Christmas Day
Jess woke to the smell of coffee and an empty bed. She smiled to herself. She hadn't told anyone but she missed her dad and Sherry this year. One of the reasons she loved Christmas was because of the big get-togethers at her dad's. They were always together on Christmas so not having them around, this year was difficult. However, Jess couldn't stop them from going to Mike's and seeing their grandchildren. Kids made Christmas.
Being with Don and spending her Christmas Eve with him had made Christmas for her. New traditions she thought.
She yawned, stretched, and got out of bed. She pulled Don's shirt on over her naked body and a pair of leggings and pulled her hair into a messy bun. Jess walked out of her bedroom, through her living room and on to the kitchen. She smiled at Don. He had her grill out and filled with pancakes. On the stove, eggs were frying in the frying pan and bacon in another pan.
On the counter sat her favorite coffee mug. The steam coming from the mug meant it was already filled for her. Next to the mug was a small vase with her lilies he had given her last week.
"I can get used to this" Jess smiled taking a seat on the stool next to the counter.
Don took up her breakfast and passed her a plate. "I've always liked cooking." Don said "and I really like cooking for you"
Don took up his own plate and joined her at her kitchen island
They enjoyed their breakfast together and made morning chit chat.
"How do you want to do this today?" Don asked
"We can go together" Jess replied "we've gone to events together before just not together, together."
Don smiled "are you coming with me to meet Ryan later?" Jess asked. Don had met her youngest brother almost a year ago. When she was in the hospital after being taken hostage by the Irish gang. But they were just friends back then.
"If you want me too," Don replied. They had talked about meeting each others' family but had been busy with work and hadn't gotten the chance to set it up.
"Yea I think it would be nice" Jess said
"Less scary too...one at a time" Don said "you have a lot of brothers"
Jess laughed "don't forget the sergeant detective dad"
"Thanks for that" Don chuckled
"Anytime" Jess smirked as they finished their breakfast together.
Jess got up and placed the dishes in the dishwasher and noticed the time. "Oh man, we are running late and we both need to shower"
Don chuckled "I know a way to save time"
"Last time we showered together, it took us longer than individual showers" Jess reminded
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Don and Jess pulled up to Lindsay's apartment. He glanced over at Jess. She looked so pretty. Her hair was pulled half way back using a sliver clip. It was curled and flowed down her back. She wore a pair of black leggings with a Buffalo Plaid Off-The-Shoulder Dolman Sweater. She had a pair of simple silver stud earrings in and around her neck she wore her mother's engagement ring on a necklace. On her wrist was the bracelet he had given her.
"What?" Jess asked, catching Don staring.
"Have I told you today? That you are beautiful" Don asked
"Not today" Jess said "you are really falling down on the boyfriend job"
"Well you look beautiful" Don replied seriously.
"Thankyou" Jess smiled "you clean up nice too, detective"
He had gone more casual than his work clothes. He wore a pair of dark jeans and a black dress shirt. But no tie.
"It's because I lost the tie," Don smirked. Jess always teased him about his tie choices.
"Maybe" Jess giggled. They got out of the car. Jess got the dessert she had made for the get together, a candy cane cheesecake as well as sugar cookies and Don got the wine he had picked up then they both headed into the building and up to the third floor.
"Merry Christmas," Lindsay said, opening the door to her apartment. They were a little early as Jess had promised Lindsay she would help out with some of the cooking.
"Same to you, Linds," Don said.
Don joined Danny who was sitting in the living room while the two girls finished cooking. It didn't take long for the others to join their get together. Soon, Mac, Stella, Adam,Kylie, and Steve also sat in Lindsay's living room.
This was what Lindsay called the orphan Christmas party. It consisted of people who couldn't be with their families either because of distance or work obligations or other more complicated reasons that no one wanted to get into.
"No Sid ?" Kylie asked a little ways into the gathering.
"He's spending Christmas with Julia and Amber this year" Stella said explaining SId absence was because he was with his daughters.
"Where's Hawkes?" Adam asked
"He's in Jersey" Jess replied "meeting Liv's family."
"I feel for him" Danny joked
"My dad was not that bad" Lindsay rolled her eyes.
"I beg to differ" Danny stated
"You have brothers too right?" Jess asked
"Two, Jason is older, Evan is younger" Lindsay replied
"I feel your pain" Jess laughed
"You have it worse than me" Linds replied "I pity the guy you bring home"
"My poor prom date was traumatized." Jess shook her head "And Sheldon has it no better. Olivia has three older brothers and one is her twin."
"ooo" all five boys said
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Dinner was over and mostly everyone was gathered in the living room enjoying each others' company.
Jess, Kylie, Stella and Lindsay were in the kitchen getting dessert ready and clearing away from their dinner. "Jess," Kylie said "I have the perfect guy for you. Let me set you up on a blind date.
"No thanks" Jess replied
"Seriously,he's perfect for you. Tall, cute funny and smart" Kylie went on "and he's FBI"
"If he's so great you date him" Jess laughed as they walked back into the living room.
"I'm dating his partner" Kylie said "I'm telling you Angell you two would hit it off"
"I don't do blind dates" Jess stated and knowing Kylie wouldn't drop it there she added"Plus, I have a boyfriend."
"Not Eric," Stella asked, referring to Jess' ex.
"No not Eric" Jess replied
"Good" Mac said "because he was a douche"
"Did Mac Taylor just use the word douche?" Jess laughed
Mac nodded "I did"
"Because he was a douche" Steve agreed
"And you deserve better" Danny said
"Thanks for your concerned boys" Jess replied "but I'm good"
"Flack, have you checked this guy out?" Steve asked
"Is he good enough for Angell?" Mac went on
"I think he might be," Don replied, hiding his grin. "Plus Jess can take care of herself."
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The evening went on with the detectives enjoying each other. It was a nice Christmas with good company.
Kylie and Steve had to leave as they had another gathering. Adam had excused himself. He needed to go visit his dad at the assisted living home. Leaving only Mac, Stella, Jess and Don still at Lindsay's.
Mac had been entertaining the group for half an hour playing his guitar.
They were just listening to him play. It was peaceful and tranquil. He started to play Silent Night. One of Jess' favorite Christmas songs.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night
The girls started singing along.
It was a great Christmas together.
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Jess and Don lay curled up together on her bed. It had been a great day with friends and each other. Now they were relaxing watching Home Alone. Jess' favorite Christmas movie.
"So meeting Ryan went ok" Don said more as a question than a statment.
"Yea," Jess said "He likes you. But he's also the easy brother...its Chris thats the protective one"
"Thanks" Don said "I was feeling proud of myself."
Jess laughed and cuddled into Don.
"Danny is excited about the Knicks tickets. Thanks again" Don said
"No problem detective" Jess replied
"You sure you don't want to go" Don said "I would ditch Messer for you"
Jess laughed and turned and wrapped her arm around his waist "I appreciate that but I'm not a basketball person. I like playing it but cannot sit through watching a game. Plus, I've been taking alot of your time, Messer is getting jealous"
"Funny" Don said digging his fingers into her ribs starting a tickle attack.
Jess giggled so hard her sides hurt. Don finally relented.
He turned on his side and prompted himself up on his pillow. "Did you enjoy your christmas?" he asked
Jess moved her head and lightly placed her lips against his than she pulled back and smiled "Honestly, when dad said he was going to Mike's and I couldn't go because of work. I was disappointed; FIrst time in years we haven't all been together. But spending it with you made my christmas. Thanks, detective."
"Merry Christmas, Jess" Don said, moving in for another kiss.
"Merry Christmas, Donnie" Jess whispered back. "I really do love Christmas"