The evening of Christmas had arrived and Anna was making her way to the front entrance of the Crawley residence. She had fretted over what to wear earlier in the day and in the end had decided on a midnight blue cocktail dress with silver heels. Hoping she wasn't the last to arrive, she rang the bell and waited.

Within seconds, the door opened and Henry greeted Anna warmly.

"Happy Christmas, Anna. Welcome."

Henry stepped back to allow Anna to enter and offered to take her coat.

"Thank you. Happy Christmas to you as well."

After her coat was placed in the coat closet, Henry motioned her into the sitting room. The room had completely transformed from when she was last there a few days ago. There was a large Christmas tree brightly decorated and gleaming. There were wait staff floating around with nibbles and drinks on silver trays, and a string quartet was playing softly in the corner of the room.

As she continued to look around, she didn't recognize any of the other guests, so she approached the Christmas tree and stood looking at all the fine, intricate baubles. They were stunning, and if she had to guess she would say they were all hand made.

"Happy Christmas."

Anna felt a tingling course through her spine as the familiar voice whispered close to her ear. In all honesty, she didn't need to turn around at all to know who had just greeted her, but she turned around all the same to see the man standing behind her.

He probably thought she was mad at the look she had on her face when she turned. She couldn't seem to control it however because he looked absolutely gorgeous.

He looked taller than she had ever seen him in the black suit he was wearing. The dark green necktie gliding down his chest grabbed her attention against his crisp white shirt. His silver tie clip with his initials engraved in the metal made her knees go weak, but nothing compared to how he was looking at her in that moment. His hair was combed and held in place by a small amount of product except for one lock that had fallen over his brow, making him look even more attractive. She shouldn't be checking him out like this not when they were just friends. They were simply helping each other out tonight, and she needed to keep her feelings in check.

"Happy Christmas, Mr. Bates," she smiled in reply.

John had watched her cross the room from the kitchen when she arrived. She appeared to be mesmerized by the change of scenery, and he could not help but to look at her in her dark blue dress and watch her hair as it cascaded in waves down her back. When she had stopped at the tree was when he knew he had to be nearer to her even if it was only pretend and only for tonight.

"You might call me John if we are to be each others dates tonight," John suggested with a look that made Anna have to swallow.

"Right. Of course...John."

They shared a mutual smile before they both looked back at the tree.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" John practically purred.

"It is. I love Christmas trees. They can tell so many stories about the family who decorates them."

"And you would tell a story with yours?" John asked as he looked down and over to her.

"Oh yes. Each bauble would represent something special," she replied with underlying truth and excitement as their eyes met.

"You're both here! Happy Christmas!" Robert boomed as he came up behind them.

Both John and Anna turned around to greet him.

"Happy Christmas," they both replied.

"In half an hour we'll head outside. So take your time and mingle," Robert said before making his way to another group of guests.

"Outside?" Anna asked confused.

"There is a large tent outside with heat lamps so we won't be freezing."

"That's good to know."

Mary, Edith, and a few others came round to chat with them as more party goers came into the room. It was then they noticed Joe and Phyllis Molesley making their way towards them.

"Hello Anna, I had no idea you were back in town," Joe said as he smiled and nodded towards them both in greeting.

"Hello Joe, Phyllis, I haven't been back very long. I'm afraid the news is just trickling out naturally."

Anna looked to Phyllis then who stepped forward to embrace her.

"It's so good to have you back. It feels like forever since I've spoken to you," Phyllis said kindly before breaking the embrace and speaking to John.

"Hello John, it's been ages since you've visited the shop."

"I've been lacking in reasons to purchase flowers," John said, trying to make light of his reason for not visiting.

"Well, maybe that will change soon enough," Phyllis responded with mirth in her gaze.

"Perhaps," John replied simply.

"So, are you two here together tonight?" Joe asked as he shifted his weight from foot to foot.

"John is my date tonight yes," Anna said with a smile playing on her lips. It made her feel lighter and happier somehow from saying it.

"That is lovely. Joe and I are going to greet Robert and Cora. We'll catch up with you two later," Phyllis said.

