The music was blaring and the students were exchanging candy canes.
Elizabeth sat at her desk, checking off the last person on her Christmas card list. She looked up and smiled at the children playing and laughing.
Just then a little girl came up holding a card.
"Ms. Thatcher, this is for you."
She smiled and took it.
"Thank you Adeline"
She looked down to see her name scrawled with a tree and words "Happy Holidays".
The little girl smiled and skipped back to her friends.
The pile was adding up as she placed it on top. She had a feeling she wouldn't be paying for coffee for a long while.
Just then, a fellow teacher entered.
"Miss Thatcher."
She looked over to see Charlie smiling, walking towards her.
She stood. "Mr. Kensington, how are you?"
He smiled and looked at her intently. "My students are busy making paper snowflakes and listening to some classical music."
Elizabeth had to refrain from rolling her eyes. Of course they were.
"And I see your students are busy…entertaining themselves."
She couldn't help but hear the judgment. She smiled and nodded. "They are very much."
There was a pause and she looked to see the children in their groups, laughing and coloring.
It was awkward as he spoke again, clearing his throat. "Well, I came to see if you were going to the staff party after work."
She looked back to him and tried to smile wide. "Yes, I plan on stopping by."
He nodded and smiled again. "Wonderful. Well, I guess I better get back to my class. Have a wonderful day."
If he had a hat, she was sure he would tip it in some grand gesture.
She nodded. "Yes, you as well."
As he exited, she let out a large breath and shook her head.
As she went back to her desk, she saw she had a text.
"Too much?"
She opened the text to see her best friend, Jack in an ugly sweater and reindeer antlers.
She replied, "Never."
She smiled as she put the phone down.
A few hours later she packed her students up, helping them into their coats, hats and boots. A few parents came in with more cards and even a few hugs as they collected their children.
Elizabeth gave hugs to each child and handed them each a gift as they made their way out the door.
The classroom was a bit messy so she reached down and picked up the trash when a knock came at the door.
She looked up and smiled.
"Jack!"
He was in full police uniform but wearing his antlers.
"Hello Ms. Thatcher."
She laughed and went over to him, picking up a few candy wrappers along the way.
"Busy rounding up children who are a bit too rowdy?"
He laughed and went over to the desks, putting up the chair on each.
"I would have you to thank for that."
She made a silly face at him as she went over to him, gently reaching up and fixing one of the antlers.
"Says the man wearing antlers."
He watched her and felt his heart jump a little.
"Hmm, well…" He pulled away slightly and went to the next desk.
She stepped away feeling a bit light all the sudden.
It was quiet for a moment before she spoke again. "Do you have to work tonight?"
He finished putting the chairs up on the desk and went over to her desk.
"Only till six. I have Lieutenant Richard on the overnight." She placed the pile of cards in her bag which he noticed.
"Someone had Santa come early."
She laughed. "Yes, well the children know what I like."
He went over to her coat and took it from the hook, opening it up so she stepped into it.
"Oh the perils of being the Chief." He laughed and gently pulled her hair out of the back.
She felt her heart jump and her breath quicken for a moment but she turned back around.
He was smiling wide. "Yes, all the paperwork and babysitting."
She chuckled again and threw her bag over her shoulder.
"The alternative is something I don't want to think about."
He looked at her for a long moment as she was looking away and he was thoughtful for a moment.
The space was a bit close.
"Do you worry about me Elizabeth?"
She nodded. "Of course." She felt herself get a bit nervous as she swallowed the butterflies.
He backed up and let her pass around the desk.
He let her leave first and closed the door behind them. They walked down the hall in step, in quiet, comfortable silence. As she made her way down the office, she stopped in and pulled out a few small boxes from her bag.
He stood at the doorway and watched her place them on the 2 desks and then make her way back out.
"You have the greatest heart of anyone I know."
It was such a sudden declaration that Elizabeth felt herself overwhelmed.
It was quiet again as she smiled at him.
Just as they were exiting the building, a voice came from behind them.
"Elizabeth!"
They turned to see Charles.
