Jo stood in the shadows of the hallway watching the kitchen buzz with activity. There was food on every inch of counter space and kids running around screaming like little banshees. All she wanted was a damn beer and to retreat to the bedroom undetected. Maybe no one would notice her absence, it's not like they noticed when she was present.

She bit her lip in thought and watched carefully for an direct path to open to the refrigerator. If Callie would just move a little to the left…

She was startled out of her thoughts by two hands gripping her waist and Alex's lips pecking her cheek, "What are you doing?"

Jo leaned back on his chest and sighed, "Trying to stage a raid for beer." She glanced back at his face thoughtfully, "I thought you would be working late."

Alex grinned, "Nah. Perks of being in charge, you can schedule yourself out of working when you'd rather be elsewhere."

Jo quirked a brow at him, "You wanted to be here in this mess?"

Alex looked back into the kitchen, "I didn't realize it would get this out of hand. How many people are here?"

"Last count? Twenty-three. And that was over an hour ago."

"I should have known. Mer and Robbins can't do anything small."

Jo laughed softly, "I still can't believe you told them they could do a Christmas dinner here. What the hell were you thinking?"

Alex snorted, "Are you kidding, I was thinking free food and leftovers."

Jo smiled brightly and kissed him softly, "You're a genius."

Alex looked at her longingly, "Wanna get out of here?"

Jo laughed, "Where are we gonna go? We actually live here remember?"

Alex nodded, "I'm not talking leave, leave. Just a quick walk outside."

Jo nodded happily, "Oh God yes, thank you!"

They turned to walk out when Alex paused, "Hey, wanna channel your inner thief and swipe us some pie?"

"They haven't even cut it yet."

Alex shrugged, "So? Just grab the whole thing. They have several, they won't miss one pie."

Jo gave a mischievous grin as she stealthily slipped into the kitchen and grabbed a chocolate pie off the cabinet just inside the doorway. She quickly walked to the front door that Alex was holding open giving him a wink as she passed, "You really are a genius."

Alex smiled and shut the door quietly, "You haven't seen anything yet. Come on, let's go sit in the car."

Jo followed him up the street past a dozen cars belonging to their friends. She laughed as she opened the passenger side door, inhaling the smell of fried chicken, "I can't believe you really did this!"

Alex grinned as he cranked the car to get some heat started, "With extra gravy just for you. I figured at some point tonight we would need a plan B."

Jo giggled as she placed the food on the console, "What if they start looking for you?"

Alex shrugged, "You really think they will? And if they do who cares? I'd rather be here."

Jo felt overwhelmed with emotion for the man beside her. She leaned over and softly kissed him, "Merry Christmas Alex."