A nod to Tess Gerritsen and TNT: Thank you for creating these lovely characters that we love to play with at times.

"Maura, do you have any preference for today? Do you want to go to the gym or work out at home?"

"Well, since we are both expecting packages today, why don't we stay home? I can do some yoga."

"You're right. I don't want ATAT to disappear. I'll go downstairs and jog on the treadmill." Jane feels her phone vibrate and looks at her text message. "As a matter of fact, ATAT is ten stops away." Jane actually claps her hands in excitement.

Jane and Maura were able to finish their workouts when the first package arrived. Jane rushed to the door when she heard the doorbell.

"It's the ATAT!" Jane opens the package to take all the parts out. "Where did I put that extension cord?"

"I believe you put it in a 'safe' place in the garage."

"Right. Do you mind if I go set it up?"

"Of course not. Do you need any help?" Just then, the doorbell rings again. Maura sees that Jane is taking out the guidelines for the blowup ATAT. "I'll get it this time, Jane." It's the new Christmas tree. Maura asks the delivery man to bring it into the living room. Maura quickly hides the description of the tree. Jane pauses in her endeavors to come into the living room.

"Do you want me to help you assemble the tree before I go outside?"

Maura thinks this is safe for Jane to do, her surprise wouldn't be spoiled by her assistance in assembling the tree. "Thank you, darling. When you are outside, I will begin fluffing the branches."

"Deal."

As the afternoon sun set, the ATAT is secured and Jane invites Maura outside for the official inflation. The ATAT blows up to its full 8 feet with lights decoration the vehicle.

"Jane, I have to admit that I like it better than I thought I would."

"See, I knew you would! And this is only the beginning!"

Back again inside. it's beginning to look and sound like Christmas. A fire is going in the fireplace, Christmas music is playing in the background. Jane and Maura are putting on the final ornaments.

"Hey, do you think next year we could put some colored lights on the tree?"

"I think it's possible to have multicolored lights on this tree."

"Thanks, sweetheart. Ready for the angel?"

"I believe we are. There seems to be a sufficient number of ornaments on the tree."

Once the angel is in place, Maura turns on the lights.

"It looks very elegant, Maura. Seriously, it is a very nice looking tree. Looks very real."

Maura smiles and goes back to the control box and hits another button. The tree lights turn multicolor.

"Oh, what?!. It does both?" Jane goes over and kisses Maura. "Is this the reason we needed a new tree?"

"Well, I really did think it would be nice to donate the other tree. I have had it for years. And with this one, we don't have to add lights, they do both."

Jane holds Maura in an embrace as they look at the tree. "You really are the best."

Maura smiles in contentment.

Whew! I wasn't sure I was going to get this chapter out today! I hope you all are enjoying so far!

Hugs to all!