Responding to a knock on her apartment door, Lola was surprised at the identity of her visitor. "Austin?" she said.
"Don't tell me, you have forgotten me already," Austin said.
"What brings you by?" Lola said.
"I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas," Austin said.
"You mean you wanted to check up on me," Lola said, "Make sure I wasn't falling apart, since I'm on my own this year."
"I also wanted to bring you this," Austin said, producing a small gift bag.
"You have to stop buying me gifts," Lola said.
"It's a tree," Austin said, "I didn't think you would be in the mood, but you need to have a Christmas tree." Pulling the item out of the bad, Austin said, "Even if it is ceramic. Could we have this conversation inside as opposed to the hallway?"
"I'm sorry, come in," Lola said "Thank you for the tree. It's a nice gesture."
"I will just put this over here," Austin said, setting the tree up on the side desk. He flicked a switch on the base, to which lights appeared.
"It's lovely," Lola said.
"How is your day going?" Austin said.
"Okay," Lola said, "I just got off a video chat with my brother and his wife. Their little one is getting so big. I wish I could go visit, but my parole prevents that from happening."
"Hopefully, you can see them next year," Austin said.
"Perhaps," Lola said, "I haven't been able to get hold of my mother though. I will try again later."
"I'm curious if you opened your present from me," Austin said.
"I haven't yet," Lola said, "I guess there is no time like the present." She smiled at her play on words, as she retrieved the gift.
Austin chuckled with a smile. He watched as she removed the paper and opened the box, to reveal a red and sparkling figurine. "Oh, it's a reindeer," Lola smiled, "It's very pretty, thank you."
"You're welcome," Austin said, "Thank you for smiling."
"Would you like some hot cider?" Lola said, "It wouldn't take me long to heat some. Or egg nog?"
"It sounds great, but I can't stay," Austin said.
"Oh, of course you must have plans," Lola said, disappointment in her tone.
"I have some people to see today," Austin said, "But I could come back later."
"That would be nice," Lola said, "How about for dinner? It won't be anything fancy. A light meal, maybe ham and roasted potatoes. I'll even add a dessert, how about mousse?"
"Chocolate?" Austin said.
"Is there any other kind," Lola said.
"I'm tempted," Austin said, "But I don't want you to go to all that trouble for me."
"It's no trouble," Lola said, "It would be my pleasure."
"I've never been able to resist your cooking before," Austin said, "So, count me in."
"You are counted," Lola said, "Your reservation for Chez Lola is at six?"
"I'll be here," Austin smiled.
Laying next to Kyle in bed, Rachel smiled at the sight of her husband, sound asleep. Pushing the covers back, Rachel crept out of bed, moving softly, so she would not wake him. She quietly opened the bedroom closet and retrieved a gift bag. Walking back to the bed, she placed it on the floor, before snuggling back under the covers. Draping her arm across Kyle, she kissed his cheek and said, "Good morning."
"Um…" Kyle groaned, as he pulled himself from sleep. Opening his eyes, he groggily said, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you," Rachel said.
As Rachel nestled onto his shoulder, Kyle said, "Today's the day." Rubbing one eye, he continued, "I wonder if Santa came last night."
"He was just here," Rachel said.
"What?" Kyle laughed.
"I woke up and there he was," Rachel said.
"Why didn't you wake me?" Kyle said.
"It happened so fast," Rachel said, "He just disappeared."
"You mean, I missed it?" Kyle said, in mock disappointment.
"Maybe you will catch him next year," Rachel said.
Kyle nodded. Sitting up straighter, Kyle reached into the bedside drawer and retrieved an item. Rachel smiled when she saw the gift in his hand. "This is for you," Kyle said.
Rachel put her hand out the take the small gift, but Kyle snatched it back. "Wait," Kyle said, "Have you been good?"
"You know the answer to that," Rachel said.
Laughing, Kyle said, "I guess I do. You deserve this." Kyle handed the gift back to her.
Removing the outer ribbon and tearing off the paper, Rachel lifted the lid of what she thought was a ring box. Instead she found a tiny silver figurine, which resembled a baby rattle.
"This is sweet," Rachel said.
"It represents our impending parenthood," Kyle said, gently running his hand over Rachel's belly, where her baby bump was starting to show.
Examining it more closely, she said, "This is a charm. It's lovely, but I don't have a bracelet to put it on."
On cue, Kyle handed her a wrapped rectangular box. "I think we can fix that," he smiled.
