A/N: Here's the next update, sorry for the delay I have been doing tons of holiday preparations. I've baked 20 dozen cookies! The next update will hopefully be up before Christmas. Whatever you celebrate of don't celebrate have a wonderful next week and a half. Please read and review.

Trixie pushed up the sleeves of her sweater and dug the spoon into the turkey pulling out the rest of the stuffing. The time had flown by and in what felt like no time at all she found herself helping her mother ready herself for the annual Belden Thanksgiving open house. The preparations for Mart and Di's wedding were well underway. They were set to be married on the fifth of January, Trixie was amazed at the beautiful lavender and white decorations. Di had so many little silver accents and the lavender was a shade of purple that was almost blue. The overall effect was going to be one of a winter wonderland.

Trixie ruefully thought about the dress fittings she had been to over the last few weeks. The seamstress that was working on her dress had threatened to stab her with the pin if she didn't sit still. Trixie shook her head as she scooped the stuffing. After the holidays she would have to start doing dress fittings for Evans' wedding. If the dresses he was looking at where any indication Trixie was going to hate wearing whatever gown her friend picked out.

Trixie placed the stuffing along the buffet and stood back to take in the sight. Her mother beautiful as always was laying out plates at the end of the buffet. Her father and brothers were setting up chairs and tables. Bobby had pulled parking duty this year with the lynch twins. The eighteen year olds were eager to finally take the job off Mart and Brian's hands. Trixie felt arms wrap around her and turned to see Honey and Di on either side of her.

"Isn't it wonderful Trix?"

She turned to smile at Honey, "It really is. Last year Rollins, Evans, and I had a nice Thanksgiving together, but nothing beats Thanksgiving with all the Beldens and the Bobwhites."

Di tightened her grip on Trixie, "Well now that we've got you back we aren't letting you get away again. Rollins and Evans are coming today aren't they?"

Trixie nodded, "Yes they'll be here with Beau in a little bit."

Honey smiled, "This Thanksgiving is going to be perfectly perfect, I just know it."

**********************************************8

Several hours later Trixie sunk down on the back patio enjoying the cool of the evening. Honey had been right it had been perfectly perfect. She was so happy to be back with her family. The Bobwhites had easily fallen back into old patterns and so had her family. Trixie watched them all through the glass of the back door. Most of the residents of Glenn Road had gone home and all that remained were the Lynches and the Wheelers, and of course all the Bobwhites. Rollins, Evans and Beau were still sitting with the Bobwhites and Trixie was pleased to see her friends getting along so well.

Di and Johnny had become fast friends. By the exited way they were talking now they had to be discussing wedding plans. Mart and Beau looked so serious that Trixie was positive they were discussing their latest journalistic endeavors together. Dan had one arm wrapped around Lindsey while he talked to Brian. Lindsey and Honey seemed to be giggling about something. All that was missing was Jim.

"I wondered where you got off to Trix."

Trixie started when she heard Jim's deep voice, "Gleeps Jim you need to stop sneaking up on me! I just wanted some air."

Jim nodded, "It is warm in there. You leave tomorrow right?"

Trixie nodded, "Uhg, yes. I have to be in the city by six o'clock tomorrow morning to work security detail."

Jim groaned, "Trixie it's already after ten you are not going to be a happy camper tomorrow. Do you get sent into the city a lot?"

"Not too often, but it's written into my contract that I have to be available for some travel to assist on cases. The time just can't exceed three months a year. They really didn't want me in the White Plains office."

Jim smiled, "Of course they don't you're great at what you do. I'm sure they'd want you at a bigger office."

Trixie flopped back on the grass, "Well I wanted to be home so they had to deal with it. I missed Sleepyside too much."

Trixie looked up at Jim and saw him smiling at her, "Sleepyside missed you too Trixie."

Trixie was about to reply when she caught sight of the door. She and Jim seemed to have caught the attention of everyone inside. Trixie groaned and looked away from the door, "do you think there's any chance they'll lay off us tonight."

Jim laughed, standing he extended a hand to Trixie to pull her up, "I don't think there's any chance of that Trixie. When will you get back?"

Trixie furloughed her brow tying to fight her bodies reaction to having Jim this close, "I'll be back Monday night, why?"

Jim smiled that lopsided smile that Trixie loved so much, "I have a work function Tuesday night and I'm supposed to bring someone. I know its last minute, but I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out."

Trixie just stared, "I guess I can what time?"

Jim smiled, "I'll pick you up at 6:30?"

Trixie nodded not trusting herself to speak, was this a date? Or just a friend helping out another friend?

"If our esteemed co-presidents are done staring at each other."

Dan stepped up next to Mart, "It's a funny thing isn't it Mart, there is a whole house full of friends and yet these two end up together alone."

Mart smirked, "Too true Mangan, but I feel their behavior had libidinous roots, so it may not make sense to the rest of us."

Trixie glared, "Do not make me shoot you on Thanksgiving Mart, besides I should get going I've got to be at work very early tomorrow."

With that all the Bobwhites took their leave. It wasn't until she was in the car on her way home with Rollins that Trixie let the grin spread across her face.

