Here's the second part of Christmas… And the introduction and suggestion of an upcoming twist in the plot. Enjoy! :-)

Part 7 - Promises on Hold

Friday, December 24, 1980 - CHRISTMAS EVE

It was Christmas Eve at the ranch and the atmosphere held all the excitement of the holiday. It was the annual Christmas Eve party for everyone who worked on the ranch, held at the bunkhouse. It was something Dan's family had done for the hands since the ranch was bought and in Dan's absence Julie was determined to carry on. Julie and Melissa came to the building, carrying bags and boxes of Christmas presents, food, and beverages, dressed for the most part like Christmas elves in matching sweaters of red, green, and white. It was a festive time, with carols playing in the background as everyone ate and chatted. Julie also had Christmas bonus checks to give to everyone and before she handed them out, she had something to say...

She cleared her throat and looked around at the folks gathered around the table then began, "First thing I want to say to all of you is... Thank You. From the bottom of my heart, I truly don't know what I would've done these last two months without you all. Your hard work, love and support are deeply and gratefully appreciated. When Dan died, I didn't know what I was going to do. But all of you gathered around me and Melissa and allowed us to lean on you. And I know that Dan is watching from above and he is grateful to you as well. So please accept these gifts and bonuses as small tokens of my esteem and gratitude."

She and Melissa began handing out the individual gifts and bonus checks for everyone as everyone clapped their hands, showering their love and appreciation.

Hannah stepped forward shyly to thank Julie. "Miss Julie, thank you for everything. And I do mean everything. Thanks again for not pressing charges against Hank." After Julie and Melissa had been rescued, Lou Rafferty had wanted to arrest Hank as an accessory to the kidnapping but Julie flatly refused, even going so far as to defending Hank's actions.

Julie hugged Hannah, "Hannah, I would never do that. Hank didn't kidnap Melissa and me, David did." She looked around. "Where is Hank?"

Hannah lowered her head in shame. "He went to the Toster Center to see David. He didn't want him to be alone for the entire holiday."

Julie nodded, understanding. "He really has a soft spot for David, doesn't he?"

"Uh-huh. I think that the day they found Mr. Russ had shot himself, Hank was devastated for David. He's been especially sympathetic to him ever since, even when he knew David was doing wrong things." She sighed heavily and bit her lip before she went on. "I tried to point things out to him but he had deaf ears, he never wanted to hear anything bad about David and kept feeling sorry for him."

Julie commented laconically, "Hank has a kind heart." She folded her arms and turned away, thinking about that fateful day last month.

Hannah touched her shoulder tentatively and said, "I know that you are still getting over everything, Miss Julie, but please don't think badly of Hank. And don't be angry with him."

Julie turned and saw the anguish in Hannah's jade green eyes. She reached and patted her hand reassuringly, "Don't worry, Hannah, I'm not angry. And I don't think badly of Hank, how could I? I depend on him as much as I depend on you and the boys. In my eyes, you're all part of this family." She hugged Hannah tightly.

Hannah's eyes were moist as she returned the hug. "Thank you, Miss Julie. Mr. Pete's right, you are an angel."

Julie smiled as she felt pleasure hearing the familiar endearment.

At the Toster Center Hank waited in the visitors' room for the guard to bring David. He strolled over to the barred window and stared out, brooding. He sighed heavily as he thought about the events and circumstances that led to the situation that David was in and felt an overwhelming sense of sadness that things had gone on as far as they did. He knew that David's criminal trial was scheduled for after Christmas and that he would face the consequences of his actions but he still felt sorry for David. He still saw him as a victim of his upbringing, with a father whose compulsive gambling ruined them and a mother who abandoned him. Additionally, he couldn't stop thinking about that day… And the sound of the gun shot...

To shake the dark thoughts, Hank walked back to the table to sit and wait and looked at the Christmas presents he brought David. They included a box of toiletries, new socks, some undergarments and books and another box, which contained a tin of a variety of Hannah's holiday cookies and breads. He hoped that the items would help David to feel cared for and not abandoned.

The door swung open and David entered accompanied by the guard who guided him into the waiting chair. He then stepped back and said tersely, "You got thirty minutes." He then stepped out and closed the door, locking it.

Hank grinned weakly, "Hi Dave, how are you doin'?"

David stared stonily at Hank for a moment then returned a grin that did not reach his steel gray eyes. "Hi Hank. I'm okay." He gestured to the two wrapped boxes. "Those for me?"

"Uh-huh. Hannah and me thought that you could use some things and she packed some goodies for you." He pushed the packages toward David. "Merry Christmas."

David snorted in derision, "Yeah, right Merry Christmas." At Hank's look of consternation, David felt some shame. He tried to make amends. "I'm sorry Hank, I don't mean to disrespect you... You and Hannah are the only family I can lay claim to."

He opened the boxes, took the gifts out and his expression softened. "Thanks and thank Hannah for me, I really appreciate the thoughts." He opened up the cookie tin and took out one. "Nothing better then Hannah's famous chocolate peanut butter cookies."

Hank relaxed somewhat and inquired, "So, how are your sessions going?"

David shrugged indifferently, "Okay I guess. The doc's been trying to dig deep inside to see what makes me tick. He's just doing his job for the trial."

Hank nodded, "Has your lawyer been by?"

"Yeah. He's building a case for me based on the sessions with Dr. Roussel. He thinks he can get a reduced sentence based on my emotional problems stemming from 'inadequate grief management' or something like that."

Hank said, "Makes sense. You never really got over your father's suicide. Maybe he can help you in that."

David sighed, "Hank, I'm okay about my father. He had his problems and he couldn't handle them. His wife and his best friend abandoned him and he felt he had nothing to live for so he wasted himself. That was his answer."

Hank pursed his lips. "So the doctor's been helping you come to terms with that."

"Among other things," David added enigmatically. "By the way, how's things up at the house with Julie and Melissa?

Hank hesitated, "Uh, okay I guess. Today was the annual Christmas Party at the bunkhouse. Miss Julie and Melissa came and brought gifts for everyone."

David remarked, "Oh, that's nice. And how are they?"

"They seem to be fine. Preparing for Christmas. They put up the tree at the house last weekend."

"I would've thought that this year things would be quiet for the holidays. I mean, Dan's gone," David said matter-of-factly.

"True, but Miss Julie feels that Melissa's too young to not have any Christmas so she's been doing everything to make the holiday happy for her. She's something else," Hank said.

"She sure is," David agreed but for a different reason. "She's doing it all alone, huh?"

Hank shook his head. "Uh-uh. Mr. Pete's been there with her. He's spending Christmas with her and Melissa."

"That figures," David laughed sarcastically. "So what else is new? Is he moving in there?"

"Of course not… From what I hear, Mr. Pete's got himself a fancy beach house out in Monterey Bay.

"Is that so? Hmmm...interesting."

Hank, oblivious to the subtle shift in David nodded and rambled on. "He comes for a little while and then leaves and goes back there, I reckon. But he's spending more and more time at the ranch with Miss Julie and Miss Melissa."