Rachel softly laughed as she unwrapped the parcel, to reveal the bracelet. "It's beautiful. Look, you already added some other charms."
"I hope you don't mind, I got it started for you," Kyle said.
"Of course not," Rachel said.
Going over the items with her, Kyle said, "This little computer monitor, represents how smart you are and how technologically minded you are. We couldn't keep Jabot running without you."
"That's not true," Rachel said.
"It is," Kyle said, before continuing, "The heart symbolizes our everlasting true love and the S is for your daughter and your sister."
Rachel kissed Kyle's cheek. "You are the sweetest," she said, "Thank you."
"There's room for a lot more charms to be added, including the baby rattle," Kyle said, "There's a website, I can show you, where you can buy any other ones you like."
"This is perfect," Rachel said, attaching the new charm to the bracelet. After Kyle helped her do up the clasp, Rachel admired it on her wrist. "I love it," she said.
"I love you," Kyle said, kissing her neck.
Kyle began to kiss her more amorously, moving from her shoulder to her cheek. "Hold that thought," Rachel said, reaching over the side of the bed, grabbing the gift bag.
"What's this?" Kyle said, peering to see what she was doing.
"It's your Christmas present," Rachel said, holding the bag towards him.
"Hmm…" Kyle said, taking the bag and rummaging through tissue paper. Locating a small velvet container, Kyle pushed open the lid, to find a pair of silver cufflinks. "Baby, these are amazing," he said.
"You really like them?" Rachel said.
"I really do," Kyle smiled, "I will get a lot of use out of these. Thank you."
As he was led into the private visitor's room, at the jail, Rey chuckled when he saw who was waiting for him.
"What are you doing here?" Rey said, "Come to wish me a Merry Christmas?"
"Not at all," Austin said, Though it does warm my heart to see you in that jumpsuit. Not very comfortable are they?"
"If you came to gloat and throw insults, I am going back to my cell," Rey said, standing up.
"Don't' go, you will want to hear this," Austin said.
"I doubt that," Rey said.
"It's about your sister," Austin said.
"What about Lola?" Rey said, "Is she alright?"
"She's getting the help she needs," Austin said, "She is doing quite well under the circumstances."
"How is that you know so much about my sister?" Rey said, sitting back down.
"We've been getting to know each other," Austin said, "You could say we're friends."
"Stay away from her," Rey warned.
"I didn't come here just to talk about Lola," Austin said, "I came to set the record straight."
"Am I supposed to understand what that means?" Rey said.
"I wondered why you kidnapped Abbott," Austin said, "I mean, why would you go to all the trouble and then you tried to kill him on that cliffside. That's when it hit me. That night was not the first time you tried to get rid of Kyle."
"As usual, I have no idea what you're talking about," Rey said.
"It was you," Austin said, "The night of Kyle and Rachel's accident. You were the driver of the other car."
"You've got your facts wrong," Rey said, "The driver confessed and it wasn't me."
"You mean Simon Black," Austin said, "My father."
"That's right," Rey said.
"I'm going to let you in on a secret," Austin said, "My father was not the other driver. He confessed to get me off the hook and released from jail. I didn't do it either, but he was so convincing. For the longest time, I thought it was Lola, but now I realize it was you. Your animosity towards him proves me right."
"That's your theory," Rey said.
"I don't hear you denying it," Austin said.
"So, is your plan to run to the police chief with this nonsense?" Rey said, "No one will believe you."
"I'm not going to say anything," Austin said, "You are. You will confess to this crime."
Rey laughed. "Is that so? Not happening."
"You would be wise to listen," Austin said, "My father is currently charged with something he did not do. As your fellow inmate, he has a lot of power in here. If he learns it was you, and you refuse to confess, he will make things extremely unpleasant for you."
"I'm not afraid of your old man," Rey said.
"Everyone is afraid of my father," Austin said, "And if you're thinking of doing anything to me, in retribution, once again my father will have a score to settle with you."
"This is what you do," Rey said, "Hide behind the violence of your father."
"I didn't say he would be violent," Austin said, "It would be unpleasant. People listen to him and do what he says. His wrath would follow you every day and night." Rey stared at Austin, as he continued, "Now, I see you're starting to sweat. If you want to avoid this, all you have to do is confess."
"You think you have it all figured out," Rey said, "Alright, I'll confess, on one condition."
"Which is?" Austin said.
"Stay away from Lola," Rey said, "Any relationship you are planning to cultivate with her, stops now. If I find out you have gone near her, you will suffer the consequences."
