A/N Thanks so much for the reviews! Sorry it took me a little longer than usual to update. Well I hope you enjoy this chapter and keep reviewing!

Michael looked down at Sara and noticed that her cheeks had turned a bright crimson. He was sure his had to. Their eyes met and she gave him a slight nod as a signal that it was okay for him to kiss her. Michael leaned in closing the distance between them and met her lips with no resistance.

The kiss was soft and quick very much unlike their first one in the infirmary. Though short, this kiss held as much meaning to him, if not more, than the kiss so many years ago. The simple gesture told him that Sara's barrier was breaking down and maybe, just maybe, she'd let him love her.

When they parted Sara smiled slightly and looked away from him. Michael could hear Lincoln clapping in the background and he was sure his brother was enjoying tormenting him.

"Well now that you've embarrassed our guests," Veronica said handing Lincoln a plate of food. "I think it's time for dinner."

The two retreated to the dining room leaving Michael and Sara alone. "I may just have to kill Lincoln."

"Well that would have made the escape a waste of time," Sara chuckled. Michael smiled and led her into the dining room.

"Decaf or regular?"

"Decaf. Too much caffeine makes me jittery," Sara said as she watched Lincoln make the coffee. Michael was in the family room with LJ and Veronica helping them sort through the presents.

"Me too," Lincoln told her. "Look, Doc . . ."

"Lincoln, you can call me Sara. It's been a long time since we were in the position for formalities."

"Habit," he smiled. "Alright then. Sara, I really want to thank you for coming. It's good for Michael to be around other people."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when you're an ex con, even when you're proven innocent, people aren't clamoring to be your friend," Lincoln looked to his family in the other room and continued. "People are still afraid of us and it makes it difficult to make new friends. Most keep us at arms length. It's been hard on him. The dirty looks and stares never go away."

"I had no idea." Sara followed his gaze and watched Michael. He looked like a normal man with his family. Not an ex con and a mastermind behind a prison escape. Michael caught her eye and smiled at her. Sara smiled back then turned back to Lincoln.

"I just want you to know that he never meant to hurt you. He's still torn up about it."

Sara just nodded. This new information just confused her. She felt her anger with him start to fade. Maybe it was time to let the past be the past and move on.

"I had a really great time tonight. It's been a long time since I've had anything resembling a normal Christmas."

"Thank you for coming. It meant a lot to have you there."

They were standing outside Sara's apartment neither wanting to say goodnight. "I know we've been together all day and you probably can't wait to get rid of me, but would you like to come in?"

"Sure."

They entered her apartment and Sara gestured to a table where Michael could set down her gifts. "You were all too nice to me. You didn't need to give me all this gifts."

"Actually, if you don't mind, I have one more for you."

"What?"

Michael reached into his pocket and pulled out a rectangular black case. He handed her the box, which she eagerly opened. Sara let out a small gasp and lifted the necklace out of it's container. "Michael it's beautiful."

"I know jewelry is a little cheesy, but I wanted to get you something nice. I saw you eyeing it in the store window when I walked you home that night."

"I can't accept this. It's way too expensive."

"It made you smile so it's worth it."

Sara looked at him is disbelief. She quickly closed the distance between them and pulled him into a kiss. It was more passionate than the one earlier in the day and this time they were alone. They came up for air and Sara looked into his eyes. She gave him a slight nod and met his lips again. He put his hands around her waist as she led him to the bedroom.