Chapter 22

The following Friday at lunch time, Lucy was patiently waiting in the teachers' lounge for Rufus when her phone chimed with a text from Wyatt.

Hey, sweetheart, I need to do a little Xmas shopping after work today. Would it be ok if Jamie went home with you for a few hours and then I can stop and pick you both up after I'm done?

Sure, that's fine...who ya shopping for? ;)

Nope, it's a surprise. Gotta go. Thx, love you.

Welcome, have fun, love you too :)

"Hey, Lucy, sorry I'm late," a clearly distracted Rufus murmured as he sat down. She looked up from her phone as he carefully set a tablet on the table in front of him. "Can I show you something?" her friend asked hesitantly. "Of course," Lucy responded, as he rapidly tapped on the I-pad before turning the screen to show her a whole page of beautiful diamond rings. Beautiful diamond engagement rings. Lucy's eyes widened, and as Rufus was eagerly pointing out some different styles, she pushed away a fleeting pang of envy, and pasted an encouraging smile on her face.

"Oh, Rufus," she managed cheerfully, "They're all just gorgeous, and I'm so thrilled for both of you." And she really meant it. Lucy truly was happy for her good friends. However, if she were being perfectly honest with herself, she guessed her conflicted feelings might stem from the fact that no man had ever asked her to marry him, be his bride, his wife, plan a wedding and a life together. (She certainly didn't consider her ex-boyfriend's half-hearted, clinical, presumptuous comment about being a doctor's wife while she was breaking up with him an actual marriage proposal.) And the longer she sat there admiring the ring Rufus finally decided on (a 3/4 carat round-cut solitaire set in white gold), the more intense the yearning in her heart for a "happily ever after" with Wyatt grew.

In her head, Lucy knew that she and Wyatt were getting along really well, and had been steadily building a loving, solid relationship over the past few months. Granted, they were already sleeping together (she definitely had no complaints there) and had been exchanging "I love you's" on a daily basis for weeks now. Even so, it was absolutely much too early to be thinking about marriage proposals, she told her heart sternly, resolutely willing herself to focus on her friend's wonderful news. "You know, Lucy, I get that the whole 'my girlfriend and I got engaged at Christmas' deal is a cliche, but Jiya and I have been dating for over a year now, and I just woke up one morning last week and knew it was time. Does that sound crazy?" Rufus asked her anxiously.

Lucy smiled and gently patted his hand, "Not at all, you guys are great together, and I don't think it's a cliche at all," she responded. Bolstered by her reassurance, he began discussing different ways to "pop" the question, and the more outrageous he got, the more Lucy giggled, until she was carefully wiping tears away from the corners of her eyes. "Rufus! Stop it," she breathlessly scolded, "You're making my mascara run." All too soon, the bell rang, and as they stood up to return to class, Lucy hugged Rufus and fondly wished him luck. "Thanks, Lucy, you're a good friend," he replied with a big smile before hurrying back to the technology lab.

Lucy sighed as she watched him leave, and not for the first time, thought Jiya was a lucky woman. She consoled herself that at least it was finally Friday, and best of all, Christmas vacation started next week. Re-reading Wyatt's text got her to thinking about her own shopping (my gosh, I can't believe Christmas is next weekend), and although she had already ordered a couple things online for Wyatt, she still wanted to pick up some other stuff for him and possibly get one last gift for Amy. Maybe she would text Jiya and see if she had a couple hours some time over the weekend to go to the mall with her. She loved shopping with Julie, but sometimes it wasn't easy for her friend to get away because she always had Annie and Sadie to consider, so Lucy decided she would try Jiya first and quickly sent her a text.

Wyatt sat in the mall parking lot, absently tapping his fingers on the steering wheel and checking his phone every so often. After Lucy had gone home Sunday night, he had texted Amy to see if she had any free time to help him do his Christmas shopping for Lucy, and he was glad that she had agreed to meet him late this afternoon. Wyatt had already done some research online, and had several gifts in mind, but decided to ask for some input from her sister since this would be his and Lucy's first Christmas together, and he was determined to make the holiday special and memorable.

Lost in thought, he was startled at the rap on his window. Looking up at Amy Preston's amused face, he had a feeling he'd seen Lucy wear that very same expression before. "The next couple hours should be an experience because there was just something about the Preston sisters," he thought wryly. After exchanging a quick hug, they decided to start at Barnes and Noble after Amy confirmed her big sister adored books, and when Wyatt mentioned that he and Lucy had visited Old San Diego not long ago, the younger woman's face lit up.

