Olivia squinted as the blinding sun reflected off the snowy frosted ground and through the sliding glass door, brightening the entire room. It took her a few seconds to remember where she was as she turned over, rubbing her eyes.

"Boy, you sure look attractive in the morning." Elliot took her by surprise when she realized he was there, bending down by her feet.

"Thanks." Olivia quipped sarcastically. She sat up and leaned her back against the coffee table, smoothing her hair and trying to wake up.

He switched on the Christmas tree lights. "Merry Christmas, Liv... again." he chuckled.

It was Christmas.

Olivia began to blush. "Merry Christmas, El."

The kids woke up one by one. The twins immediately ran to the window and were elated at the sight of the mounds of snow that had accumulated overnight. Maureen and Kathleen asked for a few minutes and a coffee before they were alert and ready to open presents. Olivia took the opportunity to slink into the gorgeous sweater dress she picked out the night before. Once everyone was satisfied, they found each other all sitting crossed legged next to the tree as Olivia stepped out of the bathroom.

Elliot took a double take in her direction. "Wow. Olivia, you look.." she smirked. Elliot glanced at his children, who were waiting to hear his choice of words. "You look.. great."

"Thanks!" Olivia responded as she sat across from Elliot near the Christmas tree. An audible sigh was heard from Kathleen direction.

"Daddy, can we open the presents from Liv first? Please?" Lizzie asked.

Elliot and Olivia shared a look before she shrugged. "Go ahead." she told them.

They all lunged for the present with their name scrolled on the tag, including Maureen, who handed Elliot his boxed gift from Olivia.

"Oh.. Liv you didn't have to get me anything."

"I know, I wanted to. Sorry I didn't have much time to get you all something special.."

"I'm sure we'll love it!" Kathleen said as she pulled the paper off the small box.

They all opened the small boxes at the same time, revealing a fifty dollar giftcard from their favourite retail store - Maureen's from her favourite boutique in the city, Kathleen's from a local music store, Lizzie's from a bookstore and Dickie's from a sporting goods store. All of them dropped the boxes and crowded around Olivia to say thank you, in the form of a hug.

Elliot was next to open his. Olivia and Maureen shared a look of amusement as he tore the festive paper off the small box like a young child. Just like the rest of them, he lifted the top off the box, showing him the gift certificate to their nearest local mall.

"Thanks, Liv!"

"No problem. I wanted it to be more specific... it's meant to find some more tight jeans and black polo shirts." she winked.

Elliot chuckled in slight embarrassment. Kathleen and Maureen shared a confused glance, while Dickie leaned in closer to Lizzie as they both mimed the act of forcing their fingers down their throat. Elliot scratched the back of his head, still not able to respond.

Maureen broke the awkward silence. "Soooo... let's open the presents from Dad next!"

All of the kids dove forward and tossed boxes and gift bags at each other, all simultaneously pulling off the ribbons and paper. Maureen and Kathleen got the typical yet exciting presents that a young women their age would prefer, most involving clothing or music, while the twins got more movies and new games to go with their handheld video game systems.

Kathleen sighed. "Okay, I think we're done."

"Hold on." Elliot chimed in. He pulled about a square box, wrapped in shiny red wrapping paper with a silver ribbon wrapped neatly around it.

"Liv, this is for you."

Olivia's brows furrowed in confusion and curiousity. Her eyes stayed locked on his as she took it from him. The entire room was silent. Elliot was the only one who knew of the special gift for his partner.

As she unfolded the paper, she noticed the box was black velvet. She swallowed in anticipation, it seemed to take forever to open a simple present. She carefully flipped open the lid, and with wide eyes, she gasped. Inside was a dainty silver bracelet encrusted with diamonds, with one charm attached to it - a pair of handcuffs.

She lifted the bracelet out of the box with one hand, the other one covered her mouth in shock. The plastered grin on Elliot's face never left as he watched her reaction, completely in awe.

Maureen and Kathleen had inched closer to Olivia, studying the bracelet with her.

"Dad, it's beautiful!" Maureen smiled.

"Yeah!" Kathleen explained. "Never knew you had such good taste.."

He let out a small laugh. "Thanks, girls... Liv? Do you like it?"

