December 24th, 1000 Hours
"Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her king." Trina sang loudly with the Dolly Parton playing through the station.
Seth shook his head amused with her antics. She was looking through paperwork about Heyman while she sang. Everyone seemed in a good mood today, looking forward to leaving early for their holiday plans.
"You ready to give Steve his big surprise?" Seth asked her.
"I can't wait. Thank you again so much for helping out." Trina looked up and smiled.
"Any ideas what he got you?" Seth asked.
"I have no clue. He hasn't asked me what I want, he hasn't mentioned shopping. So he must be very sneaky." Trina smiled. "I will be happy with anything. I am just so happy to be able to spend Christmas with him."
"My parents are looking forward to my visit. It will be nice to spend time with them and mom is having a big dinner." Seth said.
John walked in and took off his jacket. "You will never believe what we found at Heyman's house."
"What now? I knew the sheriff wanted to look through there again. Steve was with you guys." Trina said.
"That playground…. he had the walls soundproofed." John said.
"You're kidding?" Seth asked.
"I wish. We found it when we were looking through there this morning." John sighed.
"Are you sure you should be working?" John asked.
"Oh I am fine. I am keeping my leg propped up. Everything is ready for Steve's surprise and this evening we are going to Christmas eve services and then having a big family dinner with everyone." She smiled.
"Can you have sex with those stitches in?" Seth asked making John choke on his coffee.
"What does it matter?" John asked.
"Well I am just curious, so many people feel romantic around the holidays. And you and Steve have been like rabbits since getting back together." Seth shrugged. "Oh like there are any secrets around here."
"Well if you must know, we can as long as we are careful not to rip my stitches. But we haven't since I got them. When did you become Naomi?" Trina rolled her eyes.
"You use me for girl talk so much I could menstruate." Seth chuckled.
"I'd like to see that. You have cramps and start bleeding and crying for no reason and you would flip out." She said.
"You two are worse than having kids." John groaned.
"I'll be home with bells on, I'll be home with bells on." Trina sang along with Dolly Parton.
"Can we stop the Dolly Parton marathon?" Seth asked.
"You leave my girl alone. And by the way, her movie is going to be on tomorrow night. You should watch it. It is great." She said.
"My wife wants to watch it. She has heard all about it in the media the past few weeks." John said.
"Oh hell, not this shit again." Seth said.
They followed his line of vision to see that Vince McMahon had walked into the station. They groaned wondering what he wanted now. Jerry walked out of his office and looked at his team before approaching McMahon.
"Good morning. How can I help you?" Jerry asked politely.
"First I want to thank you for arresting the man that killed Hunter and Stephanie. That is a big weight off my mind." Vince said.
"We are glad that we were able to get a killer off the streets. Paul Heyman hurt a lot of families." Jerry said.
"I want to talk to Paul Heyman." Vince said.
"You can't do that. You are not authorized and his attorney is not present." Jerry said.
"He murdered my child, brutally tortured and murder my daughter. I don't need more authorization than that." Vince glared.
"We understand how you feel…."
"You have no idea how I feel!" Vince yelled.
"We understand more than you think." Seth spoke up. "None of those victims were our family, but when you find someone murdered…. they become important to you. We hurt for those victims and become very attached to them."
"It is why so many officers have problems." John said.
"And our county requires we see a psychiatrist twice a year to talk things out and help us maintain peace of mind." Trina said.
"We might not have known those victims, but we cared about them just the same. Stephanie included." John said.
"He'll be arraigned the 26th. Why don't you go home and be with your family? We know the holiday is going to be difficult." Jerry said.
"I need to talk to him." Vince gritted.
"You can't. And even if you could, he is not talking much." Jerry said.
"When will I be able to talk to him?" Vince sighed.
"We don't know yet. We'll let you know when you can." Jerry said. "Again, we understand how difficult this must be. You should go be with your family now."
"You do that. I am calling the mayor." Vince said and walked out.
1200 Hours
"I believe in Santa Claus, I believe in Santa Claus. I believe love should prevail at any cost." Trina sang along with more Dolly Parton music playing in the station.
"Listen Mrs. Kringle, I am gonna go get Steve's surprise. I shouldn't be more than a few minutes." Seth said.
"Oh good, he will be here in just a few minutes. Thank you so much. I owe you huge." She smiled.
"Yeah, yeah…. Glad to play the part of elf." Seth chuckled and pulled on his coat.