"How about a book on the history of San Diego, or something like that?" she suggested, and after some searching, Wyatt was especially pleased when they eventually found a hardcover chronicle of the "Gaslamp Quarter" area where he and Lucy had eaten lunch that day. He grinned triumphantly when Amy high-fived him and swore that Lucy would love the book, pointing out that not only was the book about history, her favorite subject, but also the gift would be personally meaningful because she and Wyatt had actually visited there, and that idea really appealed to him.

"Where to next?" Amy asked as they made their way out of the book store and into the mall, and Wyatt could tell she was trying to suppress her amusement when after a long pause, he cleared his throat and admitted quietly, "Uh, well, I want to get Lucy some nice lingerie. Nothing too revealing, though, because your sister is a beautiful, classy woman," and Amy's teasing expression softened into a wistful smile. "You're a good guy, Wyatt Logan, and my sister is a lucky woman." He blushed and shrugged, begging to differ, "I'm the lucky one," and they grinned at each other when she instantly agreed, "Damn right you are." A short while later, they were looking through the racks at a crowded Victoria's Secret. Wyatt had never actually been inside the store before, and he was slightly uncomfortable at the number of suddenly interested looks being directed his way.

"Amy, can we please make this quick?" he requested in a low tone, doing his best not to make eye contact with one rather obvious fellow shopper. Taking pity on his palpable discomfort, Amy asked, "Okay, first of all, I need to know, who are you buying this for?" and at his confused expression, shook her head and clarified, "Look, I'm young, but not a virgin, and good Lord, please don't tell my sister I said that, but I think it's pretty much common knowledge that guys like to see sensual, barely-there lingerie on their wives and girlfriends. The thing is, though, the sexy stuff usually isn't very comfortable to sleep in. So, bottom line, are we looking for you or her?" and she smiled and nodded approvingly at him when he responded, "Both." "Okay, great, what color?" and grinned knowingly when Wyatt immediately answered emphatically, "Red. Um, for me, I guess." "That red dress for the gala really did it for you, didn't it?" she teased kindly, and Wyatt knew better than to try and deny it.

They found a dark red satin slip with lace trim in Lucy's size and a matching kimono that Wyatt liked very much, having no trouble at all picturing her in the set (and then removing it as quickly as possible, yes, please). Amy also suggested a pair of cotton sleep pants and a matching tee shirt in a pale pink design that she thought Lucy would really like. He readily concurred, and after paying for everything and having it gift wrapped, they exited the store, much to Wyatt's immense relief. "Are we all done or looking for something else?" Amy asked when Wyatt glanced at his phone to see a text from Lucy asking if it was all right to take Jamie to McDonalds and Target. Hastily texting his consent, Wyatt told Amy there was one more gift he wanted to pick up, and offered to buy Amy some supper afterwards for helping him shop. "That's really sweet of you, but I actually have late dinner plans around 8:00 this evening, but I could go for some Starbucks after we're done, if that's okay with you?" "Sounds like a plan," Wyatt easily agreed, and putting his hand under her elbow, he and Amy laughed and chatted casually as they made their way through the bustling crowds of holiday shoppers to a store located close to the other end of the mall.

When Amy realized their destination, her blue eyes widened dramatically, and she came to a dead stop a few feet away from the entrance. "Wyatt Logan, why are we at Jared's Galleria of Jewelry?" she demanded. "Whoa, take it easy, Miss Preston, it's not what you think," he chuckled, before reminding her, "Your sister and I have only been dating a couple months, you know," but his amusement faded away as she looked searchingly into his eyes, and taking his hand, wordlessly led him over to a vacant bench where they sat down. "What? Amy, what is it?" Wyatt slowly asked.

"Wyatt, you should know that I have already had pretty much this same conversation with my sister, and I will tell you what I told her. That first night she slept over at your place, she was worried that it was too soon, that maybe you guys were rushing into something that neither of you were ready for. And my response to her was that if it feels right for the two of you, then the length of time doesn't matter. I'm not saying that we should go in there right now and look at engagement rings. That's not my point. But if you have these strong feelings for Lucy, and you're not acting on them because you have it in your head that 'X' number of days have to pass by first, then in my opinion, you're just wasting part of the rest of your lives together."

