Christmas was coming. In the Barkley house, Christmas was always a special time. There were always many secrets and people running around trying to surprise everyone else. There was an excitement in the air touching everyone.

Ever since Nick had returned after trying to ride Brady, he had been acting mysterious. He disappeared for hours at a time, sat lost in thought the rest of the time. Jarrod was beginning to get curious. He found Nick having a quiet drink in the billiard room early one evening. "So, Brother Nick, think you can tear yourself away from whatever you've been doing lately for the annual trip to the lodge?"

"What?" Nick was startled out of his reverie.

"The annual trip to the lodge. You know, when we all go and get the tree? The four of us together? You haven't forgotten, have you?" Jarrod was teasing his younger brother.

"Oh, well, I…I guess I…Yes, I'll be there." Nick frowned.

Jarrod had never seen Nick so uncertain. It was uncharacteristic for Nick; he was usually the one who was confident and plunged ahead no matter the cost.

"Nick? Is something wrong?" Jarrod was concerned.

Nick just shrugged.

Jarrod thought for a moment and then said, "Let's go outside." As Nick looked at him warily, Jarrod said, "Come on."

Nick sighed and followed his older brother. They both grabbed their coats and hats and walked outside. Jarrod thought Nick might confide in him if there was less of a chance of being overheard. They walked out into the yard before coming to rest at the corral fence. The stock was in for the night, but you could still hear the occasional sound of horses in the stillness.

"Nick, what's bothering you? Talk to me." Jarrod urged his brother to open up to him.

Nick glanced over at Jarrod and seeing his concern, he started to talk.

"Nothing's bothering me. It's just…" He paused for a moment. "I've been working on a gift for Rhianna. It's hidden in the barn; I just hope she likes it. I

really want her to have a nice Christmas, that's all. The trip to the lodge is important to me; I love the tradition, it's just…"

"Just what? Look, if you need some help, just ask for it. I'll help you if I can, we all will. What is this really about?" Jarrod wasn't at all surprised Nick's mood was tied to the Irish woman.

Nick spoke in a rush as if he could no longer hold it inside of him. "She's hurting, Jarrod. And I can't make it go away, as much as I want to." Nick pounded his fist on top of the fence post.

"Do you love her, Nick?" Jarrod asked and waited to see if Nick would openly declare his feelings.

Nick looked at his older brother. For as long as he could remember, he and Jarrod had a special bond. As different as they were, they had a deep and abiding love for each other. Nick knew he could trust him.

"Yes, I do." Nick declared plainly.

"Then what's the problem?" Jarrod looked at Nick with a twinkle in his eye.

"It doesn't bother you?" Nick was surprised.

"Of course not! You're my brother, Nick. I just want you to be happy." The men stood in silence for a few moments before Jarrod asked, "Does she know how you feel?"

"I can't tell her, not yet." Nick looked at Jarrod sadly.

"Nick, you should tell her. She deserves to know how you feel." Jarrod was surprised at Nick's response.

"It's not the right time. If I tell her now, she'll leave." Nick stared off into the night. "She's hurting in her heart and in her soul, Jarrod." Nick sounded so sad.

"What's hurting her so much?" Jarrod was concerned, he had grown to care abut Rhianna very much.

Nick sighed as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. "I can't tell you. I'd like to, but I promised I wouldn't. I just want her to stop hurting; for her to be whole."

"Well, then, Nick, I think all you can do is to be there for her. As hard as it will be for you, you need to give her time."

At this moment Heath rode up. "Evening. Is this a private conversation?"

"No, Nick here was just going to show us the gift he made for Rhianna." Jarrod clapped Nick on the back in brotherly affection and support.

The three men went into the barn where Nick had hidden the special gift. Jarrod and Heath looked at it with wonder. It was beautiful.

"Nick, it's perfect."

The annual trip to the lodge came. With laughter and high spirits, the four Barkley men mounted up and rode off. Rhianna watched them go with Audra.

"Where are they going?" Rhianna asked.

