Sleigh Bells

A collection of holiday stories about couples (both canon and non-canon) from the ABC soaps. I hope you enjoy these!

1: Decorating
Natalie Buchanan and John McBain

Llanview, Pennsylvania

"Spreading holiday cheer everywhere you go, huh," John murmured as he came to stand beside her.

Natalie smiled at him as she tossed another piece of tinsel onto the display. She had gotten the idea to decorate the police station on a whim just that morning. She supposed it was her way of thanking everyone for all that they did all year round to make her job easier.

"Fortunately for me, my mom had all of this stuff just sitting in the attic collecting dust and was only too happy to share it with me." She stood back to admire her handiwork. "How does it look?"

John's lips twitched. "Uh, festive."

"You hate it."

"Well, I've never been much of a Christmas lover, but it looks pretty nice to me."

"You're lying, but I'll take it. I didn't use to like Christmas either. Growing up in Atlantic City with Roxie… Well, there wasn't a whole lot to celebrate, you know. But now, with my family, I appreciate all that the holiday represents. Plus, people seem nicer at this time of year, don't you think?"

"Well, the crime rate is down a bit," John allowed. He rocked on his heels. "So, what are you doing for the holidays?"

"Mom is throwing a huge dinner party, and I'm helping to put it together… You should come."

John nodded, completely surprising her. "Yeah, I just might."

Natalie's heart did flip flops in her chest. The way he was looking at her… It was indescribable, but it made her feel warm and at peace, feelings that she hadn't enjoyed in so long. She had truly thought that they were never going to get back this ease between them. But now that he and Evangeline were splitsville, maybe there was hope for them to be friends again.

She hoped. Oh, she hoped. She shouldn't hope, but she couldn't help it.

"6:30 P.M., Christmas Eve at Llanfair. Be there," Natalie said and then, offering him a smile, went about trimming the tree next. She felt him watching her the whole time from his office doorway though she knew that he would deny it if anyone accused him of doing it.

She smiled. Maybe all was not lost after all.