The noise and chaos of everything around them quieted to a muted roar as a stunned Wyatt stared at Amy. The young woman returned his gaze calmly while he mulled over what she had just confided, and after a few minutes, he took her hand and squeezed it, saying admiringly, "How did someone as young as you are get to be so smart about people?" and laughed when she winked and pertly replied, "Oh, I can't tell you, it would ruin the magic." "Amy Preston, you are a force of nature, just like your sister," and when she nodded proudly in agreement, he urged, "C'mon, then, let's go inside so I can show you the 'not an engagement ring' piece of jewelry I was thinking about getting Lucy," and she promptly acquiesced.

Wyatt was relieved the discreet, experienced saleswoman did not instantly assume they were a couple, merely inquiring if there was something she could show them, and at his request, led them to a long, beautifully-lit display case of necklaces. He had considered getting Lucy a locket, but when browsing through the store's web site, had found something he liked even better. Spotting the one he wanted, he asked the saleswoman if they could see it, and when she removed the necklace from the case and gently draped it around a crushed velvet display form, Wyatt heard Amy's soft gasp and knew she liked it as much as he did. "What do you think?" he asked nervously, and sighed in relief at her overwhelming response. "It's perfect," she declared, "Romantic and personal. Lucy will absolutely love it. Well done, Master Sergeant Logan."

As the saleswoman efficiently gift wrapped the necklace, Wyatt turned to Amy and said gratefully, "I can't thank you enough, Amy, for helping me with Lucy's Christmas gifts. You ready to hit Starbucks?" and chuckled when she declared fervently, "Oh, yeah, a large caramel macchiato sounds awesome right about now." A few minutes later, they were seated at a small table, and Amy was enthusiastically enjoying her "reward" while Wyatt sipped a cup of his favorite coffee. They were discussing the gala when Wyatt jokingly mentioned Lucy's little bathroom "dustup," and he was somewhat puzzled when Amy didn't laugh in response, and barely half smiled. "What? I thought it was sweet, of course definitely unnecessary, but kind of sweet, that your sister was defending my so-called honor. Am I missing something here?" he asked cautiously.

Amy sighed, and putting a hand on his arm, said solemnly, "Wyatt, I know that you and my sister are getting serious about each other, all kidding about engagement rings aside, and I couldn't be more thrilled because I've never, ever seen her this happy, and believe me, there's no one who deserves it more, especially after her last dud of a relationship. Now, I fully take credit for persuading her to move to San Diego, but you and your little boy have completely changed Lucy's life. But here's the thing you need to be aware of if you aren't already. Even though she is a fairly quiet person, Lucy is, and can be, fiercely protective of those people she loves. No matter how intimidated or reluctant she might be, when my big sister feels that strongly, she just steps up. I've seen it on several occasions, and it's one of the things I love best about her."

"For example, one of my earliest, clearest memories of Lucy is when I was five years old and had just started kindergarten. She was in the seventh grade, and walked me to and from school every day, and a couple blocks away from our place was a house where this enormous Great Dane lived. Well, as you can imagine, that dog was easily twice my size, and I was deathly afraid of it. One afternoon, just as we were walking past that particular house, the dog happened to be in the front yard and rushed at the fence and started barking like crazy. Well, I just completely lost it and started screaming in terror. Lucy picked me up and somehow got me home, and once I got calmed down, she left me with our next-door neighbor and was gone for about ten minutes. I found out years later that she had gone back to that house, marched right up to the front door, and proceeded to rip the owner a new one for not controlling his dog. Wyatt, she was only twelve, and maybe weighed 100 pounds soaking wet, and hell, I'm sure the freakin' Great Dane was heavier than she was. But Lucy didn't hesitate for a second because she was trying to protect me and that made her fearless."

"So, long story short, if Lucy Preston loves you, you can fully expect that she will be your strongest, most ardent defender, and I really hope you can truly appreciate that part of her personality. I have to confess that I've known Lucy's feelings towards you for weeks, but if my sister was willing to take on several drunk women at the gala on your behalf, now you can be sure as well that she already loves you very much. Listen, I may be seven years younger than Lucy, but since Mom and Dad passed away, she is the only family I have left, and I have to look out for her best interests, you know?" At Wyatt's somber nod, she concluded, "Okay, one last thing, and then I'll shut up, I swear. This probably hasn't occurred to you, but Lucy's deepening feelings for you, plus the fact that she already trusts in you completely, make her extremely vulnerable, and frankly, means that she has given you the power to wreck her if for some reason you two don't work out, so I beg you to please be careful with my sister's love and trust. Can you promise me that?" Amy stared at Wyatt expectantly.

