Sydney POV

I went back to my room soon after so that we wouldn't be discovered cuddling in the living room by anyone who happened to decide to get up early. I tried to get a few more hours of sleep in, but I kept remembering the feeling of waking up in Vaughn's arms and couldn't get to sleep.

Once I finally gave up and was contemplating whether I should get up or just lay there, my cell phone rang. I rolled over to the bedside table and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Miss Bristow? Yeah this is Greg. Good news, I've got your car done," Greg said over the line.
"Oh, that's great!" I said.
"So if you want I can hook it up to the tow truck and bring it by the inn." he offered.
"Thank you, that's very nice. You have my address in LA so just send the bill there," I said.
"Will do. You take care Miss Bristow," he responded cheerfully.
"Someone's definitely into the Christmas sprit," I thought as I hung up, but then again I was feeling considerably happier also. I smiled to myself and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

I came out feeling warm and refreshed. I saw the tow truck driving down the road out the side window. I sighed and started gathering my things up. I loaded everything back into my bag, being careful to put Vaughn's watch safely in a small pocket. I still couldn't believe that gift. I remembered standing speechless after he gave it too me, and then hugging him as if the simple gesture could convey how amazed I was. I still couldn't help but smile every time I thought about it.

I shook my head at myself, then finished packing everything and changed into a pair of jeans and a heather gray shirt. I heaved my bag and my purse onto my shoulder, draped my jacket over my left arm, and started down the stairs.

Vaughn POV

I didn't sleep for much longer after I went back to my room, maybe half an hour or so. I finally got up at about 7:30 when I heard other people moving around in the main area of the house. I found mom filling the coffee canister in the kitchen and the other guests, minus Sydney, dancing around to Jingle Bell Rock while covering the room in decorations. Holly, poinsettias, etc.
"You're dispensing the egg nog early this morning I see?" I joked to mom and gave her a peck on the back of her head. She turned around to look at me like I'd just told her I wanted to put on a chicken suit and swim the English Channel.
"Yes, and how many have you had?" she asked.

I laughed and then went into the living room to take a seat. A couple minutes later I heard footsteps on the stairs. It was obviously Sydney since everyone else was already down. I looked over my shoulder, and felt my heartbeat quicken as I saw her. It's amazing how the sight of a woman in casual clothes and a pony tail could have such an affect on me. I reminded myself that I wasn't supposed to be staring.
"Merry Christmas!!!!!" everyone yelled.
She smiled, "Thank you everyone, Merry Christmas."
I smiled lightly then noticed she was holding her luggage.
"Are you leaving?" mom asked as if taking the thoughts right out of my head.
"Yeah," she explained, "my car is fixed so time for me too go."
"Oh no!/Stay/You don't have to leave now," everyone protested. I did along with them, but only silently. I knew it would be safer if she left as soon as possible.
I guess she agreed because she shook her head, "No, no, really I have to get on the road."
"Well have a safe trip," my mother said.
"Yes thank you, and thank for the room.....for everything," Sydney said. She set down her bags and unfolded her coat. I quickly got up and went over to her.
"Need a hand with that?" I asked casually and lifted up her bag.
We both walked over to the door as she shrugged on her coat. At the door I handed it back to her, she smiled, "Thank you."

Suddenly a chorus of giggles came from behind us. We glanced around in confusion before realizing what it was. The decorating fairies and placed a sprig of mistletoe right above the door. " Oh great!" I thought sarcastically. We both laughed embarrassedly to played the normal routine; awkward since we were of the opposite sex, but not a big deal since we didn't know each other.

I glanced back at her as she found something fascinating to look at on the floor. I don't know what motivated me to do it, but I knew that it would be a long time before we'd get another chance to. When she finally looked back up, I leaned forward and pressed my lips against hers.