"I'll find you later Phyllis. We need a proper catch up and maybe a dance or two."

Anna giggled and so did Phyllis in agreement.

After their conversation had ended with the Molesleys, John and Anna had drifted back over to the Christmas tree.

"This isn't our first time sharing a Christmas together," Anna mentioned casually as her eyes shifted slowly through the baubles she hadn't seen.

John could only smile yet cringe at remembering that Christmas more than five years ago.

"No, it's not," John replied with an exhale, feeling embarrassment rise as he thought of his former wife's actions and words.

"It feels so long ago. Too long."

John wanted to look to her and implore what she meant by her words, but he didn't. It wasn't his place to dig even though he truly did want to know why it felt too long since they had last shared a Christmas.

In the next moment, the french doors opened to the patio and other guests were shuffling their way outside to the tent area.

"Shall we?" John murmured has he offered his arm to Anna.

Anna nodded and placed her hand into the crook of his elbow. They walked outside and were met with the icy air. It wasn't a long walk to the large, white tent, but it was enough for the wind to cut through the both of them. When they came inside the tent, they were welcomed with the warmth of the heat lamps.

"Stand here," John said as she dropped his arm and gently guided Anna closer to one of the heat lamps. She had already begun shivering even though they were only outside for a minute. John hooked his walking stick to the back of a chair and began unbuttoning his suit jacket.

"John, you don't have to do that," Anna protested as she ran her hands up and down her arms in attempt to get her body heat back. She felt rather silly already being so cold after only a minute of being outside.

"It will help you warm quicker," he insisted as he slipped his jacket from his shoulders and placed it around Anna's shoulders.

"There, it looks better on you anyways."

They chuckled and Anna pulled the jacket tighter around her, subconsciously breathing in his scent as she did.

"Better?"

"Much. I'll give it back in a few minutes," she replied with a shy smile.

"No rush at all."

They heard Robert speaking then after a few clinks of a knife sounded against a champagne glass. They turned to look at Robert, and that was when Anna noticed her ex, Adam Riley, standing next to his parents and smirking in her direction. She looked away was quickly as possible, snapping her eyes to look at Robert and not at him. She didn't know what she ever saw in him. He was the same age as her and had attended the same university. He had dirty blonde hair, dark brown eyes, and the most cunning, deceitful smile of anyone she ever knew. Maybe it had been his charm that had won her over but as time went on that charm wore off.

"This is quite an unorthodox Christmas dinner, but I hope you enjoy the many flavors the world has to offer. Thank you again for celebrating Christmas with us this year," Robert finished as everyone applauded his short speech.

John turned to face Anna as he suggested, "Looks like there is tons of food over there. Would you like to go look at 'the many flavors the world has to offer?' "

"Yes, I'm quite famished really."

With that, John took up his walking stick and they made their way over to the food which had been laid out on tables formed in a circle. There were place cards at each table indicating where the foods had originated from and what flavors would be present in the foods. There was an overabundance of choices such as Italian, Greek, Mediterranean, Thai, Mexican, American style food, and so on.

"I've never had a Christmas dinner like this, though I think I'm enjoying it already," Anna said as she added a pot sticker to her plate.

"I haven't either. Everything looks delicious though."

When they had finished filling their plates, they had found a table and sat their plates down. John had insisted on collecting their drinks, letting Anna know gently that he could manage.

Anna was about to sit down when Adam came up quietly behind her.

"Well, well. Hello again darling," Adam greeted cheerfully.

Anna turned to face him and with a grimace replied, "I am not your darling."

"Not the hello I expected to receive. You look so incredibly perfect. I've missed you since you've been way. Have you missed me?"

"The nerve of the man," Anna thought to herself.

He stepped one step closer as his smile widened.

"No," Anna said bluntly.

"Ahh come on. You're back now. We can pick up where we left off."

Adam was attempting to speak again when John arrived back at the table. John placed the drinks on the table while taking in Anna's facial expression and body language.

"Hello, everything alright?" John asked Anna as he placed a hand to her lower back which was still covered by his suit jacket.

Anna only nodded and gave him a smile that didn't reach her eyes. He knew she wasn't telling the truth and for probably a good reason.

