N: Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock, jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring. Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun, now the jingle hop has begun.

Merry Christmas everyone! One of you asked nicely for a Christmas update so here it is. The holidays are a busy time but now I'm back and ready to continue this story. I literally wrote this in the car so I hope it's not too cringe, I really wanted to publish something today. But you can expect a better chapter with better flow after this one. Your passionate reviews blew me away when I read them this morning, thank you!

Any and all mistakes are mine.


The lovely rain that graced us had cleared up a while ago. Now the only thing that remained was a slight breeze that picked up small strands of my hair and soulfully cascaded them over my face while I soaked up the wonderful smell of dirt and rain. I stood by my window with my arms crossed over my chest, sad raindrops were trickling down the glass, coming and going like my thoughts were currently doing.

I was digesting the conversation I had with Tamsin a while ago. It was a strange one, one I never thought I would have with her and I learned things I never saw coming. She straight up asked me what was going on between me and Bo, claiming that she could cut the tension between us with a knife and that I was looking at Bo like she had only seen me look at one person in my life. It wasn't easy to explain the way I felt about that brunette to her, she kept hammering on the fact that I had only known Bo for a week and she insisted that this thing was going to backfire right in my face. But I made her understand that Bo was different, that she was mature, open-minded and level-headed, she wasn't the type of person that would start something like this if she wasn't serious about it. I had this strange trust in Bo and I didn't know how to explain that to Tamsin.

Then after a big debate on my current actions, I shifted our conversation to her and Dyson. She met me with much protest on the topic. Something I understood since Tamsin had never been the type of person to wear her heart on her sleeve. You never got her to talk about her feelings unless it was a life or death situation. But eventually, I got her to admit that there was something brewing between them and that it had been coming a very long way. I knew that something was there now, I just didn't know it had been there for so long. She didn't tell me much, but I knew Dyson would be able to drag it out of her, he was after all the one who was emotionally close to her at this moment. I just wanted my best friend to be happy, and if my brother made her feel like Bo made me feel then I wished her all the best.

I was just scared. The more Tamsin and I talked about my feelings for Bo the more I realized how all of this could make Dyson feel and how it would look when my parents found out about it. Goodness, my parents were going to have a fit when they found out about me, but the thing that actually scared me was the fact that I knew I would walk out of this door right now and tell them about me if it meant I could have Bo, that was how I felt and it was unsettling.

Three soft knocks landed on my door, but I stayed by the window and announced to whoever was there to enter. And when the door opened I saw the woman who had been occupying my mind for hours on end enter. I smiled, "Bo?"

She closed the door, looking rather dishevelled, "I came to say goodbye."

I frowned at her, my smile faded as I turned away from the window, "Already?"

She nodded slowly and moved deeper into my room, looking around with wide eyes, "Sadly yes, I knew that he would ask me to go home."

I nodded, walking away from the window so I could be closer to her, "You can't just stay one more night?"

Bo shook her head, "I don't think that would be wise, not based on everything I learned a few hours ago."

I stared into her eyes, "It's about Tamsin isn't it?"

"I figured you knew, I heard her leave your room earlier so I figured you two had that talk."

I raised my brows, "Yeah after she cross-questioned me about why I'm making googly eyes at you."

A smile pulled at the corners of Bo's lips, her cheeks reddening slightly, "You're making googly eyes at me?"

I stepped a bit closer to her, taking her hands in mine and stared at the flower in her one hand, the flower I had given her. For a moment panic struck me that she was going to give it back and disappear from my life, but her other hand squeezed mine, "Relax, I wanted to ask if you would keep this safe for me."

I smiled, relief washing over me while taking the flower and setting it down on my bed that was next to us, I grabbed her hand again and intertwined our fingers as I let our arms fall to our sides. I stepped closer again, "Please stay one more night, don't go yet."

Bo smiled softly at me, her brown eyes making my heart weep in my chest, "I want to stay, but I can't. I promise you that I'll come find you once I'm in Canada."