They both sighed.
Elizabeth mustered a smile. "Charles."
He looked at Elizabeth and then Jack. "Officer Thornton."
For some reason he never addressed him as Chief.
"Mr. Kensington."
And he refused to address him as Charles.
"Elizabeth, would you like to ride together to Abigail's?"
"Um, you know Charles, I'm not sure how long I'll be there so thank you but I will take my own car."
He nodded and looked to Jack again. "Officer Thornton will you be joining the party?"
He shook his head. "Unfortunately not but I hope you all have a nice time."
He looked at Elizabeth again.
"All right then." He looked at Elizabeth. "See you there."
She let him go past them and waited till the door was closed till Jack spoke.
"He likes you."
She turned to him sharply and gave him a look.
"He likes my money."
Jack held onto the door handle a bit tightly just thinking about the two of them.
He took a breath and smiled to her again. "Shall we?"
She smiled wide and let him open the door, a burst of cold air hitting them both.
He walked her to her car and opened the door for her as she slid her bag in. He closed the door and stood as she opened her driver door, but not getting in.
"Have fun at the party and say hello to Abigail for me."
She put her hands in her pockets shielding from the cold. "Thank you. I will."
There was a long pause and yet they still both stood there, in place, in the cold. Neither of them seemed to want to move first.
And suddenly they both spoke at the same time.
"Will you…"
"You can…"
They both laughed and he motioned for her to go first.
"You can…you know…come by tonight. I will be up."
He laughed. "I was just going to ask you if you would be up later."
Her heart warmed. "I will. Text me."
It was getting cold with the breeze so she hopped in and looked at him. "See you later."
He nodded and smiled. "Later." He closed the door for her and they smiled through the glass one more time before he walked away.
When she reached Abigail's there was already a good crowd. She entered, took off her coat and made her way to the back corner to grab some egg nog.
She got chatting with a few teachers and the nurse before she saw Abigail carrying a large tray. She rushed over to help.
"Elizabeth! Thank you!"
She took the wobbly tray and placed it on the long table. She immediately went to hug her as she settled it.
"Happy break to you!"
Elizabeth laughed. "Thank you. I'm grateful for the time off."
"You did such an amazing job decorating this place. I love the white lights everywhere."
Abigail smiled. "I knew you would."
Just then Elizabeth's phone beeped and she reached into her pocket.
Abigail looked at her with curiosity as she saw Elizabeth's smile.
"That's not Jack is it?"
She pulled her phone away and became coy. "It's no business of yours Miss Abigail."
Abigail laughed and gently touched her shoulder. "Oh young love."
Just as Elizabeth was going to respond, Abigail was pulled away by the sound of crashing glass.
As Elizabeth was responding, she saw Charles approaching.
"Elizabeth, Merry Christmas."
She looked up for a moment. "Merry Christmas Charles."
He kept talking as she was texting. "Do you have any plans?"
She hit send and put her phone back in her pocket. "I was going to go home but my family decided to go to Mexico for Christmas so I will not be joining after all."
He nodded and took a sip of his drink. "Ah, well, I'll be with my family in Lake Tahoe. I'm sure we could add one extra."
Was he seriously asking her to vacation? "Thank you but I think I'm going to spend some time here enjoying the holiday."
His response was sharp. "With Jack?"
She no longer felt she had to pretend to smile. "I don't have to explain my plans to you…so excuse me."
She brushed past him in annoyance as she went to the bar and hopefully chat with someone else.
After many cookies and a few drinks, Elizabeth was feeling the holiday spirit. The group dispersed and she found herself drinking one more peppermint martini while helping Abigail finish off the last of the pigs in a blanket.
"These are so good!"
Abigail laughed while wiping down the bar and putting away some glassware.
"Watch yourself Miss Thatcher."
She laughed as she took another sip. "I really need to make these."
"For who?"
"Myself."
They both laughed as Elizabeth's phone buzzed on the counter.
It was an actual phone call.
She picked it up gleefully. "Well hello Chief."
Jack smiled on the other line. "Someone is having a good time."
