I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree

The house was quite, the fireplace was crackling lightly as the Christmas tree sparkled with lights that I had put up. I remembered what Zach had told me before he went on this mission. He promised he'd be home for Christmas.

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Sometimes I guess there are some promises we can't keep. Earlier this morning I'd gotten a call from the director, telling me that Zach hadn't made it back. That he was missing. That he was dead.

I'll be home
I'll be home
If only in my dreams
I'll be home
I'll be home
If only in my dreams

I sat there, on the couch, I hadn't so much as moved, except for setting down the phone. I hadn't even hung it up, the dial tone was still humming silently. I hadn't even cried. He promised…

I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love
Even more then I usually do (usually do)
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you

I jumped a little when I heard a knock on the door, someone was fumbling with the lock. I stood up shakily and walked over, holding myself up on the doorknob. I took a breath and pulled it open. Zach.

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree

Tears filled my eyes as he pulled me into his arms. I looked up into his eyes and kissed him, praying that I wasn't going crazy. Praying that he was really here.

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

I looked over at the clock right as it turned to 12:00. Midnight. I hugged Zach again.

I'll be home
I'll be home
If only in my dreams

"Come on Gallagher Girl. You know I always keep my promises."

***

I was actually listening to that song while I wrote this, it's one of my favorites. Have a merry Christmas everybody!:)