"And you are?" John asked as his gaze shifted from Anna to the man standing in front of them.

"Riley. Adam Riley, and you might be?"

"John Bates," John replied curt enough to send a signal to the man.

"Are you a family member of Anna's? Maybe an uncle I have never met?"

"He's my boyfriend actually," Anna stated as one hand drifted to John's lower back, hugging him closer to her side.

Adam laughed out loud at the thought even to the point of clapping his hands together.

John had not flinched at all at his sudden new status though inwardly he was curious as to why she had decided on boyfriend instead of date. He would go along with wherever she was taking this though.

"No really," Adam said as he calmed down.

"I'm serious Adam. I'm with John and if you ever thought me coming back here was to be with you then you were mistaken," Anna responded.

Adam crossed his arms in front of his chest and began scanning his eyes over John. He had no clue what Anna saw in the bloke.

"Is there a problem?" John asked firmly as he felt the man's eyes on him.

"No, but we'll see who Anna ends up leaving with tonight. Me or a geriatric with a giant candy cane keeping him from falling over."

If John hadn't of moved first, Anna would have stepped forward and slapped him. John stepped within a breath of the small man in front of him and stared him dead pan in the face.

John whispered, "If I ever hear you speak ill of Anna in any way or make an advance towards her that is not welcome, this geriatric will show you how agile he really is."

Adam's eyes widened at John's boldness. He didn't think he had it in him to threaten him.

"I think you best leave us be Adam," Anna said coldly as John continued to stare a hole through him, daring him to make another comment about Anna.

"You know where to find me," Adam replied as he backed up and looked to Anna.

"Don't worry, Adam. She won't come looking," John stated with a wicked grin.

With that, Adam left and disappeared to the other side of the tent. Anna looked to John then to apologize.

"I'm sorry, John. I should have never agreed to pull you into my troubles in the first place. He has never gotten over the fact I want absolutely nothing to do with him."

"Please, don't apologize. Let's not give him the pleasure of discussing him. Now, where were we?"

Anna smiled and took John's jacket from her shoulders. She draped it along the back of her chair before sitting herself down. John took the seat next to her, and they began eating their rather odd Christmas dinner.

"American cheeseburger, pot stickers, hummus and pita bread, nice choices," John said as he glanced at Anna's plate.

"It's not every Christmas you get to eat so many different things. Yours looks..."

Anna scrunched up her nose as she took in John's plate.

"Mine looks like what?" John said in mock offense.

"It.. well.. spaghetti and fruit on one plate?"

"There are no rules when it comes to the unorthodox Christmas dinner I'll have you know," John countered teasingly as he placed his napkin in his lap.

"Duly noted."

They shared a shy smile as they began eating. Anna took in her surroundings and noticed fairy lights were strung up along the top of the tent, illuminating the space as well as a few other lights. There was a small dance floor in the corner opposite the circle of food. There was a sound system next to the floor, and the string quartet had made their way outside as well.

She was broken from her eye wandering when John spoke.

"So, I moved up the ranks from date to boyfriend," John teased as they conversed over their dinner. A few more guests had sat down at their table so John spoke quietly.

Anna's eyes met John's after the words were spoken. It was said in a manner to suggest it would be silly to consider, but she could swear his eyes danced with excitement at the prospect.

"I knew if I only said date Adam wouldn't have let up. I'm sorry if that put you in an awkward position," Anna replied with her eyes never leaving his.

"No worries," he replied.

Anna noticed a slight fall of his face and dimming of his eyes. To the untrained eye, it wouldn't have been noticeable, but she had noticed it clearly.

"Anna."

Anna heard her name and looked to the left to see Phyllis standing near the table.

"Phyllis," Anna smiled.

"You've got to try this chocolate cake it's to die for," Phyllis suggested as she pointed to the cake on her plate.

"I'll do that. Thanks for the suggestion."

Joe walked up to the table as Phyllis asked, "May we join you both?"

"Yes, please sit," John offered as he stood to his feet.

As Joe and Phyllis sat down, John collected his glass and looked at Anna.

"May I get you another?"

"Yes, please."

