Disclaimer—See Chapter One
A/N: I haven't started a new story yet, but I will be back as soon as I can! In the meantime, happy holidays to all of you! Thank you so much for all your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm! Thank you to hi, Kerry, Sunstar2, mfkngst, Jessica, Anne! KatKnits00, you got it! :) Thank you! CatJerica, Fiery Feral, Mayra, Rain, thank you so much for your consistent feedback. I can always count on you! Thank you! Blackpanther, thank you! Your review totally made my day! :) Mari, thank you for sharing your ideas with me, and for all your help and encouragement! Vivi, thank you for everything. Here is the last chapter, it's a long one! I hope you enjoy it! Thank you!
"…But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
Twas the Chaos Before Christmas—Chapter Four
Though it was Christmas Eve, Brennan was having a hard time feeling very merry at the moment. He stared with disgust at the red and green striped costume sitting on his bed, courtesy of Jesse's bet. He picked up the droopy hat, putting it on his head, making a face into the mirror when he saw his comical reflection. Turning back to the bed, he dug through the rest of the costume, eyes widening when he saw stretchy, green tights at the bottom of the pile.
"Oh, hell no!" He yanked the fuzzy hat off his head, throwing it back onto the bed, muttering under his breath as he stormed around the room. "Jesse can say whatever he wants; I am not dressing up as an elf." He glared at the costume, frying the dancing puffy ball at the end of the hat for extra measure.
In the Rec Room, Jesse wasn't doing much better. He stared in the direction Shalimar had disappeared, eyes widening in shock, remembering snippets of conversation with her over the past few days. Wow, Romantic, you look like you're waiting for someone…Maybe I am. His stomach dropped. I love you Jess…I love you too, Shal. His eyes fell shut. Meet me in my room later tonight. Could it be possible? Was Shalimar...? He groaned, dropping his head into his hands.
"You don't look that bad."
Lexa's amused voice startled him.
"Huh?"
"Your costume," Lexa indicated the red suit with a wave of her hand, "You actually look kind of cute."
"Oh...thanks." Jesse was obviously distracted.
"What's wrong, Jess?"
He finally looked back up at her. "I think I finally figured out what's been up with Shalimar." He eyed her carefully for a reaction.
Lexa smiled. "She's in love."
Jesse blanched. "And that doesn't, you know, bother you?"
She laughed. "I admit it's a little strange, but when you're attracted to someone, why fight it?" She slowly sidled up to Jesse as she spoke, fingers crawling up his chest to grasp his fuzzy white lapel, grinning as she kissed his cheek. "Mistletoe." She whispered at him, eyes indicating upward to his hat before leaving the room with a laugh.
Jesse swallowed, staring after her. Both of them? He groaned again, legs collapsing beneath him as he sank bonelessly into the chair.
Shalimar smiled happily as she gathered up her small stack of gifts she had purchased for her family, glad she had at least managed to get them wrapped sometime last night during her never-ending vigil in the lab with Jesse. She had been so tired, most of the night was a blur in her mind, but she faintly remembered admonishing Jesse not to peek as she hastily wrapped presents behind him. She loved Christmas, and was anxious to find the others. She walked out of her room in time to see Brennan leaving his, dressed in the same clothes from that morning. Too bad. She kind of liked him in the Santa Suit.
"Hey," Brennan brightened when he saw her, jogging over to help her with her armful of presents. He bent down to kiss her, but she turned her head slightly, nose crinkling as she sniffed.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Bren," she warned him, "I don't want you to get sick as well. I shouldn't have kissed you earlier either." She hadn't been able to help herself when she saw him looking all plump and jolly in the red suit.
Brennan smiled as he remembered their kiss from that morning in the diner. "I think I'll take my chances," he whispered, eyes looking both ways before bending down and brushing his lips against hers, hand framing her cheek tenderly.
"Where's your costume?" She smiled at him as they broke apart.
Brennan cringed. The blabbermouthed molecular must have already told the girls about it. "I can't wear that thing, Shal. I don't know what Jesse was thinking."
"It's cute," She grinned at him as his cheeks colored with red.
Green tights are not cute, Shalimar. He shook his head as she nudged him with her shoulder, springing back when she suddenly sneezed loudly three times in a row.
"Sorry," She apologized sheepishly, pulling a tissue out of her pocket.
