I started writing this over Christmas and when real life resumed, this was forgotten. I found it and decided to finish the last chapter. Any similarities between 2x12's dialogue and this story is coincidental- I wrote everything but the last 4 POVs changes during my Christmas travels. I guess the writers and I think alike. :)

Background: Starts around the same time as 2x10, but the events are different.

Of course I own nothing.

ZPOV
It's been several weeks since the Basket Auction fiasco. Things are returning to normal. Wade's talking to me again when we meet in the kitchen, and he's had a steady stream of women leaving each morning for the last week or so. I guess everyone copes in their own way. Or, maybe he's over it. I'll probably never know.

I feel bad I hurt him but I just didn't feel the same way. I mean, really, what would a relationship between us look like? We have so little in common. As friends, that's ok. In a 'casual' relationship we were great. But as a serious boyfriend? We don't have the same goals, background or anything else to build a foundation on. You have to have more than chemistry and physical attraction to make it last.

And could you imagine Wade Kinsella in New York City? He'd probably hate all my friends.

And clearly we have trouble finding anything meaningful to talk about. We can joke, gossip and banter with each other, but talk about anything serious? I just don't see it. As Addie says, 'with the right person it just flows.' The only thing that has ever flowed naturally between us is sarcasm.

It was fun while it lasted, but it was never meant to last… And I've enjoyed being single. I've focused on me and my patients, I've hung out with Annabeth a couple times. Life is good.

GPOV
The last month has been amazing. Tansy and I are having a great time together. She's fun and impulsive and when I'm with her, so am I. Thankfully, there's been no more law breaking…

I find myself thinking about Zoe less these days, well, usually. Now it's pretty much only when I'm alone. Tansy makes it easy to forget.

Right now my biggest problem is trying to figure out what to get Tansy for Christmas. What do you get a woman you've been dating only a month? I'm running out of time.

Tansy and I are walking across the square when we run into Zoe. The twinge of longing I feel whenever I see her is smaller now than it used to be. Tansy makes me happy. It's simple with her, never complicated. We never worry about the future, just live in the moment, taking it day by day. But still, it's a little awkward for me when Tansy and Zoe share the same airspace.

ZPOV
I'm running errands for Lavon before work, helping him get ready for his Christmas party tonight when I run into George and Tansy. I try not to look as uncomfortable as I feel, though I don't think I succeed…

Ok, so I still feel a twinge when I see George and Tansy together. I'm trying to be ok with them together. But, try as I might to not do it, I still think about him sometimes.

Luckily our exchange is brief, George doesn't seem to want to linger either. Glad I'm not the only one.

I get to work and forget George with my first patient. He's exhausted. He needs a vacation. As his doctor, I order him to take off work and go with his wife to visit his grandkids. Good deed accomplished. Merry Christmas.

After work, I head home to help Lavon.

I open the door to find the place unrecognizable. They never do anything halfway in this town. Did he hire a team of elves today?! It did NOT look like this at breakfast this morning. Garlands of evergreen ring the house, lights twinkle everywhere. Chairs and tables have materialized and a series of small buffet tables have been set up along 2 walls, awaiting food. There is artificial snow dusting the decorations and Christmas music is playing in the background. I can smell Christmas cookies baking. Alabama may be 70 degrees outside, but in here it's a Winter Wonderland of Christmas cheer.

"Lavon?" I call.

"In here!" he calls back. I head toward the kitchen. He, Lemon and Annabeth are bustling around, finalizing food and getting everything in order. I'm in the way.

"What can I do?" I ask.

Lemon appraises me, "Well, we need the silver polished, but as I recall, you weren't very good at that..." she concludes absently. "I guess you could light the chafing dishes and the cookies need to be arranged on their plates. I suppose even you can't screw that up."

I bite back my sarcastic comment as Lavon throws me a look. I busy myself with my tasks and excuse myself to change when I'm finished. Lemon and I may have made our peace, but I don't think we'll ever be friends.

The party is in full swing. I've had a few cups of eggnog, polished off some Christmas cookies- things are good.

Lavon appears at my side, he looks upset. "Uh, Zoe, did you tell Hal to take a vacation?"

"Yes I did. The poor man is exhausted and wanted to see his grandkids. Why do you ask?"

"Uh, Big Z, Hal is our Santa for the tree lighting tomorrow. Without him, there won't be a Santa for the kids."

Oh crap.

GPOV
Lavon's party is great. Tansy and I have danced, had a few cups of punch and had a wonderful evening. Even better, I found the perfect present for her this afternoon, so that's taken care of.

We're standing, talking when Zoe approaches.

"George, could I talk to you for a minute?" I excuse myself and step away to see what she needs.

"How can I help you, Dr. Hart?" I ask with a smile.

"Well, I may have ruined Christmas," she begins. I laugh. Poor Zoe, isn't there a single town event she could maneuver without a calamity?

"Wait, don't tell me, you knocked down the tree. No, no, you burned all the cookies for tomorrow's tree lighting. Did you lose Santa's naughty and nice list?" I tease.

"Actually, it's worse," she's not joking… oh boy… "I told Santa to leave town."

I didn't see that coming. I don't even ask why. "And… you're telling me why?"

"I was hoping you knew someone with a suit? And if so, would you be Santa? You're the first one I thought of, and the only one who I didn't think would be furious with me when they found out. So… know anyone?" In her state of pseudo- panic, it all comes out in a rush as she grins hopefully at me.

"Whoa… wait, you want ME to be Santa?" But I DO know someone with a suit… and am I really going to let the children of Bluebell down? And, let's be honest, am I really going to tell Zoe Hart no? I shake my head…

Before I can respond, I see Dash grinning at me over Zoe's shoulder.

ZPOV
I feel someone tap me on the shoulder. I turn to see Dash grinning at me and pointing to the ceiling. Confused, I look up. Mistletoe.