I nodded slowly, "You're really accepting the job offer?"

"Of course I am, it has many benefits." She squeezed my hand on her last word and it made me shiver, "Will you bring the flowers with you?"

I squinted a bit, "Yes I will."

Just then we heard a car horn from out front and both of us sighed, "I have to go," she said, looking at me with longing eyes.

It was like second nature, Bo and I moved together and hugged. My arms snaked around her waist and I pulled her into me until it felt like we were melting together. Except this time she didn't just rest her arms on my shoulders, her hands went into my hair and I closed my eyes when her scent drifted soulfully around me. Her heart was beating rapidly, I could feel it and it matched my own. She was warm and felt safe in her arms. I squeezed her, I really didn't want Bo to leave, it was too soon. I wanted her to just stay one more night, she couldn't be going already. Her grip on me softened and she started pulling back, our cheeks brushing against each other. I closed my eyes, turning my head slightly as our mouths passed each other, both Bo and I hovered for a few seconds, debating our next move. But then Bo pulled away slightly and rested her forehead against mine. I opened my eyes, and all they could do was stare at her lips.

She sighed, her hands squeezing my neck softly, "I really want to kiss you, Lauren."

Her tone sounded strangled and forced. Like she was struggling not to give up control right now and I felt the exact same way. I swallowed, "Me too. I mean not me, you, I want to kiss you too."

Bo giggled slightly, tipping her head back so she could look me in the eye, "You're adorable when you're nervous, do you know that?"

I squinted at her, but my heart was silently boasting at the fact that Bo was flinging compliments my way and I loved it, "Who said that I'm nervous?"

She raised a brow, giving me a look that asked if I was being serious, "You don't fool me, I know that I make you nervous," she winked at me, "But no, I want to kiss you, believe me, I do, but I'm not going to, not like this, we have a lot of time for that."

I couldn't help the smile that formed. She wanted it to be special, "Bo Dennis, you really are a hopeless romantic."

"You'll thank me for it one day."

Both her and I fell silent after she finished her sentence, but it wasn't awkward, we just smiled at each other and it made me excited to fully get to know her, I had a feeling I was going to learning everything about her, she was everything but boring and there was a whole side of her I didn't get to see yet. I tipped my head to the side, "What happened with Dyson?"

The car honked again and Bo groaned, "I will tell you about it when we see each other again. I hate that I have to go now."

I stared at Bo, studying her face before she had to leave and I inhaled again quickly. I didn't want her to step out of my arms. Bo moved closer to me then and kissed me on my cheek, slowly pulling away again, "You better not stay here for months Lewis."

"I won't," I said, sighing as she stepped out of my reach, "Will you protest if I call you?"

She smiled, opening my door, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I smiled back at her, "Goodbye Bo."

"I'll see you around Lewis."

And with that, the beautiful woman I just lovingly held in my arms for the first time disappeared from my sight. I sighed, my chest tightening in the process. Bo was really leaving. I had this unavoidable feeling of fear that I was never going to see her again, but I knew I didn't have to feel that way, I would be seeing her again soon.

I inhaled deeply and sat down on my bed, picking up Bo's flower and held it in my hand like it would break if I dropped it. I smiled, thinking of how maturely Bo handled all of this. Not only did she respect me, but she respected Dyson and Tamsin as well. She refused to get romantically physical with me because it wasn't the right time yet. I didn't mind waiting to kiss a woman like her, I wanted it to be special as well. She was worth it.

I stood up and popped the flower into the glass next to mine, smiling at the sight of them sitting next to each other. If I couldn't be close to her, our flowers were the next best thing. There was this strange feeling in my chest, it started the moment she walked out of the door and I had an inkling that it was going to stick around until I saw her again. I looked around my room, spotting my travel bag resting against my desk and walked over to it, crouching slowly and grabbed it. I zipped it open and dug into one of the deep pockets, my heart heavily waiting until I found what I was looking for. Finally, my fingers made contact with the cool metal and I pulled out the dog tags.