She took another sip and put down the glass extra carefully. "I am. I'm eating cookies…" She lowered her voice. "And Abigail is letting me drink."
Jack laughed. "I'm sure she is. Are you ok?"
She laughed really loud. "Oh my goodness…yes!"
"All right there Miss Happy. Can you put Abigail on for me?"
Her voice became low. "Fine."
She put out the phone. "For you."
Abigail took it and smiled as Elizabeth took another pig in the blanket.
"Hello there Chief Thornton."
He smiled as he put his coat on. "How is our lovely teacher?"
She looked at her again and then went to put more glassware away. "In the holiday spirit."
They both laughed as Jack replied. "I had a feeling. Do you need me to come get her?"
"No rush but she may need a warm bed soon."
"Got it. You make the coffee and I will be there shortly."
"We make a great team don't we?"
He nodded as he made his way out the door.
"My two favorite girls."
She smiled and said goodbye.
She clicked the phone off and handed it back to Elizabeth.
"Your chariot will be arriving shortly."
Elizabeth smiled wide and threw her head back. "Best Christmas ever."
Abigail laughed and started to make a pot of coffee.
When Jack arrived, Elizabeth was still at the bar, coffee in hand.
He smiled at the few people around her and took a seat.
"How are we doing Miss Thatcher?"
She looked at him, shocked he was there.
"You scared me Jack!"
He gently put his hand on her arm. "Sorry."
She took a sip of her coffee while Jack nodded to the bartender he wanted one as well.
"How was the party?"
Elizabeth looked straight ahead. "I had a lot of peppermint."
He laughed and pushed the coffee closer to her. "So it would seem."
Abigail smiled as she made her way behind them and back behind the bar.
"Evening sir."
He chuckled and stirred the creamer in his coffee.
"Looks like the party was a success."
Abigail looked at Elizabeth and then to Jack. "I think someone had a very nice time."
They both let out a laugh and Elizabeth made a look to both of them. "Are you two making fun of me?"
Jack nodded. "Never."
They both drank their coffee quietly and Abigail continued to clean up. Jack even jumped up after a few minutes and put the empty bar stools up on the counter so he could sweep.
"Jack you don't have to do that."
He smiled as he took the broom and made a neat pile. "Nonsense. You work day and night. Take a break, have a drink."
Abigail gave him a friendly look but then smiled. "You know what? You are right! I'm going to have a cup of coffee right now!"
"All right!"
Abigail made herself a cup and sat down next to Elizabeth.
Jack watched the two women converse and he found himself smiling as he swept. It was quiet, with the sound of light Christmas music.
After a bit, after Jack swept and put the stools back down, making light conversation with a few patrons, he looked over at Elizabeth who looked half-asleep.
He went over to her as Abigail grabbed her coat, gently helping her into it together.
"So sleepy."
"We see that."
Gently they tried to get her on her feet but she stumbled. Lucky for her, Jack gently held her up and Abigail followed behind them as he held Jack's coat.
Before they exited, he wrapped his coat around her for double warmth and looked back at Abigail as he whispered low.
"Thank you. See you tomorrow."
She nodded and looked to Elizabeth. "Night my friend."
Elizabeth looked at her half-asleep. "Night night!"
They both laughed as Abigail opened the door as the cold air hit them all hard.
"Let's get you home."
He gently led her to his car which he had parked closely. She was able to walk but slumped against him.
He was able to open the passenger door and slide her in. Lucky the car was still semi-warm. He gently pulled her feet in and then grabbed the seat belt and pulled it over her, keeping his distance but finding it hard because she smelled of peppermint and marshmallow. He always wondered how she got her hair smelling so wonderful.
He clicked the belt in and smiled as she gently touched his hand for just a slight moment. She was still smiling.
He closed the door and went over to the driver's side, pulling the door closed quickly so she wouldn't get cold.
"It will warm up in a moment."
She nodded and smiled, looking at him with big eyes. "You are so good to me."
And then she closed her eyes and he watched her for a moment as the car warmed.
