This is a continuation of the "Home for Christmas" episode that never really seemed finished in my mind. The story is split into 2 separate point of views – the first from Nick's view and the second is from Jo's. Enjoy!

Nick's POV

"I know it's a few days late," Josephine Bhaer gazed into Nick's eyes, her hands wringing in anticipation, "but I still think it's going to be a wonderful Christmas."

Nick Riley hardly knew what to say so he wrapped his arm around Jo's shoulders, pulling her into a hug. He was overwhelmed as the adopted family that had become his own gathered around him, the parlor beautifully decorated for the holiday. The murder trial had been a horrible couple of weeks separated from them and Nick was thrilled to be home once again. As he moved into the parlor, receiving hugs from the anxious students, Nick gave Jo a wide grin, grateful to her for the warm welcome.

The children could no longer wait so presents were passed around and Nick glanced at his brother, Ben, watching him enjoy the loving household that had been so foreign to them during their childhood. After so many years of living on the streets and aboard ships, it was nice that they were able to share at least one Christmas together without the worry. As the two Rileys stood by the fireplace, taking in the chaos, Jo's young son, Rob, ran over, surprising Ben with a small but carefully wrapped gift. Nick just shrugged when his brother gave him a questioningly look and chuckled as the wrapping flew off. The box revealed a small, ornate, silver compass and Ben gently lifted it out to show Nick.

"I'm sure you already have one," Jo explained, stepping towards them. "But I thought that you could use a new one so you can always find your way back to Concord."

"Thank you, Jo," Ben replied, giving her a warm smile. While he opened the latch to inspect the face of the compass, Nick looked at Jo with awe. She never ceased to amaze him - he had told her once that she had a good heart and she was always seemed to find the good in people. Regardless of everything, she still found it in her heart to treat Ben as family and to him that was amazing.

The presents were quickly opened and Asia soon announced that food was ready to be served. Everyone filed into the dining room and Nick could see the table was completely covered from end to end with all sorts of goodies - from ham to potatoes, cakes and cookies - Asia had certainly outdone herself. As the children lined up for the buffet and the adults were busied with serving, Nick took the opportunity to grab his coat, slip through the kitchen and out onto the back porch. Even though, he appreciated everything that had been planned and knew it was all for him, he needed some time - time to reflect on what he had been through and all the possibilities.

The winter air was cool as the sun had just began to set. Even though there was still no snow on the ground, the smell of frost tingled Nick's nose and he breathed it in deeply. He leaned into the railing; it felt good to be out of the confines of a jail cell and back to the familiar open spaces of Plumfield. As he stared out towards the barn, noting a loose board on the side, Nick heard the back door open and turned to see Ben pop his head out, a plate full of cookies in hand.

"There ya are," the younger Riley said, stepping onto the porch and shutting the door behind him. "You gotta try Asia's shortbread… it's amazin'!"

Nick chuckled, nodding his head in agreement. "Yah, it's real good. She made it last year too."

Ben strolled over and stood side him, offering his plate. "Jo sure knows how to celebrate."

"Yep," he replied, snapping up a cookie, taking a big bite and staring back out across the yard. "Christmas is a pretty big deal 'round here."

"No kiddin'," Ben said, shaking his head. "Presents, a bunch o' food and the tree…" Nick could feel his brother's eyes on him. "Almost everythin' a man could ask for."

"Yep."

Ben scoffed. "And you were gonna throw it all away for me," he accused, his stare demanding a response. "I thought you were smarter than that, Brother."

Nick turned, prepared to defend himself. "Look - I did what I did to try and protect ya, Ben." He glared at his younger sibling, wanting to make him understand what kind of choice he had to make - one he never wanted to make again. "You're the only brother I've got."

Ben shook his head. "Yeah, but it looks ta me like you got yourself a whole lot more right here," he said, motioning towards the house, the sounds of Christmas carols echoing from inside. "A good job, a nice place ta live…" Nick heard him sigh, "And if a woman as beautiful as Jo ever looked at me, the way she looks at you…"

Nick kept his eyes down, he could feel the heat rising in his face. He knew how close he came to giving up everything good in his life, all for Ben. He could have handled losing most things but the idea of leaving Jo sent his stomach into knots.