"That's ok, you missed." He laughed as she made a face. "Why don't we stick these presents under the tree and find the others, huh?"
"Yeah, ok." She glanced at him sideways, heart picking up a beat when she realized he carried her present for him in his hands. Tomorrow he would open it. Then he would know how she really felt about him. Instinctively, she knew that he already knew; the same way she already knew he felt the same toward her. She could feel it in the gentle tenderness of his kiss, could see it in his warm eyes as they drank her in. But it remained unspoken. She swallowed hard, reassured when she felt his fingers brush lightly against the small of her back, steering her down the hallway. His touch told her everything.
They found Jesse and Lexa sitting on the couch, watching a classic Christmas movie on TV. Shalimar perched on the edge of the couch next to Jesse as Brennan set the gifts under the tree. She was surprised when Jesse stiffened imperceptively. He tried to hide it with a smile, but it came out more of a grimace.
"Jesse?" She stared at him in surprise. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," He hated the flash of hurt in her eyes. "I'm ok." He patted her knee, drawing his hand back quickly and glancing at Lexa to see her reaction, relieved when she didn't seem to notice.
"So what do you guys want to do tonight?" Brennan sank into a side chair next to the couch.
"We should do something together," Shalimar decided, snuggling into Jesse's side.
Jesse froze.
"That sounds good." Lexa agreed, laying her hand on his other arm and smiling at him.
Uh-oh. Jesse couldn't breathe. He was stuck between them both. He chuckled nervously, looking up at Brennan. Was it just his imagination, or was the larger man staring at him and Shalimar?
Crap.
His breath escaped him in a loud intake of air, and both girls turned towards him in concern. "Jesse?"
He shot out of his seat, turning off the TV, babbling about the first thing to come to mind. "Food! Food is good, why don't we find something to eat?" He chuckled nervously again when he realized everyone was staring at him.
Brennan finally shook his head, standing up. "Ok, man. Food it is." He clapped his hand on Jesse's shoulder.
Jesse inched away from Brennan's strong fingers digging into his shoulder. He had to sort things out with Shalimar before they got out of control.
Shalimar tugged on Brennan's shirt as he made to follow after Jesse and Lexa to the kitchen. "Hey Bren?"
"Yeah?" He paused at her whisper.
"Keep an eye on Jesse, would you? He's acting kind of strange."
"Yeah," Brennan nodded in agreement, "I noticed that too."
"Thanks," Shalimar smiled at him, pushing up on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss.
"I'm in the mood for cookies," Lexa announced as they trailed into the kitchen behind her. "Real, homemade Christmas cookies, the fattening kind." She grinned as Shalimar brightened in understanding.
"Sounds good."
Jesse watched as the girls dug wholeheartedly into the fridge, pulling out ingredients, arguing over whether to make frosted sugar cookies or gingerbread snaps. He squirmed when Brennan settled next to him at the table, handing him a beer.
They sat in silence, watching the girls as they began to mix things in a bowl. Christmas music was still piping through the halls, and Jesse found himself relaxing in the family atmosphere.
"So do you think Santa will make an appearance tonight?" Shalimar finally spoke, grinning coyly.
Jesse spat his drink across the room.
"Jesse?" For the second time in less than an hour, he found himself the object of attention. His eyes darted from Brennan's furrowed brows to Shalimar and Lexa, staring at him, dough dripping from their fingers.
"Ah, sorry," He found himself muttering an excuse, relieved when eyes were finally off him once more.
"Alright guys," Lexa eventually called them over, "Get off your butts and come help us." She tossed cookie cutters at them as Shalimar dusted flour over the rolled out dough.
Shalimar watched in amusement as Brennan tried time after time to pick up the cut out dough without breaking it.
"Damn," He muttered under his breath when a tiny leg broke off the reindeer he was trying to peel off the cutter.
"Here, Brennan," Shalimar's hands suddenly closed over his, laughter tickling his ear as she leaned into him, helping him maneuver the little shape. "See, very easy."
"Hmm, I think you better show me one more time," He grinned unabashedly, doughy fingers tapping her nose.
"Brennan!" She protested quietly, trying to rub dough off her nose, but only succeeding in smearing it around more, all of which flew off when she violently sneezed.
Brennan blinked in surprise when he found cookie dough all over his face.
