Emily let out a content sigh as she watched Matt carefully place another log into the fireplace. He paused for a minute and watched as the flames incinerated the wood. Mesmerized, Emily stared at the flames as they consumed everything in their path. Matt made his way back to the couch and sat on the floor in front of it. Emily grinned and settled in against his chest, handing him his glass of champagne. To Emily's right, a rainbow of lights lit up the tree. "So, I have to tell you, I kind of like this tree thing."

"What 'tree thing'?" Matt asked.

"I've never had a real tree before. Growing up, my parents had the same artificial tree the entire time I lived at home. Working in Phoenix, I never got myself a tree. I wasn't around enough for it."

Matt grinned, "If I had known that, I would have let you come with me when I went to cut it down!"

Emily laughed, "No, that's okay… We'll just take this one step at a time." As she leaned her head on his shoulder, Matt brought his lips to her cheek, kissing her gently.

"I have something for you," he said suddenly. Matt reached behind him and pulled a rectangular box from its hiding place.

"Matt… I thought-"

"I know that we said we weren't doing gifts, but… I saw this after I made the promise," Matt handed Emily the box.

"Well then, I guess it's a good thing that I got this for you…" Emily reached into her purse and pulled out a brightly wrapped present.

Matt's eyes took on a childlike sparkle, "For me?" Emily nodded and, laughed as Matt tore open the gold paper. "Wow, that's a nice watch! Is that the one-"

"From the store last week," Emily finished, "Every time I saw you, you were looking at that darn watch!" Matt removed his old watch and put the new one on. "It's perfect, thanks Em. Open yours," he prompted.

Emily flipped the top of the box and a tiny squeak escaped from her lips. "Oh my God, Matt, it- it's beautiful!" She paused for a minute, looking from the gift to Matt, unsure of whether she should accept such an expensive gift.

"Here, put it on," Matt clumsily reached into the box and removed the bracelet.

"Look, it's beautiful. It was meant for you…" Matt smiled and gazed into his girlfriend's eyes. Emily brought her lips to his neck and caressed his cheek.

"Thank you," she whispered before leaning her head on his shoulder. Matt slung one arm around her waist and held her close.

Minutes later, Matt's phone let out a shrill shriek. He felt Emily tense against him, "If that's Cheryl, I'm gonna kill her," she muttered.

Matt sighed and grabbed his phone, sighing with relief when he saw the caller ID. "Hey Dad…" He felt Emily relax once more as she listened to his conversation, "Okay… Merry Christmas to you too. I love you, Dad." Matt flipped his phone shut and wrapped his arms around Emily again.

"This is probably the best Christmas I've ever had," Emily said softly. Matt nodded in agreement. He'd had countless Christmases with family and other girlfriends, but nothing compared to spending the day with someone he truly cared about.

"You look tired. Ready for bed?" Matt asked.

Emily looked up, giving him a playful smile and a small shrug. "Not just yet." Her fingers toyed with his belt, "I still have one more present to open…"

"Another present?" Matt hid his smile.

"Uh huh. And it's a big one, too…" Emily grinned, and straddled his legs.

"How big?" Matt asked with an impish smile.

Emily laughed, bringing her lips to his, "I love you…"

"I love you too," he replied, "Sure you don't wanna head to bed?"

Emily looked thoughtful for a minute before shaking her head.

X x X

A/N: Okay, just a little Christmas Fluff for my twin! MERRY CHRISTMAS:o)