"Yeah, I bet… Sounds like it's right cozy," David scoffed as he glowered.

Seeing his angry state Hank looked at David strangely. "You sound like you're jealous."

"Jealous? No I'm not jealous, Hank I'm just surprised at Julie, seeing another guy so soon after Dan died." David said, feigning outrage.

"He's an old friend of hers and he's just trying to help," Hank stated, with a funny feeling about David's reaction.

"Oh yeah, right." David rolled his eyes in disgust.

The door opened and the guard returned. He went and nudged David's arm. David grinned sardonically at Hank. "Well, thanks for the gifts, Hank." He gathered up the boxes and exited with the guard in tow.

Hank sighed as he saw clearly that David's attitudes during the short visit were bitter and surly. He felt sorry for him but also saw that if he continued in the same negative vein he had a very long road ahead of him. He waited for the guard to open the door and followed the both of them out...

The guard took out the set of keys and opened the cell door silently. An equally sullen David Slade walked into the room, carrying the bundle of presents from his visit with Hank as the door slammed shut. He then heard the unmistakable click of the key that drove home the fact that he was once again in his forced captivity. Depositing the packages on his bed he took a look around his room. Just short of being called an actual prison cell, the room was austere and benign. It contained a bed, a night table with a lamp, a dresser and a closet. Because this was actually a facility for the criminally insane, the attempt was to make it more like an asylum than an actual prison so there were curtains on the barred window. Toser was a cut above the garden-variety lunatic asylum… quite a few notches above Napa Valley Hospital and because of his connections David received not only preferential treatment, but kid glove handling. He had little to no interaction with the other inmates and only left his room for his daily sessions with various psychologists under the exclusive direction of Dr. Roussel.

Going over to the side of the bed near the night table David took a seat. He reached over to the drawer opened it and pulled out a bound notebook and pen. Flipping open the book and leafing through a few pages, he picked up the pen and began to write things down. He had been encouraged to keep a journal of his daily thoughts and feelings to present during his sessions and for the most part he was compliant. However, at the moment he began to record some things he had picked up in his conversation with Hank… Things that he felt could be quite useful in the future. And as he wrote he grinned because he knew that if he bided his time, he would indeed have a future…

...

After the party, Julie and Melissa walked back to the house. As they walked along, Melissa was chattering as usual.

"Mommy, I have to be at the church at four thirty Mrs. Henderson said."

"I know, sweetie." Julie consulted her watch, "It's only three now so we have time to go over your line one more time if you want to."

"Okay. Mommy?"

"Yeah, baby?"

Melissa looked at Julie. "Will Pete come to see me tonight in the play?"

Julie smiled to reassure her. "I'm sure he'll try."

"Where'd he go?" Melissa probed persistently.

"He had to go down to Los Angeles to do some things but he told me that he was going to be back to see you in the play," Julie told her daughter.

Actually, Pete had returned to his house on Monterey Bay the day before, stating he had some pressing and important business that needed immediate attention. He called her early this morning to let her know that he was about to leave and head down to Beverly Hills to take care of some issues that needed resolution but he reassured her that he would be back in time for Melissa's play. When she had pressed him for a little more information, he had become somewhat mysterious and quickly ended the phone call with his usual declaration of love and promise to see them both later. For whatever reason, which he was not inclined to disclose he chose not to say anything and so Julie could not help but wonder…

"He is going to stay and have Christmas with us, isn't he Mommy?" Melissa pleaded.

Julie nodded, "Yes, he is."

"Is he going to stay with us all the time?"

Julie hesitated, "Uh, well honey, Pete has his business to run down in Beverly Hills. But I know that he'll be here whenever he can." I wonder why he wouldn't tell me what his business was… Or maybe he couldn't ...

Melissa nodded with satisfaction, "Good. 'Cause I have a special present for him for Christmas."

"Oh?" Her mind distracted, Julie halted in her tracks and with her brows arched asked, "What do you have to give him?"

Giggling, Melissa reminded, "Mommy don't you remember I did a picture for him. You helped me and got a frame on it." Her smile faded slightly. "Do you think he'll like it?" she asked hopefully.

Julie gazed lovingly at Melissa. "I think he'll love it," she told her daughter wholeheartedly. She knelt and gave her a hug. "And I'm very proud of you."

Melissa grinned ear-to-ear. Julie took her hand and the two of them climbed the stairs and went into the house...

...

Down in Beverly Hills, Pete was walking along Rodeo Drive, finishing some last minute Christmas shopping. Hawkins, his chauffeur was in the Rolls parked on the street down in front of the Bonwit Teller boutique and was waiting patiently. Pete made his way down the street through the crowd, wearing dark sunglasses to make himself inconspicuous, something he had to do on a regular basis since his much publicized and contentious divorce. Fortunately, the Christmas Eve crowd of last minute shoppers on Rodeo Drive was thick enough with people of the same social stature that he was able to remain invisible. He headed into Diamonds On Rodeo to browse...

An elegant looking middle-aged saleswoman approached him. "Hello sir, may I help you?"

Pete smiled engagingly, "I'd just like to look around, if you don't mind." He began to look at the various displays of gems designed by Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and of course, Tiffany's.

"That's fine, sir. If you need my assistance, I'll be over there." She indicated a glass case with some very expensive diamond pieces. Pete nodded in acknowledgement and began looking around.

Pete was examining the contents of each glass case. He had been spending the morning shopping specifically for Julie and Melissa, and wanted to get something special for the two of his girls in the jewelry store. His Girls he thought of Julie and Melissa affectionately, for he had been referring to them like that, to himself at least for the last couple of days. He had decided that he would get something special for each of them a few days ago when he had taken Melissa to see Santa Claus at the Galleria.

He had waited in line with Melissa for almost an hour when it was finally her turn to visit Santa. She sat on his lap and when the jolly old man asked her what she wanted for Christmas, Melissa surprised and touched him by telling him about her daddy's dying and asking for nothing but her Mommy to be happy again. The elderly man playing Santa Claus was speechless and Pete too felt his heart catch as he heard the solemn little girl's request. It was then that Pete determined that he would do whatever he could to give his girls a wonderful Christmas. So this morning when he told Julie he had pressing business in Beverly Hills, he had planned to spend the entire morning and part of the afternoon shopping for them and that is exactly what he did. By this time, the trunk of the Rolls was filled with designer outfits, accessories, and toys. This jewelry store was the last stop before he planned to return to Salinas to see Melissa's play.

Pete continued perusing from case to case, mentally assessing one piece of jewelry, while discarding another. He made his way through most of the displays when his attention was caught by a specific piece, a small diamond brooch that was exquisitely crafted in delicate eighteen carat gold filigree with diamonds encrusted throughout the design. But it was the design that made Pete choose it as the perfect gift for Julie. The brooch was in the design of an angel. Pete smiled as he thought that the piece was the perfect gift for the woman who reminded him of an angel in every way. He called the saleswoman over and pointed to the fragile pin.

"Excuse me, ma'am. May I take a look at the brooch in here?" Pete indicated the case that the brooch was resting in.