"My father may not have been around when Tess and I were growing up," Austin started, "But he is very protective of us. I already told you what would happen if you threaten me."
"I will take anything that's coming my way, if it's to protect my sister," Rey said.
"You don't have to protect her from me," Austin said.
"We'll see about that," Rey said.
"Oh, Ashley thank you," Traci said, "This scarf is just beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it," Ashley said, "I almost bought one for myself."
"Maybe next year Santa will bring you one," Jack said.
"Ho, Ho, Ho!" Kyle said, as he and Rachel walked in the front door.
"There you are," Jack said, "I was wondering when you would be here."
"Sorry, if we're late," Kyle said, "We were…"
"Celebrating," Rachel finished for him. Jack put his hand up, not needing to hear anymore.
"We can forgive them," Traci said, "After all, they are still newlyweds for a few more days."
"We just started opening gifts," Ashley said.
"In that case, I have something special for Kyle and Jack," Rachel said, retrieving parcels from under the tree.
Ashley made room on the couch, for Kyle and Rachel, as Rachel handed boxes out. "Jack, you should go first," Rachel said.
"Alright," Jack said. All eyes were on Jack as he lifted the lid and smiled. "What have you got?" Kyle said.
Jack held up a shirt bearing the words, 'World's Greatest Grandpa'.
Kyle laughed, as Traci said, "Oh, that's fun."
"Look at that, already calling you an old man," Ashley teased.
"I don't mind a bit," Jack said, "I am looking forward to it."
"I'm sure you will be a wonderful grandfather," Rachel said.
"Thank you," Jack said.
"Okay, now you," Rachel said, tapping the top of the box on Kyle's lap.
"Do I have one that says world's greatest Dad?" Kyle said.
"I think you should just open it," Rachel said.
Kyle lifted the lid and paused. Lifting out the pink baby blanket, he said, "This is nice, although, it's not really my size."
Traci and Jack smiled, realizing the meaning behind Rachel's gift.
"I'm guessing this is for the baby," Kyle said, "It's a sweet reminder that it's coming."
"Kyle," Rachel said, "The baby blanket is pink."
"Yeah…" Kyle said, confused until, surprise came into his eyes. "Are you saying…?"
Rachel smiled with a nod. "You know? It's a girl?" Kyle said.
"We are going to have a daughter," Rachel said.
"We're having a girl," Kyle smiled, hugging Rachel, as the family clapped their congratulations.
"Isn't this a surprise," Simon Black said, as he spotted his son, in the visitor's room.
"Merry Christmas Dad," Austin said.
"Is that what you're here for?" Simon said, "The obligatory holiday visit with the old man."
"Aren't you full of cheer," Austin said.
"This is not the place I prefer to spend Christmas," Simon said.
"Maybe I can brighten your day," Austin said, "I have a present for you."
"How's that?" Simon said.
"I found the driver of the car, which ran the other driver off the road," Austin said, "He's going to confess and those charges against you will be dropped." Austin sat back in his chair with a look of satisfaction.
"What if they don't accept his confession?" Simon said.
"Believe me, it won't be hard for the police to be convinced," Austin said.
"Well, wonders never cease," Simon said, "I knew you would come through for me. So, tell me, who is the real culprit?"
"Does it really matter?" Austin said, "The police have their man."
"I thought you were certain this girl was responsible," Simon said.
"Circumstances were leaning in that direction, but thankfully, it was not her," Austin said, "It was her brother."
"Does he have a name?" Simon said.
"Rey Rosales," Austin said.
"The detective they just locked up in here?" Simon said.
"One and the same," Austin said.
"I can't help but notice, you didn't bring your sister with you," Simon said.
"Are you really surprised?" Austin said, "You know she has a hard time dealing with you."
"I was hoping to change that," Simon said.
"That would be a Christmas miracle," Austin said.
"How is she?" Simon said.
"Tess is doing well," Austin said, "She went through a hard time, but she's getting therapy and is truly happier now."
"Is she still in that relationship with the woman?" Simon said.
"Yes, Tess is in love with Mariah," Austin said, "Nothing will break them up."
"What about you," Simon said, "What are you up to, other than parole?"
"No more ankle monitor," Austin said, "I nearly fell off a cliff and my reward, was having it taken off."
"Sounds like a story there," Simon said.
"I did a good deed," Austin said.
"That doesn't sound like you," Simon said.
"Thanks Dad," Austin said, "Your compassion is overwhelming."