"Seriously, I love you for this." She smiled again.
"You love me anyway." He laughed. "See you in a few."
Seth walked out of the station and Trina went back to finishing her paperwork and getting ready to leave for the holiday.
"Conley, shouldn't you be on your way out?" Jerry stepped out of his office.
"I will be as soon as Steve gets here to pick me up." She smiled.
"Thanks again for all the cookies. I may gain twenty pounds but it will be worth it." Jerry smiled.
"You're welcome. I am sorry you have to work this year." She said.
"I'm not. I am thrilled Heyman is off the streets. I am glad to watch him." Jerry said.
"Speaking of Heyman, he is subdued and still not speaking." John said as he walked in from taking lunch to their prisoner.
"Oh well, we got everything we need for now. We'll pick up investigation again after the holiday. I want my entire team to enjoy the holiday." Jerry said.
"You sure you don't want us to stop by and spend some time with you tomorrow?" John asked.
"No, I'll be fine. I'll call the kids. Watch some Christmas movies. It's fine." Jerry assured them.
"Well if you change your mind, give me and the Mrs. a call." John said.
"Is my lady ready to go enjoy the holiday?" Steve asked as he walked in.
"I am more than ready!" Trina smiled as he leaned down and kissed her.
"You ready to go? Gives us time to rest a bit today." Steve asked.
"In a few minutes, Seth had an errand to run. I want to wish him well before we go." She shrugged. "Church service is at 7 and dinner is 830ish. Naomi called and Jimmy's parents made it in just fine."
"Sounds like a great holiday. My girl, great friends, a big meal." Steve said.
"It will be great. I'm just sorry I am slightly immobile." She said.
"No, no, you don't apologize. I am just glad to have you safe and healing." He smiled.
"By the way, Naomi mentioned wanting to do breakfast tomorrow, so I volunteered to fix it." Trina winked.
"I'll help. Besides, it'll be nice to have the twins around. They've kinda adopted me since I got here." Steve chuckled. "Naomi sure Jimmy's parent's won't mind?"
"Oh no, they are great people. I have known them for years. Sweetest people you ever hoped to meet." Trina smiled.
"Heard from your boys?" Jerry asked.
"Not yet, I thought I would call them tonight. Everything has been so crazy with the prison visit, investigation, arresting Heyman, Trina being injured." Steve said. "I had to ask the twins to mail out their gifts for me things have been so busy."
"I'm sure they miss you." John said.
"I miss them. But when this case is finally over, I am going to see them." Steve said. "Any news from Coulter about Heyman wanting to talk?"
"I wish but he is being stubborn." Jerry said.
"Enough about him, it's the holidays! Jerry, you got some of that brandy around?" Trina asked.
"You can't drink; you are on painkillers." Steve said.
"I know that, but you guys can. I'll get wild with soda. We should share a nice drink." She smiled.
"Sure, why not? It'll keep John from getting into it the next time we have a call about Karen Angle." Jerry walked back into his office.
"Which knowing her, will be tomorrow morning when she sees what nice things the girlfriend got the kids." John groaned.
"You think?" Steve asked.
"Hell hath no fury like a bitch trying to drive away a rival." John said.
Jerry walked back out with a bottle of brandy, can of soda and a few glasses. He gave the soda to Trina and then poured the brandy for the men.
"A toast, to my wonderful team." Jerry said.
"To holidays with loved ones." Trina said.
"To remembering our blessings." Steve said.
"To a happy new year." John said.
They all took a few sips as Seth walked back in. "It is freezing out there, they are calling for more snow."
"Seth, you're just in time, join us in a drink." Steve said.
"Oh by the way Steve, you must've been good this year. Santa left you a hell of a present." Seth chuckled.
"What are you talking about?" Steve was confused.
Seth was playing on his cell phone as Jerry poured him a drink. "Santa left your gift early."
"He said you had been a very good boy this year." Trina winked at him.
"What are you two up to and how scared should I be?" Steve asked.
They heard the door jingle and looked up as Garrett and Steven walked into the station.
"Boys?" Steve was shocked.
"Surprise, Trina flew us in yesterday. Seth picked us up and we stayed with him overnight." Garrett said.
"You flew the boys in?" Steve looked at her.
She nodded. "Merry Christmas!"
"She made all the arrangements a few weeks ago and made us tell you we were staying with mom." Steven said.