"You two courtin', aren't ya?" It was more of a statement than a question and Nick knew his brother could read him like an open book. He nodded, a satisfied grin on his face as he looked at Ben.

"Well, you deserve it, Nick." Ben gazed across the yard. "It's 'bout time you get what you want without worryin' 'bout everyone else." He jabbed an elbow into Nick's side. "Just don't screw it up."

Both men jumped when they heard the back door open, this time Jo's head peaked out, a big smile appearing when she caught sight of Nick. "I've been looking for the two of you," she said, stepping out onto the porch. "Asia just put out some apple pies, if you're interested."

Nick watched as Ben's eyes got large, excitement on his face. "Oooo… apple pie!" He made a beeline to the door, passing Jo on the way back inside. "Never had a Christmas like this before," he said, the appreciation in his voice. "Thank ya for everythin'." He turned back to Nick. "You'll know where I'll be!" he exclaimed, going back into the kitchen and closing the door tight behind him.

Jo slowly made her way towards Nick; he had turned back to the setting sun, trying to hide the emotion that he knew was still on his face. "Asia made a few blackberry ones too," she said quietly. "We know they're your favorite."

She stopped next to him and Nick nodded. "Thanks. I'll get some in a bit." Popping the rest of the cookie into his mouth, he noticed how she stood there, a shawl wrapped tightly around her to keep the cold away, her shoulders tense with apprehension as she stared at the ground. He knew she wanted to say something, needed to pour her heart out but she was waiting for him to speak first, needing an explanation. But what could he say? How could he explain why he chose to risk everything for his brother? How could he make her understand when he didn't understand it himself? He had been giving things up for Ben for so long that at the time, it was an automatic reaction but one he desperately wanted to change. There was more to think about now than just Ben.

He swallowed hard. "I'm real sorry, Jo," Nick whispered, his voice catching. He turned slightly, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm sorry for everything I put ya through."

He watched her shoulders relax and she nodded slowly. "I know." She kept her gaze with his, prompting him for more.

Nick took a deep breath and faced her, taking her hands. "I just keep tryin' to protect 'im," he said, "and I end up hurtin' everyone else."

He noticed Jo studying his face, her big brown eyes searching his blue ones. "I understand why you did it," she murmured, her thumb running across his knuckles. "I know it felt like you had no other choice but hopefully Ben has proven himself to you - you don't always need to save him; he'll be okay."

Nick considered her words and eventually smiled, knowing she was right. Ben would be fine - he had actually learned a thing or two from his older brother. And maybe one day, Nick could stop worrying so much. He drew Jo into his arms, needing to hold onto her, feel her with him. He could sense her muscles ease as she wrapped her arms around him, her head resting on his chest. He breathed in her scent, a mix of lavender and cinnamon, two things he had come to easily identify over the last couple of years. It smelled like home to him.

After a few silent moments of contact, he pulled away slightly, just enough to see her face. He brushed his hand against her cheek and inhaled deeply, trying to build some courage. He didn't want to screw this up. "Jo, I wanna tell you… I thought maybe I'd never get the chance…" he stammered, feeling embarrassed. He was screwing this up. He stared at his feet for a few moments before looking back into her eyes, his confidence soaring. Ben was right - the gentle, caring way she looked at him - he no longer had any doubts. He swept some of her brown hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. "I love you, Jo," he said softly, his gaze intent with hers. "And I will love you 'til the end of my days."

He watched her grasp his words, tears coming to her eyes as they took root. A few strays tracked down her cheeks and a small laugh escaped. "I love you too," she whispered, looking at him bashfully for a few seconds before reaching up, her lips meeting his.

Nick felt her melt into him, her hands on his chest, his arms around her waist, pulling Jo close. His heart raced as he kissed her with all the passion he felt, all of the worries of the past few weeks fading, giving way to a new level in their relationship. He no longer wanted the formalities of courtship, he knew he could never be happy without the woman in his arms.