He pulled out of the parking lot and led her home. It was lightly snowing by the time he reached her condo. The lights lit up the sidewalk as he gently removed her from the car, this time carrying her.
The front door was always open which he never liked but in this instance was helpful. He made it to her door before he had to gently put her down.
"Ok, steady now…" She wobbled a bit but was able to stand as he reached for her spare key which she always kept under the doormat. Another thing he never liked.
He opened the door and then picked her up again, walking her towards her room. The tree was lit and he was grateful for the light as he gently placed her on the bed. She moved a bit as he pulled back the sheets. He gently took off her sneakers and helped slide her in the sheets.
He took a moment to pull up the covers and wrapped them around her. She stirred for a moment and he watched her get comfortable as he smiled.
Quietly he then got up off the bed and went into the kitchen to get her a glass of water and some Advil.
He placed it on her nightstand, next to her clock and then leaned down and whispered softly as he wrapped her sheets around her again. "Goodnight my angel."
He left her room, looking back one more time before locking the door to her apartment, keeping the key with him.
When Elizabeth awoke the next morning she hurt. She was aware she was in her room but had no idea how she got there.
The water and Advil were popped instantly while her phone was buzzing. She grabbed the phone and plopped back on the pillows.
Everything was so hard.
She winced at the bright screen and could barely make out the message.
She gave up and put it down. The sun was bright as she turned over to the other side. It was then she realized she was in the clothes from the night before. Whatever happened, she didn't come home by herself.
Her phone was buzzing again. Groaning she lifted it and looked to see Jack calling. She wanted to ignore it but knew he would worry.
With her strongest voice she answered. "Morning."
He was way too cheery. "Breakfast awaits."
She groaned. "Don't think I can do it."
He was still cheery. "It's Christmas Eve."
"And I think I'm pretty hung-over."
He laughed which made her head hurt. "I gathered that...but don't worry, I'm right here."
Confused she lifted her head and looked around. "Where?"
And just like that he appeared in the doorway.
"See?"
He hung up the phone and threw it gently on her bed as he walked towards her, coffee in hand.
"Here."
She took it as he gently propped her pillows so she could sit up.
"I'm convinced you are some kind of Christmas Elf or something."
He laughed and sat on her bed, finding he liked invading her personal space like this.
"That's later when I dress up as Santa."
She took a sip of her coffee and put it down, enjoying the fact that he was sitting on her bed.
"You do that?"
He looked at her, all bed-head and wrinkled, finding her more attractive.
"I do. On Main Street this afternoon."
She felt butterflies again as he watched her. "How bad was I last night?"
He laughed and gently took her empty water glass and stood. "Well let's see, you fell down three times, tried to kiss Mr. Goldman and I think you were trying to sing "Blue Christmas" but it came out more like screechy Christmas."
She went wide-eyed and he laughed really loud as she playfully yelled at him. "You are such a terrible person."
She then tried to throw a pillow at him but he ducked. "I see you are feeling better."
She watched him walk towards the kitchen and he came back with a plate of eggs and bacon.
Her favorites.
He sat it down in front of her. "Forgiven?"
She smiled as he handed her a plastic fork.
"Never."
He wanted to kiss her right then. Really badly.
Instead he took a long sip of his coffee and watched her eat.
Before he knew it, it was eleven and he had to go.
"Crap, I gotta be in my suit and on Main Street in an hour. Didn't realize how late it had gotten."
She didn't want him to leave. "Go. Go. I'll be fine."
He looked at her with concern. "You sure?"
She nodded happily. "Of course! Go be Saint Nick."
He kissed her cheek quickly without thinking and hopped off the bed. He paused for a moment but didn't turn and quickly left her room before she could say anything.
As the door closed Elizabeth smiled and felt warm all over.
After she showered she realized her car was at Abigail's. She swore silently and went to make a call when she realized her keys were on the hook like they always were.
She looked outside and realized her car was parked in her spot and her bag was sitting on her chair like it always would be.
There were no words. It was perfect.