John took Anna's glass as well and strode away from the table.

"Looks like others are starting to dance. Oh, and there's the sound system now," Phyllis said as she looked over in the corner.

"Let's go join them. What do you say?" Phyllis looked at Anna with an excited grin.

Anna looked briefly in the direction John had wandered to and noticed he was still waiting. She looked back to Phyllis.

"I say yes."

Anna and Phyllis made their way onto the dance floor as Joe took the seat Anna had been occupying so he could watch the others dance. A minute or so later John returned to the table. He felt a mixture of sadness and worry that Anna was not at the table, and Joe was sitting in her chair.

"Where's Anna?" He asked as casually as he could before placing the drinks on the table and sitting next to Joe.

"Her and Phyllis decided to join the others on the dance floor," Joe said before he took a long swig of his drink.

John and Joe both crossed their arms in front of their chests as they looked over to the dance floor. They seemed to both be in their own little words before Joe broke the silence that had fallen between them.

"Nice girl that Anna."

John slightly turned his head and gazed at Joe in his peripheral vision. Keeping his stoicism in tact, he looked over to Anna who was sandwiched in between Mary and Phyllis. Anna was indeed an incredibly nice person. It didn't take him long to figure that out from the first time they had met years ago.

Joe broke him from his focus when he spoke again.

"I had asked her years prior if she had anyone special in her life, and that was when I found out about Adam. It wasn't long after that I met Phyllis who has been the best thing to ever happen to me. I just hope now she's back that someone special will come along for her."

John couldn't help the slight bit of jealousy that ran through him. He never knew Joe had an attraction to Anna in the past, but then again why would he had known? He seemed to be over the moon for Phyllis so the jealousy faded away quickly.

"Maybe she already does," John stated in reply as neither of them looked at the other.

"Is he keen on her?" Joe asked casually but knowing full well he had gained John's full attention.

John took a few seconds to mull over his thoughts. From the moment he had stepped inside Robert's sitting room with his ridiculous candy striped cane he had been keen on her, but he wouldn't allow himself to voice those feelings allowed or act upon them. It would be too fast wouldn't it? They had just been reintroduced a few days ago. He decided he needed to answer honestly. It may be selfish because he didn't know if Anna felt the same, but he answered anyways.

"I'd say he's keen. Very keen indeed."

"Good. Anna deserves nothing but the best."

Before John had the opportunity to brood over whether or not he could be or would be the best for Anna, the ladies were walking back to the table.

"You coming to dance?" Phyllis asked Joe.

"Yes, right after I get another one of these." Joe tapped his glass and stood to his feet.

"I'll be waiting for you then."

Anna picked up her drink from the table and took a sip before sitting herself down next to John. Joe was already back at the table with his glass refilled.

A slow song came on then, filling the tent with soft, melodic tunes.

"Come on you," Phyllis said playfully as she took Joe by the hand. He barely had time to set his half-empty glass down before he was led over to the dance floor.

"They are a wonderful couple aren't they?" Anna asked as she placed her glass back on the table.

"Yes, they suit each other well. Would you like to dance?"

Anna met John's eyes as she replied, "Would you like to?"

"Well, we are each others dates and to some boyfriend and girlfriend for the evening. I think it would give off the right appearance."

Anna smiled shyly at John's offer. She had secretly been nervous coming back over to the table wondering if John would want to dance with her. She wasn't going to suggest it since he had already done so such for her, so she was glad he had offered.

"I think you are right," Anna replied as they both stood.

As they walked towards the floor, Anna noticed John didn't bring his walking stick and started to worry inwardly.

"I can manage," John whispered as he watched her forehead crease.

Anna lifted her eyes and gave a small smile as she replied, "Of course you can."

When they reached the floor several other couples were already enjoying the slow Christmas music. Anna was the first to reach up and gently place her hands along John's broad shoulders. John then raised his hands as well to meet with Anna's waist.

Anna could feel John's strong muscles through his shirt, his jacket still hanging on the back of her chair. Her sides felt much warmer than the rest of her body as John's hands molded to her slim frame. She was feeling so many things at once, but the feelings of safety and longing were overpowering the others. They had only just been reintroduced a few days ago, but Anna could not help the emotions that were stirring within her.