Audra smiled, "They go to our lodge every year. They always come back with our Christmas tree and we decorate it after going to church Christmas Eve. They have a great time together. I know Heath enjoys it so much. He grew up with very little, so I think it means more to him in many ways."

"Heath didn't grow up here?" Rhianna was surprised.

"No. We have the same father, but Heath grew up with his mother. He came to us after his mother died a few years ago. We didn't know about him until then. He never knew our father." Audra explained.

"We have more in common than I thought." Rhianna said quietly.

"Is something bothering you, Rhianna?" Audra asked, concerned.

The two sat down as Victoria entered the room. "Yes, dear, tell us. I know it's hard being confined, but you can talk to us. You seem sad lately."

"I was just thinking about Christmas." Rhianna sounded wistful.

Victoria answered quickly, giving Rhianna a hug, "Don't worry about gifts! The best gift for us is your company and continued recovery. We could arrange for a few things in town, though, if you like. Just tell us what you want to do."

"Thank you, Mrs. Barkley. I was worried about my niece. I have a gift for Mary, but what I have in mind for Bridget is harder to get."

Victoria immediately offered, "Audra and I are going to town later we can see what we can do. Tell us what you have in mind."

Christmas Eve finally arrived. Everyone, Barkley, O'Brien, and Ryan alike, had last minute things to do. Jarrod and Gene had made a last minute trip to San Francisco and were expected back in the early evening. Victoria was nervous about their return, but they sent a wire saying they would be there on time.

Silas had outdone himself on the family's dinner and there was a festive mood in the air. As the Barkleys got ready to go to church services, Rhianna was heading up the stairs. Victoria watched her anxiously and quickly followed.

"Rhianna, are you ok? You seem distant today." Victoria watched the younger woman closely.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Barkley. I guess I just miss…Ireland." Rhianna avoided Victoria's eyes.

"I can stay with you if you like while the others go on to church. I don't mind," Victoria offered.

"No, I'll be fine. I have some things to do here. Please go and enjoy yourself." Rhianna wanted some time to herself.

All through the service Victoria worried about Rhianna. She was certain Rhianna was thinking about something else when she said she missed Ireland. She hurried everyone back to the house after the service.

The Barkley's arrived back at the house after the service. It had been meaningful, but they all had missed the fiery Irish woman. As they came in she was sitting near the fire reading her Bible.

"Well! Here we are and ready to trim that tree!" Jarrod was lighthearted. It was one of his favorite times of year.

They all got out the decorations and had a grand time telling Rhianna about the history of their traditions. Many stories were shared and there was much laughter and teasing until there was a loud knock at the door.

Jarrod went to answer it and wasn't surprised to see Kathleen and Father Liam.

"We thought we would just drop by for a minute, if it's all right," Kathleen said.

"Of course! She's in the parlor."

Rhianna was glad to see her siblings. They knew how hard Christmas was for her and would help deflect the attention.

Liam led Rhianna into the billiard room so he could administer the Eucharist. Since she couldn't go to Mass due to her illness, they spent some time talking and praying together on this, the holiest of nights. After a while they joined the others in their revelry.

"Rhianna, I know what you can give me for Christmas right now!" Kathleen was very serious. She took Rhianna's hands and looked her in the eyes. "I want to hear you play again. Nothing ambitious; play Christmas carols. We'll all sing."

She led her sister to the piano. Using the Irish endearment they had called her since she was a child, she said, "Please, Alanna."

Rhianna took a deep breath. She didn't know if she could do this. She looked at Liam. He nodded. She sat down and placed her trembling hands on the keyboard before looking up at Liam anxiously.

"Joy to the World," said the priest firmly.

At first she played tentatively. But as she continued, it all came back to her. The right fingering and all the tunes she had loved since she was a child. She poured all her faith and love into her music. The music flowed over and around her until it encompassed her spirit. The Barkleys sang with the music at first and then as the evening wore on they just listened to her play. It was beautiful and bittersweet at the same time. It was an evening none of them would ever forget.