The saleswoman came over directly. She took a set of keys out from behind the case and opened the back. "Which piece were you interested in, sir?"

"That one." Pete pointed to the angel.

The saleswoman nodded in appreciation. "You have good taste, sir. That's one of our newest and finest pieces, from Buccellati." She drew the brooch out carefully and laid it on a bed of black velvet. The overhead light from the chandelier caught the facets of the intricately cut diamonds on the brooch, making the angel appear to come to life, sparkling as a myriad of tiny rainbows.

Pete fought the urge to gasp as he gazed at the piece transfixed. "I'll take it," he said softly.

"Very good, sir. And is there anything else?"

"Possibly. I'd like to look around some more if you don't mind," he told the saleswoman.

He continued looking and then spotted something else. It was a gold bracelet with a beautifully crafted horse's head charm with diamond eyes, perfect for Melissa. Pete selected that piece as well and had the saleswoman wrap both packages. His shopping done, he headed for the parked Rolls and told Hawkins to take him to the waiting jet...

...

Emmanuel Temple Church was busy preparing the Christmas Eve performance. The program showed that in addition to the music provided by an impromptu adult choir, several soloists and the children's choir, there was to be a live Nativity scene complete with a real Baby Jesus. Several children were playing barn animals who have a scene speaking before they are joined by the Holy Family for the finale. Melissa was to be a lamb in this scene, the same scene she had rehearsed with Pete.

Julie led her daughter to where the children who were in the scene were rehearsing. She hugged Melissa.

"Here you are, honey. Break a leg." Julie told her.

Melissa's eyes widened. "Why do you want me to break a leg, Mommy?" she asked, surprised.

Julie laughed, "That's what you say to an actor when you want to wish them well before they go on."

"Why?" Melissa inquired.

Julie was about to tell her when Debi Henderson came up to them in a flurry of opening night energy. Rowena, the assistant director, accompanied her. "Julie, Melissa, I am so glad to see you. Melissa, we need you to rehearse and then to get your costume on."

Julie knelt down before Melissa. "You have a good show." She kissed her daughter and then stood up… slowly as she was experiencing a touch of dizziness.

"I will Mommy." She left and went with the dark haired Rowena.

Debi smiled at Julie and said, "She's going to be terrific, Julie so don't worry." She studied Julie carefully. "Are you okay? You seem a bit pale."

Julie smiled weakly, "I'm okay, Debi. Just busy with Christmas."

Debi looked at her askance. "Now, why don't I quite believe you?" She examined Julie closely.

Julie laughed nervously, "I don't know what you mean."

She tried to look casual but ever observant, Debi commented, "You're not yourself Julie, so tell me what's the matter."

Julie glanced about. She drew Debi aside and whispered, "Don't say anything to anyone, Debi please...Not even Matt."

Debi was piqued. "Now what can be so serious that you don't want me to even tell my husband?"

Julie sighed, "Okay, Debi here it is. I'm pregnant."

Debi's hazel eyes flew open wide. "Goodness, are you sure?" she gasped.

"Uh-huh. I saw the doctor last Monday. The test was positive."

"Oh you poor thing," Debi said. "What a thing to find out after your husband's gone."

Julie looked at Debi with some shame. She said in a low whisper, "The baby's not Dan's."

Debi looked at Julie with surprise. She gazed directly into her eyes. "Who's the father, Julie? Or shouldn't I ask," she probed gently, knowingly.

Julie blushed and nodded, "Yeah, it's Pete."

Debi pursed her lips and patted Julie's shoulder. "I'm not surprised. I saw how he was toward you when you all came to dinner at the house that day. I knew that there was something very deep between you both that wasn't just in the past. Did you tell him?"

"Yeah, I did."

"And how does he feel about it?"

Julie smiled and replied, "He's just thrilled about it. His marriage had ended because he wanted a baby and his wife didn't."

Debi nodded, "So you told me. Now, what are your plans?"

Julie sighed, "We haven't really discussed plans. The trial's next week and I've been busy with that and Christmas." She knew it was a lame excuse.

Debi was sympathetic. "You know that you're going to have to make some plans. And what about Melissa, does she know yet?"

Julie shook her head. "I haven't told her yet. I'm just over three weeks along so I figure I'll tell her after Christmas."

Debi nodded in agreement. She glanced at her watch. "Oh, I have to get going." She reached and gave Julie a hug. "If you need anything, you just call me."

"Thanks, Debi. Just don't tell Matt or anybody. I don't want Melissa to find out from anyone till I tell her."

Looking into Debi's eyes Julie saw no judgment or accusation…nothing but gentle concern and support. Deep inside she said a prayer of thanks of finding such wonderful people to come into her life like the Hendersons...they were always supportive, no matter what.

Debi assured her, "I won't say a thing until you tell me to." She went off to the classroom where the rehearsal was going on.

Julie sighed and headed for the sanctuary to find a seat...

The sanctuary was filled to capacity as anticipation grew and everyone waited for the Christmas production to begin. The lights then dimmed as Matt walked up to a microphone in a spotlight. He began to speak in a sonorous tone about the night of Christ's birth and how the power of God was all over the land. As he spoke, the lights were turned on above the adult choir and Debi stood before them to lead them in the singing of carols and some modern Christmas songs. Then there was a beautiful solo by Debi of "O Holy Night" in her clear soprano, a duet with two ladies of "O come, O come Emmanuel", and a men's trio singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." The children's choir then did a medley of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "Angels We Have Heard On High" and the modern Christian favorite "Happy Birthday Jesus." Another solo was sung then a short intermission. Then would come the live Nativity and the scene with the talking animals.

Julie was sitting in the darkened sanctuary totally enthralled by the performance so when the intermission came, she remained in her seat, thinking about the reverence of the songs. She again thought of Dan because his steadfast faith was the foundation of the rest of his life and he had through his faith impressed and influenced her. Her mother never took her to church when she was a child but she remembered the brief time she had gone with her father to his sister's in South Dakota for his mother's…her grandmother's funeral. Eva Stiles was a gentle woman of deep faith who had taken Julie to service and during bedtime the entire time of her visit, read stories from the Bible to her and her cousin Jim. She specifically read about certain people… Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, Esther, David and Jesus. As the visit drew to an end, Julie, having grown to love her Aunt Eva, was saddened when she had to leave. She remembered when she came back home, she had asked Connie why they didn't go to church. Connie had said that they didn't get up in time to go but even at the age of six Julie knew that it was a weak excuse. Not long after as Julie became persistent about attending service her mother told her that she didn't need to go to church, she could pray to God on her own. And one fateful day when Julie's father left them, she ordered Julie not to bother her about God at all. Then came all the men… in and out of that five story walk up in San Francisco...

As Julie grew older and understood what her mother was, she became too ashamed to go to church, believing that the people there would whisper and point just like the kids who she went to school with and so to avoid the stares and judgment she stayed away from church. When she became an adult, she believed in God but having experienced the depths of human depravity when she worked on the force, remained away from church until she had met and married Dan.