She looked up and noticed John smiling down at her. Her knees felt weak as she looked at his face complete with boyish grin, deep hazel eyes, and a lock of hair that would not be tamed. It felt so right to be looking at him this way. An intimate, soul searching kind of way that was seeking permission to delve deeper. He was returning her gaze with one of his own, making it suddenly harder for Anna to breathe correctly. Could he feel it too? Could he feel the connection forming between them the same way she was?

"Looking good you too," Robert whispered as he and Cora saddled up next to them as they danced as well.

"What?" John asked as he broke his focus on Anna and looked over to Robert.

"I said you two are looking good. You should both be actors. Anyone would think you two were really a couple."

"Well, it comes naturally with someone like John," Anna said to Robert before she felt John's eyes back on her.

"John is a gentleman that's for sure," Cora added.

"He is. He's been a gentleman all evening," Anna replied before slipping her hands to John's neck, therefore bringing her closer to him.

"Carry on," Robert whispered with a thumbs up before dancing away with Cora.

John slipped his hands to her lower back then and spoke quietly.

"What is it about someone like me?"

Playing coy, Anna replied, "What do you mean?"

John looked around the room for a few seconds gathering his composure. He felt his heart rate quicken as he spoke again.

"You said it comes naturally with someone like me," John stated as he gazed at her.

"Yes, I did. I-"

Anna was cut off as the music became upbeat, and Joe had accidentally bumped into her as he began to dance around the floor.

"Sorry, Anna!" Joe said as he danced to the other side.

"Sorry about that," Phyllis apologized. "Are you alright?"

John and Anna had broken their embrace before Anna replied, "Yes. I'm more than fine," chuckling she continued, "it looks like Joe is having a very happy Christmas."

"He's had one too many that's what it looks like," Phyllis snickered as she watched her loving husband jump around like he was doing a Scottish jig.

As Joe continued to jump and twirl around on the floor, John had left the two ladies and collected his coat and walking stick before making his way out of the tent. He needed some time to clear his head. He had asked a question to Anna he shouldn't have asked. What could she possibly see in a man like him? He was older, divorced, had an injury that still plagued him, and was only supposed to be her pretend date so her ex wouldn't think there was a chance at getting back together. He was nothing really or at least that was what he told himself as he walked back into the house.

"Where did John go?" Anna asked both to Phyllis and herself as she looked around her.

"I'm not sure. Go have a look. I'll have to keep an eye on Mr. Molesley."

"Woohoo!" Joe kicked up his heels as the tune cranked up even more.

Anna giggled, "Yes, you most certainly will."

Anna excused herself then and walked back over to the table. She noticed John's jacket was no longer hanging on the back of her chair and his walking stick was missing. With a frown, she looked around the room and couldn't find him anywhere. For a moment she wondered if he had left, but she knew that wasn't it. John wasn't the kind of man to up and leave without saying a word first. As she walked towards the entrance of the tent, she looked around once more before pushing the tent flap to the side and walked out into the cold. With quick steps, she made her way across the back garden and to the french doors which lead to the sitting room.

Turning the door knob gently, she could see John standing with his back to her looking at the Christmas tree. She opened the door and closed it back quietly before walking closer to him.

"So this is where you disappeared to," Anna said with a smile in her tone as she reached his side.

John started for only a second then relaxed when he realized it was Anna. He nodded as he looked over to her.

"Alone at last," Anna stated with a smile playing on her lips. She then turned to look at the tree before them.

John's chest fluttered as her words ran through him, and he suddenly felt guilty for leaving her alone even for only a few minutes.

"Adam didn't bother you did he?" John asked.

"No, I'm pretty sure he got the hint, but just to be sure we should probably finish our dance that got interrupted by jolly Mr. Molesley."

John turned to look at her fully. Her eyes were shimmering as bright as the delicate baubles on the tree and her smile was even more radiant. Was she flirting with him or was he just hoping that was the case? It had been a long time since he had been well versed in that department.

"If you'd like."

