The ground was covered with snow. There were Christmas lights in the trees as Ephram, Madison and Jake drove down Main Street in Everwood. Jake's eyes were filled with amazement at all the snow that was everywhere. Ephram looked at Madison sitting in the passenger seat of the rental car. She looked like a kid smiling. Madison's smile was contagious because it made Ephram smile.

"Daddy, when am I going to get today's Hanukkah present?" Jake asked as he leaned toward Ephram.

"When we get to Grandma's house." Ephram said.

"How much longer?" Jake replied back.

"Just a few more minutes, sweetie. Daddy has to drive slow because of the snow." Madison said.

Ephram drove right up to Madison's parents' house and honked the horn. Jake unbuckled his seat belt immediately and ran to the door.

Ephram looked at Madison, "You ready for this?"

"You scared?" Madison looked at him with a confused look.

"Well, let's see, I am the one responsible for the 4 year old running up to the door and I have been completely MIA for the past 5 and a half years. I am surprised she's letting me in the house."

"She knows it was your dad's fault. She doesn't blame you any more." Madison replied. She realized what she said because Ephram's mouth opened a little. "I mean, she was ticked at first because we were young, but the minute she saw Jake, it was all gone."

"That makes me feel so much better. Did you pack the Pepto Bismal?" Ephram said.

"Why?" Madison said.

"My stomach is doing somersaults."

"Relax. Everything's going to be okay. It's Christmas/Hanukkah. Holidays are not a time for being upset." Madison said trying to reassure him. She noticed he didn't look any better. She leaned over and gave him a kiss. "Now does that help?"

"My stomach feels a little better." Ephram said with a half smile.

Jake yells toward the car, "Come on. Grandma has hot chocolate for us."

That evening, everyone was inside. Ephram and Madison were cuddling on the couch and Jake was helping his Grandma put some ornaments on the tree.

"Thanks for putting out a Menorah, Mrs. Kellner." Ephram said.

"Ephram, call me, Sarah, please." Sarah said.

"Can I have my Hanukkah presents, Daddy?" Jake said turning around really fast.

"I guess, let me go get them out of our room." Ephram said getting up from the couch.

Madison got up, "I'll go with you, I need to get mine too."

"Mine too?" Ephram replied.

"Yeah. Mine too. I wanted to participate. Is that okay?" Madison said smartly.

Ephram extended his hand for Madison's and they took off upstairs to the bedroom leaving Sarah with Jake continuing to decorate the tree.

"Grandma?" Jake asked.

"Hmm, sweetie." Sarah replied.

"I'm glad Daddy was able to come with us this year." Jake said.

"You really enjoy your dad being around, don't you?" Sarah said trying to pump Jake for information.

"Oh, yeah, I do. It's so much fun doing things with him. I feel like everyone else at school now." Jake replied with a smile picking up some ornaments to put on the tree.

"Does your mom enjoy having your daddy around?" Sarah asked.

"She's much happier ever since Daddy moved in with us." Jake responded.

Meanwhile, Ephram and Madison were in their bedroom. Ephram was digging through one of his suitcases. Madison sat down on the bed looking into the suitcase. "Still nervous?"

"Getting better. Your mom's being extremely cool. Is there something I need to know?" Ephram looked at her as he pulled three small presents out of his bag.

"Nope. Nada. Is one of those for me?" Madison said eyeing the presents.

"Maybe. Come on. We need to get back down there." Ephram said as he turned and tried to walk towards the door.

"Just a second." Madison grabbed his hand and stood up. She went over to her suitcase and grabbed a few presents and then walked back down together.

Everyone opened his or her presents and Sarah put Jake to bed. Ephram was sitting on the couch watching the fire with his arm propping up his head on the couch. Madison walked up and sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"I love my Blackberry" Madison said. Ephram looked deep in her eyes and smiled. Madison smiled back. "Ephram…?"

"Sorry, just a little tired." Ephram said taking his hand and pushing her bangs behind her ear.

"I know, it's been a long day." Madison said giving him another kiss on the lips. "You ready to go to bed."

"Not yet." Ephram repositioned himself below Madison and pulled her legs on top of his lap more and placed his arms around her. "I like being by the fire with you all alone. It's quiet and perfect."

Madison smiled back at the love of her life and then settled her head in the crook of Ephram's neck and closed her eyes. Ephram whispered, "I love you" and Madison mumbled the words back. Christmas in Everwood was going to go over well.