Thanks so much for the reviews and new likes! So pumped and inspired and able to get another chapter out pretty fast. Don't know if the next one will be like that since I have lots of work to do, but enjoy this one and please continue to review.

So this is Christmas

Burkhart Mansion. Saturday, December 22.

Having yesterday off work had been nice. Peter helped her get presents wrapped, watch Maddy, finish decorating the tree and frost cookies while the baby slept. He was really sweet with our baby. Foster baby... temporarily. She clears those meandering thoughts and worries about the conversation she needs to have. She breathes and wonders if this is the right idea. He was a lot more himself by the end of the day and they were able to smile while watching reruns of Gilligan's island, eating Peter's grilled chicken and Jackie's salad. She doesn't want to ruin things when he's been through so much in the past couple of days. Maddy gurgles in the playpen they have in the living and Jackie smiles as she gets the last of the presents and cookies ready on the table. Better have everything ready so there'll be enough time to talk and go to the party. Will he even want to go with her after she brings this up? She stands and stomps her foot then hears the door. And there he is, with his sunshine hair and trusting eyes.

"Hey."

"Hi."

He sees all her work and smiles at her. "Let me shower and we can finish getting things ready. Did you finish the cookies at the Formans?" He asks as he kneels by the playpen and shakes Maddy's hand using just one finger. The baby gives him a big gummy smile.

"Yeah, we did." He smiles at her and heads towards the stairs. "Wait. I… we need to talk."

"Okay." Jackie fidgets with her hands. "What's wrong, you look nervous?"

"Russ came to see me."

"Typical. He promises our uncle and Leah not to come to this house or go near the bar while I'm there, but shows up anyway."

"He didn't." She can tell he's getting mad but trying to keep it in. "He came to the Formans."

"Great. Way to keep the worst of our family issues in the family."

"I don't think he meant to hurt you."

"He never does."

"He said-"

"He's sorry." She nods and is ready to explain, but he continues. "And the war really messed him up so he used the drugs because they were the only thing that made it stop, right?"

"Peter -"

"Did he tell you about the sounds of bullets, the smell of blood and death in the humid air, going to sleep in a hot tent not knowing if he'd wake up the next day. Or meeting a nice Vietnamese woman who took care of the wounded men in his camp. Then watching her run off into the jungle months later with hate in her eyes and get blown into nothing when she stepped on a mine. Then realizing she'd been forced to work for them after their doctor died in one of the many crossfires." She looks at him speechless and with watery eyes. They share an awkward silence as he stares at her sorrowful expression and feels like crap. "That was nasty of me. I shouldn't have unloaded that on you. I'm so sorry."

"No, it's good to know."

"No, it's not. Jackie, this stuff with Russ, it's not good to hear or focus on. Look, he came back from the war a couple of months after I started dating Monica. He looked okay but was always tired and… nothing like my rebellious strong brother who would take on the world for me. I wanted my brother back and fought like hell for that. I used to sit with him after he was high or freaking out. I listened and tried to understand and talk to him after his episodes, about what he said, about mom and dad, everything. The war stories... the details and the hunted look in his eyes when he says things… it messes with your head. That's why I used to defend him, support him, be there for him… and one of the big reasons I needed Dr. Falco after Mon was gone." She takes his hand and squeezes it gently. Then she just looks at him and caresses his hand with her thumb. "She was my good place. When things got hard, I would go see her and forget his stories, his pain, and everything else. I played music and laughed and didn't think about his issues and how much I missed him."

"But he was there."

"No. The war took the Russ I used to know. And then the new him took my good place from me."

"And he knows that." They sit on the couch. "Peter, he didn't tell me too much about the war. First, he listened to me and I got on his case. I made sure he knows how much he hurt you and how much I don't want to put Maddy at risk and have him hurt her again and how I am more than ready to kick his shins until next year if I need to. And I asked him if he realizes that what happened when you found him with Fez is his fault."

"Jackie."

"No. I know you blame yourself for going crazy. But like you said… he took your good place away… without good reason because it's not like he was in love with her. And he admitted that."

"That's great."

She looks at him confused.

"I'm being sarcastic."