His voice finally pulled her out of the trance she was in.

"I.. I-I don't even know what to say. El.. this is the best gift I ever got. Thank you.. so much."

She slowly placed it back in the box as Elliot spoke. "You're welcome. I've been hanging onto it for a while, I just couldn't find the time to give it to you."

Olivia put the box next to her and shuffled towards Elliot, slowly closing in the space between them without him noticing.

She ran a hand through her shoulder length hair. "No, I don't just mean thank-you for the bracelet. I mean, thank you for all these years. For just... being there when I needed you. You've not only enriched my life, but in many cases you've saved it. Most of all, thank you for bringing me into your life and your family this Christmas. I've never been so happy in my life."

At that point, everyone was waiting anxiously for every word to fall from her lips. Both Olivia and Elliot were fighting back tears, but for Olivia, the words weren't enough to convey her gratitude. Olivia brought herself to her knees and leaned in. She wrapped her hands around both sides of his face, closed her eyes, and unexpectedly pressed her soft lips to his. Olivia felt Elliot gasp, but she didn't let go. Holding onto this feeling was the only important thing in that moment.

The kid's expressions were all hilariously similar - jaws dropped, their eyes wide and brows raised, not really knowing what to think.

Olivia could feel him smiling. She did the same before they finally parted. Elliot's face read pure shock, while Olivia's glistened with love, joy and appreciation.

Dickie was the first to speak on the matter. "Ooh! Daddy and Olivia, sittin' in a tree. K-I-S.. OW!" Kathleen poked him in the ribs. Dickie gave her a dirty look before he saw the look she was throwing back in his direction - lips tight and eyes wider than he had ever saw them.

Olivia laughed as she wiped an unshed tear from her eyes. "Well, is that all?"

"Uh.. It's never too early to start dinner..." Maureen suggested.

"DINNER!!" Lizzie shouted as she jumped up and headed for the kitchen. Maureen, Kathleen and Dickie followed quickly behind her.

Elliot stood up. "I think the tribe has spoken." he stated as he held out a hand, helping Olivia off the carpet.

"I can't wait for my first real Christmas dinner." she turned on her heel as Elliot brushed his hand against the small of her back, guiding her to join the kids and him to make dinner together.

- -

Before long, everyone was sitting at their designated spot around the table. Elliot and Maureen sat at the ends, Olivia and Kathleen sat next to each other on one side, and the twins sat on the other. For a minute or two, everyone just stared at all the delicious food they had made that afternoon, and now were about to devour.

"I think it would be a good idea for Olivia to say grace this year, Dad." Lizzie piped up.

Elliot's face brightened up at the stunning thought of his youngest daughter. He turned his attention over to Olivia, who caught his eye.

"Really?" Just another beautiful opportunity.

"Only if you're comfortable with it. I know you're not exactly religious or anything, but.."

"No.. no, I want to. I really do."

There wasn't another word said as everyone around the table grabbed hands. Elliot and Olivia shared a shy, flirtatious glance before she put her hand in his. They all bowed their heads.

Olivia took a deep breath. "Thank you for this food we are able to enjoy and for another wonderful trip around the sun - may there be many more. Bless our loved ones and all the lonely children in the world. And most of all, thank you for the people that surround me here at the table. They started off as friends, and are now family. In Jesus name, amen."

"Amen." everyone said collectively as the kids began to dig in to their meal.

Elliot didn't let go of Olivia's right hand. He thanked her before pulling her hand up quickly, and kissing the back of it.

"Liv! Can you pass the gravy this way, please?" Kathleen asked. It pulled Olivia away from getting dangerously lost in Elliot's eyes, like so many times before.

"Sure thing, sweetie." she grabbed the bowl and handed to the blonde young woman.

"I'd ask Dickie, but he always sticks his disgusting finger in it."

"I do not!" Everyone laughed at how offended he got, Elliot shook his head. "Lizzie, put something green on your plate..."

The rambled conversation and laughter continued as all of them passed the bowls back and forth in between bites of turkey and stuffing. All the stress from each of their lives seemed to melt away with every word or simple glance, and whether she knew it at that moment or not, Olivia's soul would be forever full of undeniable unity and replenished heart full of love.