some so beautiful it hurt to recall. Eva had brought me so much with her exquisite grace and strong heart. She had healed me in ways I didn’t know I needed healed. Brought me promise and belief in myself, confidence that I could in fact move on with my life; become something even better without working in the field. Before Eva, I was a bloody bird with clipped wings. Now I knew I could fly, but only with her at my side.

Holding my breath I pushed the ring further. Sweat gathered at my temples, the effort making me more nervous. As the ring settled at her second knuckle I looked at her. Still sleeping. So bloody gorgeous, her long dark hair flowing in rivulets, twisting in curls around an exposed nipple. Her flesh called to me but I was on a mission. My thoughts slid to a dangerous place.

My first marriage failed and it was my fault, pure and simple. I was selfish, obsessed with my career. I deserved to lose her … and in turn lose my son. I choose to believe that Henry is alive and living in that other world; in his twenties, possibly at uni and doing well. All fantasy, as John’s experience with the portals had stated clearly that that other life really didn’t exists outside of the celluloid film. But I needed to know something good had come for Henry. He deserved it.

Then … a second marriage. I could blame no one for that. No one. Sometimes things just didn’t work out, no matter how good they seemed. There was to be a child, but my investigations proved that it never happened. No fantasy could give me reasons or causes that made sense. That was gone. All gone. Was I just not good at the marriage thing? There was still a chance to change this? I could pull the ring off and pretend I never started this?

No. No, I couldn’t. What is life if not a leap of faith? I knew I was no longer selfish … and I knew I was no longer blind. And … I knew nothing in life had ever made me as whole and as happy as Eva.

One more inch to go. Silent as a whisper I slid the ring home. And I looked at it there on her long finger. Eva stirred, sighed and sighed again.

“Yes,” she whispered and her eyes fluttered opened. She never looked at the ring, never made the slightest move to admire or be impressed. She only looked into my eyes. Her smile was tender as her love. “Yes.”

I believe my entire body smiled.
 
COLIN

“I am giving you one year,” Carrie said, her back to me as she prepared brekkie.

“Pardon?”

She turned. Her expression was serious, dangerous and I knew I had no choice but to hear her out. I fucked up and owed her whatever she asked.

She sighed and pushed her hair back. “One year, Colin. I will be your wife in every sense of the word. Loving you won’t be hard; I already love you so much it hurts. But I promise to give you one full year. Then … then we’ll have to talk.”

“Talk?” I gulped coffee. Talk. The single most terrifying bloody word a bloke hears from his woman.

“Yes. Talk. If you cheat on me once … if you leave me behind … if you hurt me … that talk will be very brief. You can’t do it ever again, Colin. I’ll die without you, but I will also die if I let you hurt me again. One year. That … that’s my Christmas gift to you.”

I’d bought her a car … a bloody Ferrari and somehow I knew it was nothing compared to her gift to me. I stood and took her into my arms. I held her tight, kissed the top of her head, her brow, her eyes … her lips. I loved her right there in the kitchen with the bacon sizzling and the toaster poppin’. One year was the most amazing thing Carrie could offer me, and I got no intentions of fuckin’ up again. Ever.

I know it won’t be easy. She’ll be watching me like a hawk … but thinking it through, if it had happened the other way around, would I do any different? She’d insisted I continue racing, but I’d already told Hando to start lookin’ for another driver. I’d race, for Carrie … but not forever. What kinda life was that anyway? I want what my brothers have; comfort, kids, a life that makes sense. I wasn’t worried about the temptations. Didn’t wanna be drinkin’ or doin’ drugs. Didn’t wanna ever touch another woman again. Just my wife. Just Carrie.

There was only one thing I had to figure out … how to earn my wife’s trust back … and how to be worthy of what she’s giving me. That’s all.

CORY

I stepped out of the shower as Daisy fussed at the bathroom mirror. She’s so damn pretty, there’s no reason for all her fussing but it made her happy so who was I to say anything.

