December 24th, 1871

Arthur was in a foul mood. This was not how he wanted to spend Christmas Eve. First thing this morning he found out that someone had broken into the general store. Only a few things were taken, horse feed bullets and jerky. It wouldn't have been as much of a concern except the clerk had seen Stewart Nash in yesterday morning looking at those exact bullets. They were a special new type with a hollow point tip. Arthur had heard that they were supposed to splinter on impact and cause all sorts of internal damage to the target. Without a doubt, Arthur knew that Nash was behind this. But without any witnesses or evidence, there was nothing that he could pin him with.

This was the basis of Arthur's mood. He knew that he had to go confront Nash, but had no desire to. Nash would laugh in his face and tell him to "prove it". Arthur needed to figure out a way to catch him in the act.

After he had fnished his breakfast, he put on his gun belt, made sure his sheriffs badge was in place on his jacket, and went to saddle his horse. It took about 5 minutes to get down to Nash's saloon. Arthur got out of the saddle and secured the reigns on a post out front. After taking a deep breathe, he stepped through the doors.

Once his eyes adjusted he looked around. The room was dark and dingy. There were several patrons that Arthur didn't recognize sitting at the tables and the bar. A few ladies from the bordello were lounging around, flirting with the men, sitting on tables, laughing and showing too much skin for decent society. One of Nash's footmen recognized Arthur and stepped into a back room. When he returned, Nash was with him.

"Well hello sheriff. What brings you into my fine establishment?" Nash said as he approached Arthur. "Here to sample my goods?" At that he motioned to one of the ladies scantily clad in a silky, lacy black dress. She looked at Arthur and a slow, sultry smile spread across her face. At that, she slowly got up and started walking towards him.

"This is Jasmine, she can make you feel right at home.". Just as she reached him, hands outstretched trying to caress his arms and chest, Arthur backed away.

"No Nash, that's quite enough." Arthur said with a stern voice. Nash looked at jasmine and she backed away, a fake pout on her luscious lips.

"Some of your men were causing trouble last night downtown. I don't need this kind of thing around here, and certainly don't condone it." Nash looked at Arthur with mock concern on his face.

"I don't think you can prove that I had anything to do with it. A break in you said?"
"Well no I didn't say… Interesting you already knew what happened. Just know this. I've got my eye on you... "
At that,

Nash smiled his Cheshire grin and tipped his hat to the sheriff as Arthur turned and walked out. Nash was careful. He didn't break into the general store... He hired his men to do it. Arthur needed more man power if he was to catch Nash in the act.

The next morning Ariadne awoke before the sun. She loved Christmas. Without a second thought of sleep, she jumped out of bed and rushed to get dressed. It wasn't until she was fastening the tie around her waist that she happened to look out the window. SNOW! She thought with excitement. There hadn't been a trace of it all week, and it hadn't looked like they would have any for the holiday but here it was!

Probably good that the snow held off until today! Ariadne thought, thinking of the night before. Last night at the Christmas church service Ariadne had met so many people. Everyone from the outlying farms and ranches had been able to come in to town for the service. She got to meet about 10 of her students that she hadn't met before and everyone was excited about the start of the term. Everyone had sung Christmas carols and it was probably the most fun Ariadne had since she had arrived. Even though it made her homesick for the orphanage, she and the kids used to go caroling, she loved her new friends.

After she went downstairs, she and Regina spent all morning cooking the Christmas feast for the boarders and Eames. There were 3 men who had come through town and would be staying for the meal. Eames, as always, had been invited for dinner. Ariadne had a feeling that he was growing rather fond of Regina's cooking.

As there were no children in the house they hadn't put out stockings for Santa, but once the pheasant was cooking in the oven, Regina and Ariadne exchanged their gifts. Ariadne had noticed soon after she arrived that Regina's apron was stained and thread-bare, so she had purchased some fabric and secretly made a new apron with money Regina had given her. It was hard to accept but she knew that Ariadne wanted to get presents for people so she have her a $7 loan. It was a blessed gift, but Ariadne was going to pay it back with her first month's pay. When Regina opened her apron she threw her arms up in surprise and delight. Without a second thought, she turned the old one into rags and put on her new one.