Splat. A chunk fell off his forehead and landed on the counter. He raised his eyebrows as Shalimar giggled, hands covering her mouth. He roared, fisting a handful of dough and throwing it across the room.
Jesse felt sick as he watched Brennan's arms close around Shalimar from behind, pinning her arms to her side, dough falling from her fingers. He was laughing, nose pressed into her hair, and he was obviously enjoying himself.
Brennan liked Shalimar.
The thought hit Jesse, and he swallowed, throat suddenly tight at the realization of their growing triangle. If anything, he would have thought Shalimar liked Brennan back, but now… Lexa nudged him, grinning knowingly at the laughing pair, and he groaned under his breath. The triangle was getting crowded.
Cookies finally got made, and the scent wafted through Sanctuary. Even through her stuffy nose, Shalimar could smell the cozy scent, could taste the warm dough that crumbled on her tongue as she savored each bite, sitting curled up in front of the tree. She loved Christmas Eve. She watched the twinkling lights, lost in thought, smiling when through the peaceful silence she could hear Jesse and Lexa from somewhere nearby, singing carols slightly off key.
"Think they maybe had a little too much to drink?"
She startled when Brennan's hands slid along her shoulders, massaging gently as he sat down behind her. She hadn't even heard him approach. "They're good for each other." Shalimar smiled, leaning back into Brennan's chest as his legs spread out on either side of her. "They'll figure it out eventually."
"Like we did," Brennan chuckled into her hair, breathing in her scent, arms tightening around her. They were quiet, enjoying each other's company.
"Brennan?" Shalimar finally spoke.
"Yeah?"
She turned in his arms. "I know it's cold, but let's go outside for a little bit. I want to feel the fresh air."
He could never refuse her. "Alright." He pushed himself off the floor, holding out a hand to help her up. "But just remember whose idea this was when we're freezing out there."
"So noted." She laughed, taking his proffered hand.
Forty-five minutes later, even Brennan had to admit coming outside was a good idea. Although it was cold enough to steal away his breath, the crisp air made him feel alive. He watched Shalimar as she stood next to him, leaning into his bulk to block the wind, face tilted upward at the clear night sky. He had never really come out on the mountain at night, though he knew Shalimar often did, and as he looked up, he understood why. It was beautiful. Billions of stars fairly danced and twinkled; from atop the mountain, they stretched untouched for hundreds of miles. It felt like he could reach up and grab ahold of one, and in the magic of the moment, he almost believed he could.
"Isn't it amazing?" Shalimar spoke in a hushed tone. "I've dreamed so often of being up here with you." She flushed slightly at the confession, and he turned her, wrapping his arms around her. She tilted her head up to his, and in the curvature of the horizon, stars created a halo of light around her. For once there was little chance of them being interrupted, and he kissed her. Lips exploring, softly and gently, deepening as she readily responded.
"Well," His voice was breathless when they finally broke apart, "That'll keep me warm."
She smiled softly, searching his eyes. They had darkened to almost black; a look she was beginning to recognize as tenderness mixed with desire, and she shivered.
"You're cold," His hands rubbed up and down her arms, pulling her into his chest. She half expected him to jokingly comment on the irony, but he didn't, instead opening his coat and folding it around her. She immediately felt warmer and slid her hands around his waist and under his shirt, stroking his muscular back.
He hissed sharply at her touch. "Shal, your fingers are like ice."
"Poor baby," She murmured, looking back into his face. "I'll just have to warm you up some more."
His breath rasped, fogging in the cold air as he bent his head, kissing her once more.
Overhead, the stars continued to sparkle.
It was quite late when they finally snuck back into Sanctuary, going into their own rooms to change. Shalimar changed quickly, settling into bed to wait. And wait. Time passed, but still he didn't come, until finally she fell asleep waiting. The whispering creak of her door opening woke her up, and she grinned in anticipation as a figure peeked inside.
"I thought you'd never come." She whispered saucily in greeting.
Jesse froze at Shalimar's soft words, panicking. He had wanted to talk, to set things straight, but instead, he froze in shock.
"Jesse?" Shalimar sat up, clutching a blanket to her chest when she suddenly saw his face.
Another door creaked in the hallway, sounding loudly in the stillness of the night. Jesse made a strangled sound under his breath and backed out, slamming the door.