She hadn’t been too steady since Fisher tried to kill her. Fuck. How could anyone be steady after something like that? John’s put down his foot, she’ll never close that pub alone again and that makes me feel better. Maybe I should’ve insisted on something like that before, but Daisy is such an able woman, I guess I never thought …

But thinking was all I could do since that night. It was Christmas morning and my mind should have been on the lingerie I’d bought her, the gold bracelet, the books … all wrapped pretty and waiting in our little lounge area. The suite we had at the Inn was nice and all, but maybe I should have looked into getting us out own place, an apartment or a house. Maybe I should have done a lot of things. For now, there was only one thing I needed to do … really, really needed to do.

I slid into a pair of sweats and took her hand, led her to the sofa and sat. “Baby, we need to talk.”

She blinked. “About what?” Was her voice shaking?

I swallowed hard and said what I needed to say. “That night … with Fisher. What really happened?”

“I told the police.”

“Did he try to rape you?” Did I really spit it out like that? Fuck.

“No … he didn’t try to rape me.”

Okay. Semantics. I had to be clearer. “Did Fisher rape you?”

Daisy drew in a long, deep breath and I held mine. “No. He never got the chance.”

“Tell me how it really happened, everything that happened. I know you didn’t tell the cops everything. I know it.”

“If I tell you, you won’t believe me. Let’s forget about it, okay?” She tried to walk away but I gripped her hand tighter.

“Yes, I’ll believe you. The truth … please, Daisy. I need to hear the truth. What happened that night?”

Her blue eyes sparkled with mounting tears and she shrugged her tough lady shrug. “Fine. We had no customers all night. Everyone was at Old Maulder’s, you know.”

I nodded.

“Just before closing, two men showed up. They didn’t walk in, they just … I dunno … appeared. I swear, I thought they were just more ghosts. We talked and they ordered some of Maximus’ expensive wine, but they didn’t drink any. I figured they were friends of Brian’s. That they were just hanging out. Then, they offered to help me carry the garbage bags upstairs and out to the dumpster. It wasn’t until they lifted the bags and followed that I figured hell … maybe they are real, you know?

“At first, when Fisher attacked me, those two guys didn’t do anything. But when he threatened to kill me, they just fucking pounced. I mean, it was unnatural the way they did it, so fast I never saw them move.”

My heart was pounding. “Where’d they go? No one was with you and Fisher when I got outside. That was only a minute after you screamed, Daisy.” If we had some good Samaritans, it’d be nice to know, maybe thank them.

Daisy’s eyes were wide as saucers. “Okay, now I’m going to blow your mind. See, when they attacked Fisher, one of them was so damn strong; he broke his ankle in one hand like a twig. Then … then … Cory,” she groaned and rubbed her eyes. “I honestly think those two guys were vampires.”

“Vampires?” I grunted.

“Yeah, vampires. One of them actually bit Fisher! Right on the neck and I swear he was sucking his blood. I started screaming and just like magic … they both … disappeared. Dissolved in thin air.”

The paramedic did ask her if an animal had attacked Fisher. I clearly remember that. I blinked like twenty times. “Vampires.”

Daisy huffed and wriggled her wrist free. She stood and glared down at me. “See, I told you you wouldn’t believe me. Let’s just fucking forget about it, okay?”

I stood, looked into her eyes then hugged her close. Believed her? Fuck, after everything I’d seen and felt and witnessed working with Gemma Cane, who the hell was I to deny what she was saying? Daisy had been plagued by ghosts a few others have seen around here too. Even Terry knew about Brian, although he still swore it was a figment of his imagination. The ghost of Bob Sawicki had guided her to contact Ben and help Agent Cooper find the buried body. There was definitely something to the things Daisy claimed. Granted, I don’t like the idea of vampires hanging around my woman, don’t like the idea that things like that existed outside Anne Rice novels … but I had to be fair to Daisy. The poor thing was starting to be afraid I’d have her locked up.

“Listen to me, doll,” I said calmly. “There’s something special about you. A sensitivity. It shines like a sunbeam and reveals things the rest of us can’t see … and that’s okay. It’s really okay. It’s just something you gotta accept, that’s all.”

“You believe me?”

“Yeah, I believe you. But hey, Daisy … I wouldn’t be telling anyone else about the … um …”

“Vampires?”

“Right.”

“They were amazing. Really, really handsome,” she said and I know I glared. “But Cory, baby, I’m not into dead or undead things. I’m into you.”