The next morning, the Barkleys were all assembled to open their gifts when Audra realized someone was missing. "Where's Rhianna?"

"I'll get her." As Heath walked up the stairs, he had an idea about how she was feeling.

"Rhianna?" Heath knocked on the door.

She opened the door and he could tell she had been up, probably all night. She looked tired.

"We're waiting for you to come downstairs," Heath began in his unassuming way.

Rhianna protested, "No, it should be just the family. I'll come down later."

"As long as you're here, we think of you as family. I know how you feel. The first Christmas I was here, I felt out of place. They didn't feel like family to me yet and I was missing my Mama a lot. I know you miss your home and your family. I'm sure you would rather be there, but we'd really like it if you would join us." Heath was sincere.

"Yes, we would!" Audra said as she joined her brother.

"All right." Rhianna smiled at the pair as they went to join the others.

There were many surprises for everyone that Christmas. Rhianna was overwhelmed with the gifts she received from the Barkleys. Audra and Victoria had gone to the dressmakers and had two dresses made for her. One was a silvery grey everyday dress and was quite becoming. The second took her breath away. It was dark sapphire blue silk with had a fitted bodice and a long, flowing skirt. It would look truly exquisite with her red hair and green eyes. She was stunned.

"We thought you could wear it to the ball we're having in February," Audra explained. "If you don't like it…"

"I love it! Thank you both so much." Rhianna was almost speechless.

Heath and Silas had gotten together as well for a gift for her. Silas had taken her much abused uniform and cleaned and repaired it and had it looking like new. Heath had gone through her tack and made the necessary repairs and had Brady's accoutrements looking like new.

"My uniform looks like new. I don't know how Silas did that! I'll have to do something special for him. Thank you, Heath. I appreciate all the work you have done for me and Brady. He'll look wonderful when I can ride again." Rhianna knew how much work both of them had done and she appreciated it more than she could say.

The last gift she received was from Jarrod and Gene. It was in a large wooden box. Jarrod brought out a crowbar and pried the lid open for her.

"Irish Whiskey! Twelve bottles? And it's Bushmills? Thank you so much!" Rhianna dearly loved Irish whiskey and she had been missing her evening dram.

She had gotten them gifts, as well. A box of cigars for Jarrod. Shirts she had made for Heath and Gene, one blue and one burgundy. An old leather satchel for Nick. One day, he would learn of its significance. For Victoria and Audra, Rhianna had found some Irish lace in her things. It was only a few yards, but would make a lovely addition to a dress. The family was overcome with her gifts.

A knock came at the door and as soon as Jarrod had answered it two very excited children ran in.

"Auntie Ree! Merry Christmas!" They went and hugged their aunt.

"Merry Christmas to you, too!" Rhianna held them close.

"We have a present for you!" The children chorused.

"You do?" Rhianna opened up what was one of the loveliest shawls she had ever seen. It was woven of soft, thick wool and was a beautiful blue-grey. It was so long she could wrap it completely around her. It was also very warm.

"Thank you. It is just beautiful!" Rhianna loved the shawl.

"Mama has a special surprise for you! You won't believe it when you see!" The girls quickly covered their mouths before they told the secret.

Kathleen came in carrying a basket. Rhianna went over and looked in the basket; she was curious.

"Kathleen? It's not a…a whiskey cake?" Rhianna was almost afraid to say it.

"Of course it is! And I had a devil of a time keeping it away from your Colonel. I put far too much whiskey in it…you better not give any of it to my children!"

Kathleen handed the cake to Heath who was closest to her as Rhianna fairly leapt into her arms.

"Now, now, it's just a little bit of Ireland for you. You always loved this cake." She turned Rhianna face to see her. "And I meant it about keeping it away from the girls! It's fairly lethal."

Rhianna laughed, turned, and said, "Now are there any girls here who have been good this year?"

"Me, Me, I've been good!" Both girls chorused together hopping up and down with excitement.

