Christmas day:

"What is that?" Niles pointed at the big box by the side of the couch.

"It's for you Niles," B walked up to him. "Open it, open it!" he lead Niles to the couch so he could sit. "I want to know what it is."

"You…" Niles looked at Max. Max shook his head.

"Not me." Niles glared over at Fran with a why look.

"Well, can I say her name?" Fran looked over at Max who greeted his teeth. He wasn't really ready for anyone to mention his wife's name when they talked about her helping them. Fran saw his face. Fran's mind: look how he looks when we mention anything close to using Sarah's name. He must still miss her so much especially at this time of year. I couldn't make things worse for him. "A good friend of m…ours." She smiled at Max. "Thank you." he mouthed to Fran. She nodded. "Told me on the terrace the night I was out there that you need…wanted this." She smiled at Niles, "mista Sheffield over here," she pointed to Max. "Picked that one out. So if it's not the right one blame him." Niles laughed.

"Ms. Fine!" Niles tried to pick up the present.

"It's heavy," Niles looked at them watching him. "What is it?"

"You'll have to open it." Niles slowly unwrapped the present. Niles mind: What could this be? What could have Sarah told Ms Fine what I wanted…needed…a woman is what I need, one in particular. But that's not going to happen anytime soon. She won't even come over today. A…

"A telescope." He shouted shocked. "Wow."

"I hope you like it. We played with it in the store. So we knew…." Fran said as she stood next to him beside the couch.

"Knew that I would love it." Niles finished her sentence.

"Do you? Cause we could…" Max started but Fran slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Don't even think about it."

"It isn't going anywhere." Niles smiled. "It's great."

"Now you can spy even more." Fran tried to whisper.

"I heard that." Max called. Niles laughed, and winked at Fran.

"I knew I couldn't go wrong with…" Fran heard Max sigh. "with….her…help." Fran patted Niles.

"I'll have to thank her soon." Niles winked again.