"No, you're being kind of an asshole. Now listen. He admitted that it was his fault. That he could have gone to therapy like we have been doing or to the VA or admitted that he's gay at least to himself. He knows he screwed up and wants to fix things… for Maddy."

"No way."

"Peter, he's her father."

"Exactly. He should have protected her and look at what he's done."

"He knows that too. He admits he messed things up."

"Jackie, look at me. I'm a mess in part because of him. I am not going to let him do this to her."

"Neither am I."

"Then why are you asking me to forgive him?"

"I'm not. I just want you to listen to what I think about this." He looks unsure. "And trust me, please."

"Okay."

"I know your brother messed up. I know we shouldn't trust him, especially not with Maddy. But I also know what it's like to feel unwanted. You might be able to relate but you don't really know because your parents loved you. You lost them, but you know that they cared about you."

"Tiny, you're not alone anymore."

"I know. But I still have that feeling that no matter what I accomplish, how pretty I look or how hard I try, I'm never good enough. I don't want that for her." He looks confused. "Peter, what do you think Maddy will think if she grows up without her real parents? You can't hide that you're only her uncle. And I love her, but I'm not related to her and this marriage is not real. What's going to happen if you meet someone and want to start your own life?"

"Jackie -"

"Don't. I know we're doing our best and this works right now, but we have to think about the future."

"And what do you think the future is like?"

She lets out a cynical laugh. "I can't believe I'm going to say this but… I don't know. I know we'll go to Virginia and take Maddy with us and make the best of things, but beyond that, I don't have a clue. Do you?"

"Not really."

"And that's the problem. She needs a future that's stable and permanent. She needs a parent."

"Yes, but her parents are addicts who can't or won't take care of her."

"I know, but your brother wants to change that."

"Do you really believe him?"

"I believe that we need to let him try." He sighs. "I'm not just saying that. Look, when I started talking to Russel I was determined to protect you and Maddy and keep him as far away as possible. But then he told me about that feeling... the feeling you have about being an orphan and even if you have more family how you always feel like you're missing out on the real thing. Or even worse..." She feels like crying, but takes a deep breath.

He rubs her hand. "Like you're a lonely girl being taken care of by people who are not the ones that should care the most. I get it, Jackie."

She nods. "I don't want her to wonder if her parents cared. There's nothing we can do about your ex being gone, but your brother… If he messes everything up again at least we can someday explain that he cared enough to ask for a chance and try to make things right even with all his issues. We need to at least be able to say that he tried."

"What did he promise you?"

"He told me he's interviewing for a new job at the Johnson's factory and getting help from the VA and AA. He just wants to see her. We don't have to give him custody or anything like that anytime soon."

"Good." His acceptance of her thoughts about this situation makes her smile. "Stop it. Be glad you got what you wanted and don't gloat."

"I'm not gloating! Just happy that you listened to me and got my point."

He looks at her with sincerity in his eyes. "Jackie, I might be an idiot sometimes and I won't always agree with you or go with your ideas, but will always listen to you."

She smiles big. "Thank you."

"No. Thank you... What about Fez?"

"Okay so are you like still super mad about finding them or…" she says, looking like a high schooler ready to burst.

"It's not about that and you know it. Now gossip like a good cheerleader."

"I'm gonna take that as a compliment. So our talk was really serious and I'm not kidding about telling him off, but when he talked about Fez… it was so romantic. He said it was love at first sight. But he would be willing to end it if he needed to for Maddy, which makes me think he's serious about changing." She goes off on that tangent for a bit and then they agree to get ready for the party and talk more about this another day.

Later that evening. LOPPs Christmas party.

He looks around and can't help a grin as he watches Jackie checking on decorations, placing name cards on tables, and practically bouncing about the party. He walks at her side, holding Maddy against his chest. He notices Hyde watching her and for some reason, it pisses him off. He thinks about walking towards where he and Eric are but then gets distracted by Jackie.

"Well Pam, this table is for LOPPs only. I believe your name is in that one."

"The SLOPPs table?"

Jackie gives her a fake smile. "Unless you have anything to announce, like an actual boyfriend?"