As a married couple and later with their daughter, attending Sunday service was a regular start to the day. He also asked her to pray with him and read the Bible to her frequently. However, since his death, with the exception of the one time Pete accompanied her, she had avoided service. It was just another painful reminder that had her missing Dan even though Matt and Debi Henderson did everything they could to help her to feel a part of the congregation. She had insisted that Melissa continue to attend service, however, with Matt and Debi picking her up early Sunday mornings for Sunday school.

Julie's mind then drifted to her present situation. Telling Debi about the baby had been difficult but it had to be done. All too soon, it would become apparent by the thickening of her waist and knowing Debi, she would probably chide Julie for not telling her. However, Debi was someone who could be trusted and Julie felt somewhat relieved having told her.

The sanctuary was filling up again as people were returning from the intermission. Julie was still deeply in thought when the lights dimmed to begin the second act and she hardly noticed when someone slid into the pew to sit beside her. She whirled around in startled annoyance when that person reached over and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek until she saw laughing blue eyes and knew who it was.

"Pete!" she whispered harshly. "I almost got ready to ream you out. I didn't know that was you. When did you get here?"

Pete grinned, "Just now." He gestured to the front. "Has Melissa gone on yet?"

Julie shook her head. "She's coming on now. She was hoping that you'd make it, thanks."

Pete squeezed her hand. "Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world."

The spotlights shone on the wooden stall set where children dressed as barn animals were gathered about. A large sparkling star was hanging suspended right above the stall set. The animals paid it no heed as they spoke. Melissa was wearing a snowy white lamb costume and she was crawling about as the other children said their lines. Then came the main characters in the Nativity, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus who took their places. Then Melissa's part came up and she looked up at the star then at the Holy Infant and said her line perfectly.

All over the dark sanctuary there were flashbulbs going off like fireflies as all the parents, friends and family members recorded the production for posterity sake. Julie and Pete looked at each other and had to fight the impulse to burst into applause. However like the other parents, Julie had her camera flashing to take many pictures to add to Melissa's album. Matt then recited the passage from Luke in a reverent resonant tone that described the solemnity of the holiday. He then invited the congregation to join in singing "Joy To The World."

When the show was over, the entire sanctuary erupted into wild applause and everyone got to their feet. The sanctuary then began to empty as everyone headed to the lobby to chat with the cast members. Melissa spotted Julie and she scampered over to her.

"Mommy, Pete, how'd I do?" she asked breathlessly. She was dressed in a fluffy white costume... A hood with little ears and her face had been painted with grease pencil to give her the wide-eyed look of a lamb.

Both Julie and Pete smiled at her. Julie picked up Melissa and said, "You were fantastic, I'm so proud of you."

Pete nodded agreeing, "You were great, sweetheart."

Melissa gushed, "Oh Pete, I'm so glad you came! Mommy said you might."

"I wouldn't have missed it. I rushed to get here and I came late but I got here in time to see you and that's the most important thing," Pete assured her.

Debi Henderson came over to them. She patted Melissa on the shoulder as she was held by Julie, "Good job Melissa, I especially liked the way you looked up at the star as you said your lines."

Melissa smiled, pleased. "Thank you Mrs. Henderson. Are Lydia and Rebeccah around?" She indicated to her mother to put her down.

"Uh-huh. They're in the classroom changing and taking off their makeup."

"You'd better do the same," Julie directed. "We'll wait out here for you." Melissa raced off to the classroom as all three adults chuckled.

Debi turned to Pete, "It's good to see you again, Pete. Matt will be out soon, I'm sure he'd like to say hi."

No sooner did his wife say that Matt Henderson strode over and joined the group. "Hey there folks, glad to see you here tonight." He reached and shook Pete's offered hand.

"Great job out there tonight," Pete said warmly.

Matt grinned. "Thanks. But I had a lot of good people there with me, working very hard for the last month."

Debi looked at Julie, "What are you planning to do now?"

"Go home and put Melissa to bed. Then get all the presents and put them under the tree," Julie answered.

"Well, then Merry Christmas and congratulations to you both," Debi said. At that statement both Matt and Pete looked at her quizzically and Julie eyed her with dismay.

"What are you talking about, honey?" Matt asked his wife. Julie cast her eyes down and bit her lip while Pete just looked flustered, having guessed what Debi was referring to.

"I, uh mean M-merry Christmas," Debi said nervously looking at Julie apologetically. Pete shoved his hands in his sports jacket pocket, trying to look nonchalant.

Matt eyed the three with mild suspicion. "Okay, everybody. You want to tell me what the big secret is?"

Debi opened her mouth to speak but Julie put a hand on her arm then glanced at Pete who shrugged and nodded. She looked directly at Matt. "Matt, you may as well know. I'm going to have a baby."

Pete came up to her side. "Correction, honey, we're going to have a baby." He eyed Matt evenly.

A flicker of surprise came across Matt's blue eyes but then he recovered his poise. "Well, a baby...that's quite a surprise. What exactly are you planning to do?"

Julie began to speak but Pete cut her off. "Actually, Matt I have something to ask Julie and there's no time like the present." He reached into his pocket and drew out a small velvet box, the same box that he'd been fingering in his pocket all night.

Julie looked questioningly at Pete.

He grinned at her, "I was planning to ask you this tomorrow when the opportunity arose but I guess the time is now." He opened the box and watched as Julie gasped and stood staring at the ring, her eyes wide in amazement. He took her hand.

Pete began to say something but Debi shook her head. "No, you two need a private place," she insisted.

She took both of them by their hands and led them to the quiet, out of the way room that served as a prayer chapel. She turned on the lamp at the door, which lit the room with a warm but not bright light. Julie, still shocked by the presentation of the ring that she still held in her hand, followed Debi then took a seat in a padded pew. Pete, also silent, took a seat beside her. Her task done, Debi then discreetly backed out of the room, closing the door. Pete and Julie were oblivious, however, just gazing at each other.

Pete took a deep breath and grasped Julie's hand, the one that wasn't holding the velvet box. Gazing deeply into her eyes he began, "Julie, we've really been through so much together, working at a job that neither of us ever figured, at a time in our lives when we were at an end. Five years of dealing with situations that had us coming close to death too many times to count. Since the day I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were like no one else I'd ever known. You had qualities about you that infuriated, touched, and mesmerized me all at the same time and immediately endeared you to me. We worked side by side for those five years, getting closer than most married people and some families do. I confided in you, asked and valued your opinion about things, worried about you, protected you, and finally admitted to falling in love with you. You've always been my girl."

He went on. "You on the other hand, encouraged me, cared for me, looked after me, and fed me; all the while bathing me in the light of your beautiful smile. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life, I walked away from you. I did it, convincing myself that I was doing what was best for both of us. Seven years later, my life a mess, I saw you again and feelings I thought dead and buried came back with a vengeance but you had the life you had always wanted so I walked away again. Here now, a year later, and circumstances for both of us have contrived to bring us together. I don't know about you, angel, but I don't want to make another mistake and walk away a third time. I'm so happy when I'm with you and when I'm not, all I can think about is the next time I'll be with you. When I have to leave you and Melissa, I really hate it, it's getting harder and harder for me to do. So, Julie, will you take my ring and marry me?"

