Disclaimer: I really, truly, do not own them. The Wild Card characters aren't mine!

A/N: So, I guess you guys out there reading this story are all prepared for the epilogue and the end of my Wild Card fic. Well, I decided to ditch that idea. THIS IS NOT THE LAST CHAPTER!!! I HAVE DECIDED TO KEEP IT GOING!!! Have fun!

Zoe's POV

Well, it had been almost three months since that night at Dan's house. Our relationship, through struggles, with many ups and downs, had amazingly not only survived, but we had grown closer every day. Just because we were together didn't mean the flirting stopped. In fact, if anything, it had just increased.

Dan was great with the kids after he got to know them. There was no ice to break with Taylor, unless she was having a bad day or she was PMS. Hannah was, within a week, attached at the hip with Dan. He loved her, too. Cliff was another story. He was not exactly pleased with the idea that I was dating this guy from work that he didn't know as well as he had known Marcos. Of course, I had dated since Marcos, but not too much. Cliff took some work, but now he asks what time Dan will be over to see him.

Christmas Day is next week, and I can't wait! Dan said he'll be over at nine with more gifts. He is also going to help with the cooking! Taylor made him promise to do the most cooking. Why doesn't she trust me? It may have something to do with a certain lasagna night.

"Taylor! Stop! Give it back! Give Mr.Bear back!" I heard Hannah scream from somewhere upstairs.

A week from Christmas, and they were fighting more than ever. I went upstairs to break it up.

I entered Hannah's room to see Taylor holding the bear above her head far from Hannah's reach.

"Tell me where it is and you'll get it back, you little freak!"

"Never! Give me Mr.Bear!" She was in tears now. The bear was a gift from her mother when she was only three.

"Alright, you two. What's going on?" I asked, almost yelling. I grabbed the bear from Taylor and handed it to Hannah.

"Hannah took my makeup bag and the number of the guy who I like at school!"

"I did not! You probably just lost them!"

"Okay. That will be enough from both of you. Hannah, did you take them? I am not going to be mad at you, I just need the truth."

"She was going to go out again without me! Why doesn't she have to spend any time with me anymore?! All she ever does is go out with boys. It isn't fair!" She was in tears again.

Taylor stopped the anger and looked at Hannah.

"Hannah, it's not that I don't like you or anything, you are my sister, but sometimes I have to have fun with guys and people my own age. If you just tell me this, I'll find a bit more time for you in my schedule. Okay?"

Hannah nodded and hugged Taylor. "Now, can I have the number?"

"Here." Hannah mumbled as she handed her the number.

"And the makeup?"

"I didn't take it. Honest." Either Hannah was really good at lying, or she really didn't take it.

"You can find it later, Taylor. Besides, you won't be needing it tonight anyway."

"But I'm going to a party!"

"No you aren't. It's a week from Christmas. Time to spend some extra time with family.

She groaned loudly, but didn't fight. She just went and sulked in her room. I rolled my eyes and then gave Hannah a hug. She was immediately happy again and asked if she could finally put the star on the tree. I said no, knowing that the tradition of Sue's and the kids' was to put the last decoration, the star for the top of the tree, was to be put on right before bed on Christmas Eve. I fully intended on keeping Sue's sacred tradition.

I heard my cell ring downstairs and ran to get it. I was worried that it may be something important like the big surprises for the kids were in. Then I heard Cliff answer it.

"Merry Christmas!"

"Oh, I'm fine, Dan. How are you?"

"Good. So, when are you coming over again?"

I almost went down to get it, but I decided to wait a little longer.

"Yeah! Come tonight! Aunt Zoe misses you."

"Yeah, Hannah is literally climbing the walls with anticipation."

His voice turned to a whisper.

"Hannah still believes. We all agreed to pretend that we do, too, for her sake."

"Which one are you going to give her?"

"You want me to come to help?"

"Tomorrow? I can't wait. Oh. Here's Aunt Zoe."

He saw me as I came around the corner.

"Hey." I said the same way I always did.

"Hey. So, tonight okay? I thought I should bring some of the presents over so that I don't have to carry so many on Christmas morning."

"How many are you bringing?!"

"Hey, you guys are my family."

"I love you so much."

"Love you, too."

"So, I'll cook. How about chicken?"

"How about I take everyone out to a restaurant?"

I could just see him grinning at the other end of the phone.

"So, should we dress nicely or casually?"

"Dress nicely, but bring warm casual clothes. I have a surprise for you."

"Okay. When?"

"Six?"

"Sounds great. I love you."

"Love ya, too, Zo, bye."

"Buh-bye."

I hung up and went to get the kids ready.