"I almost told you the truth you were so upset they couldn't make it. I knew you couldn't go to them with this case. I wanted you to have Christmas with your boys." She smiled.
Steve was at a loss for words. "I…. thank you." He hugged her. "I love you so much."
"Love you too." She kissed him.
Steve stood up and walked over to hug his boys. "I am so glad you came."
"Trina called and offered to buy our plane tickets, and it sounded fun to surprise you." Steven said.
"This is like that coffee commercial where the son surprises his family and wakes them up with coffee and the mother is all 'Peter!'." Seth chuckled.
"Seth, thank you. I can't believe you two pulled this off." Steve said still hugging his kids.
"No problem. It was nice having company last night. They are good kids." Seth smiled.
"Who all knew about this?" Steve laughed.
"Everybody…. Naomi, the twins, the Davis officers, Seth's mom." Trina wiped her eyes, her emotions getting the better of her.
"I am just blown away. Trina…. I…. you don't know what this means to me." He went to hug her again.
"Seth what are you doing?" John asked.
"Videoing this on my phone. Naomi wanted to see it." Seth shrugged.
"Now the holiday can really begin. I know you are anxious to spend time with the boys." Trina said.
"But…you will need me…."
"The boys can stay at the farm. I planned on that anyway after I got stabbed." Trina said.
"That okay with you boys?" Steve asked, unsure of Steven's reaction.
"Sounds fine. Can't leave her alone with only one good leg. Seth explained what happened." Steven said.
"And don't worry, the twins didn't mail their gifts. They held onto them and you can pick them up tonight. Naomi has them." Trina chuckled.
"Do you ever get the feeling if those two women decide to plan something devious we're screwed?" Seth laughed.
1845 Hours
Steve helped Trina walk into the church sanctuary with Steven and Garrett following close behind them. The church was decorated with lines of poinsettias and two large lighted trees at the front of the church. Naomi, Jimmy, Jey and the twins' parents were already seated in a pew and had saved places for their friends.
"There you guys are. We have been waiting." Jey said.
"Had to slow down the driving. Snow is coming down harder out there." Steve said.
"Steve, you haven't met my parents yet. Our dad Fatu, mom Talisua." Jimmy said.
"Nice to meet you all. Heard a lot about you." Steve greeted them.
"We've heard all about you." Fatu said. "Trina, how's our other girl?"
"Moving, just slower than usual." She smiled. "So glad you guys made it in."
"And these are Steve's boys, Garrett and Steven." Jey introduced them.
"You guys make such a cute little family." Naomi smiled. "Seth sent me the video."
"You guys got me good. I was shocked when the boys walked in." Steve smiled. "A wonderful surprise."
Jimmy leaned over to Steve. "That lady really loves you."
Steve smiled. "I know."
"It is so good to have everyone together." Fatu said.
"It is nice. Old friends and new friends." Naomi smiled.
They all took their seats as some hymns began playing throughout the sanctuary. Steve sat proudly with Trina on one side of him and his sons on the other. He was very happy to be spending Christmas with his girlfriend and his sons. Fatu had a similar look on his face, very proud to be with his family.
As the preacher began speaking, Steve reached over and took Trina's hand. She worried about how Steven would react but didn't withdraw her hand. The choir sang a few Christmas songs and then the preacher told the story of the first Christmas from the gospel of Luke. Everyone was in good spirits and listened closely, enjoying being together.
At the end of the service, everyone lit candles and the lights of the building were turned off. The sanctuary was lit up by the lighted candles as everyone sang 'Silent Night'. Trina had to lean on Steve a bit, but he just smiled and wrapped his arm around her.
The service ended and the lights came back up in the sanctuary. Steve helped Trina with her coat and crutches while the ladies discussed the last touches of the dinner they were going to have at Jimmy and Naomi's home.
"Trina have any clue what you got her for Christmas?" Jey whispered to Steve.
"None. She hasn't asked either. I am not sure if it is because we have been so busy or what." Steve said.
"She is going to love it. Naomi saw it and loved it." Jey said.
"I hope so." Steve smiled. "Baby, you ready to go?"
Trina looked over at him. "Yeah, we'll meet everyone at the house."
"Come on, I'll pull the truck to the door for you. I don't want you trying that snow in the parking lot on crutches." Steve said.