Julie looked into Pete's eyes and she saw a man of many facets. To the outside world as Peter H. Cochrane he bore the platinum veneer of inapproachability of the wealthy as the eligible heir of one of the largest fortunes in the state, sought after by starlets and heiresses, fodder for the society pages and gossip sheets. But to her he was one of the best friends she had ever had. He was the guy who always was there for her, who had risked his own life to save hers so many times, who listened to her when she needed it, who was dependable, compassionate, caring, and down-to-earth. He had dropped everything in his busy life to help her through one of the most painful and heart wrenching times of her life, the loss of her husband. And now he was here, humbly offering her his name, his heart, and to share his life in complete earnest, eyes filled with hope. Julie swallowed hard, at a total loss of words.

After what seemed an eternity she whispered, "Oh Pete, I don't know what to say. It's gorgeous." She stared unbelievingly at the ring. With an awestruck expression, Julie touched the sparkling gems nestled in the velvet. Sighing, she carefully closed the box and looked at Pete who continued to wait for her answer.

As he monitored Julie's reaction to his proposal and waited for her answer, Pete tried not to give into a growing sense of dread and disappointment. He began mentally chastising himself for his own impulsiveness in presenting the ring to her but what with it being Christmas Eve, he figured that it was a perfect time. But maybe this, like so many other decisions he made concerning women in his life was another mistake, maybe Julie and he were never meant to be more than close friends even if she was carrying his baby…the result of one night of passion between them...

Julie astutely noted the slight shadow in Pete's eyes and the disappointment that was showing in his face and she wanted to ease his discomfort. She reached and touched his brow, brushing back a stray curl that had a touch of gray, indicating that they were both far from the bloom of youth that had heralded their friendship. The tentative wistfulness of those years that had once existed seemed outmoded and out of place now.

She began, "Pete, I'm so touched by this, you just don't know. It's the most wonderful and special thing you have ever asked me and I want to thank you."

Knowing a letdown was coming Pete sighed and said, "But…"

Julie took a deep breath, "But you know that it's too soon. My husband isn't even gone three months."

"We don't have to get married right away. We can wait a while and get married just before the baby comes," Pete protested.

Julie sighed, "Pete, I have a lot to consider. We both have very separate lives right now. And I have Melissa to think about."

"I love Melissa like she were my own. And she loves me."

Julie nodded. "Yes, she does. And I want her to keep doing that so the way we approach this has to be very careful. I haven't even told her about the baby yet."

Pete grunted, "And that's another thing. Julie, I want my child to have my name…legally and properly."

"It's our child, Pete...and I want that too."

"Then why the hesitation? I said we don't have to get married right away."

Julie answered, "You're acting like I said no."

"Well you haven't said yes," Pete retorted, no longer trying to hide his disappointment.

Julie sighed exasperated, "Pete, I need some time. Everything in my life has happened at such a breakneck pace since Dan died, sometimes I just want to scream."

That was his gut check. Ashamed of himself for his attitude, Pete reached his hand to brush her hair back. "I'm sorry, angel. I just love you so much and I'm so anxious to make you permanently mine I forgot that there's a lot of things to work out. But I know we can work everything out together."

Julie smiled, "You seem pretty sure about that. Neither one of us knows what's waiting for us."

"Maybe," Pete said. He added, "But I am sure about one thing. I want Melissa, you, and our baby in my life. And I don't care what I have to do or how long I have to wait to make it happen." He took her hand with the velvet ring box still in it. "Tell you what, why don't you just hang on to the ring and when you're ready, I'll ask you again, okay? And when I do, I'll slip that ring on your finger to make it official."

Julie nodded, "Okay. And Pete?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." She took his face in her hands and kissed him gently on the cheek. He closed his eyes and sighed as the door to the chapel opened and Melissa looked in the room hesitantly and stepped in.

"Mommy? What are you doing in here?"

Julie and Pete both stood up. Melissa's eyes brightened as she came up to Pete and she launched herself at him in a hug. "Oh Pete I'm so glad you're here to have Christmas for us."

Dismissing the earlier conversation, Pete replied grinning. "Me too… I don't want to be anywhere else."

Melissa turned to Julie. "What are you doing in here? And what's that?" she asked, spotting the velvet box Julie was holding.

Julie glanced at Pete quickly and opened her mouth to answer but Pete responded, "That's an early Christmas present from me for your Mommy. Mrs. Henderson told us to come in here to wait for you so while we were waiting I gave it to her."

"Can I see what it is?" Melissa asked excitedly. Julie opened the box and showed Melissa the diamond ring within. With a look of awe Melissa reached and gingerly touched the gem

"Oooo, that's pretty! Mommy, are you gonna put it on?" Melissa inquired.

Julie shook her head. "Not right now...But soon." She looked over Melissa's head directly at Pete as she said it. Pete responded with a slight nod of his head, acknowledging her comment.

The door opened again and Debi Henderson stuck her head in the chapel. "I'm sorry folks, but we're ready to lock up so I have to ask you to leave," she said regretfully. She looked at Julie significantly but Julie shrugged and Pete just looked impassive.

"We're going now, Debi…thanks and Merry Christmas," Julie said softly as she took Melissa's hand and headed for the door. Pete silently followed them out past a rather perplexed Debi Henderson.

...

It was eleven thirty when Julie and Pete placed the final gift beneath the Christmas tree in the parlor. Pete offered his hand to help Julie to her feet after she was crouched down reaching and placing the last package under. Julie smiled her thanks and gestured for Pete to join her on the sofa. He nodded somewhat woodenly, followed her there and sat before the fire that Julie built earlier when she had stayed in the parlor while Pete had read the Christmas story to Melissa in her room to help her sleep. Afterward, he came down and helped Julie take out all the presents that had been hidden and together, they put them under the tree. He had also added his gifts to the pile of brightly wrapped boxes. But while they had both worked together to get the presents under the tree, there was a slight undertone of coolness, especially from Pete. He was talking to her but not really conversing, just asking and answering basic questions to get information. Julie was ashamed because she knew among his other qualities, Pete was extremely sensitive in the area of his feelings. She also knew him well enough to know he was still bothered about her non-response to his proposal even though he had said he was okay.

Julie took a deep breath as he sat beside her wordlessly. "Pete, are you okay?" she asked, concerned.

"Yeah…why wouldn't I be?" he replied a tad curtly.

"You're kind of giving me a cold shoulder," she pointed out.

Pete sighed, "I'm sorry...I guess I should just level with you. I've been thinking and I'm feeling like maybe it wasn't such a great idea to give you that ring. And perhaps maybe I shouldn't even be here. It is the first Christmas without your husband, maybe you want to be alone. I was being kind of presumptuous thinking that you wanted me here so maybe I should just leave." He made to get up but she placed a hand on his arm to restrain him.