Anna beamed and stepped closer to him then. She could tell he wasn't sure what was going on when she placed her hands on his shoulders and drew herself close to him.

"Aren't we going to dance?" Anna asked innocently as John stood in front of her frozen in confusion.

"In here?" he asked in a whisper as if they were going to get caught doing something they shouldn't be.

"If we're quiet we can hear the music playing outside," Anna encouraged as she slid her hands to the back of his neck, lacing her fingers.

John leaned his walking stick ever so carefully against the tree before encircling Anna's waist with his arms.

They were quiet, so very quiet, taking in the faint music playing outside as the glow of the tree fell upon them. The familiar sound of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" filtered into the room. The tone had made their environment calm and peaceful.

Breaking the silence, Anna asked, "Are you having a Happy Christmas, Mr. Bates?"

She lifted her eyes to meet his and was met with a pair of sparkling hazel eyes. She could tell he was thinking about something but what that something was she didn't know.

"Mr. Bates, are you alright?"

"I couldn't be more alright if I tried," he stated as a small smile appeared.

Anna smiled in reply before laying her head on his chest. She could feel John's arms tightening around her, drawing her even closer to him. Her eyes drifted closed, and she could hear the strong, steady beat of his heart. It was soothing and reassuring though why those two particular words came to mind she wasn't sure.

"You two don't have to pretend when no one is around you know," Robert informed as he closed the french doors behind him.

John and Anna stepped back from each other as Robert approached. John reached for his cane as Robert spoke again.

"What are you two doing in here anyways?"

"I-"

"We-"

John and Anna both chuckled as they tried to speak at the same time. Anna nodded at John for him to speak first.

"I needed to get away from the crowd for a bit, and Anna came to find me."

"Sounds like you. Some pretend date you are leaving your date outside," Robert joked as he clapped John on the shoulder.

Anna could see the realization of what Robert said run over John's features, so she decided to jump in before John could feel any guilt.

"I'm glad Mr. Bates came inside. Mr. Molesley was having enough fun for all of us."

"Well, they do say there's a wild man inside all of us," Robert replied in jest, "Are you coming back outside? There's still plenty of dessert."

"Of course," Anna said as she took hold of John's arm.

"I'll see you all out there then."

Robert excused himself as he went further into his home.

After they went back outside they had decided on two desserts and shared them. More small talk was made with acquaintances. Phyllis and Joe made their goodbyes as Joe was quickly winding down from his dancing. Both of them noticed Adam had found him someone else to chat up which made Anna relieved yet sad for the woman speaking with him. It was going on midnight when they decided it was time to call it a night. It took a rather long time to say their goodbyes to the Crawley family, but they were now standing out front by John's car.

"Where are you parked?" John asked as he looked around the front garden at the cars parked everywhere.

"I didn't drive. I took a cab. I'll call for one and wait inside."

"I could drive you home," he offered as he pulled his keys from his trouser pocket.

"I wouldn't want to put you out. I can wait."

"You live near the coffee shop right? I live near there as well."

Anna's tone turned into one of shock. "Really? You didn't mention that the other day."

"Didn't I? Well, I would very much like to give you a lift home."

How could she resist after him offering so politely? His facial expression was also too adorable to decline his offer.

"Okay, you win."

With a grin, John turned and opened the passenger side door allowing Anna to slip inside before closing it back with a gentle thud. After he got himself settled, he switched on the ignition and began driving in the direction of Anna's home.

They rode in companionable silence as tiredness began setting in. When they reached Anna's home, John walked Anna to her front door.

"Would you like to come inside for a bit, Mr. Bates?" Anna asked as she fiddled with her keys in her hands.

"It's well past midnight now. I wouldn't want to keep you up."

Although it wasn't the reply she was hoping for, Anna decided to not push the issue.

"Well, I had a very nice evening. Thank you for agreeing to be my date."

Anna could feel her skin flush as she looked into John's eyes. The only thing she could think about at that very moment was the thought of kissing him. She wasn't sure as to why but her feelings for John had developed quicker than they ever had for anyone else.

"My pleasure."