"Jesse!" Shalimar called, following after him into the hall, but he didn't stop.
"Shal?" Brennan appeared behind her. "What's going on?"
"I don't know," She shook her head in confusion. "Jesse came to my door, but then ran away. Do you think he's alright?" Concern edged her voice.
Brennan stared down the hallway in the direction Jesse had fled. "Maybe he's still a bit tipsy." He chuckled. "He did drink more than usual tonight."
"Yeah." Shalimar frowned thoughtfully. "I'm worried about him."
"Jesse?" Brennan ordered into his comlink. "Are you ok? Answer me."
"Yeah," Jesse's wary voice finally came through. "I'm about to fall asleep Brennan, I'll talk to you in the morning."
Brennan and Shalimar exchanged glances.
"Ok," Brennan shrugged, breaking the connection, expression softening as he looked back into her face. "Sorry I'm so late." He looked both ways, following her back into her room.
"What happened?" Shalimar smiled shyly as he pulled her into his arms. "I was afraid you weren't coming."
"I'll always come, Shal." Brennan dipped his head, capturing her lips. "Never doubt that." He took her hands, leading her to the bed. "I laid down for a moment and fell asleep." He shrugged sheepishly.
She crawled into the bed, curling into him as he spooned behind her, arms circling her waist. "Guess neither of us really slept last night."
He pushed strands of hair behind her ear, dropping a kiss onto the tender skin. "I'm just glad you're ok. It scared me, seeing you unconscious like that." He paused, and she waited, heart picking up speed. "Shalimar, I don't know where we're going with this, but I—I need you in my life."
She rolled, emotions swelling. "I need you in my life too." She reached up to kiss him, head turning at the last minute as a sneeze suddenly overtook her. She sneezed several times in a row, until Brennan released her, sitting up and grabbing a tissue from the nightstand.
"Sorry," She blew her nose, grimacing. "You shouldn't be here, you'll get sick."
He smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I told you, I don't care."
She sniffed, and he pulled her back into his arms, tucking her head under his chin, holding her sweetly as they drifted off to sleep.
He woke up with a sore throat.
Jesse fidgeted nervously as he waited by the tree with Lexa.
"Are you always this impatient to open presents?" Lexa shot him an amused look.
"What?" Jesse looked down at his hands, realizing he had practically mangled one of the gifts he was holding. "Oh."
Brennan and Shalimar clamoring into the room stilled Lexa's next question, and she shook her head, dismissing her worry in the cheerful banter of the Christmas morning.
"Merry Christmas!" Shalimar plopped in front of the tree with glee, looking for all the world like a little kid. Despite his worry, Jesse couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Where's Santa Claus?" Lexa grinned at Jesse.
"He'll make an appearance later," Jesse returned, smirking as Brennan paled.
"Great," Shalimar enthused, causing Jesse's smile to falter once more. Her head was buried, digging through presents, so she didn't notice. "Here, mine first." She flashed them an eager smile as she handed out her gifts, fingers lingering for just a moment as they brushed against Brennan's. He smiled at her, giving her a quick wink. She blushed, pulse hammering in her throat as she sat back down. If he didn't know how she felt, he would know in a moment. She watched as he opened the paper, sliding out a watch between his fingers. She glanced over her shoulder as Jesse opened a similar watch, turning back to Brennan in time to see him turning his over. Now he would see her inscription. Her heart pounded. Too quickly, Brennan turned the watch back over. Confused, she stared at him, startled when Jesse made a loud exclamation behind her, jumping to his feet and throwing down his watch.
"Oh, no!" Jesse's tongue stuttered in shock. "No, no, no, no!"
"Jesse?" Her eyes darted from Brennan to Jesse, torn. "Don't you like it?"
"Ah, Shalimar," Jesse hedged, taking a deep breath, "I, ah, I think we need to talk."
"Ok." She smiled quizzically, and his heart broke.
He didn't want to hurt her, he loved her too much. Love. He sank back to the floor, staring at the watch in his hands, or rather, at the inscription engraved boldly in the back. Time with you has taught me the meaning of true love. Oh God. He swallowed tightly.
Shalimar turned back to Brennan, eager to know his reaction.
"Thanks, Shal," Brennan smiled at her when he caught her gaze.
