Yet again, usual disclaimers apply throughout this tale. If you recognise it, it probably belongs to the Mouse – else it is mine!

Chapter 38 - Christmas

Year 2 - Nearly Christmas

"You will stay, won't you?" Theodore asked. "It would be nice to have you home for Christmas, Cat…"

She looked at Jack who was deep in conversation with Joshamee. "I don't know, Theo. I'd like to, but it will depend on Jack's plans…"

"Eh? What?" Jack looked at her on hearing his name.

"Theo wants us to stay for Christmas… please? I know you were planning to return to Tortuga, but just a few days more?"

Jack sighed. "Some of the men have women at Tortuga – it wouldn't be fair on them…"

"I could take the Pearl," Joshamee offered, "and pick you up afterwards?"

Jack considered the options. "I had been wanting t' show off m' pretty wife in Tortuga," he sighed, "but I guess we can stay a few more days. Gibbs, see that m' trunk is dropped here before yer leave."

"Aye, Captain." He rose to leave. "If I don't see you before I go Kitty, have a good Christmas!" He pecked her on the cheek and, taking a swig from his flask, headed out the door into the night.

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Catherine woke up on Christmas morning in her old bedroom snuggled against Jack. He was already awake, playing with her hair. "Merry Christmas, luv!" he smiled, leaning across to kiss her, pouting when she slipped out of bed.

"So you don't want your present then?" She rummaged in a cupboard, bringing out a bottle of rum. It was not a large bottle, but had a dainty ribbon decorating the top. It was only when he read the label that he smiled. Even this small bottle would have cost her a lot of money, it was a fine rum indeed. Tearing the ribbon off he uncorked it with his teeth, drinking deeply.

"That's a fine way t' wake up luv, but I can think of nicer things…" he grinned, pulling her towards him.

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Catherine woke up for the second time that morning, determined this time to actually get dressed. "Come on," she urged, "I'll make breakfast." They would be relying on her cooking that day for Jill would be remaining with her parents. Quickly putting on a nightdress and dressing gown she left Jack hunting for his breeches.

"Wake up slug-a-bed!" She banged on Theodore's door as she went by. "Breakfast in the kitchen!"

Eventually both men staggered down stairs, bleary eyed. Steaming mugs of coffee and a hearty breakfast awaited them and they sat down eagerly. A wrapped present waited on the table for Theodore – a shirt. He presented her with a small box filled with scented soaps. Jack continued eating.

"You've gotta wait for yer present, luv," he smiled. "Can't pick it up 'til this afternoon, like."

Despite all her pleading, he refused to tell her anything about her gift, merely telling her to wait. It was after lunch when he finally suggested a walk down through the town to the docks. Theodore, curious as to what the gift could be, asked to accompany them.

When they walked past the smithy, Jack noticed the door was ajar. "Strange…" he pushed the door open carefully, indicating for Catherine and Theodore to follow.

The smithy was dark, but Will was sitting quietly in one of the shafts of sunlight that filtered through the slats. "I thought you would never get here," he said. A sword rested on his knees.

"Is that it?" Jack walked forwards into the sunlight. Will nodded, handing Jack the sword. He turned. "Happy Christmas, luv!"

"Jack! Are you mad! You cannot give Cat a sword for Christmas!" Theodore protested.

Jack looked genuinely confused. "Why not?"

"Because… because… damn it man, she's a woman!" he spluttered.

"So?" Jack still did not understand Theodore's objections to the gift, and he had already discovered that she was, in fact, a woman. "Will made it specially for her, not too long, not too heavy. 'Course, she'll have t' learn to use it like… and what with her bein' left-handed…"

"But… but…" Theodore was speechless.

"Theo, it is all right. I think it is a delightful gift." Catherine smiled at Jack. "I think what Jack is trying to say is that as his wife, it is best I learn to defend myself – just in case."

"Exactly!" Jack beamed that she understood him. "Will said he'd help!"

"Now I know what Gibbs means when he calls you all crazy!" Theodore sighed resignedly, looking at his smiling sister. "I will help when I can too then, since you seem determined to go ahead with this damn fool idea!"

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