2030 Hours
Steve helped Trina into the house while the boys carried the dishes of food that Trina had prepared. As they walked in, Naomi and Jimmy's house was all lit up with decorations; their tree, wreaths and garland. There was Christmas music playing and the men had drinks. As they walked in, Jimmy came in from another room with an office chair.
"It's Trina's wheelchair!" he laughed.
"That is funny, but it will work." Trina laughed as she sat down.
"Come on guys, I will show you to the kitchen." Jimmy told the boys.
Trina watched as the boys followed Jimmy into the kitchen. She looked up at Steve. "Are you sure that we should be so… open with affection in front of your boys?"
"Yes, it is fine. I've talked to Steven; he understands that what we have is real. He is coming around." Steve assured her. "You trust me this time?"
"Yes." She smiled. "I just want both boys to enjoy their holiday."
"They are. Garrett is so happy to be here." He kissed her forehead. "Now go finish that ham glaze before the twins get on the naughty list."
Trina used her good leg to roll the chair into the kitchen where Naomi was busy at the stove.
"So what do you need help with in here?" Trina asked.
"Just make that glaze of yours. Seth texted that he is annoyed he won't get some of it." Naomi chuckled.
Trina pulled herself up at the stove and began opening the cans of crushed pineapple that she would need.
"So how is it going with the boys?" Naomi asked.
"So far so good. Steven has been very polite, but still seems unsure. But Garrett is thrilled to be here. He has been talkative and happy all day." Trina answered.
"I am sure that everything will go fine with Steven. After all he called you and told you to make up with Steve." Naomi said.
"I hope so. I really want Steve to enjoy every minute with his boys." She said.
"What time do you want us over for breakfast in the morning?" Naomi asked.
"I was thinking 9am would be good. Give me a chance to fix a nice breakfast and be dressed and presentable." Trina said.
Trina and Naomi finished preparing the meal while the others relaxed and talked in the family room. Naomi began setting the table while Trina went to join the others. As she wheeled herself back into the room she found Fatu and Steve laughing while looking at a picture.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Garrett showed us this picture he carries." Steve handed her the photo.
It was a picture of a blonde man holding a baby. She looked at the picture.
"Who is this?" she asked.
"That's me holding Garrett when he was a baby." Steve said.
"You? What's with the blonde hair?" she laughed.
"I was working undercover at the time and had it dyed." Steve shrugged.
She laughed more. "Blonde spiky hair with a rat tail."
"It was the early 90s, everyone looked that way." Steve said.
"And what is with those bright orange pants? Were you moonlighting as a traffic cone?" she laughed more.
"It was the style of the time." He said.
"Oh this is so funny. You look so different." She handed him back the photo. "But a very sweet picture of you with Garrett."
"Hard to believe he is so grown up." Steve said.
"Naomi, you gotta see this. Steve used to be a bleach blonde with a rat tail." Trina called to her.
"Will you let it go?" Steve rolled his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I just never knew you looked like that." She kissed him as Naomi walked in.
"What is all the fuss?" Naomi asked.
"Look at Steve when Garrett was a baby." Trina chuckled.
Naomi peered over Steve's shoulder and looked at the picture. She began chuckling. "Oh that is so funny. You look like a back-up dancer for Vanilla Ice."
"I think he looks adorable…. but funny." Trina laughed again.
"Remember when we were in high school and John Cena went through that Vanilla Ice phase?" Jey asked.
"The commissioner?" Steve asked.
"Oh yeah…. what was that stupid nickname he gave himself?" Jey chuckled.
"Dinner is waiting on the table, let's go everyone." Naomi said.
"The Doctor of Thuganomics." Trina laughed as she moved herself into the dining room.
"That's right. He wore that stupid chain and tried rapping." Jimmy shook his head.
"And this is the same guy with the girlfriend constantly crying because he won't marry her but she won't leave him because he is her meal ticket?" Steve helped Trina into a chair at the table.
"The same." Jey laughed.
"He was so dumb. A white kid, in a rural area, from a good family and a safe neighborhood. He was about as thug as a grandma." Trina said.
"Dad, would you say grace for us?" Jimmy asked.
They joined hands as Fatu said grace for the meal. When he finished everyone began passing plates around. There was a large turkey and ham, green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and a few pies for dessert. Everyone was filled their plate with a large meal while Naomi passed drinks around.
"So Trina, Naomi tells us you were talking silly at the hospital." Fatu chuckled.