She quickly dried her hair, put on her snowflake earrings, fuzzy scarf and pom-pom hat and made her way out the door to Abigail's with a box in hand.
When she entered it smelled of gingerbread and chocolate. She said hello to a few workers and made her way towards the back where Abigail was rolling dough.
"Do you ever take a break?"
Abigail looked up and smiled, still kneading. "I expect hundreds tonight."
She got closer as she took off her hat and placed it in her jacket pocket.
"Hardest worker I know."
Abigail shook her head no. "I think we both knew who that title goes to."
There was a pause. "He took you home last night."
She blushed a little. "I'm so embarrassed."
Abigail laughed. "Don't be. We all need a little cheer once in a while."
Elizabeth looked at the crushed peppermint. "A little? I think I had enough cheer for the whole party."
Abagail rolled the dough out as she spoke. "I don't think Jack minded."
She hoped Abigail wouldn't bring it up again as she found herself fidgety.
"He's my best friend."
Abigail nodded. "He's more than that."
Feeling a bit caught off guard, she cleared her throat. "It's the holiday's, people always get wrapped up in the season."
Abigail chuckled and wiped her hands on her apron not believing it. "If you say so."
She nodded and then decided to change the subject as she pulled out the box from her pocket.
"Merry Christmas Abigail."
Abigail took the box from Elizabeth and smiled. "You didn't have to."
"I did. You are my best friend."
"I would give you a hug but I have a bit of white all over me."
Elizabeth smiled and reached for her. "We will call it snow."
The ladies laughed and exchanged a long hug.
When they broke, Elizabeth looked down to see white all over coat. "Perfect."
Abigail laughed. "I hope you come back later. I will save some peppermint bark for you."
She gave a thumbs up. "I'll be here."
She turned and headed out of the kitchen when Abigail called to her. "Can you do me a favor?"
Elizabeth nodded. "There's a few wrapped presents in a bag by the door. Can you bring them to Main Street?"
"How did you?"
"I have my ways."
Elizabeth smiled as she put her hat back on and gloves, seeing the bag sitting in the corner. She said her goodbyes to a few faithful and took the bag, making the short walk to Main Street.
When she arrived, she placed them in the collection area and made her way to the hot chocolate station that the Boy Scouts put up and said hello to a few children and their parents, even getting a few hugs from the kids.
When she reached the main attraction, she smiled. Even though it was bright outside, the lights were on and the kids were all bundled up, waiting in line.
And there Jack was in his suit, a child on his lap. He was laughing and trying to do a deep voice but it was failing miserably but in the cutest way.
He didn't notice her but she liked it that way. She enjoyed watching him interact with each child.
After a bit, she re-filled up on her hot chocolate and went over to help organize the presents.
She laughed with Mrs. Melrose and Mr. Carver and sat with Mrs. Feldman and Mrs. Feldman.
As she sat with Mr. and Mrs. Feldman she laughed at their stories.
"This guy over here every Christmas Eve gets me a new sweater. I must have over 50 sweaters. "
Elizabeth smiled as she helped Mr. Feldman with his scarf. "What is your favorite color?"
"Herbert knows it's green. A nice forest green."
The man smiled and gently touched Elizabeth's shoulder. "You are a good girl. Pretty, just like my Mary."
Mary whispered. "He's got a crush on you."
Elizabeth laughed as she fixed her own hat. "He's so sweet."
"How about you dear, will you be seeing family?"
Elizabeth looked down. "I am not. My family decided to go to Mexico. I don't mind though."
The woman smiled and looked at Elizabeth. "I think there is someone else who doesn't mind either."
Just then she watched Jack approach at the corner of her eye as she felt Mary nudge her.
The old couple slowly got up as he approached and both Jack and Elizabeth jumped in to help them both up.
Mary quipped. "Oh to be young like you two."
They all laughed while Jack helped up Herbert, getting his bearings and Elizabeth helped Mary with her scarf and cane.
Once they were both up, Herbert reached for Mary. " 'Comon my love. Time to get the cookies ready."