I know I made her feel better. Now onto those Victoria’s Secret purchases. After all, it is Christmas.

RILEY

This was the first holiday I’ve ever hosted where I was completely calm and confident. I’d even tried a few new recipe twists, figuring it was okay to test them with the family, even screw up a little. I can take the teasing, but what I got was compliments. It was all perfect.

They all started pouring in around five thirty with Egan and Jacob arriving last. Everyone was loaded down with colorful wrapped packages, smiling, happy. Even Colin looked pretty settled, but all night he stayed glued to Carrie’s side. Gerry Kennedy sang Irish songs with a Scottish accent, John and Andy cleared the table after the meal to help me out and after gifts were passed around (the kids made out like bandits) I cut and served brandy laced orange spice cake for the adults and chocolate cake for the kids and Jessie. Coffee and drinks flowed and I finally sat at the dining room table with most of the ladies.

We talked and joked and I listened to the amazing harmony of my family. The kids had gone to Nathan’s room to play and I just smiled and sipped coffee. How wonderful was my life? I could hardly count my blessings. The Inn was an amazing success, the winter looked profitable, we were all healthy and happy … even Jack and Nat seemed content. And … we were growing. I grinned at Jessie who looked like she was about to pop. I’d be really surprised if she lasted another two weeks.

John and a few of the guys headed out to deck to smoke, no doubt and Jessie grunted to her feet.

“What do you need, hon? I’ll get it for you,” I stood but she shook me off.

“You sit; you’ve been working all day. I just want a cup of tea, I need to move around anyway.”

We all laughed, especially Nat who’d managed pregnancy with twins. I glanced around, locating little Chelsea on Antony’s lap. She was sound asleep and even though he was in a rousing conversation with Pullo and Max Skinner, his hand idly rubbed the baby’s back. Now that was a special relationship, little Chelsea and her Uncle Antony. He always could calm that baby down.

I relaxed in the chair and sighed then closed my eyes and said a prayer that this year would bring only good things to everyone in my apartment.

JACOB

We didn’t get to Uncle John and Aunt Riley’s apartment until six-thirty because my dad took me to the stables to see the horses. They were big and stinky and I was scared to get too close to them, but my dad wasn’t afraid. I wore my brand new boots that I got for Christmas and a red heavy plaid jacket just like my dad’s. He wore big thick leather gloves and I wore brown and green mittens, but we almost looked just alike.

“You don’t like horses much, do you?”

I shook my head. All I could think about was one of them kicking me.

“I’ve been thinking of buying one. I used to have quite a few horses, once upon a time.”

“I think I’d rather have a dog.”

He ruffled my hair and grinned. “I haven’t forgotten my promise. But we need a house for a dog. I can board a horse at a stable and pay someone to look after her during the week.”

I wasn’t impressed. “Are we ever going to get a house?”

“When the time is right; probably this spring. Think you’d like to try ridin’ a horse sometime?”

I shook my head.

“What if I rode the horse with you?”

I wasn’t really sure if I really liked that idea any better. “Can I think about it some more?”

My dad laughed at my answer. “Fair enough. I’d like you to at least try, but I won’t force you.”

We didn’t go riding that afternoon, though. My dad seemed to just enjoy being in the stables. I didn’t like it as much but the man who looked after the horses asked me if I’d like to see a mamma cat with her new kittens and I liked them a lot better. There were four of them and they were all orange and white, except for one that was just gray. The mamma cat purred real loud when I scratched her chin and she didn’t get mad when her babies climbed all over her when it was time for them to eat.

My dad came looking for me a short while later. “Hey son, we gotta get back. It’s a little later than I thought and we don’t wanna miss Aunt Riley’s home cookin’.”

“And the presents!”

Wow, were there ever a lot of presents. Everyone was there, just like at Thanksgiving. Valerie sat next to me as we opened our gifts, and Cousin Ruthie kept coming over to take our ribbons. I wondered why she was doing that but then I saw that she had put all the ribbons and bows on Nathan’s head but he didn’t seem to mind. He looked kind of like a Christmas tree and all the grown ups laughed when they saw him. Uncle Jeff had his camera with him and he took pictures.  