Thanks? That's it? Her shoulders drooped with disappointment. She wasn't sure what she expected to her declaration of love, but that wasn't it. She smiled wanly back at him.
Achoo!
Brennan suddenly sneezed, and she couldn't help the surge of warmth that spread over her. He had stayed with her and gotten sick for her; it had to mean something. She leaned over, smiling more widely. "Sorry, Bren."
He shrugged, staring into her eyes. "It was worth it."
Her heart stopped, then slammed in her chest, and she boldly leaned in closer. "So when do I get to see you as Santa again?"
"Santa?" Brennan frowned in confusion. "I'm not Santa."
Achoo! Achoo!
Loud sneezing suddenly erupted behind them. They both froze, eyes widening as Jesse sneezed again.
Achoo!
"What?" Jesse looked up as he realized Brennan and Shalimar were both staring at him. He glanced at Lexa, but she only shrugged unknowingly.
"Jesse," Shalimar spoke slowly, horrifying awareness suddenly hitting her. "Did you dress up as Santa yesterday?"
"Yeah." Jesse shuffled his feet, aware of Brennan slowly standing up, "But you know that Shalimar, you kissed me."
"What?" Brennan and Lexa both yelled at once.
Shalimar's eyes fell shut in embarrassment.
"You kissed Shalimar?" Brennan suddenly turned on Jesse, eyes furious.
"No!" Jesse's voice came out loudly, hands rising in the air. "She kissed me!"
"What?" Brennan managed to croak out, knees turning to jelly beneath him, glaring at Jesse. "I don't believe you."
"It's true."
Shalimar's quiet voice stilled them all.
"What?" Brennan was starting to sound like a broken record.
Jesse knew he had to do something. "Shalimar," he cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Shut up!" Brennan whirled around, fists clenched.
"Stop it!" Lexa's loud voice gave them pause. She stepped between them, Jesse's watch in her hands. "I think there's been a small mix-up here."
Jesse paled when he saw the engraved watch. "Lexa, I swear, I didn't—"
Shalimar saw the look on Jesse's face, stomach fluttering as she saw his eyes glued on the watch. She didn't? She snatched the watch out of Lexa's hands, turning it over. She did. Her eyes closed in sudden understanding, relieved laughter bubbling out of her. It explained so much. She opened her eyes again, giggles dying when she saw the disbelief on Brennan's face. Brennan! She held out her hand to him.
He hesitated, clearly hurt, but reached for her anyway, taking her hand. "Shal?"
She squeezed his fingers tightly, looking back at Jesse, who was watching them with mouth wide open. "I'm so sorry, Jesse. The kiss, the watch, it was all a mix-up. It wasn't supposed to be for you. I must have freaked you out pretty bad."
Jesse blinked, eyes darting between the couple, starting to catch on. "You mean--?"
"Yes." Shalimar met his gaze calmly, reddening slightly as Jesse's face revealed his thought process, knowing the instant he understood.
"You two?"
"Yes." Brennan finally spoke up, taking a step closer to Shalimar.
"When?" He shook his head in shock, mind reeling as he tried to grasp it all. It had been a chaotic couple of days.
"Jess," Lexa tugged on his arm. "Why don't we give them a moment alone."
"Shalimar." Brennan spoke her name quietly, and she turned to him. "Talk to me."
His face was slightly pinched, and she cupped his cheek, giving him a kiss. "Here, this was supposed to be for you." She held out the watch. "I must have been so out of it when I wrapped them that I mixed them up."
Brennan took the watch, not understanding until his fingers felt slight marring in the metal underside. He turned it over, sucking in a deep breath as he read the inscription. Time with you has taught me the meaning of true love. Relief and something inscrutable flashed across his face. Without a word, he turned on his heel.
"Brennan?" Shalimar stared after him in fear.
He came back, smiling softly as he held out a small gift wrapped in gold foil paper. "Here."
She took it, seeing her name in his bold handwriting. She glanced back up, but he just nodded to her. She tore the paper with trembling fingers, giving a frustrated sigh when she couldn't untie the ribbon fast enough. She finally yanked hard, sending ribbon bits flying. Brennan chuckled at her, but she couldn't look at him. A long, flat jewelry case slid into her hands when she finally got the paper off, and she stared at it for a moment, taking a deep breath before opening it.
Delicate gold winked back at her in the light, two hearts fused together on a slender chain.
