A/N: Thanks to everyone who leaves me a review ! And to my Normero readers still out there, I love you all. I'm trying to keep the updates coming but I've been busy working my butt off at two new jobs this summer. It's hard, but I love writing and making you guys happy, so I'm gonna' do it! ️

Alex stood outside of Norma's house at 10:05 PM with his phone out. He had texted her about 15 minutes ago reminding her that he was stopping by, but she hadn't replied. As he stood on her front porch, he rubbed his gloved hands together trying to keep himself from freezing to death as he figured she must've fallen asleep. He still wanted to see her though, so he dialed her number.

Alex still did not want to knock on the door this late in the night while the boys were home because he didn't want to wake or startle them.

He put the phone close to his ear and hoped she would answer, and luckily for him, she did.

"Hey?" She answered with sleepiness in her voice.

"I'm on your porch. Can I come in before I turn into an icicle?" He laughed into the phone.

He could hear movement on the other side of the door until she finally opened it. Her hair was all over her head and she could barely keep her eyes open. Alex stepped in, kissing her cheek and keeping his footsteps quiet as he walked further into her home.

"I'm sorry for waking you," Alex told her.

Norma shook her head and picked up Norman's coat that had fallen off the coat rack and placed it back in place. She walked towards Alex and placed her hands on his shoulder, pushing his favorite leather jacket off his body before hanging it up on the rack as well.

"I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. I was up waiting for you," she smiled as her eyes finally opened wider, becoming more alert.

"So, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I am. Thank you so much for being there for me today," she grabbed his hand to hold and looked into his eyes.

"Yeah of course," he told her. "How are the boys?"

"They're good actually. In there sleeping like babies. Which reminds me, can you help me put their presents underneath the tree?"

Alex nodded and Norma led him to the garage where there was a locked shelf that she kept the boys Christmas gifts in.

"I wish I could get them so many more things. Last year, Norman asked me why he doesn't get as many presents as the kids he sees in movies and thought it was because he was a bad seed," Norma said as she unlocked the shelf with a key she kept taped hidden underneath a table in the garage.

Alex watched her and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "You're still doing an amazing job with them. And Norman's young, so of course he'd want a mountain full of presents."

"Yeah I know. One day, I just want to be able to give them a good Christmas day before they become too big. Dylan already knows Santa Claus isn't real."

"You will Norma."

Alex pulled out the presents one by one from the shelf and put them into a carrying bin that Norma had sat on the floor besides them.

"I have a question," Norma voiced.

"Okay," Alex stopped what he was doing and gave her his full attention.

"If someone were to ask you what I am to you, what would you tell them?"

"What?" Alex chuckled.

Norma smiled and shrugged. "What would you say?" It was a childish question, but when Dylan called Alex her boyfriend earlier, the question had been lingering in her mind.

Alex stared at her as his body moved towards her. She stood frozen in place as goosebumps appeared upon her skin. Alex towered her and slowly pushed her soft hair behind her ear.

"That you are mine," he smiled. Norma's heart burst at his words and she couldn't stop herself from grinning like a kid. She eventually giggled and looked away from Alex's intense gaze.

"That reminds me, have you told Dylan and Norman about us yet?"

"Dylan knows. He called you my boyfriend," Norma smiled. "And Norman... I don't really know how to explain us to a five year old. He's known Sam and I was married his whole life, but he doesn't know that I wasn't in love with Sam for a long time. I'm not sure how to just tell him that his mommy has a new...boyfriend a few months after moving here."

"Yeah yeah, of course. So... how do you think he'd feel with me being around? And how does Dylan feel?"

"Well, Norman seems to like you, so I'd imagine he'd be okay. And Dylan really likes you too," Norma reached out to squeeze his arm.

"Dylan does? Because I swear he shoots daggers at me with his eyes."

"Trust me honey," Norma gleamed and wrapped her arms completely around his neck. Alex's hands find her waist and he pulls her into him. He leans down to give her a chaste kiss before trying to pull away, but his lips found hers again and they began to consume her.

He couldn't trivialize his thoughts and feelings any longer. He was definitely falling in love with her, and it was insane because of the short amount of time they'd known each other. But, the heart chooses what it wants, and it craved Norma. Being in love again was something he never even thought about, but now it was something he couldn't live without.

Alex grabbed her face with both hands and pushed her back against the counters in the garage. They ignored the small clattering noises being made as they only became focused on one another; the boy's presents were forgotten as the two of them melted together. Alex found the opportunity to reach down and grab Norma from underneath her legs in order to hike her up on the counter top she was leaning against.

Norma bit his lip gently and Alex moaned into her mouth as she parted her lips. He got a good grip on her thigh and bucked against her, some objects on the counter she was sitting on falling over. Norma pulled away and held onto his arms.