"But I do want you here. Surely you know that I was dreading the holidays this year with Dan gone. And Melissa's not missing her Daddy as much now because of how wonderful and loving you've been to her. She's only six and I've wanted to help her get through the grief as much as I could but I wasn't doing a very good job of it until you showed up here last month." She patted his hand reassuringly.

Pete gazed at her saying nothing. Julie went on in her soft voice, "Pete, I don't know what we'd have done without your help for the last two months. Especially all that stuff with David, who knows what would've happened if you weren't here. And knowing you're going to be around to help me while I'm carrying our baby has meant so much to me. Don't think for one second that I'm rejecting you, your proposal meant everything to me," she said beseeching him with her eyes. "I just need time to break all the news to Melissa and do it in a way that has her approval and acceptance. She's dealing with everything that's happened in a grownup way but she's just a child and I have to do all I can to protect her and make sure she's secure. Can you understand that?"

Pete pursed his lips and nodded. "Yeah, I can. That's why I offered to split."

Julie shook her head. "I don't think that would be the answer. Melissa looks up to you and especially now, when she's missing Dan, your being here is important to her." She added, "To the both of us."

Pete looked at Julie like he wanted to believe her but still doubtful he said, "I've pushed you a little too much a little too soon and I feel really lousy about it." He shook his head in disgust.

Julie put her hand on Pete's chin and turned his head so he could face her. "Pete, I'm honored that you asked me to marry you. And I am not under any circumstances saying no to you. All I'm saying is I need time, time to think, to get Melissa adjusted to the way things are changing so fast, time to get ready to be a wife again, the kind of wife you can be proud of and deserve."

Pete gazed tenderly at her. "How could I not be proud of you? You're everything I ever wanted for a wife. And you're a fantastic mom."

Julie said softly hope in her eyes, "Then you'll stay?"

"Yeah, I'll stay," Pete replied reassuringly. He caressed her cheek gently.

"I'm glad. Because I can't think of anything that would make me sadder then to know you were all by yourself for Christmas." She looked closely at him. "You don't have anybody else with your mom gone do you?"

Pete shrugged, "If I went back down to L.A. Karen would probably invite me to have dinner with her, her husband Marc, Artie, Aunt Ginny and Uncle Arthur at their place if I was alone at the house in Beverly Hills. But if I left here I'd probably head out to my house in Monterey. As you probably guessed, there's no Christmas spirit there, no tree, no wreath on the door, and no mistletoe as usual."

Julie smiled and noticed the time on the mantle clock. "It's midnight...it's Christmas," she breathed.

Pete glanced at the clock and as he did so Julie gazed up at the mistletoe still suspended from the beam across the ceiling, got to her feet and took Pete by the hand to stand beneath the sprig. He followed her with a mildly quizzical expression on his face until he realized what her intentions were. She placed her hands on Pete's broad shoulders and leaned in to place her lips lightly on his in a soft sweet kiss. Pete felt his body stir and pulled her tightly to him as he responded fully to her, his hand cupping her cheek as he nibbled her mouth open so he could enter and savor the taste of the sweet cavern. She eagerly responded, her tongue meeting his as she did the same. The world disappeared and became a swirling mass of blissful oblivion as the kiss plunged them deeper into each other…blotting everything out in velvet ecstasy…

After several minutes into the kiss Julie broke away. "Merry Christmas, Pete."

Pete cupped her face in both hands. "Merry Christmas to you too, baby."

The greeting spoken and exchanged, Pete and Julie resumed their own celebration of the Day under the Yuletide sprig with another passionate exchange of their love…

...

Christmas morning dawned chilly but sparkling with bright sunshine. The newly snowcapped mountains in the distance beyond the North Field made stark contrast against the cold cloudless azure sky over the Bennett ranch. Melissa was awakened by the sunlight streaming through the blinds on her bedroom window. Instantly realizing what day it was, she squealed delightedly as she tossed her covers aside and headed to her mother's room. She leaped atop immediately waking Julie who grasped her daughter trying to calm down Melissa's excited state.

"It's Christmas, Mommy! Come on, come on, I want to see what Santa left me!"

Julie hushed her daughter. "Shhh Melissa. You'll wake Pete up. He's in the guest room." Julie got up and began putting her robe on.

"But it's Christmas, Mommy. Won't he want to get up and open presents, too?" Melissa said with a slight pout.

"I'm sure but he may want to sleep late too. So why don't we go get our robes and slippers on and go downstairs?" Julie suggested in a lowered voice. "So go get yours on and meet me at the stairs, okay?"

Melissa hopped off Julie's bed and scampered into her room. Julie grinned and sliding into her slippers, she stepped out into the hall to wait for Melissa. She glanced at the closed guest room door and was joined by Melissa, clad in her robe and slippers.

Julie took Melissa's hand. "Well let's go see what's waiting for us, huh?"

Melissa needed no further prompting. She raced down the stairs with Julie following close behind. Both made their way into the parlor where they were surprised and delighted to see Pete already there by the tree waiting for them.

"Merry Christmas ladies!" he exclaimed cheerfully.

Julie smiled, "And a Merry Christmas to you too."

Melissa launched herself exuberantly at him. "Mommy thought you were still sleeping. I'm glad you're not," she stated. She looked at the large pile of wrapped packages and at Julie anxiously. "Can we start now, Mommy?"

Julie giggled, "Absolutely."

With a squeal of joy Melissa plopped herself down and began reaching for packages. Julie and Pete shrugged and joined her on the floor to do the same. They all began to open and acknowledge gifts to each other. Melissa was thrilled with the myriad of toys, clothes and other things she received. She opened a small package from Pete and when she saw the gold bracelet with the horse's head in eighteen carat gold she was filled with wonder and excitement.

"Mommy look! Pete gave me a bracelet with a gold horse head…it even has diamonds!" She held the bracelet up to her mother.

Julie took the bracelet in her hand and examined it carefully. It was a very fine piece and obviously quite expensive. Julie looked at Pete and shook her head as she glanced at the other gifts from him of designer clothes, top of the line toys, and now the bracelet.

"You're going to spoil her you know," she chided as she turned her gaze to the pile of chic outfits that she unwrapped from him to her. "Me too for that matter."

Pete grinned. "I know I overdid it a bit but you both have been through so much I wanted the day to be special." He reached for a medium small wrapped box that had been hidden beneath the pile of parcels that had been Julie's. "This is yours too," he said as he handed it to her. "Merry Christmas, angel."

Melissa turned her attention to her mother, "Open it, Mommy."

Julie asked Pete, "What is it?"

"Open it and find out," he replied enigmatically.

Julie raised an eyebrow at him. She tore away the rich gold wrapping paper and unearthed a velvet box, not unlike the one that held the diamond engagement ring that he had given her last night. She opened the box and inhaled sharply as she viewed the delicate angel brooch.

"Oh Pete, it's just beautiful." She gingerly picked the brooch up and saw how it sparkled and glistened with the diamonds encrusted on the filigree angel. "I'm speechless," she breathed as she stared at the bauble.

"Oh Mommy, it's an angel. Just like Pete always calls you," Melissa pointed out. She turned to Pete, "Why do you always call Mommy that?"