"So Seth keeps telling me. I don't remember any of it." She laughed.
"Oh honey, you thought Seth was having a baby." Steve said.
"I did? I guess that is because Seth mentioned something about naming a kid after him." She shrugged.
"And you kept insisting one of the nurses was a lesbian." Naomi laughed. "She got confused about her heart monitor."
"Which nurse was this?" Jey asked.
"I don't know her, but I heard the others call her BB." Trina said.
"I wish I had seen this. It sounds hilarious." Jimmy said.
"I am just glad that I was able to get out and somewhat mobile in time for the holidays." She smiled.
"And I am so glad to have my sons here." Steve said.
"We're blessed. It has been a rough year and we made it." Jimmy said.
"Thank goodness for that. Both my kids safe." Mrs. Uso said.
"We are blessed. A lot of people don't have loved ones to share the holidays with." Fatu said.
2330 Hours
"Trina, you need any help in there?" Steve called into the bathroom.
"I am okay." She chuckled as she washed her hands.
"Can I come in anyway?" Steve opened the door, smiling big.
"You got a golden showers fetish I don't know about?" she raised an eyebrow.
"I heard the water in the sink. I knew you were done." He shrugged.
"I think you got a little too excited helping me change into my pajamas." She laughed. "And it wasn't even needed."
"Maybe I just like pampering you."
"Maybe you just use any excuse to see me half naked." She laughed again.
"I admit nothing." He winked.
She looked at him. "Are you sure you should sleep in here with me? I don't want the boys to feel uncomfortable."
"Baby, they are fine. I told them that I needed to be close to you in case you needed help during the night. Besides, they know we sleep together." He assured her.
"Okay if you are sure." Trina said as she slowly used her crutches to walk out of the bathroom.
"Did you have a good time tonight?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, church and a big family dinner with everyone…. probably the best Christmas eve I have had since my parents died." She said as she carefully slid into bed.
"I can't thank you enough for flying the boys out here." He slid in next to her.
"Seeing you so happy is thanks enough." She curled up against him.
"No I really mean it. You went to a lot of trouble for me. You know how important my boys are to me. You are really special." He kissed her.
"I love you. I just want you to be happy." Trina played with his hair.
"You make me happy. You make me very happy."
December 25th, 0800 Hours
Steve walked into the bedroom and saw that Trina was still asleep. He sat down on the edge of the bed. He gently stroked her cheek, smiling as her eyes fluttered open.
"Merry Christmas beautiful." Steve said.
"Merry Christmas." She smiled. "What time is it?"
"About 8. I got the coffee started." Steve said.
"The boys okay?"
"The boys are fine. Steven is in the shower and Garrett went to feed Daniel." Steve said. "We got quite a bit of snow overnight. This is my first white Christmas."
"I need to get dressed and get started on breakfast." She carefully pulled herself up.
"I came up to help you. You need to change your dressing." He helped her stand.
"You spoil me." She chuckled. "Come on, everyone will be here in an hour."
Steve helped her change the dressing covering her stitches. He checked for any signs of infection but saw that everything looked good. Once she was dressed, he helped her down the stairs where Steven was sitting in the living room watching 'Home Alone'.
"Good morning, you sleep okay?" Trina greeted him.
"Garrett snores." Steven shrugged.
"I am gonna start on breakfast. Can I get you some coffee in the meantime?" she asked.
"Sure, but I'll get it. You should rest your leg as much as you can." Steven followed them into the kitchen.
Trina looked out the window to see Garrett on the porch playing with the cats. She smiled as she began getting pots and pans out.
"What do you need out of the fridge?" Steve asked.
"Get me the eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits. Check the cupboard and see if I have any grits." She said.
Steve began digging through the fridge to get out what Trina had asked for. The door opened and Garrett walked in.
"How's Daniel?" she asked.
"He's very friendly. I thought he would be skittish but no, he was acted like he'd known me forever." Garrett chuckled as he shrugged out of his coat.
"No wonder, that goat is spoiled. And over the past few months a lot of people has taken care of him, Trina, me, Seth, people at the animal clinic." Steve laughed.
"I like the little hut you built him. It is cute." Garrett said.
"This summer we hope to get the barn built again." Trina said.
"What did they do to the guy that burned the old one?" Steven asked.
"He made a deal with the DA and is going to testify against the guy that hired him. They are both in jail awaiting trial." Trina said.