I sat down next to my bag and crossed my legs, fingering the two tags as I stared at them with questions, questions on why things turned out like they did. I swallowed dryly, wishing that Danny was still alive so I could tell him about Bo. The other night when Bo made a joke and called me the ice queen, it struck deep because Danny was always flirting with me, knowing full well what my preference was. But he called me his ice queen since I always playfully rejected him. He was the best partner I could have asked for and I was angry at the way he had to die, but, I was proud of how brave he had been that night because he was ready to give his life to spare mine. It broke me that I was never going to be able to thank him for that. His body was shipped back to his home while I was still in recovery so I couldn't attend his funeral. But I wanted to pay a visit to his grave so I could say my final goodbyes, I was ready to move on with my life. I stared at the tags, closing my eyes as I pressed them against my forehead. I felt my eyes start burning and soon after a sad tear rolled down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, I was sick and tired of crying, of sitting on the floor in my own misery, Danny wouldn't want me to do that. He would want me to stand up and fight like I did that night.

I opened my eyes then, quickly rubbing them and stood up. I walked back to my bed and placed the tags down on my bedside table, right next to the two flowers. They would be able to rest peacefully there. I inhaled deeply, running my hands through my hair. Bo went home now, and I had to pull myself together before I met her in Canada. She didn't sign up to get close to a wreck, I had to sort myself out.


Days passed slowly. It had been three days since Bo went home and I missed our milk dates. I missed her smile and her laugh, especially the way she was always so warm. I kept thinking about the way she made a toast about those milk dates, she was definitely something else and it was refreshing, she was like a breath of fresh air. I sorted through my room, tidying it up a bit and I threw out some stuff that my mother would be donating. It had been a short time of rejuvenating actions and I already felt better. My mother had been disappointed when they came back and Bo wasn't here, I knew she had big plans for that relaionship. But I ended up spending a whole day with her, talking about all the things I missed out during these two years, including the gossip and it made her forget about Bo and Dyson. My father was silent, as always but I managed to work in a conversation or two as well. He was happy that I was back and made me promise once more that I wouldn't go back, I did so willingly.

Tamsin had been acting strange a bit and Dyson was like a dog with a sore paw. I took it as they were still trying to work out what was going on between them and I knew that it would take time. I just didn't want this to ruin the healthy friendship they had. But to my surprise, this morning I saw them leave the house together, walking a bit closer to each other down to the barn. It was a pleasant sight and both of them had a new vibe to them when they came back. It warmed my heart to see them that way. I assumed that they figured their stuff out and that they would be happy now, it was all I wanted for them.

Bo and I had been talking a bit here and there. She was still trying to tie up some loose ends back in New York before she could leave for Canada. Her apartment was set and ready and all she needed to do was get on a plane and go after her work was finished, she was finishing up her last case and then she would be flying on Sunday night. I was beyond excited but I was still debating when I wanted to go back because it was Wednesday already.

I stared at my laptop with a glass of wine in hand, sitting at my desk like I ruled the country. I wanted to sort through some of the photos I took on the battlefield. I needed to clear them and store them on a drive I could put away. I didn't want to be reminded of it every time I used my computer. I sighed, reaching out and scrolled through some of the folders, memories running rampant in my mind of a time I would love to forget. I opened a folder, the screen throwing out many pictures taken of soldiers standing proudly with their partners. I sighed as I clicked on them, a lot of these were photos I took of soldiers who had died in the war. They were brave men and women and I had been privileged to be there with them. Afghanistan was privileged to have had them there. I just wished I could've done more.

I closed my eyes at the thought of that place, my heart bleeding for the soldiers who stayed behind to fight. England had been assisting America and Israel for three years on the front lines of Syria, desperately trying to contain the war that was slowly breaking down all of our defences. It had me wishing that I had signed up as a soldier instead of a war photographer, in that way I could've made more of a difference. I had seen terrible things in that war, from the moment I set foot in the barracks I knew that I wouldn't be going home as the same person. I went through all of the hell the soldiers did, I saw the bloodshed, the tears, the struggle, hell I was the one who had to seek it out in order to take a perfect shot.