Pete leaned back leisurely and replied, "Because from the day I first met your mommy that's what she reminded me of. An angel straight from Heaven." He smiled affectionately at Julie while brushing a strand of hair from her eyes.

"Oh I almost forgot!" Melissa jumped to her feet and hurried to the rear of the tree. Pete glanced at Julie with a question in his eyes but she shook her head and shrugged, not knowing what the little girl was planning. Melissa came around he tree carrying two wrapped gifts. One was flat and the other was the beautifully wrapped box that she had gotten at the mall with Pete. She handed the box to Julie and the flat parcel to Pete then planted herself on the floor before them with her eyes dancing.

"Mommy you open yours first," Melissa directed.

Julie took her gift in both hands. "Oh my, Melissa, it's almost too pretty to open." At Melissa's fallen face, she giggled and added, "I said almost." She began tearing the wrapping off and then once that was done opened the box. Taking the pale pink angora cashmere sweater out of the box she breathed, "Melissa, sweetheart, it's just beautiful!" Julie opened her arms to embrace her daughter. "Thank you, darling."

Melissa looked at Pete. "Now you open yours," she demanded.

Pete said obediently, "Yes ma'am." He ripped off the shiny Christmas wrap and his eyes lit up as he saw what the gift was. It was a handsomely framed picture of two horses painted in bold colors, just like the picture hanging on Melissa's bedroom wall. He was completely surprised and very pleased because he knew she had painted the picture for him, just as she had promised.

"Melissa, this is just too much," Pete said in amazement. He held his arm out and she rushed to give him a hug and kiss. "Thank you, baby."

Melissa grinned joyfully at them as Hannah stuck her head in the parlor door. "Good morning everyone and Merry Christmas," she said cheerfully.

"Merry Christmas, Hannah," all three chorused.

"Breakfast is ready." Hannah announced. She headed for the dining room and Pete, Julie, and Melissa followed...

Later in the day, after a delicious Christmas dinner, Julie invited Pete to take a ride on the horses around the ranch, which Pete, once he was assured that it was perfectly safe for the baby, readily accepted. Josh and Jim Travis had taken Melissa to the bunkhouse to play video games they had gotten for Christmas with her. Even though the boys were nineteen and eighteen years old respectively, they took pleasure in including Melissa in their leisure time activities, just as if she were their own little sister. And she relished the attention they showered on her so when they came and asked Julie if Melissa could come with them she heartily agreed, knowing that Josh and Jim would look after her. Julie and Pete then went upstairs to dress in jeans and boots for their ride.

Julie just finished tying her boots and took a moment to check her hair at her vanity mirror. Her eyes fell on the small velvet box sitting on her vanity, which bore the engagement ring Pete had presented to her last night. She took the box and cracked it open to gaze at the ring glittering against the dark velvet and removed it to examine it more closely. It was elegant and costly in a finely crafted setting but not ostentatious. Sighing, Julie slipped the ring on her right hand just to get the sense of wearing it. Although it was larger than the average solitaire, it had a light feel. With a smile, she held her hand out to admire the sparkling gem...

Then, by accident… Or perhaps unconsciously, Julie glanced down on her dresser in the little crystal dish that held her gold wedding band. Feeling guilty she picked up the simple gold band and looked at it. And then she remembered...

It was her wedding day… And it was a very simple affair, quiet and at the ranch with the backdrop of the beautiful scenery around the main house. Dan's mother, Lois had loved flowers and had planted annuals all around so they were surrounded with the delicate pastel colors of daffodils, tulips, and all the flowers of early spring. Matt Henderson and his own new bride, Debi was there, along with the Travises. Matt had just finished reciting the customary wedding vows and then announced that before giving Julie the ring, Dan had special words for her...

Dan turned towards Julie with her hands firmly in his. "Sunshine...you are my life. I was blessed the day I met you and the blessings have increased since you agreed to be my wife. The gold band I am about to give you isn't much... not what I want to give you myself but my daddy gave it to my mama back just before they got their life started with their dream of this ranch. But that dream has taken a beating these years and has become almost shattered. So while I'm rebuilding that dream of theirs, I'm giving you that same ring and dream."

Julie was speechless by his words. Even with their hard times, the home life that he once had with his parents on the ranch in comparison with the life she had with her mother in San Francisco were worlds apart. But it was something she had always yearned for, something she had always wanted more than anything. She looked at the gold band he was holding and the promise attached to it that she was about to take; trembling...her heart pounding...

Pete stuck his head in her room. "Are you ready yet?"

Flustered, Julie quickly glanced up. "Uh-huh. Just wait for me, I'll be right out."

She reached over to pick up the wedding band and held it for a second. Its antique quality gold was dignified, its glow dull with age like every heirloom. It wasn't anywhere near as valuable as the diamond that she had just put on but she felt it was staring at her with reproach for the legacy it represented. A legacy that had been cut short when Dan fell to his death nearly 3 months ago. She felt guilty like she was betraying everything and the ring and its subliminal message just made that even more so. Quickly, Julie took off Pete's engagement ring and placed it on her right hand, then placed Dan's gold band back in its proper place, on her left ring finger. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she hurriedly joined him in the hall.

When she joined Pete he asked, "Is everything okay?"

Placing a smile on her lips Julie replied, "Of course, everything is just fine." Taking his hand she said, "Let's go."

They came downstairs together to get their jackets on for it was chilly and there was snow falling in the mountains. Pete had his all lined denim jacket in his hand and was about to put it on but Julie stopped him...

"Wait."

She went into the parlor and retrieved a box from under the tree, which she brought out to the kitchen. Shaking out the chocolate brown suede jacket with lambs wool lining from within she said, "Here, why don't you were the new suede jacket I gave you," handing the garment to Pete.

Pete grinned but shook his head as he donned his old jacket. "I don't want to get it dirty…I'll just wear my denim one, honey."

Julie asked with dismay, "Don't you like it?"

"Sure, I love it. But I'll wear it when we go out to dinner or shopping not if we're going riding," he replied.

"But I got it for you to wear when we go riding," Julie protested, her disappointment plain.

Pete thought for a minute and then took off his jacket. He acquiesced, "All right, sweetheart. I'll wear it." He put the jacket on which fitted perfectly to his broad shoulders. He modeled it, turning around for her. "There, now how's it look?"

"Great, just great." Julie answered, satisfied. She put her jacket on. "Shall we go?"

"Lead the way."

They headed out to the back door.

At the stables, Hank was finished saddling Julie's mare and the dappled gray gelding. "Here we are Miss Julie. I saddled up Daffodil for you and Quicksilver for Mr. Pete." He handed the reins to Pete and helped Julie mount.

"Thanks so much, Hank. I'm sorry to interrupt your Christmas," Julie said solicitously.

Hank dismissed it with a wave. "Don't worry about it. The boys are glued to the TV video game with Melissa and Hannah's resting in the new recliner chair she got so everything's kind of quiet."

Pete put his left foot on the stirrup and swung his right leg over the saddle to mount the gelding. "Just the same, when we come back, I'll help you put the horses away and brush them down," he insisted.