Trina went about making breakfast while Steve kept a close eye on her, worried she might hurt her leg but knowing that arguing with her would be pointless. The boys went back to watching the movie in the living room. Jack watched her waiting for her to drop something, while Wonder stuck close to him.
"How's the leg?" Steve checked on her.
"Throbbing a little but nothing too severe." Trina said. "I'm fine."
"After breakfast I want you to rest for a while. I'll tie you up if I have to." He winked.
"Sounds kinky, what are you gonna do with the boys?" Trina giggled.
Steve laughed as Jack began barking indicating that their guests had arrived. Steve went to the front door to let them in. A few minutes later Naomi came into the kitchen carrying a large platter of cinnamon rolls.
"Ho ho ho! Smells great in here." Naomi smiled.
"Everything is just about ready. Where is everyone else?" she looked around.
"Jimmy's parents are in the living room with Steve and the boys. The twins are outside puttering around with something." She shrugged. "Need any help?"
"Just set the table, the food is just about ready." Trina said. "I am glad you could make it."
"It is a nice way to do the holidays, and it's easier sharing the cooking." Naomi smiled. "By the way, the boys are taking bets on Karen Angle making a fuss and getting arrested today."
"I would hope she could behave on Christmas for the sake of her kids." Trina rolled her eyes.
"Who knows? Wait until you see the diamond bracelet Fatu got his wife. He surprised her with it early this morning. It is beautiful." Naomi set plates on the table.
"That is so sweet. It is just adorable how much they love each other after all these years." Trina began placing food on the table.
Jimmy and Jey walked into the kitchen, still wearing their coats.
"Trina, have you been outside today?" Jey asked.
"No, Garrett fed the animals. Why?"
"Santa left you something outside." Jimmy smiled.
"Huh?"
"Santa left you a present outside." Jimmy repeated. "You must've been really good this year."
"Now we know that ain't true, we see the smile on Steve's face." Jey laughed.
"And Seth swears she sex glows." Jimmy chuckled.
"What are you two talking about? There is something for me outside? You're sure?" Trina started towards the living room.
"Yeah, you should check it out before Santa realizes how naughty you really can be." Jey wiggled his eyebrows.
"Steve, the guys said there is something outside I need to see, where are my shoes?" she asked.
Trina sat down and quickly pulled on a pair of shoes, not noticing that Naomi had got out her cell phone and was recording things.
"You want a coat?" Jey asked.
"No, I just need to see what you two are carrying on about." She grabbed her crutches and started out the door. "This better not be a prank."
Trina walked out onto the porch and stopped dead in her tracks. Steve come up beside her watching her reaction while Naomi came out still recording everything on her phone. In the yard, with a large red bow on the handles was a brand new pink camouflage four-wheeler. She looked up at Steve, eyes wide.
"You like it?" he smiled.
"You….I…." she was stunned.
"Merry Christmas. It's got four-wheel drive and a winch on the front." Steve told her.
"It's beautiful! I love it!" she practically yelled and hugged him. "How did you get it here?"
"Couple of twin elves helped me out. You know hiding it, bringing it over this morning." Steve chuckled.
"It is gorgeous!" she yelled and tossed down her crutches as she limped out into the yard.
"You're gonna hurt yourself." Steve shook his head fondly as she ran her hand over it.
"I think she likes it." Jimmy chuckled.
"I'm glad. Look how happy she is." Steve smiled.
"Baby, where did you find it? Nice large storage racks. Extended seat." She was nearly bouncing up and down.
"You gonna be that sweet to me when you are Steve's age?" Naomi chuckled.
"Of course, I got mad game." Jimmy kissed her cheek.
"By the way, I need your help with something." Steve whispered to Jimmy.
Jimmy looked at him and chuckled. "Sure thing, you just say when."
"Breakfast is gonna get cold." Jey said.
"Quit thinking with your stomach." Fatu laughed. "Steve, you did good."
"You need your crutches, you don't wanna rip your stitches." Steve called to her.
She limped back onto the porch and threw her arms around him, kissing him soundly. "Thank you. I love it!" she kissed him again.
"Now I see what Seth means about those two being like a Lifetime movie." Jey chuckled.
"Oh behave and let her enjoy it." His mother said.
"Okay everyone, breakfast is ready." Trina smiled, still hugging Steve.
