This story is inspired by the episode A Christmas Secret. It's sort of an ATC of the episode and it concerns Jessica and Seth. The story has been haunting my brain and needed to escape ASAP!

Seth and Jessica thoroughly enjoyed themselves at Forsythe's party. Mort and the Cabot Cove carolers sang a few more songs by the window before coming in for some cocoa and punch.

Jessica was sitting on the couch with Seth. She had just presented him with the train engine…something he had wanted since the age of 10. He nearly teared up as he unwrapped the shinny package. It added to an already wonderful feeling of seeing Wanda start to wake up from her induced coma. She had a long recovery ahead, but the prognosis was good.

"Oh, Seth. They're gorgeous!" Jessica was admiring the sapphire earrings Seth gave her.

"Oh, just something I saw in that antique store we visited last month. I know how you enjoy vintage earrings and well, I knew I had to get them for your Christmas gift."

Jessica wore a smile from ear to ear. Mort sauntered up to them.

"Another great job this year, Bob Cratchit," Seth joked based on how Mort was dressed in a period costume.

"Yeah. It was a lot of hard work and practice, but everyone did great. Even the missus."

"Mort, where's the punch?" Adele could be heard, and Mort was on his way.

Jessica and Seth just enjoyed the festivities and enjoyed watching the little ones at the party. What started out as a horrible week ended on a high note.

As the party started winding down, Seth helped Jessica on with her coat. As they walked to his Volvo it was obvious the snow was starting to collect on the roads and cars.

The streets were empty and the snow covering the holiday lights on the various lawns brought a feeling of warmth to Jessica. Nothing beats Christmas in Cabot Cove, and she couldn't even imagine spending it in New York City.

Seth pulled up to the house and the two sat there, a beat.

"How about coming in for some cocoa and gingerbread," Jessica asked.

Seth was concerned about the gathering snow but something inside made him agree.

Jessica started the pan of boiling milk and Seth helped himself to the plates and gingerbread. Everything was ready in no time.

"Jess, I'm curious, how about trying on the earrings? I'd like to see how they look."

Jessica reached for her purse hanging on one of the kitchen chairs and opened the velvet box. She removed the earrings she wore for the evening and quickly put in the ones gifted to her by Seth.

Seth beamed. The earrings fit Jessica's earlobes perfectly.

"Let me grab the mirror in my purse." She looked and gasped at how they did compliment her face.

"Seth these are much too extravagant."

"Don't be silly. They didn't cost half as much as you think.

There was a long silence as they sipped and ate their late-night snacks.

Seth finally admitted to Jessica, "Jessica it sounds juvenile, but that train is the best Christmas gift I've ever received. You have no idea how much it means to me."

Jessica's heart melted upon hearing this. She reached over and placed a hand on his.

Seth looked down and smiled. He picked up her hand and kissed it, letting the kiss linger.

Jessica frowned and gently used the hand to caress Seth's face. He closed his eyes to relish the feeling.

She slowly moved to him and placed her lips on his. Seth let his instincts kick in and kissed her gently.

Both were confused, excited and scared but continued to kiss.

Jessica broke apart first.

Remember early this evening when I recalled what Frank said, "Christmas should remind of what could be, not what is."

Seth finally caught his breath, "Yes, I do."

"Seth, stay here…with me…tonight."