Hank was surprised. "You know how to brush down horses?" he asked slightly incredulously.

Pete laughed, "Why so surprised? I used to take care of my horse, Sir Peter when I was a kid. My pal Rusty Bryson was the stable hand at the old Lucky Horseshoe Stables. That's where I kept it so he showed me what to do...I never forgot." A shadow crossed his eyes as he thought of his friend and how needlessly he died in a police ambush nine years ago.

Hank said, "I remember The Lucky Horseshoe used to be a mighty fine stable. What's happened to it now?"

Pete replied, "Actually, it's been vacant until recently. The singer, Valetta Hall recently bought the property and she is reviving it. She was Rusty's fiancé when he was killed and we've stayed in touch over the years."

Julie looked at him. "You're helping her with that aren't you?"

Pete nodded sullenly. "We both wanted to do something in Rusty's memory. When I took over the business, I assisted her financially to get her going."

Julie noticed Pete's melancholy mood and she reach her hand to pat his shoulder. "Shall we start our ride?" she asked softly, changing the subject.

Pete smiled painfully at her. He nodded, "Yeah, let's go."

Julie nudged her mount forward and Pete did the same. The two horses needed no further urging and started trotting down to the bridle path. They rode along in silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Julie glanced at Pete and she knew by his gloomy and closed expression that the memory of Rusty's death still stuck a raw nerve in him even now so many years later. He had blamed himself for the way Rusty died for a long while after the fact. She remembered how quiet he was after the funeral when she and Linc had taken him on a long ride to try to ease his mind.

One night, two weeks after the funeral, he showed up unexpectedly at her place wanting to talk. Breaking down, Pete had confided in her how he had looked up to Rusty as a kid and when he discovered Rusty had gotten involved in drug smuggling in Vietnam, it had devastated him. He told her how he had tried to talk Rusty into giving himself up and how Rusty had threatened Pete with shooting him, then ran out where federal agents had opened fire on Rusty, killing him. She remembered listening and holding Pete as he wept for the entire evening. Afterward, he told her to please never tell anyone about it, that she was the only one he could trust to let go in front of. She promised him she wouldn't and as a sacred trust, she never did. Pete was a deeply passionate man who took his role as friend seriously and when his friends needed him, he was there so she felt he deserved the same. The news that he was helping Valetta Hall with bringing back the Lucky Horseshoe Stables didn't surprise her in the least Eight years hadn't changed him in that respect, he continued to be a caring, compassionate human being. He had been instrumental in her recovering from Dan's death for if Pete hadn't come when he did, she would have been headed for a severe depression.

Julie glanced at the diamond ring on her right hand. She realized she had forgotten to put it back in the box but it set her to thinking and she started to list reasons in her head as to why she was hesitating accepting Pete's proposal. The big hesitation was in that it was too quick after Dan's passing but she had to admit that that wasn't the only reason. The fact was that she still felt the stigma of her background and it was the real reason she was reluctant to say yes. Julie felt that she couldn't fit into the socialite style of living in his world, no matter how low key Pete would make it. He had lived both ways, simple when they all worked on the force and now that he had been placed in his birth role, there was a casual but clear attitude of privilege that no matter how he had tried to conceal, he had always had…the rich-kid persona. Although Pete tried to downplay his silver spoon upbringing and had never acted that way, Julie was intimidated by that and was afraid that other members of Pete's social standing would see her as an interloper into their lofty sphere. And how would his family and friends accept her daughter? But she reminded herself of what he said last night I am carrying his child and he's right, the baby should have his name...

While Julie was silently musing, Pete was in the midst of his own reverie. Memories of his past played in his head like a slide show, riding his horse at the Lucky Horseshoe Stable, a neglected rich kid, hungry for attention and eager to learn. Rusty had seen his neediness and took Pete under his wing, becoming the strong male he could look up to. When Rusty had involved him in the drug smuggling and eventually got shot, his image crumbled like stale bread. It had taken a long time to get over the pain but it never really went completely away even now so many years later. Helping Val get the stable back on its feet was a catharsis for all of that unresolved hurt and pain.

During that time, Julie had been so sweet and supportive, making herself available to be the soft yet strong shoulder he needed to lean on. Especially the night he showed up at her door; a total wreck emotionally and she just let him ramble on and eventually break down. She just sat on her sofa beside him and held him as he cried out all the pain, anger and betrayal he had felt from Rusty's death. True to her promise to him, she never told anyone, just let the whole incident remain between the two of them alone. That was Julie though, Pete told himself trustworthy, compassionate, emphatic, giving, the list goes on and on...

Pete pushed aside the memories of Rusty and glanced fondly at Julie as they rode along. Although she hadn't given him an answer to his proposal, he began to allow himself the luxury of imagining her as his wife, by his side at corporate and foundation functions, at obligatory family gatherings, and with him on business and pleasure trips. She'd be such an asset to him, a wife he could take pride in, who'd do her very best to honor him, he was convinced of that. And she's going to be a wonderful mother to our child he said to himself.

Pete and Julie came up to the North Field and dismounted. They secured the horses and then holding hands, walked the length of the field. The late afternoon sun had painted the snow-covered mountains ivory against the deep cerulean blue sky and the bare trees were silhouetted like black lace making the entire scene beautiful in its stark simplicity.

Pete pointed to the mountain range. "They look like they were dipped in powdered sugar."

Julie nodded, "I love coming here to look at the mountains after a snowfall. Sometimes in the winter when it's just cloudy here, the mountains get a real dumping."

Pete turned to her "Uh-huh, I see." He looked closely at her and gestured to her very slightly rounded abdomen, "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm okay," Julie replied, putting her hand on the object in question. As she did, sunlight touched the diamond on her right hand and the rainbow twinkle caught Pete's eye.

"So, you've decided to wear it, huh?" he commented softly as he held her hand up. His diamond winked at him as if in greeting.

Julie replied, "I just wanted to try it on. I forgot to put it back before we left the house."

Pete said nothing but just continued to hold her hand up and gaze at her with slightly pursed lips and inscrutable eyes. Julie felt uneasy, for she knew he was waiting for the obvious. But she still wasn't ready to give him the answer that she wanted to give him, the one she knew he was anxious to hear.

She took a deep breath and began, "Pete, I know you want an answer but I can't give you one now, not the one you want. But believe me, when the time is right, I will I promise. I've been thinking that I should just wear it on my right hand. That is, until I'm ready to move it over to my left hand."

Pete nodded with a bittersweet smile, "Okay. I won't push you about it. But I'm glad you decided to wear it." He lifted her hand and kissed it where the ring was.

Julie reached her other hand to caress his cheek. "Thank you, darling."

Wordlessly, Pete drew her into his arms and embraced her, holding her close to his heart. Julie sighed and settled herself in the warm cocoon of him, her head resting on his chest and the firm steady beat of his heart echoing in her ears. The two of them remained standing in the North Field locked in each other's arms long enough for the sun to begin its descent into the horizon.

NEXT: Part 8 - Moving Forward