"I have-"

"Not someone else's boyfriend that you're sleeping with, but a real boyfriend."

The Pam girl looks pissed. "At least I didn't get dumped for a stripper."

"Neither did she. Her and Hyde were already broken up. I know, as her husband and all."

"You heard it," Jackie says with a smile of superiority.

"Umh!" she answers and walks to the SLOPPs table in a huff.

Jackie keeps the smile on her face. "That's always gonna be there, isn't it?"

"Probably, but don't let it get to you."

"Thanks… for this, being here."

"Well, I am your husband. Where else would a good husband be?"

"You're a good husband now?"

"I'm the good husband."

She laughs slightly. "How did you know she would be mad seeing my husband get in her face and stand up for me?"

"Tiny, I used to defend Russell from people who looked down on him. Defending you, way easier."

"Lucky me." She smiles and then continues the rounds to make sure everything goes exactly as planned. The next things he knows Kitty is getting him to hand Maddy over and this Patty lady looks murderous despite her smile as Kitty shares how nice it is to have a wonderful growing family to help put the party together in no time. Jackie adds her two cents saying nothing would be this great without Mrs. Forman and of course the classiness she added herself.

"Pete."

"Hey Leelee."

"Fine, no cousin names." He smiles at her. "So… how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"Little cousin."

"We're at a party. Drop it."

"Okay. But you have to talk to someone."

"I have."

"I'm not talking about your barely go over the basics talks with uncle Henry."

"Neither am I. Now knock it off."

"Jackie," she says with a smile. "You're talking to your wifey wifey."

"Shut up."

""You're blushing. Baby Mercer is so cute."

"Get bent or I'll start calling you cougar cousin."

"Now you're just being mean."

"Actually, I've been meaning to tell you to be careful."

"He's not Alex."

"Yeah, I doubt anyone is as big of an asshole as Alexander I'm too rich to care about you peasants Fitzgerald. But Jackie's exes are not exactly prizes for decent women."

"He's working on it and Felix adores him and I… You know he takes care of his daughter without his baby mama practically blackmailing him into seeing his own child for Christmas. Beggars can't be choosers."

"Fair. But you know Zilla and I will still have the 'if you hurt her we'll kill you' talk with him before he goes back to Chicago. And after the latest Russ disaster and seeing his face, your Mickey might get scared enough to run for the hills."

She smiles. "I love you too. But this is a man who has fallen off a water tower and put rockets on his clothes. I don't think you'll make him run. But if he does I'll recruit Jackie, hunt him down and make him pay myself. Trust me, us girls can come up with much better than a broken face."

"Nice."

"Time for presents!" they hear Mrs. Forman announce after giving him Maddy back. She and Jackie distribute presents giddily. Then Mrs. Forman gets one for Maddy and starts snapping away with a camera as he helps the baby open it and Jackie hovers and coos over them. They pose for what Mrs. Forman calls their family picture and they smile but he sees a certain sadness in Jackie's eyes.

"Mrs. Forman, could you watch Maddy for a little while?"

"Of course. Come here little one."

He hands her the baby and takes Jackie's hand. "Come with me." They leave the party area. Once they're away by the coat racks, he asks, "How are you?"

"I'm fine."

"And…"

She takes a breath. "And holding a baby while seeing Steven at the party just reminded me. I've been able to avoid thinking about last year all night, but then..." She sighs.

"I won't say I get it but I'm sorry, tiny," Peter says, and pulls her in for a hug. "At least you're not a SLOPP."

She giggles as they separate and she puts her hands on his chest. "Yeah, no one wants that to happen again… thank you… I couldn't get past this without you and Maddy."

He smiles. "Yes, you could. You're strong and… life with you isn't crap. Loud, crazy and a bit obnoxious but not all out crap."

"Jerk!" she yells and whacks his shoulder.

"Come on!" Peter grabs his jacket from the nearby rack and puts it on her, keeping only his dark sweater. Then he hands her some gloves and pulls her outside. She looks at him strangely as he runs away from her, then she feels a snowball hit her shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"Reviving the good memories. You're the one that wanted to have the good of the holiday spirit, right? My dad would always start snowball fights. But mom was actually the one that kicked ass. So what do you say?" She feels another cold ball hit her arm.