"It's beautiful."
"Turn it over." Brennan spoke softly.
She carefully pulled the necklace out of the case, the metal cool in her shaking fingers. The hearts were small, but the words scripted on them were not. Love will hold us together forever. She stared at it, unable to speak.
"It's a little cheesy, I know," Brennan shrugged sheepishly when she didn't say anything, "But I wanted you to know how I feel. Looks like we had the same idea…" His rambling stuttered to a stop when she looked at him with shining eyes. He took a deep breath, lips curved into a smile, hands framing her face. "I love you, Shalimar."
"I love you too, Brennan." She looked down shyly, and his fingers tugged her chin back up, lips claiming hers.
"This is going to take some getting used to," Jesse muttered from across the room. "I had no idea."
"What did you think I was talking about?" Lexa grinned at him in amusement.
"I thought---I mean---oh never mind." Jesse turned bright red as Lexa laughed.
"Hey, Brennan?" Shalimar looked at him when they broke off the kiss.
"Yeah?" His thumb distractedly stroked her cheek.
"If Jesse's Santa Claus, who are you supposed to be?"
"Oh, just you wait and see!" Jesse's gleeful laugh interrupted them as it was Brennan's turn to flush.
"No, absolutely not." Brennan protested loudly, even as Jesse led him away.
"A bet is a bet." Jesse grinned mercilessly, pausing to look back over his shoulder at Shalimar. "Ah, Shal—"
"It's ok, Jesse. We're good." She smiled at him, knowing what he was going to say.
He smiled back. "Thanks." He turned back around, pushing Brennan out of the room. "I still want to know when all of this happened though!" His voice trailed after him as they disappeared from sight.
Shalimar stared, lips twitching when they both reappeared ten minutes later. His face matching the color of his tunic, Brennan was a strange mixture of red and green. She couldn't tell if he was embarrassed or sick. She took a moment to study him, smiling as he fidgeted under her gaze, bells merrily ringing as he shuffled his slippered feet. He grimaced at the sound. He wore a floppy, fuzzy hat on his head, a puffy ball on the end suspiciously scorched. A striped tunic covered his torso, and was just barely long enough to cover him up. Oh my. She grinned as he unconsciously crossed his legs. His legs looked ridiculously skinny in stretchy green tights, but lithe muscles flexed as he shuffled about. She drew her eyes slowly back up to his face.
"Shalimar," He growled in a whine as she continued to stare at him.
"This almost makes it all worth while." Jesse laughed as he came up to Shalimar.
"Nice belly." She patted his stuffed middle as he grinned at her.
"Merry Christmas," Jesse kissed her on the cheek, and she giggled when the white whiskers tickled her. "If he ever hurts you—" Jesse's eyes darted over to Brennan.
"He won't." She confidently interrupted him, smiling. "But thanks."
He smiled in understanding, heading toward Lexa next with a hearty, "Ho-Ho-Ho!"
Shalimar shook her head as they went running past her, Jesse losing stuffing as he struggled to run in his costume, laughter following them as they disappeared from sight.
As soon as they disappeared, Brennan whirled around.
"Where are you going?"
Shalimar's voice stopped him.
"To change," He crossed his arms, daring her to argue with him. "I kept my promise and put on the costume, now I'm done."
"Too bad." She let her eyes drag up and down the length of him.
"You've got to be kidding?!" Brennan groaned in disbelief at her look. "Green tights?!"
She sidled up to him, hands trailing up his arms and across his shoulders to tangle in the short hair at the back of his head, pulling him down for a kiss.
Yep, green tights.
Brennan grinned as he suddenly scooped her up in his arms, kissing her more deeply, eyes infinitely tender when he pulled away.
"Merry Christmas, Brennan," Her throat felt suddenly tight at the overwhelming love she felt for him.
He smiled back, brushing a kiss on her forehead and then over each eye, her lids falling shut under his gentle lips. He moved to her nose, and then when he would have next kissed her mouth, he paused, until her eyes flew open at the hesitation, widening when she saw the wonder and joy in his gaze. "Merry Christmas, Shal." His breath tickled her lips, teasing her with their nearness, before his lips closed the distance, telling her of his love.
In the corner, arms proudly outstretched, stood the Douglas Fir, bright lights winking in merry delight.
The End!
Happy Holidays!