The warm fireplace was a nice reprieve from the cold and damp weather outside, the thick comforter draped across his lap slowly but surely lulling him into a calmer, downright festive mood.
The four stockings over the mantle were filled with chocolate and various treasured knickknacks, the Christmas tree in the corner of the large living room lit up, filling the house with a warm, welcoming glow.
Somewhere in the back, his mother was busy talking to somebody in the kitchen while putting the finishing touches on her Christmas dinner roast, his father was sitting one couch over, feet propped up on an ottoman and enjoying a cold beer, while allowing the atmosphere to soothe him into a calmer state as well.
Next to him, Janine had her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her head resting against his chest as the comfortable warmth made them drowsy.
Roger, his father's old Scottish terrier had bedded himself down between the log rack and the fireplace tools, his keen eyes observing the dancing flames.
It was a subdued yet welcoming and celebratory atmosphere at the eve of a holiday that meant the world to his mother. At the end of the day, it wasn't so much the presents or the religious meaning of Christmas that Claire Keller loved so much, as it was the idea that it brought everybody together, that the world celebrated a few cherished moments of peace and they all remembered the love that would glue a family together.
Better yet, Mike had announced that he and Jeannie would stop by later on to spend some time in Modesto, honoring his parents' invitation to let them do the cooking for the holiday, an idea that filled Steve with excitement and his mothers' heart with pride at the notion of meeting the well-known Lieutenant face to face for the first time.
To make matters even more special, it was the first Christmas in six years he'd spend at his parents' place, the overdue heart-to-heart conversation he'd had with them clearing the path of any antagonism of the past, and for a new beginning they'd all craved.
Forget all the harsh words said, the poor decisions that had been made, and let's all move on and remember what family is all about.
Truth be told, Steve wasn't so sure anymore if it was the fireplace calming his senses that afternoon or the lack of hostility surrounding him, the constant need to be on the defense and watch his words. The strange yet refreshing sensation of having a family to come home to once again was taking a burden off his battered soul he didn't realize he'd carried with him so long.
And while it was true that he did little to deserve his father's harsh words back in the day, there was something to be said about Mike's words of wisdom when it came to forgiving those who had done him wrong, that the only person suffering from holding a grudge was Steve himself.
How truly fortunate he was to have the Lieutenant not just as a partner, but also have the honor to call him his best friend.
Resting his chin on Janine's head, Steve closed his eyes for a moment, letting the peace of the quiet living room settle his mind, the tense muscles in his shoulders and neck relaxing for the first time in what seemed like years.
But then, suddenly, the warmth disappeared as fast as it came, replaced by a damp, hostile cold that seeped into his bones, threatening to freeze the breath in his lungs.
Opening his weary eyes, Steve found himself back in the forest, alone, the pain in his broken leg gone, as was most of the feeling in his cold hands even though he'd tucked them under his thighs trying to keep them warm.
Inhaling sharply, he watched his breath rise in the crisp air as the first dim lights of the upcoming sunrise began to change the color of the night sky.
With his body too tired to shiver anymore, he closed his eyes once again, coming to terms with the fact that despite their best efforts, help may not arrive in time after all.