"I gotta send this video to Seth." Naomi tapped on her phone.
"Seth knew about this?" Trina chuckled as Steve handed her the crutches.
"Of course, he's part of this crazy circle too." Steve said.
"That little devil never let on and even asked me if I knew what you had got me." Trina chuckled.
"You guys got an awesome dad." Jey nudged the boys.
"It is good that he is so happy. And I suppose he could've found a lot worse girlfriends." Steven said.
"I know you weren't sure about her, but they are good for each other." Jey told him. "Come on, I'm starving." They walked back in the house.
2300 Hours
Steve and Trina were curled up on the couch watching reruns of old TV shows that were airing their Christmas episodes on one of those retro stations. They had enjoyed a full Christmas day with the boys. Breakfast with their friends, opening gifts in the afternoon with a huge family dinner. They had watched a few Christmas movies in the evening. The boys had called their mother to speak to her for Christmas.
"Did you have a good Christmas?" she asked Steve as they watched a Christmas episode of MASH.
"Best Christmas I have had in a long time." He smiled down at her. "Everyone was in good spirits, lots of food, lots of loved ones…couldn't ask for more."
"I feel the same way. Don't get me wrong, my friends always helped me have nice holidays in the past since my folks died. But this year, having you and the boys here…. felt like I had a family again." She said.
"You know you are like family to me." He kissed her forehead.
"I know. And I am glad that the boys seem to be having a good time. Steven loves his new tablet." Trina chuckled.
"And I think Garrett is gonna steal the watch you bought me." Steve laughed.
"I like the stealth kit that the boys got you. Makes you like a real life MacGyver." She chuckled.
"I will be two months figuring out how to use some of the stuff in there." He said. "And the twins getting me a grill was a real surprise."
"I think they were just looking for an easy way to have cookouts and guys' nights."
"You and Naomi bought each other enough Bath and Body Works to keep them in business for the next six months." He laughed.
"Jimmy got her a gift certificate for some deluxe spa experience. She is so excited." She chuckled as her cell phone went off.
"Who is it?"
She picked up her phone and read her text message. "It's from Seth. Apparently his mom watched the Dolly Parton movie and cried."
They looked up as Steven walked into the room. "Am I interrupting?"
"No, come on in. A Christmas episode of 'Family Ties' is about to start." Steve smiled.
"I think I had too much caffeine today. I feel restless." He sat down in the easy chair.
"You boys playing with your new electronics reminded me of when you were little and would spend all day playing with your new toys." Steve said.
"Yeah, seems like we wouldn't fight on Christmas. We'd share toys and behave." Steven agreed.
"And the next day you two would be back to fighting as usual." Steve laughed.
"Did they fight a lot as kids?" Trina asked.
"It was like the UFC around the house some days." Steve laughed.
"We weren't that bad."
"Yes you were. Remember the toy robot you threw at Garrett? And how about when he glued your baseball cards together? Don't get me started on when you two put a hole in the wall."
"They put a hole in the wall?" Trina asked.
"Oh yeah. I get home from work, both boys are standing in different corners of the house. Their mother meets me at the door telling me what they did. Apparently they were fighting and hit the wall and made a hole in the drywall." Steve laughed. "They were grounded for a month."
"That sounds like kids. You two were so cute when you were little." Trina told Steven.
"You've seen pictures?"
"Of course, your dad talks about you two a lot. And he is very proud of you. I have seen lots of pictures of you two." She explained.
"And you don't mind looking at tons of old photos?"
"No, you're Steve's children. And I enjoy the stories he tells. A big part of what I love about him is how much he loves his family." She smiled.
Steven looked at her as if he was thinking. "I should get to bed; it is getting late. Hopefully Garrett won't snore as much tonight."
"Let us know if you need anything." Steve said.
Steven nodded and stood up. "Goodnight."
Author's Note- Got on a roll and got another chapter finished. Thank you for all the feedback on the last chapter. Readers that review help keep authors inspired and working. Paisley2 (You were right on point with the surprise. More coming soon.) jcott3 (I love how you keep track of victims and evidence. Next chapter will have more on the case, this was a fluff chapter. And so many readers keep bringing up a certain person that I have ideas for a third story.) Batistasprincess (One of your guesses was correct. Glad that some readers caught onto the surprise being planned.) Carlyrosanna83 (A good guess. Steve is the detective, but don't worry…something is coming.)