Once again, Amy Preston had stunned Wyatt. Gazing into her serious and faintly apprehensive blue eyes, Wyatt gently patted her hand and assured her that he loved Lucy very much, and on his honor, would do his very best not to ever hurt her. After searching his face intently for a long moment, Amy gave him a beautiful smile, "I believe you, Wyatt Logan," before checking the time on her phone and saying, "Oh, hey, I really need to get going or I'm gonna be late. Thanks a bunch for the drink, Wyatt." "You're welcome, and thanks again, Amy, I really appreciate your help," and he tried not to wince when she hugged him tightly and pressed a quick kiss on his cheek before leaving. "Force of nature, indeed," thought Wyatt affectionately as he watched her go. Glancing at his phone, Wyatt decided he had enough time to take his purchases back to his place and hide everything before going to pick up Lucy and Jamie.

It was a good thing Wyatt had dropped off his son's spare booster seat for her car, Lucy mused as they left school. Fortunately, she had deliberately waited until the dismissal bell rang before telling the little boy he was going home with her, because Jamie got pretty excited at the unexpected change in his daily routine, and she had trouble getting him to sit still long enough to fasten his seatbelt, he was bouncing so hard. "Miss Lucy, what are we gonna do until Daddy picks us up?" he asked eagerly. "Well, if it's okay with you, I was thinking maybe we could go to McDonalds to get a bite to eat and then look around Target for a Christmas present for your dad. What do you think?" The little boy's big blue eyes widened in delight, "Really, Miss Lucy? Can I get a Happy Meal?" and she chuckled when he pumped his small fist and cheered when she said yes.

"Let's go to my place so I can change clothes before we go to McDonalds and Target, okay?" she suggested, and he agreed happily. Lucy turned on the radio to a station that played Christmas music 24/7, and the two of them enthusiastically sang along on the ride home. "Jingle Bells is my best Christmas song," Jamie informed her, "because it makes me think of Santa's sleigh. Do you like reindeer, Miss Lucy? I like Rudolph 'cause he has a big red nose. Me and Daddy always put out some sugar in a little bowl for Rudolph and his friends. Do you and Miss Amy leave cookies for Santa? Maybe Santa has a fat belly 'cause he eats so many cookies." Lucy smiled wistfully at the thought of father and son setting out the traditional milk and cookies snack for Santa, and this year, hopefully, she would be there to participate.

Although she and Wyatt hadn't yet discussed the subject, she wondered if like so many parents, Wyatt took his son to the mall to see Santa every year. As a child, Lucy had been afraid of the strange bearded man in a red suit who talked really loudly, and worst of all, expected her to sit on his lap. After a couple of traumatic attempts, her parents had thankfully given up on the annual photo op. Now, on the other hand, by the time Amy was two years old, she would march right up to Santa and climb onto his lap, while a reluctant Lucy would stand shyly to one side (and her mother had taken the pictures to prove it). That was her sister, all right, Lucy reflected, bold and confident, even as a toddler.

Thinking of her sibling, Lucy was vaguely surprised when she parked in front of her apartment and Amy's car was missing. "Is Miss Amy here?" Jamie asked when they got inside, and looked a bit disappointed when Lucy told him that her car was gone (that's odd, she's usually here on Friday afternoons). They went into the kitchen where Lucy cut up an apple and grabbed a small bottle of water for the little boy before sitting him in front of Sponge Bob for a few minutes so she could change clothes. "Are you okay to sit here and have your snack while I go upstairs, Jamie?" and he nodded before turning his gaze back to the television.

Lucy went to her bedroom and quickly changed into a soft red sweater and dark jeans, and after checking her hair and makeup, hurried back downstairs to find Jamie engrossed in his favorite program and polishing off the last of his apple slices (little guy was probably starving). She texted Wyatt to ask if it was okay to take his son to McDonalds and Target, and while waiting for his response, coaxed Jamie to use the bathroom and helped him wash his face and hands. "How do I look?" he asked with a big grin. "Very handsome, just like your Daddy," she assured him and chuckled when he blushed much like Wyatt did. Just then, her phone chimed with Wyatt's consent, so she grabbed her jacket and bag and taking Jamie by the hand, they headed for McDonalds.