"We're being too loud," Norma whispered this time. She really didn't want him to stop, but she'd rather not be caught by her young sons.

Alex released her in order to study her face, beautiful and impassioned. His hands ran through her hair as it was something he loved doing. She gave him the light and energy he never knew he needed in his life. Norma flashed him one of her pretty smiles and rubbed her hands along his arms.

He paused a bit longer and gave her a kiss. "Sorry, I got carried away," he pulled away and helped her down from the counter.

"Let's hurry up and get these gifts under the tree," she suggested.

*deviatedrift*

All the presents were underneath the Christmas tree in Norma's living room and she and Alex sat in the kitchen drinking hot chocolate. It was around 12AM and Norma had just checked on the boys to make sure they were still asleep, and they were.

"So, what do you usually do on Christmas?" Norma questioned after taking a sip of the warm liquid.

"I usually work, but uh, I took off this Christmas."

"Really?" Norma lightened up. "I would love for you to spend it with us."

Alex gave her a grateful grin. "Yeah, but... do the boys-"

"Alex, I love your concern about my kids. But when I say they are fine with you, I mean it. They've been so untrustworthy with other adult men because of the environment they grew up in with Sam. God, I regret ever putting them through that torture..." she shook her head and wrapped both her hands around her mug. "But... they are smart. And they know you are a good man."

"Okay, I'm really glad to hear that. I'm not too good with kids..." he confessed.

"I think you are great with mine," Norma comforted.

He was relieved to hear that. He knew that when he first met Dylan at the elementary school that day, the young boy despised him. But Alex also noticed that Dylan had definitely softened up towards him, and Norman did seem to accept him as well. Alex laughed to himself for being so nervous and worked up on the approvals of a nine and five year old, but he knew how it important it was for Norma's kids to like him.

"Thank you," Alex replied, but still contemplative about the situation.

Norma downed the rest of her hot chocolate and took her and Alex's mugs to the sink where she rinsed them out. Alex came up behind her and leaned against the counter, gaining her attention.

"So, I think I'll head home now."

"Stay here," Norma offered as she dried her hands on a clean towel. "I'll make us all Christmas breakfast and then the boys will open their gifts. I also planned on taking them to the Christmas parade later tonight and I want you to come with."

"Okay, um... I just don't know about the whole staying over part yet with the boys here. You don't think it'll be too much if they see you and I coming out your bedroom together in the morning?"

Norma looked away in thought. "Well... okay. But... you can come by in the morning to join us for breakfast?" she hoped.

"Of course. And I want to try to get to know the boys better, so I'd love to do things with you and them together," Alex kissed her cheek and then her forehead.

That made Norma happy, hearing his interests in her kids, as Sam had never done that at all. She walked him to the door and then hugged him again.

"I was really wishing we could spend tonight together," Norma told him as her fingers inched their way to his hair.

"I know," Alex replied knowing what she was referring to. "Soon."

*deviatedrift*

It was Christmas day and Norma got up extra early to make her sons a decent Christmas breakfast. She made them blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, biscuits, and mini sausages. After setting the table, she went into the boy's room and went to Norman first, kissing his head gently and tapping him.

"Wake up sweetheart..."

Norman stirred; he rubbed his eyes with his hand and smiled at his mother.

"Merry Christmas," Norma told him. The small boy leaped out of bed and made his way across the room to his older's brother bed. He shook Dylan awake and chanted.

"Dylan wake up! Wake up, wake up, wake up."

"Norman!" Dylan growled as Norman then climb on his bed and jumped up and down. Norma chuckled as she stood there watching them.

"Come on boys, breakfast is going to get cold. Go brush your teeth and then come to the kitchen."

After the boys were done with freshening up, they walked into the kitchen and sat down where Norma had their plates made for them. Just as she was about to sit down herself, the doorbell rang. She found herself thrilled at knowing it was Alex.

"Merry Christmas," he smiled as she swung the door open, gifts occupying his hands. Norma gave him a loving kiss without warning and dragged him into the house.

"Hey guys, Merry Christmas," Alex greeted the two young brothers.

They replied synonymously and immediately focused back in their plates. Norma had already told them Alex would be joining them this morning so they weren't so surprised that he was there.

"Sorry, they love when I cook a breakfast like this for them," Norma grinned as she looked at Dylan and Norman.

"Oh, it's fine."

"Let me make you a plate!" Norma went to the stove while Alex sat down at the table with the boys. They were stuffing their mouths and Alex watched as Norman drowned his pancakes in syrup, laughing lightly to himself.