Ariadne was given a small locket on a golden chain. Before she could even start to protest about the extravagance of the gift, Regina hushed her.

"It was mothers and she gave it to me when I was young. I've never had a daughter but you living here has been the closest thing to it. It has been such a pleasure getting to meet you and watch you adjust to your life here…" Before she could even finish what she was saying, Ariadne jumped up and gave her a giant hug.

Tears stung her eyes as she clung to this surrogate mother. She considered me like her daughter. I finally have a mother in my life! She thought as she pulled away and used her handkerchief on her tears.

"Oh darling, don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you!" Regina said, with concern in her eyes.

"It's not that! Truly." Ariadne said with a sniffle, "I've never had a mother, not really. And this just means so much to me. Thank you."

"Don't you think anything of it. I love having you here. Come here and I will fasten the clasp." Could this day get any better?! She thought as she went to look at the new necklace in the mirror.

Later that night she went over to visit with the Cobb's for Christmas dinner. It was a small meal, delicious and perfectly cooked. Ariadne loved watching the young ones; they had such good manners already. Jimmy even said 'pwease' when asking for more potatoes.

Phillipa had rushed to show Ariadne the new doll she got before Ariadne had even been able to take off her coat. She LOVED it so much. It was a cute little thing, with a scrap dress and button eyes. Mal had spent a long time making it but it was worth it. Phillipa had decided to name it Dominique.

Ariadne stayed over for a while chatting and exchanging gifts, but after the sun set she thought she'd better get home. Dom hitched up the carriage and drove her home because the snow was still falling. After hugging him goodbye she went inside.

Arthur! Come in! Get out of the cold, its freezing today." Ariadne stated when she answered the door. She looked surprised to see him, but happy nonetheless.

"Yeah,I've always loved a white Christmas though." He said as he stomped the snow off of his boots in the entry way. Ariadne took his coat and they sat down in the parlor. The fire was lit and burning merrily in the corner. Regina and Ariadne must have spent hours decorating the tree because it looked perfect. There were strands of colored paper and popcorn as well as ornaments and a beautiful star on the top.

"I have a present for you" Arthur said with a smile as he pulled the package out from behind his back.

"Oh Arthur you didn't have to get me anything!" Ariadne said, blushing.

"Don't be ridiculous! Those cookies were delicious. I would feel terrible if I didn't return the favor. And anyway I found this a while ago; it just reminded me of you."

As she carefully opened the box, Arthur stole a look at her beautiful face. Her cheeks were rosy red and her hair had been done up in a pretty design. There was a braid across the top of her head, looking like a little crown and the rest was tied up in a bun. She truly looked regal.

"Oh my word! Arthur it is lovely! Oh really, wow! Thank you so much! Isn't this just the cutest little tea cup you've ever seen! I always drink tea in the afternoons. I have to use one from Regina's set but now I have my own." The excitement in her voice was such a relief. Arthur chuckled as she talked on about how wonderful it was. Thank God she likes it he thought.

"Arthur, it's too much really. I feel that my gift just doesn't compare." She said with concern. Of course she would feel that she needed to match how much you spent…

"Don't worry about that. I love my cookies. But if you really feel that you need to get me something my birthday is in February… I need new saddle polish…" He said with a wink.

"Well I will keep that in mind." She said laughing.

"Arthur! What's happening man; we missed you at church last night." Roy said entering the room. The two of them clasped hands and Arthur said, "Yeah I know! I heard it was a good service. Being the sheriff keeps me occupied at the worst times unfortunately."

"I have presents for you and your mom though, is she around?" Arthur said, fishing them from his coat.

"Oh she's in the kitchen, I'll go get her." Ariadne said, jumping up. Don't leave! Arthurs mind yelled but he didn't say anything like that out loud. "Merry Christmas, Ariadne." He simply said. She turned with one last look and smiled as she responded, "Merry Christmas, Arthur."

Arthur didn't see the smile on Roy's face as he looked at the both of them.

I hope you guys like it! I had to do some research to figure out what kind of gifts people would give each other back in the 1800's ha ha but I think I did ok!

Next chapter is New Years ;)