A/N: HERE IS A CANDYCANE SWEET CHAPTER, JUST TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT THERE'S ONLY THREE MONTHS 'TIL THE HOLIDAYS. THREE MONTHS 'TIL PULLED MUSCLES FROM SHOVELING, TRYING TO STUFF KIDS INTO SNOWSUITS AND STANDING IN LINE FOR AN HOUR, JUST TO BUY A TIE. I CAN'T WAIT, BUT UNTIL THEN ENJOY THIS CHAPTER. OWNERSHIP DOES NOT APPLY TO ME.
CHAPTER 35: THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
It was Christmas morning at the Cavanaugh house, Cal and Jordan had stayed over after the party by Garret's, on Christmas eve. Cal awoke and jumped out of bed, "Wake up guys, it's Christmas, we have to get downstairs before Woody wakes up", he exclaimed in a loud whisper, rapping on the bedroom doors. As Cal ran down the stairs, Jordan and Max groggily followed. "This is just not right Calvin. It's like 6am.", Jordan stated, shaking her head. "I need some coffee.", Max said, clomping down the stairs. "Already done.", Woody called, wheeling from the kitchen with a tray full of coffee and mugs on his lap. "How'd you do that?', Cal asked stunned. "It was magic Calvin.", Woody said sarcastically, as he rolled his eyes. Jordan gave a light chuckle. Woody continued, getting a little annoyed, "Max set the coffeepot last night, the mugs were in the dishwasher and I got the cream out of the fridge. You know, I have to learn to do things on my own again. My new apartment will be ready the end of next month and no one will be there to help."
"I'm gonna miss you, kid.", Max said, taking a cup of coffee from Woody. "I think Bailey's going to miss you more, Woody.", Jordan pointed out, nodding to the huge red-haired dog who wedged herself in front of his chair. "Don't worry Max, I'll be right down the street. We'll probably still see each other every day.", Woody laughed as he patted his lap, Bailey jump right up and licked him on the face. Jordan smiled as she watched the two most important men in her life. "Okay enough sap, let's open presents.", Cal exclaimed excitedly. "I'll pass them out.", Woody offered. "No, I'll pass them out.", insisted Cal. "I called it first, Calvin.", shouted Woody. "How about I pass them out.", laughed Max.
After Max had passed out all of the presents, Jordan handed him an envelope marked; Merry Christmas Dad. Love, Jordan, Woody and Cal. "Open this first Dad.", Jordan said, smiling. Max pulled out a brochure and airplane ticket to Ireland. His eyes filled with tears as he looked at these three young people he loved so much. Jordan spoke first, her voice cracking; "You always said you go once Mom's murder was solved, now you can." She hugged her dad tight, kissed him on the cheek and asked, "Do you like it?". All he could do was nod. "Merry Christmas Max. Thanks for everything you've done for me….for us. I just want you to know how much I appreciate it.", Woody hugged him. "You're the best Max.", Cal added patting him on the back.
They all tore through the boxes of miscellaneous clothing items and personal gifts. "Okay, we've saved the best for last.", Jordan said, handing Woody a small box. "What's this, you've already given me my gifts?", Woody asked inquisitively. "It's from all of us. Open and see.", she smiled. Woody opened the box to find a set of car keys, he looked up at her, confused. Jordan pushed him to the window, "Look outside. It's fully accessible with hand controls and………". Jordan stopped when he grabbed her hand. "It's really cool, Woods, I drove it home yesterday.", Cal added from the couch. "Wow, I don't know what to say………Jordan?", Woody stated, his voice cracking. Jordan knelt beside him, "Merry Christmas, Woody.", she said as she kissed him. His eyes filled with tears, "You let Calvin drive my new car home?", he asked with a chuckle.
Woody stared out the window for a long time, playing with the keys in his hand. "Wanna take it for a spin?", Cal asked, throwing Woody his coat. "I don't know Cal, maybe later.", he stated, a little unsure. "Go. You know you want to.", Jordan encouraged. Woody nodded back. They were gone a few hours when Jordan started to worry, she kept looking out of the window. "They'll be back soon.", Max called from the kitchen. Jordan started to set the table when she heard car doors slam and yelling. She opened the front door to find Cal and Woody involved in a serious snowball fight, Bailey ran out to enjoy in the fun. She laughed as she watched them until Cal threw a snowball that hit Woody hard in the stomach. He doubled over and fell in the snow. "Sorry Woods, you okay?", Cal called out. Jordan threw her boots on and ran outside. "Woody are you alright?", Jordan asked, frantically, kneeling beside him. "Calvin.", he groaned. "What is it Woody?', Cal ran to his brothers side. Woody pulled Cal by his jacket collar and pushed his face into the snow. "That hurt you idiot.", Woody yelled with a smile. Jordan got up. "Get into that house before you both get sick.", Jordan commanded. Cal got Woody back into his chair, pushed him up the ramp and into the house.
Max was starting a fire when the three came in, Woody and Cal were dripping wet and laughing. Jordan just shook her head. Cal ran upstairs to change, Jordan pushed Woody into the den, helping him out of his wet clothes and into dry ones. "Don't ever do that again. You scared me.", Jordan scolded. "Sorry.", Woody offered, smiling wide as he got back into his chair. "So , how was it?", she asked changing the subject, and his wet socks. "It was awesome. I can't thank you enough.", he replied, pulling her up for a kiss. Jordan put her hands on his face, "You're freezing, get into bed.", she demanded. "No Jordan, it's Christmas.", Woody pleaded. "Alright, the couch then.", she compromised.
Woody and Jordan came into the living room to find Max had prepared mugs of hot chocolate. "Make yourselves comfortable, I'll finish getting dinner ready.", he said handing Jordan a large fleece blanket. "I'll help you Max.", Cal called from the stairs, knowing Woody and Jordan needed some time alone. "Thanks Dad.", Jordan replied, kissing Max on the cheek. She nodded a 'thank you' over to Cal as he followed Max into the kitchen.Woody maneuvered onto the couch, Jordan sat next to him, wrapping them both in the blanket. She handed Woody his hot chocolate, took her own and snuggled close to him. Woody put his arm around her and held her tight. "I love you Woody.", Jordan stated, her heart racing with anticipation. "I love you too Jordan, I always have, I always will.", he replied, kissing the top of her head.