I got a scooter from Aunt Jessie and Uncle Lachlan and some Spiderman action figures from Uncle Jeff. Aunt Riley and Uncle John gave me a remote control car and I got a whole bunch of clothes from everyone else. My dad really liked the coffee maker that Aunt Jessie gave him and she smiled and looked real happy when he told her that he’d been wanting a new one.

When it was time for dinner, the grown ups sat at the big table while Valerie and I sat with Nathan and Ruthie at a smaller one. I ate all of my dinner and even had seconds. I was almost too full for dessert, but I shared mine with Valerie. After dinner the adults went to sit in the living room while all of us kids went to play in Nathan’s bedroom. Uncle John turned the TV on for us and Ruthie sat in Valerie’s lap while Nathan sat in mine as we watched cartoons.

Nathan fell asleep first and Ruthie soon followed. Valerie helped me put them into bed and while she went out to look for her dad I went to find Aunt Riley and ask her for a glass of water. I couldn’t find her but I did find Aunt Jessie all by herself in the kitchen. She was making a cup of tea and she smiled when she saw me.

“Hi honey. Did you enjoy opening all your presents?”

I nodded. “Aunt Jessie, could you get me a glass of water?”

“I sure can. Hey, I saw you cleaned your plate at dinner. I’m real proud of you.”

She reached up to open one of the cupboards, but then she stopped all of a sudden, her face turned white as she went to grip the counter. “Oh no.”

She looked down at the floor and when I looked too, I saw she was standing in a puddle of water. At first I thought she spilled something but then I noticed that her pants were all wet. She seemed frightened and I didn’t know what to do.

“Aunt Jessie, are you okay?”

She gripped at her stomach and her face scrunched up like it hurt real bad. “Honey, hurry and find Lachlan.”

I didn’t want to leave her. But she gave a sharp cry and I went running into the other room, almost knocking over Uncle Andy.

“Hey squirt. What’s the hurry?”

“Where’s Uncle Lachlan?”

“He’s on the deck with your dad and some of the others.”

I darted past and ran toward the sliding doors, almost knocking over Uncle Kim.

“Careful sport. Someone might get hurt.”

“Where’s Lachlan?”

He pointed outside. “Hey, why don’t you …”

“I gotta find Lachlan.”

“Well, okay, no need to tear the walls down, mate. He’s not far.”

I ran outside, huffing and puffing. Uncle Lachlan was smoking and laughing, talking to Uncle Maximus and my dad. I went over and grabbed his arm.

“Uncle Lachlan, Aunt Jessie’s leaking!”

The others stopped talking and he gave me a funny look.

“Aunt Jessie’s … oh bloody hell, her water’s broken!”

Lachlan went running inside and my dad and Uncle Maximus followed after him. “Hey, wait for me!” I called running after them.

Suddenly everyone was crowded in the kitchen around Aunt Jessie. The women were telling her to stay calm and the men all looked a little worried. I found my dad and grabbed his hand.

“What’s the matter with her? Is she going to be okay?”

He squeezed my hand. “She’s gonna be fine.”

“But what’s wrong with her? Why is she leaking water all over the place? She looks like she’s sick!”

All the adults were talking at once and my dad let go of my hand.

JOHN

Someone had to take control and that was gonna be me. I shouted. “Whose car is closest?”

Egan raised his hand. “Good. Jacob, you stay here with the kids while your dad takes Lachlan and Jess to the hospital.”

“Hospital!” the kid almost cried.

I crouched down. Grinned. “Buddy, that’s where ladies go to have babies.” It was all the explanation I could take the time to give. I stood and looked around. “Who else is going?” I shouted as Egan opened the door and both he and Lach took Jessie’s hands. Claudia, our resident nurse was right with them. It was gonna be a long walk for Jessie down four floors. “Let’s not stampede, God sakes. Give them a chance to get her downstairs.”

Soon enough we knew who was going and who was sticking behind. Terry and Eva offered to stay with the kids. Several couples snuck down the back service steps and down to their cars. Ben had rushed out too, climbing into his official Stowe Sheriff SUV and flashing the lights. Riles and I rushed to our jeep and sat until all the cars had filtered through the gate. Antony stayed at his post, calling that we let him know the outcome.

And as we drove at the tail end of the caravan, I turned to Riley and grinned. “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.”