"Here you are," Norma sat his plate in front of him, a big stack of fluffy pancakes with at least 2 servings of eggs, 3 pieces of bacon, and 2 biscuits. She also poured him a tall glass of orange juice and coffee on the side.

"Thanks. It looks great. Uh, it's a lot though," Alex said as he grabbed his fork.

"Well you're a big guy."

Alex looked at her and she looked right back at him. Norma smiled and took a seat at the table.

"Where's daddy at?" Norman asked.

Norma froze in place as she looked straight at her son. Last Christmas, Sam watched the boys open a few gifts before he left them for the day. Norma remembered that Norman was happy that Sam was there with them that day, even it was only for a little bit.

Even though Sam mistreated every last one of them, five year old Norman wasn't capable of holding Sam responsible for being negligent and abusive.

Alex gazed at Norma and so did Dylan.

"Um," Norma started. She looked around the table and then focused back on her youngest son. "Sweetie, don't you remember that daddy isn't allowed back in the house?"

"Oh," Norman said sadly. "I just want him to watch me and Dylan open presents."

"I'm sorry honey," she replied with gloom in her voice.

The boy said nothing else and went back to eating his breakfast. The table was silent and Alex felt awkward, like he was invading on this family. He hadn't established a strong enough bond yet with the kids, and he hoped they didn't think he was trying to come in and replace Sam as their father.

After everyone was done with their meal, they went into the living room where the boys sat in front of the Christmas tree while Norma stood a few feet in front of them with her camera in her hand, snapping as many pictures of them as she could. Alex stood off to the side watching them. He liked seeing how free and happy Norma seemed now and hoped he could keep her that way.

"Can I please open something now!?" Norman begged.

Norma nodded to him and kept the camera in her hand, ready to snap more pictures. Norman opened his first gift that was Lego pack while Dylan's first present opened was a new skateboard.

"Woah, is this like... brand new?" Dylan asked his mother with a rare genuine smile.

"Yeah. I know you said your old one was worn down," she replied.

"Thank you. This is so cool mom."

Norma's heart glowed. Hearing Dylan call her mom was so gratifying, as it was something he hardly did. They opened the other gifts from Norma until they got to the one from Alex.

Alex was nervously watching as Dylan opened a pair of over-the-ear headphones and Norman, a toy bow and arrow. It was easy picking out Norman's gift, since five year olds loved toys. Picking out something for a mature nine year old like Dylan proved to be most difficult.

"These are the ones Ethan has! Thanks. I love them," Dylan said to Alex as he began opening the box to put the headphones on. Alex let out a sigh of relief at Dylan's approval. Norma could cry. No one was ever this kind to her and her kids. They were always invisible and sheltered to the world, but it felt like Alex was introducing them to the sun and the good the world could have.

Norma sat down on the couch while the boys played with their gifts. She was looking through the pictures she had taken on her phone.

"You forgot something," Alex's deep voice said. Norma looked up to see him handing her a present neatly gift wrapped.

"Alex... I wasn't able to get you anything. I really didn't have any money left after buying the boys' presents."

"I didn't want anything Norma," he chuckled. "Here."

She took the present, opening it with excitement. She hadn't received a real gift in years. Sam and she never bothered to exchange gifts after the first two years of their marriage.

Norma opened the gift and saw that it was a new kitchen knife and utensil set. She smiled widely as she read the box of what the set included.

"I know you like cooking and I remember hearing you say something about your knives being all dull. So..."

"Oh my God, this is the good brand Alex... you didn't need to do this," she told him, yet still marveled on the expensive stainless steel knives.

"Do you like it?"

"Yes! I can't wait to use them. I can't believe you even listened and remembered me saying something like that."

Alex grinned at her. "Well, I'm glad you like it."

"I really do. This is the best. I love you." As soon as the words left her mouth, she froze. She hadn't mean to say that at all, it just slipped out. Alex was shocked at her confession and stood stiff as a board in front of her.

Norma quickly got up, her mind racing. "I have to go clean up- something... in the kitchen. Yeah," she zoomed past him and went into the kitchen where her heart started pounding through her chest.

"Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap. What is wrong with me?" She hated how gullible and smitten she seemed with Alex now. Usually, she was embracing these fast and oncoming feelings, but to flat out tell him she loved him? It was doing too much and not to mention, it was too soon. Wasn't it?

She stood aimlessly at the kitchen sink ready to bury her face in the dish water and disappear. Close footsteps could be heard and she closed her eyes at the sound of Alex's voice.

"Norma," he called out. She could feel him coming close behind her and she quickly turned around to face him, forcing a smile.

"Alex..." What should she say? Should she apologize, tell him she didn't mean it when she actually did?

"Are you okay?" He asked as he saw how red she had gotten in her face and her breathing pattern fasten.

