As the Westons packed for their holiday trip to Salem the next day they both took turns looking at Bobcat's activities with each item packed in a suitcase as she lay on their bed.

"I wonder what she's thinking when she's not the center of attention?" Ciara mused, "I mean her eyes don't stay in one place."

"Probably why are they over packing. Especially Daddy bringing three suits but only one white shirt. "Ben answered very weary as he placed them in a garment bag.

Ciara stopped her packing and then strolled to his side of the bed and wrapped her arms around him," Well, you want to look nice for Christmas and New Year's but most of all for our daughter's christening." She then paused and marveled, "It's weird how much your life changes when you have a baby. I mean we'll be done packing in few minutes but we can't pack a good portion of her stuff till the morning.'

"Tell me about it and it leads me to this. Babe we got to leave tomorrow no later than an hour and a half after breakfast, "It's going to be a long drive and I want to get us to Salem before dark. I don't want to drive at night with you and the baby." Ben announced.

"That's another large change. We're acting like parents now." Ciara stroked his finely trimmed light beard, "There is definitely a down side living close enough to drive to Salem. It's our first Christmas as husband and wife and our first Christmas for our baby girl as well. I would so much have liked to spend it here in our own home."

"You just said it right there. It's our daughter's first Christmas and your…" he saw Ciara shoot him a correcting look, "our family will want to see her. Plus, there is the Horton Christmas Eve party that you love."

"Yes, a party that Chad and Abigail will be attending. And Baby I know you will be uncomfortable with them there. Abigail will be like you, keep a distance but Chad will probably be unable to control himself and make the party terrible for you." Ciara started to have second thoughts about going to Salem.

"Abigail is your family and that is not going to change and you shouldn't lose enthusiasm over something you loved so much because of me. "Ben took Ciara in his arms, "I have an idea. After we arrive at the Salem Inn, we'll have dinner then I'll drop you and the baby over at your grandparents and pick you guys up later."

"No." Ciara then began to fume, "Ben you are not only my husband but you are Bobbie's father and I am not letting you spend Christmas Eve alone."

"I won't be alone. I have some of your Christmas gifts to wrap and three or four for the baby, so I can make a huge mess with wrapping paper and bows." Ben answered confidently.

Ciara broke their hold and headed to the dresser drawers. She opened one and pulled a cherished memento out, "Or you can find some more of these bags and put our gifts in them."

Ben was stunned at what she was holding, "You saved that?" he studied the bag more, "and the tissue paper too?"

"Of course I did." She then headed to the bed and sat close to Bobcat, "Baby girl, this is the bag that your Daddy put Mommy's first Christmas gift form him in. It was mommy's guardian bell. He gave it to her three years ago. " Ciara then had a marvelous thought, "Ben I have a wonderful idea. Why don't we go to Salem Christmas Day instead? That way we can celebrate our first Christmas Eve at home."

"Wait what about the Christmas Eve party? And you like Claire's cookies…" Ben tried to remind his wife but could see when she had a determined look there was no stopping her.

"Ben, I love the Horton Tradition but there have been Horton's that have missed the party because they were far away. The tradition is great but I think it's time we start our own traditions too especially with our little girl. When we first started dating Christmas was the first holiday that was coming up and we thought the party was canceled because Grandma Julie was in the hospital. I suggested we go ice skating and you were game for that. It wasn't about ice skating it was about being with you. Then when we were officially together, because of what Evan did we lost two more Christmas' together." Ciara took the baby in her arms as she cooed, "Last year in Statesville I promised you that when you got out, this year I'd give you the best Christmas ever."

Ben sat down on the bed.

"I am having the best Christmas ever. I married the woman of my dreams and I got the best gift you could ever give me besides accepting to be my wife, this little angel right here." Ben tickled Bobcat's foot bottom and was bewildered at her response, "I don't care what any doctor says, she is already laughing. I am having a Christmas more than I can ever deserve. "

Ciara steadied the child in her arms to face Ben, "What do you think Baby? Daddy loves Eunice Webbers six cheese macaroni and cheese and she has that at her gourmet shop to heat and serve. And it is not too late to get a spiced ham for Christmas Eve dinner."

Ben put his ring finger in Bobcat's hand and smiled broadly as she squeezed it, "You're really determined to have our own Christmas Eve tradition aren't you, Mrs. Weston?"

"Do you like your sweet potatoes with or without marshmallows?" Ciara teased not changing her mind.

"With marshmallows and a touch of cinnamon instead of nutmeg, thank you.: he crept across the bed and gave his wife a tender kiss."

"It's settled. I'll call Eunice and let her know to hold a macaroni for me." Ciara let out a painful sigh, "After I call Grandma Julie and let her know our plans for tomorrow."

Ben noticed the hesitant look on Ciara's face, "Babe, look there is still time. We can do this next year. We can go to Salem like we planned for Christmas Eve."

Ciara paused and deliberated for a few seconds, "No. She's going to understand. It's not breaking family tradition just starting our own. I'm married now and have a family. She is going to understand."

Ben took the small baby from her mother's arms, "Call me a coward but I'll take Bobbie out of here. She's too young to hear her great grandma Julie go off."

As Ciara watched Ben take the baby to her room, she picked up her phone to call Julie.

Julie's Place

Julie sat at a table smiling sneakily as she looked at the black velvet box in her hand.

"What's that grandma?" Eli inquired as he walked behind his grandmother and gave her a kiss on the cheek to greet her.

"It's a surprise for Ben and Ciara tomorrow at the Christmas Eve party. "she held the Christmas Ornament with a name in block letters inscribed on it in her hand, "This is something Ben never expected."