"Ugh!" Then she's grabbing snow and trying to hit him with balls too. She gets him a couple of times but he is a fast one and she's in tall boots with hills and a wool dress. "This outfit is not for running in this!" Jackie wines. She gets hit with another snowball.

"Excuses! I don't even have a coat or gloves on."

"Your bruised hand likes the cold and you don't need a coat, polar bear!"

"I'm just a guy from Wisconsin. Take that." A snowball hits her in the back of the head.

They keep battling and annoying each other. She laughs and feels like a little girl playing games and enjoying the season. They go back inside when her leg warmers can't work against the cold temperature.

"Thank you for the distraction and making me laugh," she says as they walk through the hallway.

"It's no big deal. Anyone would do the same."

She takes his hand and looks at his eyes. "That's not true. You're one of the good ones." She kisses his cheek and they head back into the party.

Tuesday, December 25, 1 AM. On the way home after the Formans' annual Christmas Eve party.

Jackie sits in the passenger seat and looks out the window. She doesn't know what to think about what just happened.

"Penny for your thoughts." She turns to look at Peter. "You haven't said a word since we left the Formans. What's up?"

"Nothing. I just… I don't have anything to say."

He makes a noise kinda like a held back laugh. "Yeah right. You always have something to say, literally, about everything. It's okay if you don't want to tell me. Just say something is up and you don't want to talk about it."

"Okay. Something is up and I don't want to…" She shakes her head. "And I don't have anyone else I could talk to about it. Donna is Steven's friend too, maybe more than mine, and no one else but her and Zilla know about us not being really married and…"

"And this something has to do with Hyde and you in the basement and I need to mind my own business."

"Are you mad at me?"

"No. Of course not," he says, shrugging his shoulders and sounding nonchalant.

"Okay… Ummm… Steven gave me a present."

"Christmas time and all, a present makes sense."

"It's just something I've wanted for a long time and… I didn't realize he knew. On the day of our wedding, I told him to learn to love himself and now he explained how he's trying and that he's felt things for me since we met and then… he let me go. He knows about Virginia and he let me go and it's just… I've tried so hard to convince myself he didn't really love me and then the wedding and then I told myself that he never puts me first anyway and now... this."

"I told you he loved you."

"I know you did. It's just hard to let it all sink in, again. We loved each other and were good for each other but my need to make sure I wasn't going to be alone and his fear of showing that he wanted me to stay destroyed that. Our parents destroyed us. And it's just so… sad."

"Yeah, it is. Umm… we're here."

"Right. We should put Maddy to bed and… get ready for tomorrow."

"Yeah, Aunt Karen wants us there at 10 AM sharp, and if we miss that you'll learn a new definition for bitch."

She snickers as they get out of the car. "But I am the bitch."

He smiles slightly as he gets a sleeping Maddy. "Maybe, but she's the bitch master." They walk quietly to the door. "Russ will be there."

"I thought you asked her to call him to come later."

"I did, but after our talk, I figure I might as well see him in a controlled environment and if there's anyone that's a controlling psycho it's my aunt."

They walk into the house.

"She's not that bad."

"With you. She likes that you have enough bite to call uncle an old man and you stepped up with Maddy. You also told her we had matching outfits for tomorrow and that you are making me wear a tie."

She snickers. "It's just matching accessories. And she likes you too."

"Guess in her eyes I haven't screwed up bad enough to get the full bitch effect thrown at me the way she does with Leah and Russ and at sometimes even Felix and our uncle. Though his comebacks can be pretty funny." They climb the stairs. She feels awkward, like something is different, but she can't quite put her finger on it. "I'll put Maddy down so you have time to put on all your lotions and potions."

"Hey, I'm no witch. I'm too pretty."

He laughs. "You know what I mean."

"Yeah."

"Goodnight Jackie."

"Goodnight Peter. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

And there is that. Next chapter hopefully within a month. Cross my fingers. Thanks so much for reading and if you see that review button, click it a write something, anything works. Thanks.