Jamie held her hand tightly while they waited in line, and just before it was their turn to order, he tugged on Lucy's sleeve to get her attention. When she leaned down, the little boy whispered in her ear, "Daddy lets me order all by myself," and Lucy was quite proud when he stepped up and in a polite voice told the cashier what he wanted in his Happy Meal. "Good job, sweetie," she praised, and he beamed up at her. As the woman handed Lucy her receipt, she smiled at them and said, "Your son is adorable," and turned away to get their drinks before Lucy even thought to correct her. She glanced down at Jamie, whose eyes had widened at the cashier's words, and murmured, "Wait until we are sitting down, all right?" Telling Jamie to hold on to her sleeve, Lucy picked up their tray of food and found a table near the window. The child practically inhaled his meal, only slowing down long enough to ask, "Miss Lucy, did that lady think I was your little boy?" When she nodded, the little boy grinned and said, "If you was my Mommy, I could be your little boy, right?" and his face brightened when she answered yes.

At Jamie's hopeful expression, Lucy changed the subject to shopping for a Christmas present for his father. "Do you usually get your Daddy something?" "I think so, but sometimes Aunt Julie helps me," he offered. "Well, do you have any ideas for what you want to give him this year?" And she smothered a grin when he frowned in concentration, and then his face clearing, declared, "I know, Miss Lucy, we can get him a kitten! Or maybe a baseball, and some new sunglasses, is that okay?" and Lucy struggled to contain her amusement at the child's sweetly earnest suggestions. "Well, I have an idea, if you want to hear it," and as he nodded fervently, she responded, "What do you think of a nice mug for his coffee, maybe something that says "Best Daddy Ever" or "I Love My Daddy" or something like that on it?"

Jamie clapped his hands in approval, his dark blue eyes glowing, and exclaimed, "You are very smart at Christmas presents, Miss Lucy." She accepted the compliment with a big smile, and after quickly finishing their meals, they drove to the Target nearby. Since it was Friday evening, and the store was very crowded with holiday shoppers, Lucy thought it would be best if Jamie rode in the cart, and when she leaned down to pick him up, he obediently put his arms around her neck. "Mister, you are getting to be such a big boy, I can hardly pick you up," she teased, and smiled when he solemnly informed her that one day, he would grow up to be big and strong like his Daddy. And Lucy thought that was very likely, considering how much the child already resembled his father.

After looking around for a little while, they found just what Lucy had in mind, and offering Jamie a couple different choices, he picked out a cute mug that proclaimed, "My Daddy is My Hero," because the larger of the two stick figures wore a cape ("just like a superhero, Miss Lucy"). She knew Wyatt would love it, and most importantly, actually use it every morning. Although nearly every checkout lane was open, the lines were long, and in minutes, Jamie had closed his eyes and dozed off with his head nestled against her chest. Fortunately, the cashier was an older woman who smiled sympathetically at Lucy as she tried to use her debit card without waking the child, and whispered, "Your little guy is all tuckered out from Christmas shopping, isn't he? Such a handsome little fellow." "He looks just like his Daddy," Lucy responded impulsively, and the cashier nodded approvingly, "Good for you, dear," and grinned when she blushed.

Tucking the mug and receipt in her bag, she managed to get Jamie all the way out to her car before she had to wake him up. He was slightly cranky, but calmed down once she got him buckled in, and promptly fell back asleep. Dusting a gentle kiss on his forehead, Lucy sighed before getting in the front seat and driving back to her place. To her delight, Wyatt was just pulling in behind her when they arrived. Checking first to make sure Jamie was still asleep, she flew into Wyatt's arms, and breathed against his neck, "Oh, I missed you so much today," before he very thoroughly kissed her. Lucy was so happy to see him that she didn't even care if her neighbors were watching. Leaning back, Wyatt ran a finger down her cheek, and said, "I missed you, too, sweetheart. Are you all ready to go?" and while she went inside to get her things, he unbuckled a sound-asleep Jamie and carrying him to the Jeep, got him all settled by the time Lucy came back out. On the ride home, when Lucy asked him innocently if he finished his shopping, Wyatt hoped his face didn't betray his excited anticipation for December 25. The three of them were going to have a wonderful Christmas, Wyatt was sure of it, and he could hardly wait.

A/N: I thought it might be fun to have Wyatt and Amy spend some time together (I think she's really good at picking out Christmas gifts for her sister), plus as a bonus, Lucy and little Jamie got to hang out for a while just the two of them. Hopefully, the next chapter will at least get us to Christmas Eve (fingers crossed) unless I get carried away again... My thanks for everyone's continuing support for this story. I sincerely appreciate all of your reviews, favorites, and follows :))