Mary took his hand and Jack carefully helped them both over a crack in the sidewalk. "Merry Christmas you two."
Elizabeth smiled. "Merry Christmas."
They both watched them slowly make their way down the street.
Jack wanted to slide his hand into hers.
Elizabeth wanted to slide her hand into his.
After a long moment, Jack turned to her.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you." She paused. "And for bringing my car back."
He nodded and took a chance.
He extended his hand. She took it quickly and just like that they were holding hands.
They didn't say anything about it as they walked down Main Street, smiling and stopping a few times to say Merry Christmas to a few friends.
Every time they would break for handshakes and hugs, they would always return to holding hands.
Soon they made their way back to Abigail's. They entered to find a crowd gathered singing Christmas carols and drinking egg nog.
"Feeling up to some egg nog?"
She took off her hat and smiled. "Sure, no spiked please." He chuckled as he made his way through the crowd to get her some.
Elizabeth chatted with a few people on one side while Jack chatted on the other. He gave her a few looks across the way which caused Elizabeth to blush with happiness.
They met in the middle after some time. "Sorry for the delay."
She smiled. "You looked busy."
He took a sip. "As did you."
They looked out on the group. "I guess we are the cool kids."
She looked to him and laughed. "We are pretty important."
Abigail smiled and came up behind them. "Hey you two."
They looked back as Jack gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Fancy seeing you here."
Elizabeth handed her a cookie. "For you."
She smiled and bit it. "These are delicious. My favorite batch."
"So Elizabeth, what did you ask Santa to bring you?"
Elizabeth sighed and looked to Abigail with a long face. "A dog."
Abigail took her in for a side hug. "Why the sad face?"
"It's silly. I mean I've always wanted one so why not just get one."
Abigail looked to Jack who was smiling and then back to Elizabeth.
"Well, I think you just need a little Christmas magic."
Elizabeth smiled. "You are a wonder."
"All right Jack, drink and eat up. I assume you will be out on patrol tonight?"
Elizabeth listened to his answer intently. They never made Christmas plans.
"Spending it with Elizabeth if she will have me."
She beamed. "I think I can arrange that."
Abigail kissed both their cheeks and laughed. "Time to sing. Merry Christmas you two."
They both sang a few carols and then left at dusk to get ready for Mass.
They held hands till she reached her car. "Pick you up in an hour?"
She nodded. "Great."
When she reached home she couldn't stop smiling. She changed into her red dress, threw on her grey fleece leggings and her sparkly high heels. She fixed her hair, putting it in a waterfall braid and putting on her best lipstick and peppermint lotion.
The doorbell rang just as she slipped into her coat.
She opened the door and he walked in, wearing his best suit, carrying a six pack. She laughed as she fixed her hair.
"I don't think that's approved for church."
He kissed her on the cheek and looked at her. "Stunning." And then back down to the six pack. "I think Jesus had a few beers back in his day."
She closed the door and let him go into the kitchen, where he put them in the fridge.
"Jack you know I don't have that much food for tonight."
He looked back as he loaded the bottles. "We can stop by Bennie's and get a pizza."
She smiled. "Smart."
He stood in the kitchen looking at her for a long moment making Elizabeth worried.
"What?"
And in two quick strides he was touching her and he whispered. "I apologize."
And in a moment he was kissing her. It was like a fire had been lit inside and she found herself melting into him as he gently pulled her in and wrapped her in. He smelled of spice and vanilla.
When they broke they were both breathing heavy as they rested her head on each other's with his hands gently cupping her face.
It was a crackling silence and she found herself a bit unsteady and somehow he felt it too as he moved one hand to her back to steady her. He spoke first.
"Forgiven?"
She looked up at him and smiled against his lips.
"Never."
And this time he kissed her. Again.
They fixed themselves again giggling like crazy and stealing a kiss as he fixed her coat and she fixed his tie. And she had to reapply the lipstick and he had to wipe it off.
She placed the lipstick in her purse and some tissues, just in case.
