A/N: The song for the chapter title is "Round And Round The Christmas Tree" by Bing Crosby. There's not a lot of room for chapter titles, I'm finding out. And there are a lot of Christmas songs with long titles... Anyway!

Launchpad was glad DW and Gos had agreed to come to Duckburg with him. Seeing how they reacted to Mr. McD's Christmas reminded him of just how magical Scrooge McDuck could make the holiday. Launchpad had grown so used to it over the years that he sometimes took Mr. McD's holiday extravaganzas for granted.

At the party the evening before, Launchpad had been all too happy to sit on the sidelines and let his family enjoy the night. He'd spent a good part of his time relaxing in one of the small lounges on the second level, sitting by candlelight as he peered into the dark night, waiting for his promised snow. It had started about halfway into the evening, and he'd gotten somewhat mesmerized with watching the snowfall by Christmas light.

By the time he returned to the first level, DW was being spun around the dance floor by society women, keeping pace with the big band Christmas music. Gos was watching him, every now and then turning down a young man who'd approached to ask her to dance.

As Launchpad walked up to her, DW turned to him, desperation in his gaze. Launchpad just shrugged as he stood next to Gos.

"Merry Christmas to me," Gos said, smiling at him before continuing to watch her father.

"I feel sorta bad for him," Launchpad mentioned, wincing as DW's partner enthusiastically spun him away then pulled him back into her grasp.

"He's one of the only available bachelors here," Gos pointed out. "And when he brings up that he's a single father, what other reaction does he expect?"

Launchpad guessed she had a point. Still, poor DW.

"You aren't gonna dance?" Launchpad asked, turning to Gos.

She smiled. "I would only consider you or Dad as a partner. Dad's… busy. And I'm betting you'd rather stay off the dance floor."

Far too many times had Launchpad been in DW's place for these parties, being carried around the dance floor by enthusiastic partners. Gos was right; he wanted to sit this one out if he could. She had been watching him and nodded at whatever she saw in his expression.

For some reason, their conversation played again and again in Launchpad's head well into the next day.

DW, his head still pounding from the previous night, had kept an eye on the Christmas festivities at McDuck Mansion from afar.

Except during the snowball fight. Something about "maintaining his reputation." He and Gos had been on opposing teams, though, and she beat DW without much effort. Gos had always had a better mind for tactic and strategy. Launchpad and Mr. McD had refereed the game and kept score.

Returning into the house, the victors and the losers alike were treated to hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies, courtesy of Mrs. Beakley. Mr. McD ushered everyone into one of the larger sitting rooms to open gifts while they waited for dinner. The Christmas tree was alight in multi-colored wonder, garland hanging around the room and a wreath on the door. Mr. McD handed out the presents and everyone took turns opening them. It was, technically, a week before the official holiday, but this was their celebration with one another, so tradition was bent enough to accommodate.

It was after all the gifts were opened and everyone was sprawled comfortably around the room, talking with one another, that Gos's words replayed in Launchpad's head again.

She'd said she'd only dance with him or DW. Not that she didn't want to dance.

She was a clever one. Gos had made it seem like she didn't want to dance to make Launchpad feel more comfortable.

Well, better late than never he always said.

Excusing himself from the conversation he'd been having with DW and Mr. McD, Launchpad crossed the room to the massive sound system built into one wall. Sometimes the Boys would hook instruments up to it and play a few songs together. But Launchpad only turned on the radio, tuning it to a Christmas station. Finding one with more classic holiday carols, Launchpad walked over to Gos and offered his hand.

"Whaddya say, Gos?" he asked.

She smiled and took his hand without hesitation, letting him pull her to standing. As they assumed position, she said, "I thought you didn't like to dance."

"It's just family here," Launchpad said, starting to step around the room. "And you're the only partner I want."

Gos grinned as she let him lead her around the Christmas tree.

"Me next, Launchpad!" called Webbie, smiling sweetly at him in her red Christmas dress.

Launchpad hesitated for a moment, but Gos saved him again.

"I'm sure Dad wants to dance," she said.

"What?!" DW squawked, but it was too late; Webbie was pulling him up and swinging him around the room. Gos buried her face in Launchpad's shoulder to smother her laughter and Launchpad sent a sympathetic look to his friend whenever he caught his eye.