There had been many times where I had to pick up a weapon to defend myself and those around me, and no matter what anyone said, even if I was doing it for my country, even if I was eliminating the force that was causing pain, taking the life of someone else still left a lingering feeling I could not explain, one that would never go away no matter how hard I tried to push it down. I was in the middle of all of it, I suffered many injuries and scary dreams that would haunt me even when I was awake. I was relieved when I got the news that I was coming home, I wanted to be as far away from that place as possible. The only thing I didn't care about was the awards I would be receiving in a month for the so-called bravery I showed that night. It didn't feel right to accept them because Danny was the one who deserved them.

I clicked through more photos, stopping at a photo that was taken of me. I was standing in front of a ranger with one of my cameras, looking into the distance. I sighed, closing the folder. I was not in the mood to continue because I knew the photos would get worse. I leaned back in my chair, scanning my now organised desk and took a sip of the wine I was nursing. My phone beeped then, and I picked it up, seeing Bo's name. I smiled and opened the text.

Bo: I miss the peacefulness of the vineyard, the city is driving me crazy already. It must have been amazing to grow up there.

I smiled, placing one hand on my chest.

Growing up here was a blessing, I want a house on the open lands one day.

Bo: I grew up in an apartment building. I never had a large backyard to play in or the open space to call my own. It's something I wished for every night before I fell asleep. But now I'm wishing for something else x

And what might that be Miss Dennis?

Bo: You know what I'm wishing for x

My smile widened, she was being honourably genuine. Before I could say anything, another text came through.

Bo: I'm looking forward to you being my tour guide.

I promise I won't disappoint.

Bo: I'm holding you to it Lewis.

Bo: I must confess something.

What is it?

Bo: I can't stop thinking about you. That smile of yours is going to be the death of me.

I felt my cheeks redden, she was being much more open and honest than always.

You occupy my thoughts every minute of every day. It's your fault that I can't get any work done.

Bo: I plead guilty. I miss you, Lauren, promise me you won't stay in England too long.

I won't, I promise.

Bo: That's all I want to know. I have to go, see you soon x

See you soon Bo.

I sighed, smiling like an idiot and clutched my phone in both of my hands. Oh, how I wished to see Bo right now, to have one of our milk dates. I set my phone down, realising how talking to her made me forget about the bad times I had been thinking about. I looked at my computer again, spotting the folder with the photos I took the first day I got here and clicked on it. Smiling at the photos I took of those exotic Bee-eaters, immediately remembering how Bo had approached me so confidently and spoke like we had known each other for years. I went through more photos, I had photographed the birds, the clouds and they all came out quite nice.

Then my heart dropped to my feet...

I stared at a photo of Bo. It had been taken from a lower angle, possibly when I was crouched and I must have taken it by accident. She was laughing, looking into the distance and her hair was whipped around her face, that dimple was present. She looked absolutely gorgeous and adorable and I couldn't help but reach out and run my fingers over her face. It made me miss her even more, it made me wish that she was here or that we were in Toronto already. I stared at the picture, and the longer I stared the more a plan started forming in my head. I picked up my phone again, reading the text where she had asked me not to stay in England for too long, smiling at the kisses she added to her texts.

It was final. I closed my media folder and jumped on the internet, checking the earliest flight that would be able to take me back home. I could either fly tonight or tomorrow. If I flew tonight I would be home late tomorrow morning. I swallowed down another sip of wine, debating my choices. But then the image of Bo popped into my head again and I knew I had to fly as soon as possible. I booked a ticked quickly, knowing that I had three hours before I would need to go. I stood up, running to my travel bag and raced to pack my things. Luckily I didn't come with much so it wasn't such a hassle to get everything together. I took one of my notebooks and carefully placed the two flowers in it so they could compress nicely. I smiled as I closed the notebook and stuffed it into my bag, feeling myself grow excited. I was excited to go home, I missed Canada and if I went now and not in two weeks like I had planned, I would see Bo sooner, and maybe she would allow me to pick her up from the airport.


