Maura Isles drifted awake. She looked at the warm body lying next to her and smiled. So much had changed in the past year, she mused.

A cold shiver passed through her, as she remembered back just eight months. The worst day of her life. Her best friend had lain, bleeding out, in her arms, and there had seemed to be nothing she could do to help her. Somehow, miraculously, she had survived. And when it was clear she was going to pull through, Maura had finally plucked up the courage to tell her how she really felt about her.

That best friend was now her lover. Her partner. Her reason for living. And now, on Christmas morning, she lay warm and safe in Maura's bed. Life was good.

"You're doing it again," a muffled voice sounded through the pillow.

"What?" Maura feigned innocence.

"You're staring," the voice replied. Without even opening her eyes, Jane Rizzolli was right on the button.

"It's your fault," Maura reached out and ran her hand down the perfect plane of Jane's back.

Jane cranked one eye open. "Really?" the detective was unconvinced.

"You're so damned beautiful," Maura's voice cracked.

Jane sat up slowly and looked Maura straight in the eye. "Are you okay?" she was concerned at the uncharacteristic seriousness she heard.

"I nearly lost you," Maura tried to hold herself together. "I nearly lost you, even before I really found you."

"You saved me, Maura," Jane felt own eyes fill with tears. "And not only from that bullet. When you told me... when you said... I've been in love with you from the first day I met you. I just never thought you could love someone like me. You're too good for me Maura."

"Nobody could be too good for you," Maura whispered and, very softly, she kissed her lover on the lips. "I love you so much. Merry Christmas, Jane."

"Merry Christmas, Maur," Jane replied. "You're my very own Christmas miracle."

"How so?" Maura wanted to know.

"I always dreamt of waking up this way on Christmas morning. It's the best gift I could ever have."

Maura smiled. She took Jane's hand in her own and, using both, started to unbutton her own silk pyjama top. Jane squeaked involuntarily as her hand brushed against a stiff nipple. "Want to unwrap your gift then?" Maura teased.

Dry-mouthed, Jane nodded. This was going to be the best Christmas ever.