Author: Raven Shadowrose

Title: Epiphany

Rating: T

Pairing: Jeff/Dixie

Summary: Jeff and Dixie think about their feelings

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Casualty, any original characters and this story are my property and I do not give permission for anyone else to use this story.

Author's Note: Thanks again to Beethoven RIP, and chan. nelson4444 for your comments and PMs regarding this story, Dixie's go this time, I quite like this chapter :)


Chapter Twenty-Six... Dixie.

Tamzin appeared right on time to pick me up, she's taken me to some sort of salon, I'm not usually one for being pampered but when Jeff organised that day for me for our anniversary I found myself liking it. It does seem a bit much for a party but maybe I deserve some time out. The minute we arrived we were settled in chairs and given cups of tea. 'What are we having done?'

'A facial, manicure and pedicure and then we'll have our hair washed and styled, you're going to have yours dyed as well.'

'This is going to cost a fortune.'

'Don't worry, Jeff has paid for yours, he said he wanted to treat you.'

'He did?'

'Yep, I'd enjoy it if I were you.'

'Do you do this all the time?'

'Every chance I get, we have a stressful job, sometimes we deserve to relax. Especially you, you're in charge, it must be difficult.'

'It can be, I love my job though and it's worth it.'

'You're a lucky woman Dixie, having someone like Jeff.'

'I know I am.'

'Did you ever think when you married him that you would end up staying together?'

'No, I had a very clear idea of who I was, having a relationship with a man didn't come into it.'

'What changed?'

'I slowly realised that I was in love with him. He drives me insane at times and I've lost count of the times that we've argued but I can't imagine my life without him.'

'A few days ago I said to Jeff that you and him represent everything I want in this world. You're so lucky to have found each other.'

'Tamzin, is everything all right?'

'I'm just being sentimental, ignore me.'

'No, come on, what's wrong?'

'I just feel lonely at times, none of my relationships have ever worked out.'

'Don't rush it Tamzin, you're still young. Be picky, you're special and you deserve someone special too.'

'Thanks Dixie.'

'I mean it, you'll meet someone one day and everything will click into place.' Tamzin smiled, it still looked a little forced, I will watch out for her for a few days.

I am currently being pampered to within an inch of my life, my hair has been cut and dried and I'm waiting for the dye to work. I've had more lotions and potions on my face than I know what to do with and my nails are being painted. Tamzin might be right about this pampering business, I really should do things like this more often, I feel very blissed out and relaxed. I had no idea that Tamzin was feeling lonely, surrounding her with people is not a good idea, she needs someone she can rely on. I need to think of something or someone, she's a lovely girl, now I just need to find her someone equally lovely to match. I'm not going to tell her for now, just in case I don't find anyone worthy. Maybe Fletch, he's a nice guy, he'll treat her right. I can see why Jeff likes to play matchmaker, I bet it feels satisfying when the two people you're getting together work out.

Shopping, other women seem to love it, I hate it, I only go when I have to. Tamzin seems intent on going though, she says we have to buy new outfits for the party. I'm indulging her to try and make her feel better. 'Dixie, I've got something for you.' She was holding out a royal blue dress that looked quite short. 'You're joking, I can't wear that.'

'Just try it on, then tell me what you think.'

'Okay, but just so we're clear, if I don't like it then I'm putting it back.'

'Absolutely, you're the boss.' I took the dress into the changing room and slipped it on, it was longer at the back and the front rested just above my knees. 'Dixie, come out, I want to have a look.' I opened the door and went out to where Tamzin was waiting.

'I can't wear this.'

'Why not?'

'It shows my legs.'

'Dixie, you've got great legs. The dress suits you, it really brings out your eyes.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes, you look beautiful. Jeff's eyes will pop out of his head when he sees you.'

'I hope not, he needs them.' Tamzin laughed. 'What's so funny?'

'I have a weird mental image of Jeff without his eyes and bumping into doors and people.'

'You have quite the imagination.'

'I do. I want you to try these on too.' Tamzin handed me a pair of blue shoes with a small heel and a rose above the toes.