"What has you grinning like a fool Belden?"

"It's nothing Rollins I'm just looking forward to Tuesday night."

"And pray tell Belden what is so important about Tuesday?"

"I'm going to a work function with Jim."

"Well praise the lord, it's about time you got laid Belden."

The car swerved when Trixie turned to look at Rollins, once she had the car under control she spoke, "Why do you automatically go there. We're just going as friends; I'm doing Jim a favor."

Rollins smirked, "Sure you are, maybe he can return the favor by attending the Holiday thing with you then."

Trixie shook her head, "No I don't even want to go to that fancy thing."

Rollins snorted, "You have to go you're receiving an award, and if you don't ask Jim I'll ask him for you. I've already asked Dan to go with me."

Trixie waggled her eyebrows, "Oh really. Things are getting pretty serious between you two."

Rollins shrugged, "not really, we agree that we like each other, but neither one of us is good at this relationship thing, so we're keeping it simple for now. We're sort of making this up as we go along."

Trixie smiled, "I'm happy for you Rollins, you deserve to have good things happen in your life. Did you hear from your dad today?"

Rollins shook her head, "No, but I didn't expect to. He's going to be in prison for the rest of his life, and he doesn't understand why I won't pull some strings to get him out early. He disowned me when I joined the F.B.I. and as far as I'm concerned my father is dead."

"I'm sorry Rollins."

Lindsey smiled, "It's okay Trixie, although since you brought it up, you could let me fix your hair and makeup for Tuesday."

Trixie groaned, "I suppose."

************************************8

Trixie was back in her office on Tuesday watching the hours tick down. She didn't mind protective details, but the paperwork after was killer. She groaned and rested her head on the desk. That was how Weston found her five minutes later.

"You okay Belden?"

She raised her head from the desk, "I really hate paperwork Weston."

Weston smirked, "Well I'll be sure to put that in my speech about you at the Holiday thing."

Trixie quirked an eyebrow, "Speech?"

Weston smiled, "Since you're one of our new agents this year, I'll mention you and anyone else who joined the office this year in my speech at the event."

Trixie nodded, "Is there anything else you need?"

Weston snorted, "Not today Belden finish your paperwork then you can go home."

Trixie laughed, and attempted to finish the stack of forms. When she thought they were completed satisfactorily she gathered her things and hurried towards the door with an extra spring in her step. Rollins and Evans had been home for an hour and she shuddered to think of what girlish tortures awaited her. But she was spending the whole evening with Jim.

Trixie arrived at her apartment and was pulled inside by a very eager Evans, "Wait until you see! We have a surprise for you Belden."

Trixie was pushed through the door to their apartment and saw Honey waiting for her in the living room.

"Hi Trixie, Brian and I are going to the thing tonight too so Rollins and Evans invited me to get ready with you. Di's in the bathroom she's setting up the hair station."

Trixie grinned, "Hair station?"

Honey nodded, "We're going to make you look absolutely gorgeous for the date this evening."

Trixie shook her head, "it's not a date Honey."

Honey smirked, "Are you sure about that Trix. You and Jim attending what is essentially a dance together is not only very familiar, but also sounds very much like a date."

Trixie shook her head again, "We're friends, friends help each other out. Jim needed someone to go to this thing with him so I'm helping him out. Let's just get started with this torture shall we?"

Three hours later Trixie had been primped within an inch of her life. Honey had left to meet Brian and she was waiting by the door to the apartment complex. She had tried waiting for Jim upstairs, but Rollins and Evans had quickly become unbearable.

*****************************************************8

Jim was antsy. He felt like he had been counting down the hours since he last saw Trixie. They were back in that frustrating limbo that they had been in as children. They were friends, but there was always the promise of something more between them. Jim checked his watch again and decided it was early enough that he could pick up Trixie.

Jim made the drive to her apartment and what he found took his breath away. Trixie was walking around outside. She had her jacket wrapped around her and Jim was quite glad. He wasn't sure his equilibrium could handle seeing her whole getup at once. The weak winter sun was making her curls shine like gold and they were pulled back from her face to tumble down her back. Her normally unpainted features where highlighted with a bit of makeup. The part of her dress that was showing beneath her coat was blue, the overall effect was stunning.

Jim parked the car and saw her turn towards him, "Hi Trixie, I would have come to the door to get you. You must be chilly in your dress."

Trixie shook her head, "Rollins and Evans were a bit much, so I figured I'd wait down here."

Jim smiled, "Well you look absolutely stunning."

Trixie laughed, "Thank you. You are quite dashing this evening."

Jim helped Trixie into the car and hurried around to the driver's side. This night would test his honorable streak he was sure of it.

They made polite conversation their whole ride into the city. Jim laughed at Trixie's description of her protection detail and he told her about the kids he gave riding lessons to on Friday. It amazed him how easily their conversation flowed. The ride flew by and soon they arrived. Jim held out his arm to Trixie and escorted her in. They stopped at the coat check and Jim was sure his heart stopped when Trixie passed her coat to the man behind the counter.