"Oh now, I don't know. I don't know if you've been extra good." She turned and gave Kathleen a wink. "I don't know if there are any gifts under the tree for little girls, but, maybe Mr. Heath will look for you." The two sisters stood with their arms around each other.

The girls immediately inundated Heath with pleadings for him to look. He shot a look of amusement at Rhianna and then found the girls' gifts.

They opened them and there were shrieks of happiness. Rhianna gave Mary a cloth doll with several outfits she could play with. She gave Bridget a wooden box with paints, pencils, and paper. She was always drawing on scrap paper and was getting quite good at it.

"Thank you, Auntie Ree! Thank you!"

Mary gave Rhianna a big hug and said so no on else could hear, "It's just like Katie's doll!"

"That's right, it is just like it." Rhianna forced herself to sound cheerful for the little girl couldn't understand the pain her aunt was feeling this day.

Nick gestured to Heath and the two went out to the barn to get Nick's gift for Rhianna. He was nervous about it; he hoped she liked it. They brought it into the parlor where everyone was gathered.

"Rhianna, this is for you." Nick spoke nervously.

Rhianna looked and saw a large object covered by a tarp. It was about thirty inches wide and three feet high.

Heath and Nick pulled the tarp away and revealed what was underneath. It was the most beautiful prie-dieu kneeling bench Rhianna had ever seen. She looked at Nick in stunned silence.

The Barkleys looked at the kneeling bench. They all now knew just how much Nick cared for Rhianna. Nick had poured all his love for Rhianna into the making of this beautiful gift.

After a few moments, Rhianna found her voice. "It's beautiful. You made this?" Rhianna was speechless.

She walked around it and really looked at it. It was made of wood and polished to a beautiful luster. Nick had carved Irish Harps on each end piece. There was a thick, padded cushion for her to kneel in comfort. There was even a space for her rosary to be kept. On the top was beautiful scrollwork and then she saw it. In the corner was a carving of a delicate flower. At first glance there was nothing special about it, but then she detected what Nick meant for only her eyes to see. Hidden in the flower were three letters: CMC, her daughter's initials.

Nick knew the moment she had seen it because she looked at him stunned.

She spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, "You know?"

He looked at her and simply said, "Yes."

Liam, wanting to give Rhianna time to collect herself, broke in, "It's beautiful Nick. You did a great job. Heath, let's take this up to her room so she can try it out and see if it needs adjustment."

As Rhianna went to follow them, she stopped next to Nick for a moment before hurrying up the stairs. As she touched his arm briefly, he could feel her trembling as she looked at him. Rhianna then hurried up the stairs.

Kathleen went up to Nick. "Nick, that was sweet of you. Don't for a minute think she doesn't appreciate it or doesn't like it. She's just overcome right now. I can tell you she loves it."

"I hope so." Nick looked up the stairs with a worried look on his face.

The rest of the afternoon the Barkley's spent playing games and enjoying the day. Many friends dropped by with holiday wishes, but Rhianna stayed upstairs. She didn't come down for dinner and when Audra went to check on her, found her asleep in a chair in her room. She looked exhausted; the day had taken its toll on her. Audra could see the new kneeling bench with indentations on the cushion where Rhianna had obviously been praying.

A few hours after dinner, Rhianna appeared in the doorway wearing the beautiful silvery grey dress and wrapped in her new shawl. She looked only at Nick. "Barkley?" Rhianna spoke quietly.

"Yes?" Nick looked at her, surprised.

"I'm going out to see Brady. Would you come with me, I'd like to talk to you. Please?" Rhianna was very subdued.

"Sure." Nick got up and got his hat and coat. He joined her in the kitchen where she had been making something.

"What's that?" Nick peered into the bowl.

"It's a warm bran mash for Brady. I make it for him on special occasions." Rhianna explained.

The two walked slowly out to the edge of the pasture where they could see Brady in the distance. Rhianna wouldn't look at Nick. He knew he had shaken her and so he waited for her to speak.

After a few minutes, she did.