They made their way to the car and held hands as he drove to the church. He helped her out and they walked into the church to the sounds of the organ playing. They took a seat in the middle, next to a few people and quietly sat, shedding their coats.
The service started and they both sang along. Jack stole a glance a few times. Elizabeth watched as he smiled and played with the baby in front of them. It made her heart go crazy.
When they said peace, they exchanged a quick kiss and said hello to all those around. Even the baby got a shake.
At the end of the mass, once the last song was sung and the people filed out, Jack and Elizabeth stayed behind, as Jack said hello to many.
When they reached Father Novak the church was almost empty. "Merry Christmas Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Thornton."
They shook his hand. "Thank you Father. Wonderful service."
"Goodnight and God Bless you two."
They left the church feeling light and warm as they went to Bennie's and picked up a combination pizza.
The car smelled of pepperoni and onions as Jack unloaded it and Elizabeth opened the doors.
When they entered the apartment and set it on the table, they realized it was a lot.
"Hope you're hungry."
Elizabeth really shouldn't have said that.
He scooped her up kissed her hard. "Be careful what you say Miss Thatcher."
She giggled as he put her down. "Silly me."
Elizabeth took both their coats and hung them up as Jack put the radio on to Christmas music.
He went into the kitchen to grab some plates and cups while Elizabeth went to turn on the gas fireplace and admire the tree.
He gently came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder. "Merry Christmas."
She rested her hands on his and swayed back and forth softly.
"Merry Christmas."
He kissed her cheek softly and listened to the Christmas music before breaking away for food.
They ate pizza while telling childhood stories of Christmas. He snorted a few times and she spilled some soda on the carpet. He danced to "Jingle Bell Rock" and she sang "Blue Christmas" perfectly.
A few hours into the evening his phone rang.
"This is Jack."
His face changed. "All right. I'll be right there."
When he hung up she could tell something was wrong.
"What's wrong?"
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. "There is a disaster at work."
She reached for his hand. "Is everyone ok?"
He stood. "Yeah, just an issue with paperwork."
She stood and went to grab his coat. "It has to be done now?"
He put his shoes back on and took the coat. "I'm in charge so yeah."
Sadly she pulled his coat on tighter and kissed his lips. "Ok, come back soon ok? I'll stay up."
He smoothed her hair back, curly from the undone braid. "Thank you."
He wanted to say I love you.
He kissed her one more time and then left. And it was empty.
Jack drove to work and rushed up the steps.
"Sorry Chief for calling you in."
He shook his head. "Don't be."
Elizabeth sat reading Jane Austen with Christmas music going.
Her mother called but it was a short conversation.
The clock struck 11 and she wondered how long she could stay up. She was getting sleepy.
Jack quietly made his way back into her condo. It was late.
He took the spare key and opened the door. Elizabeth was fast asleep on the couch.
It was perfect.
He gently placed the present under the tree.
Elizabeth felt something. A warm body was next to her. She turned and mumbled.
Jack smiled as he gently picked her up and carried her to bed.
He laid her down, under the covers and fluffed her pillows.
She was dead to the world.
He kissed her forehead and whispered.
"Love you."
He closed her door and went back into the living room.
She awoke to sun.
It was a bit painful.
She realized she was alone.
But she was in bed.
And it was Christmas.
She should feel happier but he wasn't here. Where was he? She reached for her phone but it wasn't on the nightstand.
Confused she sat up and stretched. The door was closed.
She went to the bathroom and washed up.
At the sound of the bathroom, Jack darted up from the couch and got ready.
Elizabeth took a moment before she opened the door. The fire was going, the tree was lit and something was under the tree.
She walked out further and gasped, putting her hands over her face.
"No way!"
Under the tree, in a box, with a bow was a Beagle puppy.
"Jack, wha? How?"
He laughed as he pulled the puppy from the box. "This is Scout."
He gently placed the puppy in her arms. "He's so cute!"
She scratched his ears and he snuggled closer to her.
"Looks like he loves you already."
She looked up at Jack and kissed him.
"Love you too."
"Merry Christmas Elizabeth."
"Merry Christmas Jack."