I finished packing and skipped into the bathroom. A quick shower was all I needed and then I could head out. The warm water rolled over my bare back, calming me in a way a glass of wine would never be able to. I was thinking about home the whole time, what it would be like to start working again, what it would be like to live a normal life again, I was ready to get back to the life I lived before the war.

I got dressed quickly and ran my hands through my hair. I wasn't going to put in much effort with it if I was going to sleep on the plane and ruin it anyway. I just wanted to get home already. It was with a heavy heart that I carried my luggage downstairs, thinking of how I was going to say goodbye. At least this time I wasn't leaving for the worst place possible. I left my bags at the front door, hearing everyone in the living room. I inhaled deeply and made my way into the old room.

My mother, father, Tamsin and Dyson were sitting and talking, laughing here and there. But when I cleared my throat they looked at me. My mother was the first to speak, "There's my bug, are you going to join us for a movie night later?"

I smiled lightly, shaking my head, "No mom, I uh, I came to say goodbye."

Everyone's smile faded, Dyson stood up, "But you were supposed to stay for another two weeks?"

"I know," I said while nodding, "But I've changed my mind, it's time for me to go home."

"Sweety, don't you think you should stay a little while longer?" My mother asked, also standing up.

"No mom, I want to go home. I need to start my life again and stay busy."

"I really think you should stay." My mother said again.

This time Tamsin stood up, giving me a look that told me she had my back. She knew both my reasons for wanting to leave, "I think it will be good if you start fresh. The studio needs you now more than ever."

I returned a thankful look, nodding, "Yes, I want to take control of my business again."

I could see my father giving me a strange look, followed by my mom's. But it wasn't their call. Eventually, my mother said her goodbyes and after I greeted everyone I made my way outside with Dyson and Tamsin short on my trail, offering to drive me. I accepted easily, letting Frank off early for once and got in the car, making myself comfortable since I knew it would be an hour drive to the airport. During the drive, I was happy to listen to the lighthearted chatting that was taking place between my brother and my best friend. They seemed much better now and it made me smile, as long as they were happy it was all that mattered.

Time literally flew by and before I knew it we were pulling up at the airport. Dyson greeted me quickly and Tamsin hugged me longer than usual. She hovered by my ear, "Have fun at the studio, and with Bo." She winked at me when she let me go and I couldn't help the heavy, but good feeling in my heart. She was supporting me in this and that was all I needed.

I waved at them as they drove off and readied myself for the long process that awaited me now before I could board.


The flight had been great. It gave me a lot of time to think and to sleep. I had slept without any hurdles this time and it was refreshing. Bo was in my mind the whole time, her smile, her laugh and her smell were printed into my brain and it would never leave even if I begged it to. The moment we landed I felt my heart open and take a deep breath of relief. I was finally home and safe after literal hell.

Jodie, my trusty assistant picked me up from the airport, constantly talking about how much everyone missed me on our way to my house. She had always been a real chatterbox and I missed it. We drove through the city and finally reached the suburbs of Toronto. I smiled at the excentric houses we passed, white picket fences greeted me with wide smiles as their pearly white colours stood out. I immediately thought of showing Bo around, she would be living in the city, but I knew she would love this part as well. When we pulled up at my house, Jodie turned to me, "I'll swing by tomorrow and fill you in on everything."

I smiled, "Don't worry Jodie, I'll come to the studio."

She nodded, "Okay great, do you need help with your luggage?"

I shook my head, "I think I got it," I got out of her car and pulled my bags from the trunk, stopping at her window, "Thank you for picking me up, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good to have you back boss." She said with a wide smile and backed out of the driveway, her long, red hair flowing out of the window.