"I- Yeah."

"Well Nor-"

"I didn't mean to say that. I don't know where that came from. It's Christmas and I got so sappy that the boys are happy and that we don't have to deal with Sam. And then you getting me that present was just...I'm really embarrassed," she let out nervously.

She realized Alex was smiling at her and that calmed her nerves. He grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers.

"You don't need to be embarrassed. I've actually been falling in love with you for weeks now."

"What?" Her voice cracked as tears started forming in her eyes. She didn't even know why she was about to start crying.

"I love you too. I know it may seem early, but when you know, you know. Right?"

"Are you being serious right now?"

Alex hugged her and she held onto him for dear life. His warmth along with his profession of love too was all she needed in this moment. He let her go and looked into her face, pushing his hand into her soft hair.

"Yeah."

It hit her like a tidal wave. She always knew that she was in love with him. He had a way of turning all her days now into brighter days. And even when the people of White Pine Bay had something to say about her and her status with Alex, she found herself not caring anymore.

*deviatedrift*

Later that night, all four went to the Christmas Parade in town. The streets were decorated with lights and tall christmas trees along with latterns and blow up snowmen and elves. The found a place behind the fences that gave them a good view for when the parade would begin.

"I can't wait to see Santa mommy," Norman said with his wide grin and excited blue eyes.

Norma smiled at him. She even noticed that Dylan seemed willing to be there with them, as he didn't complain about being out or ask to stay home.

"I'll be right back. I have to go greet a few people. I promise I won't take long," Alex said once he gained her attention.

"Even when you're off work, you're still not off," she teased.

He sighed and chuckled. "It's common courtesy for the Sheriff to greet people. Even on his off days."

Once Alex left, Norma kept close to the boys as the weather was pretty much freezing. She was glad it wasn't snowing.

"Hello," a straggly voice said from Norma's left side. It was Maggie Summers.

"Oh hey. How are you Maggie?"

"Good. Are these yours kids?" She asked, looking over Dylan and Norman.

"Yeah, Dylan and Norman," she smiled.

Maggie waved to them and they waved back. "They're beautiful kids."

"Thank you."

The two women talked for a bit before Alex came back over. He nodded towards Maggie. "Maggie. Merry Christmas."

"Hi Alex. Merry Christmas!" Maggie giggled as her eyes twinkled at him.

"Norma's told me things have been well at the motel. That's good to hear."

"Norma?" Maggie squinted, then looked at how close she was standing next to Alex.

"Yeah, um," Alex looked at Norma who was entertaining the boys.

"Well, things actually are good. Thanks," Maggie hurriedly walked away which Alex found very odd, but Margaret Summers was always a weird one.

They waited for the parade to start and was very much pleased with the outcome. Norman chanted loudly when he saw Santa coming with his reign deers and sleighs. Dylan thought it was cool when the eleves did a neat little dance. Further into the night, the weather dropped drastically and Alex and Norma decided it was time to go, as no one wanted to catch a cold.

Alex dropped them off at Norma's house and they sat in the drive way.

"Did you guys have fun?" Alex asked them as he turned around to look into the back seat.

"Yes," they said in sync.

He nodded, happy to hear that and happy to see that they didn't bother his company.

"Here Dylan, go unlock the door and help Norman get ready for bed please," Norma said as she handed her eldest son the key to the house.

"Alright. Um, thanks again for getting Norman and I a gift," Dylan told Alex.

"You are very welcome."

The two boys left the car and the adults watched as they safely entered the house. Norma turned facing him and simpered.

"Dylan has changed a lot since I met him," Alex noted.

"Yeah he has. Thanks to you for intoducing us to that program. Also, thank you for joining us today. I think we all had fun," she said.

"Yeah I definitely did."

"You want to come in?" She asked, hopeful.

"Yeah, of course. Just for a little bit though."

What was supposed to be no more than 30 minutes at Norma's house turned out to be about 4 hours. It was almost 2 am and they were cuddled up on Norma's couch silently enjoying one another's warmth.

Ever since this morning, Norma didn't want to part from him. She felt safe and loved in his presence, a feeling she had never in her life experienced.

"I should get going. I have to get up for work in a couple of hours," Alex announced.

She groaned in protest, but eventually removed her head from his shoulder. He stood up and helped her stand as well. Norma walked him to the door and stood there with him.

"I should be getting rest too. Maggie called me in to go into the motel tomorrow morning."

"What about the boys?" Alex wondered.

"I take them to the Changs while I go to work until they go back to school in 2 weeks. They love going over there anyway."

"Okay," he smiled and leaned down, giving her a quick peck. She blushed and bit her lip. "Good night."

"See you soon," she replied and watched as he got into his car and drove away.