Hi everyone. As I always say, I own none of these lovely characters, but I do love to borrow them and play!

Hands on hips, Jane looks around the house with satisfaction. They had spent the day doing final decorations, both inside and out. Green garland with red bows and white candles festooned the mantel of the fireplace. Christmas dinnerware was cleaned and ready to be set on Thursday.

"What do you think, Maur? Are you satisfied? Are we ready?"

Maura slides her arms around Jane's waist. "It looks very festive. I believe we are as ready as we can be." She goes up on tiptoe to give Jane a light kiss.

Jane hugs Maura back, amazed as always how right Maura feels in her arms. I never want to lose this feeling.

"Ok, what else do we need to do?"

"Well, luckily we did the outside decorations first. Did you know that today is the shortest day of the year?"

"It's the first day of winter, right?"

"Yes, also known as the Winter Solstice and Yule."

Maura is about to go into more historical detail about Winter Solstice celebrations, but is stopped by Jane's kiss. Her brain shuts down to experience the whole sensory input of Jane.

Jane looks down into Maura's unfocused eyes. "If there is nothing else left to be done, I need to go upstairs for a little while and you can't come, ok?"

Maura nods. She's clears her throat. "All I'm going to do now is to put the stew on to heat for 2 hours for dinner."

"We finally get to eat that wonderful smell from yesterday?"

Maura laughs. "Yes, Jane. I believe that this stew tastes better the next day after it is allowed to set overnight. The flavors seep through the meat even more."

"Great, I won't be up long. You behave yourself down here."

Maura looks confused. "How would I misbehave down here by myself?"

Jane shakes her head. "Just don't try to sneak up to see what I'm doing." Jane turns and takes the stairs 2 at a time.

Maura watches as Jane goes up the stairs. She goes into the kitchen to place the beef stew on the stove on a low setting. She then hurries into her den.

Upstairs, Jane goes into the closet where she has hidden some wrapping paper and gift supplies. She takes out her gym bag and reaches in to take out a bag and an envelope Jane sits on the floor with a box. She places some pretty tissue paper in it. Jane picks up the envelope and she hopes this is the right gift. She places the envelope on the bottom of the box and the garment from the bag on top of it. She quickly wraps the box and places a bow on top. Not a bad wrapping job. It looks pretty.

Jane looks at her watch. She goes back into the closet to find her carry on luggage. Jane verifies that her toiletries are ready for a trip. She grabs underwear, clothing and suitable footwear to throw in the suitcase.

Downstairs, Maura is moving things in her closet. Angela had warned Maura that Jane always looked for her presents as a child, so they made a habit of hiding all presents very well. Maura takes out a Christmas bag that is decorated with the Eiffel Tower and the silhouette of Santa's sleigh against the moon. She fluffs some tissue paper to place inside the bag. Maura spreads out wrapping paper to wrap two boxes; the small jewelry box and a tie box. Traditionally, gifts can be placed in gift bags as is, but Maura knew that Jane loved to unwrap gifts. She finishes the wrapping with curling ribbon cascading down the gifts. She places them in the bag and re-fluffs the tissue paper. Maura stands back to look again and is satisfied. She carefully hides the bag and goes back into the kitchen.

Jane finds Maura stirring the stew. She leans over to kiss Maura on the neck, causing a delicious shiver to go down Maura's back. I love how she does that to me.

"What can I do to help you?"

"In celebration of the Winter Solstice, do you want to start a bonfire in our firepit?"

Jane steps back and raises an eyebrow. "Maura, you know I love you. You know that I would do just about anything for you, but do you really want to shiver outside by the fire pit? I can make a nice fire right in the fireplace where we can snuggle with less clothes on." Jane wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.

"Well, since you put it THAT way, please light a fire in the fireplace!"

Jane lights the fire as Maura serves dinner. Jane comes over to pour them each a glass of red wine. It was nice to be able to sit together peacefully, to enjoy each other's company.

"Maura, this is fantastic! The meat is so tender, it melts in my mouth."

Maura nods, "Another benefit of eating it the next day."

The ladies finish their dinner and bring their wine into the living room to enjoy the fire.

"It's a bit warm in here, Jane. You have built quite a fire."

"You know, you're right. It is kinda warm." Jane pulls off her sweater to sit on the couch in her tank top.

Maura takes the hint and smiles. She slowly unbuttons her button up sweater to reveal a red camisole beneath.

Jane's eyes light up. "Well, ho ho ho! Come sit next to me, my sexy little elf."

Maura slides happily under Jane's arm to watch the flames dance in the fireplace.

Thank you for all the reviews. You are so awesome. Thank you for following me for the past 2 years! Can you believe that much time has gone by?

It's late, so hugs to all, my love to Belgium. Hope everyone is enjoying the story.

Stay safe!