I waved her off with a smile, realising how much I had missed my people here. I was excited to go back to work. I turned around, staring up at my grey house that had large floor to ceiling windows. It was probably too big for one person but I was used to a big house. I glanced at the garage before I picked up my bags to head inside, I wanted to take my car out for a drive. Tamsin had taken it out a few times while I wasn't here just to keep it running. I came to a stop at the front door, digging in my bag for the keys, smiling when I felt the cool metal against my fingers. The key slipped into the lock with ease and when I opened the door I sighed in relief, dropping my bags at the door and heading straight to the large black leather couch. I flopped down with a bang, looking around the living room.

This was home, I was home. Finally. Now I only had to focus on getting my studio back on track and getting to know Bo.

I spent the rest of the day unpacking and washing my clothes. The house was actually clean, I made a mental note to thank Tamsin for keeping everything in order, I knew that I could trust her. My office was my place of sanctuary, when I sat down behind my massive oak desk I felt at ease and ready to start working again. It was the one place that would give me the nerve to sort through all the photos of Afghanistan. Danny was in my thoughts all day and I had put our dog tags in my drawer, they would be safe there and ready for when I wanted to face them. I wanted to have a photo of us printed out so I could put it on my desk, it just felt right.

I enjoyed a cold shower, it was rather hot here for spring and I knew summer was going to be the death of us all. I dressed casually, a white button down with my favourite boots. I wanted to go and grab some food so could eat and sleep. I needed to be fresh because tomorrow was a big day, work and shopping for groceries.

I sat at a small table at my favourite sushi place, waiting for my order number to be called. I looked around, wondering what it would be like if Bo was here with me right now. The bright lights would illuminate the soft, warm colour of her skin and her smile would shine. I was happy that I had come home earlier, I was excited to see Bo and spend time with her where we didn't have to hold back. I pulled out my phone, feeling the urge to be in her company.

Is the corporate world being fair? How is your case coming along?

I set my phone down when my order was called and collected my food, my stomach contracting in excitement. I just wanted to lie down and rest. Luckily it wasn't a long drive to get home and soon enough I was sitting on the couch again with my food in hand and one of the Star Wars movies playing to keep me company. I was halfway through my food when my phone buzzed.

Bo: Done and dusted Lewis, aced this one. My boss is happy and the ship is at sail for my flight on Sunday.

I smiled and set my food down.

I'll be sure to ask for you when I find myself in a bit of a bind.

Bo: You better. Isn't your mother angry at me?

No, why would she be angry? She understands.

Bo: I wouldn't want her to despise me when I see her again.

When she sees her again? I frowned, staring at her text. Then it dawned on me, I knew what she meant. I smiled, thinking about the possibility.

She is crazy about you Bo. Next time you see her she'll carry on like nothing happened.

Bo: Let's hope so.

Bo: What are you doing on this fine evening?

Nothing much, a movie and ice cream.

Bo: Sounds way better than my evening. I have to finish packing. Most of my things belong to my parents anyway so it's going right back to them, but packing clothes is a difficult task, I should get one of those whatchamacallits that suck the clothes tight to spare room.

I giggled, realising that texting Bo was quickly becoming one of my favourite things.

Yes. They're very helpful. At least you don't have to pack everything by yourself.

Bo: Exactly, my parents are being very supportive. I don't know what I would do without them. You should give me names of some nice restaurants so I can entertain myself at night until you arrive.

I smiled devilishly, she had no idea I was already here and I loved it.

I'll be sure to do that.

Bo and I spent the rest of the night chatting back and forth about the case she had just won. Apparently, she was one of the best lawyers in her firm and I believed it, Bo had an extremely strong personality and she was determined. I would pity the poor soul who dared to take her on in a courtroom. Bo was fishing the whole time about when I would be coming back but I talked around the subject. I wanted to surprise her when she got here.

After an hour or so, I finished my dinner and my chat with Bo. My bed felt soft and warm when I crawled inside and I fell asleep right away, with a smile on my face might I add because the image of the lovely Bo Dennis in her work attire danced around in my head.

I couldn't wait to see her.