'Heels as well, I'm really out of my comfort zone now.'

'It is good for you. They're only small heels. What do you think?' I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I didn't know what to think, would Jeff think that I am overdressed?

'I think I look okay.'

'Just okay? Dixie, you look amazing.'

'Thank you Tamzin.'

'I mean it.' I hugged Tamzin, I wonder what she is going to all this trouble for, it seems a lot of preparation for a party.

Tamzin picked out a dress and shoes for herself, she looks fantastic in anything, I am quite envious. How someone as beautiful as Tamzin is still by herself I will never know. We took Tamzin's car back to her house and started to get ready for the party. Something is going on, something that I can't quite put my finger on. Tamzin keeps on getting text messages from people, she replies quickly and I know that she is trying to keep me from seeing. We've had a bit to eat and Tamzin is straightening my hair. 'You should keep your hair long Dixie.'

'I think I will have to tie it up soon.'

'It really does suit you. Have you ever thought of being a colour other than blonde?'

'Not really, I like it this colour.'

'As long as you like it. Are you going to do your own make up?'

'Yes, you need to get ready too. Go on, I can do the rest myself.'

'All right, I won't be long.' Tamzin seems quite comfortable with me sharing her room to get ready in, I wonder how long she has been without company.

I checked my make up in the mirror and adjusted the locket that Jeff had bought me for our anniversary. 'Dixie, are you ready?' Tamzin came into the room, her make up freshly done and in the red dress that she had bought earlier.

'Wow, look at you.'

'Do you like it, I can change.'

'No, you look lovely. If I wasn't with Jeff and you weren't straight then I would be happy to have you as my girlfriend.' Tamzin blushed. 'Sorry, I've embarrassed you.'

'No, I know you meant it as a compliment. Thank you.'

'You're welcome, come on, I believe we have a party to go to.' I linked arms with Tamzin and we went to her car.

We pulled up outside the house, most of it was in darkness, now I really am suspicious, for a party it is very quiet. Tamzin locked the car and we walked towards the house. 'Come on Tamzin, the house in almost complete darkness and you keep me out of the way all day. What is going on?'

'We've organised something for you, something that you deserve. Jeff will explain more.' Tamzin opened the door and Jeff was stood there wearing a suit with a tie. I looked at them both, just what have they been up to?

'Okay, now I really know something is going on. Jeff, you never wear a suit with a tie. Does one of you want to tell me what is going on?' Jeff looks like he is searching for words.

'You look beautiful my love.'

'Thank you, you do look handsome in your suit but I want to know what is going on.'

'Look out there.' I looked out to see lots of people sat down and waiting for something.

'What are all those people doing out there sat down? It doesn't look like much of a party.'

'That's because it isn't. All of our friends are outside and they are waiting for us. The party was just a cover, this night is for us to renew our wedding vows. I want them all to know how much I love you, I want you to know how much you mean to me.' I just stared at Jeff, I couldn't believe it, how had they managed to keep this from me?

I felt a tear run down my face, the idea was so beautiful, I loved it. 'Oh my love, come here.' Jeff hugged me tightly. 'I love you so much. Are you mad at me?' I shook my head, I am struggling to find words right now.

'You did all this?'

'With a little help from our friends, everyone has pulled together to make this happen.'

'I can't believe it.'

'Believe it princess.' Jeff turned to Tamzin. 'You are a very sneaky woman, bringing my kids here.' Jeff's kids are here? So that's why Tamzin had been asking about Jeff's ex wife, he's right, she is a sneaky woman.

'I know, are you happy?'

'Very, I want to know how you did it later.'

'I'll tell you everything, I promise. Are we going ahead?'

'Dixie, it is all up to you. Do you want to do this?' Jeff looked nervous, I can't keep him waiting, it is too mean.

'Let's do it, Mr Collier.'

'Give me a minute,' Tamzin said. 'When you hear the music start then you can come in.' Tamzin left us and Jeff held his arm out to me.

'Come on princess.' I slipped my arm through Jeff's and held onto it, the music started and I let Jeff guide me out into the garden.