Jim let his eyes wander down from her curls over her mostly exposed shoulders down over the curves the dress skimmed and down to where her dress just met the floor. The Blue material looked so very soft and Jim noted that the single strap holding the dress up was strategically placed to cover the scar on her shoulder.

Jim was still gapping at her when Trixie snapped her fingers in front of his face, "Jim, are you okay Jim?"

Jim shook his head, "I'm fine Trixie, but you look, I mean that dress is, wow. Just wow."

Trixie blushed, "Are you going to check your coat?"

Jim pulled himself from his stupor long enough to remember that Trixie had been through a lot and that she wasn't looking to date right now. He handed off his coat and offered Trixie his arm. All the while mentally willing himself to do the honorable thing.

They made their way into the ballroom and Jim hurriedly looked for his parents. He found them standing with Brian and Honey and immediately steered Trixie in that direction.

He wasn't sure he could handle a whole night with Trixie looking as beautiful as she did. Jim stopped in front of his parents. He shook his father's hand and was pulled into a hug by his mother. Jim watched as his parents greeted Trixie. He loved how easily she fit into his life. His parents loved her, his sister absolutely adored her and he had a feeling his mom and dad would love her had they not died before he met her.

Jim followed along as they all approached the table for dinner he pulled out Trixie's chair and took his seat next to her. Jim normally dreaded these events, but tonight he was enjoying himself. He knew that it had everything to do with the woman next to him. She lit up the room. Trixie had the whole table captivated; she was telling a story about her first Thanksgiving with Rollins and Evans. It involved a burnt Turkey, two escaped criminals, and oddly enough a clown. Jim was amazed by her, he watched as her eyes lit up and her smile shone brighter than the sun. Trixie's presence made the time at the table fly by and before he knew it dinner was over and it was time for the dancing and schmoozing to begin.

Jim found himself standing with Trixie on the edges of the dance floor as he networked. Jim hated this part of the night; he was a terrible business man, which is what made him so good at running the charitable division of Wheeler Hart International. The schmoozing was a part of the job he would never get used to, but even that seemed easier with Trixie beside him. Her natural charm had captivated everyone they had spoken to all evening. When they weren't talking they were dancing. Having Trixie in his arms was like a dream. He didn't miss the pounding of her heart, or the blush on her cheeks. He wondered if she had felt this tension building between them.

****************************************************8

Trixie fidgeted as she rode back to Sleepyside with Jim. Their destination was not her apartment, oh no Evans had texted her and warned her that Rollins and Dan were defiling public areas of the apartment. He was spending the night at Beau's and he suggested she at least stay out a while longer. So she was going home with Jim. She was sure this was a bad idea. The tension had been building all evening. Trixie had been distracted all night by Jim. His smile, his scent, he looked good enough to eat in his Tux and the feel of being in his arms had left Trixie breathless. She was trying to ignore the damp heat that was gathered between her legs as they turned up the driveway to Ten Acres.

Trixie gasped when she saw the house. It was perfect, it was a dream and she was struck by a deep sorrow when she realized she would never call this place home. Pushing aside her childhood dreams Trixie cleared her throat, "the house is lovely Jim. It's certainly an improvement over that decrepit old mansion."

Jim smiled, "Thanks Trixie it took a while to get right, but the house is everything I always imagined." Jim parked the car and walked around to help her out of the car, "Come on in and I'll give you a tour."

Trixie trailed up the front porch steps and followed Jim into his house. She tried to calm her heart as he led her from room to room. She felt her heart lurch every time he showed her a new room. She ached with the rightness of it all. Finally after he had showed her every other room available Trixie found herself standing outside Jim's bedroom.

"And this is my room Trixie, but you don't have to go in there. How about I make that coffee I promised you."

Trixie looked at Jim and smiled, "It's not like I've never been in your room before, besides it's the only room I haven't seen yet."

Trixie pushed open the door and walked into the room vaguely aware of Jim behind her. This room was very Jim. She took in the orderly nature of the room. The solid furniture the perfectly made bed. Trixie couldn't help but laugh.

"What is so funny Ms. Belden?"

Trixie turned to Jim, "This room is very you. It's also very tidy. You saw my bedroom when I came home from the hospital it was definitely not this clean."

Jim smirked and tucked a loose curl behind her ear, "Well Trixie you have never been the queen of organization. That's how we ended up as co-presidents together."

Trixie nodded, "that's true we did make a good team didn't we?"

Jim nodded again and Trixie became very aware of the little space between them. She stepped closer to Jim and looked up into his emerald eyes. Trixie nodded once and brought her arms around Jim's neck. Slowly torturously he lowered his lips to meet hers. At the first contact Trixie was grateful for Jim's strong arms around her waist because she was sure her knees would have buckled otherwise. It was so overwhelming Trixie's head spun. The scent of Jim the feel of his body pressed against hers the taste of his lips.

The moved as one towards Jim's bed hands roaming as the frantically explored each other. Trixie felt her back hit the bed and their lips broke apart. Trixie met Jim's gaze glad to see his chest was heaving as violently as hers was. She could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He looked at her with a question in his eyes, "Trixie?"