"What else are you up to?" Simon said.
"I'm not up to anything," Austin said, "I keep my nose clean, like I'm supposed to. I do have a new job as a bartender at Society restaurant."
"I have never been there," Simon said, "Hopefully, I can check it out one day. Maybe you can get me some free drinks."
"I'll see what I can do about that," Austin said.
"And what about your social life?" Simon said, "There has to be a girl."
"There is a possibility with someone," Austin said, "It's too early to tell if anything will develop."
"It's the girl you originally suspected," Simon said.
"How do you know that?" Austin said.
"The way you talked about her before," Simon said, "I sensed an attraction."
"Right now she's just a friend," Austin said, "Who I have to meet for a dinner date soon."
"You should bring her by," Simon said, "I would like to meet the woman who has stolen my son's heart."
"Please don't be offended, it I say no way am I bringing her near you," Austin said.
"Protective," Simon said, "Must be serious."
"I have to go," Austin said, "I just wanted to deliver the news and wish you happy holidays."
"Sounds like they will be for you," Simon said.
Austin raised his eyebrows and crossed his fingers, before leaving the room.
"I hope you're not disappointed," Rachel said, "I know you secretly wanted a boy."
"It doesn't matter," Kyle said, "I am so excited we're having a girl. Although, I thought we agreed to wait and find out."
"I know, but at my last appointment, I couldn't resist asking," Rachel said, "I've been dying to tell you for days."
"Why didn't you?" Kyle said.
"Because it was more fun this way," Rachel said.
"By the way," Kyle said, "What happened to you Mom?"
"She went to see her granddaughter," Jack said.
"My mother went to see Susie? At Kevin's?" Rachel said panicked.
"She promised for the sake of the holiday she could behave," Jack said.
"She probably didn't just go to see Susie," Rachel said, "Susie has been talking a lot about her new baby brother. I'm sure my mother wants to see that baby too."
"Does that mean she's coming back whey ours is born?" Kyle said.
"I wouldn't be a bit surprised," Rachel said.
"You know, there are two more gifts under that tree for both of you," Jack said.
"Us?" Kyle said, "I'll get them."
Kyle retrieved the gifts and reading tags, he located his wife's, "This is for you."
Sitting next to each, other Kyle said, "Let's do them together."
Paper was ripped and lids of boxes opened, and they both smiled, "Dad, this is great," Kyle said, lifting out a white robe.
"It's lovely," Rachel said, locating her pink one, "And so soft."
"I just noticed," Kyle said, "Our initials are on them."
Rachel looked to see "RA and KA" respectively, stitched on the material.
"What a nice idea," Traci said.
"These are amazing," Kyle said, "Thanks Dad."
"Yes, thank you so much," Rachel said, trying hers on.
"You are most welcome," Jack smiled.
Suddenly the front door burst open and Adele stepped inside. "Hello everyone," Rachel's mother said.
"Mom," Rachel said.
"Kyle dear," Adele said, going straight to him, "I'm so glad you're alright, after that horrifying experience."
"Mom, I don't think Kyle wants to talk about that today," Rachel said.
"I appreciate the sentiment," Kyle said, "Thank you Adele."
"Ah…" Adele said, holding a finger to Kyle.
"Mom," Kyle corrected himself.
"Give us a hug," Adele said, embracing Kyle.
Kyle frowned at Adele as she moved on to his father. "Jack, I have to thank you again for the lovely time we had last evening," Adele said, "Perhaps we can do it again."
"A wonderful idea," Jack smiled.
Buzzing to her daughter, Adele said, "How are you? Is everything alright with the baby?"
"Yes, it's all fine," Rachel said.
"Looks like your showing," Adele said, "You should be wearing maternity clothes now."
"I know what I'm doing," Rachel said.
"Kyle are you watching her?" Adele said, "Making sure she gets enough rest and is eating properly?"
"Kyle is taking exceptional care of me, thank you," Rachel said.,
"Oh, I'm sure he is," Adele said, "But you need all the help you can get. Which is why I'm going to stay."
"Pardon?" Kyle said, as Rachel saw some of the color drain from her husband's face.
"Yes, I can stay up here at the main house and then be close by for everything you need," Adele said.
"That's not necessary," Rachel said.
"Nonsense," Adele said, "This is my grandchild. It will be here every step of the way. This will be such a wonderful experience for all of us together."
Kyle pursed his lips and momentarily closed his eyes. Rachel touched Kyle's arm and forced a smile with an added, "Thank you."