God, if she only knew how much he truly wanted to say and how much he truly did want to go inside. He wasn't going to allow himself to be his former self though. His former self would have went to bed with a woman on their first date, and those actions had turned into years of grief and a loveless marriage.

"You never did answer my question you know," Anna hinted.

"What question might that be?"

"Well now it would be did you have a happy Christmas?"

Their breaths released at the same time forming small puffs of air against the cold December night. They gazed at each other for a few seconds before John found the words he wanted to say.

"This is the happiest Christmas I have had in many years."

A smile overtook Anna's face as she responded, "Me too."

If someone had of been looking at the pair of them, they would see two love struck teenagers smiling like fools on a door step. Their eyes danced with the realization they both had a wonderful Christmas in each others company.

"Stay right here. Don't move."

Anna turned, placed her key into the door lock, and opened it before stepping inside. John stood still as he wondered what Anna could possibly be doing. He was only by himself a couple of minutes before Anna was stepping back outside closing the door behind her.

John noticed Anna was holding a crocheted red scarf in her hands along with a folded up piece of paper. He couldn't help the look of confusion as she unfolded it.

"I have been working on this scarf for a long time not knowing who it was intended for. It's longer than the ones I normally make, but I was insistent on the length. I believe it was intended for you John, so I would like for you to have it."

Anna lifted the scarf and placed it around John's neck.

"Anna, you worked so hard on this. I couldn't possibly accept."

"You can and you will," Anna replied firmly but with a soft expression.

"Consider it a belated Christmas gift. The color looks great on you," Anna continued.

John reached up his left hand to feel the soft scarf Anna had hand crafted. It was simple and smart. John already considered it his most prized possession.

"In that case," John said as he reached inside his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a small, square flat box tied with red ribbon.

"This is for you." John extended his arm and the box towards her.

"What? You got me a Christmas present?" Anna asked in disbelief as she looked at the box, then to John, and back to the box again with her mouth slightly agape.

"I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate, but I brought it along just in case. Please, open it."

Without another word, Anna took the box from John's hand and untied the ribbon. She then lifted the box lid to find a delicate silk scarf with blue and cream tones. It would look gorgeous with so many of her work outfits. Her eyes began to mist over as she carefully picked the scarf up out of the box holding it with one hand.

"It's beautiful. I don't have anything like it," Anna breathed as her thumb slid over the silky fabric.

"So you like it then?" John asked sheepishly.

"I love it. You picked this out?" Anna lifted her head to look at him.

"After a few hours I finally made up my mind," he said with a short, deep chuckle.

"Hours?! You silly beggar you didn't have to go through all that trouble," Anna said in a shocked tone before giggling at the thought of John pacing around a mall or shop trying to make up his mind.

"It wasn't any trouble at all. I'm just glad you like it."

"I do very much. I had no idea we'd both be receiving scarves for Christmas."

As Anna placed the scarf gently back in the box, John responded, "I wasn't expecting that either."

Silence fell between them for a few seconds before Anna spoke again.

"Thank you again."

"You're most welcome. Thank you for everything. I'll leave you at peace now."

Anna handed John the folded up piece of paper that she had been clenching tightly in her grasp.

John took the paper and began to unfold it.

"It's only if you ever wanted to talk or maybe meet for coffee or do something," Anna rambled as she felt like she was being somewhat forward for being the one to suggest they should see each other again.

"I would like that very much. May I call you soon to see when you're available?"

"I'm counting on it."

John's smile crinkled his eyes at the corners, and he was more than amazed this beautiful woman would want to spend more time with him. Her eyes were filled with an anticipation that he wasn't accustomed to seeing. Her pale face was flushed from the chilly night air, and her smirk was enough to let him know he couldn't go without seeing her again.

"Then I'll be sure to call."

Anna stepped closer and lifting one hand to his shoulder she lifted herself on her tip toes and placed a kiss to his cheek. She lingered for only as few seconds more than she should have before lowering herself back down and dropping her hand to her side.

"Goodnight, John."

The joy written on John's face as his given name returned from her lips was undeniable.

"Goodnight, Anna."

He turned then and walked up the garden. When he made it to his car he gave a small wave before climbing inside and driving out of sight.


A/N: Thank you for reading!