Christmas Day
String was up early to sort the fire as he knew Dom would be arriving shortly with Cait and Marella. Michael was still asleep on the couch. String went outside to the wood pile and collected and arm full of logs which he dropped by the hearth.
"What the!" exclaimed Michael sitting up quickly.
"Morning Michael" smiled Hawke "sleep well?"
"Ouch! My head Hawke, how much scotch did I drink last night?"
String didn't answer but went to the kitchen, filled a glass with water and fetched the Aspirin out of the cupboard.
"Here, take a couple of these" said String tossing the Aspirins on Michael's lap and handing him the water. "and you might want to freshen up, the others will be here soon."
"Thanks Hawke" groaned Michael "you'll make someone a lovely husband one day"
String went out to collect another armful of logs and could hear the Jet Ranger in the distance. Walking back into the cabin he found that Michael had disappeared for a shower, so he tidied up the couch and turned on the Christmas lights. He stood looking at the lights, they weren't much but they did look festive and he hoped Cait would like them.
The Jet Ranger was just landing, so String went and opened the door. He was surprised at how pleased he was to see his guests arriving, but maybe that had something to do with being stuck with Michael for an evening, or maybe just maybe he was pleased to see a certain lady pilot again. Cait had flown, so Dom escorted Marella along the jetty whilst Cait was buttoning up the helicopter.
"Morning String" said Dom squeezing his shoulder as he went through the door. "oh and Merry Christmas"
"Merry Christmas Dom. Marella, you look nice."
"Thanks Hawke. You and Michael didn't kill each other then I see."
"Not quite" smiled Hawke.
He turned back to the lake to see Cait making her way towards him. She was wearing fitted black trousers and a red Christmas jumper with a snowman on it. She looked so cute, no…more than cute….
"Hey Merry Christmas Hawke" said Cait with a huge smile on her face as she got to the cabin door. String was stood in the doorway, blocking her way. He found himself taking her into an embrace.
"Merry Christmas Cait, you look great" whispered String.
String released Cait from the embrace but still kept her encircled in his arms.
"So, are you going to let me in?" smiled Cait with a slightly flushed face and puzzled expression. "that was quite some welcome, I will have to spend Christmas here more often."
String reluctantly moved to one side allowing Cait into the cabin, following her in and closing the door behind them.
Dom and Marella had gone to the kitchen as Dom wanted to get the lunch started. He was quite good in the kitchen and he and Cait made a good team. Neither had seen the exchange between String and Cait, but Michael had from the top of the stairs and he couldn't help but smirk to himself as he came down to join the others.
"Wow! You have fairy lights!" said Cait looking around the room. "Dom told me you never have Christmas decorations. They look so good."
"I am pleased you like them Cait." smiled String.
"Merry Christmas Cait" said Michael walking over and giving her a peck on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas Michael" replied Cait "I almost didn't recognise you wearing blue instead of white."
They all headed to the kitchen to join Dom and Marella. Dom already had his apron on.
"Hello gorgeous" whispered Marella to Michael as he walked over and gave her a kiss.
"Right Cait, I've put the turkey in the oven."
"Thanks Dom. Hey! Who's been eating the Christmas cake" said Cait looking at her beautifully iced cake which now said 'Merry Ch…as' with 2 slices missing.
"You had better ask Hawke about that one." smiled Michael
"Um, sorry Cait, I didn't know I wasn't allowed." said String sheepishly.
Cait looked at him and tried to look cross, but she couldn't help but smile. She never could stay mad with him at anytime of the year let alone on Christmas Day.
"I forgive you" chuckled Cait "did you enjoy it?"
"It was delicious thanks Cait" chirped in Michael.
"Oh I might've known you had a slice too" laughed Cait.
"Say, does anyone fancy a little drink?" asked Dom "String, open some of that wine we fetched yesterday will ya."
"Sure Dom."
"Didn't you bring some Christmas music cassettes with you Cait? Be nice to have a bit of Christmas music to listen to." Dom added.
"Is that OK Hawke?" asked Cait smiling from ear to ear at the very thought.
"Sure, Cait, help yourself." replied String. It wasn't the usual type of music he played at the cabin, but it was hard saying no to anything when Cait smiled at him like that, and besides it was Christmas.
Soon the sound of 'It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year' was filling the cabin.
"Say, Cait, can I have this dance?" asked Dom smiling.
"Sure Dom, I'd be honoured" laughed Cait as she moved to the music with him.
"That's not a bad idea." said Michael taking Marella by the hand, pulling her close to him and swaying in time with the music.
String was stood behind the bar, where he had been pouring the drinks. He smiled to himself as he watched the others dancing around the cabin. He was still struggling to take his eyes off Cait, she looked so happy, her eyes even more alight than usual. When "It'll Be Lonely This Christmas" started to play he went over to Dom and Cait.
"May I cut in here"
"Sure kid, of course" replied Dom with a grin "I'll just go and check on the lunch"
String didn't say anything more but just took Cait in his arms and started to sway with her to the song.
"This is nice" said Cait softly.
"Yes, it is" replied String.
"Michael and Marella look so good together don't they Hawke" said Cait peering past String to watch them dancing.
"Yeah, I guess you could say they are perfect for each other." replied String spinning Cait around so that she looked at him.
"This feels pretty good to though." said Cait softly.
"How good do Cait and Hawke look together eh?" said Marella.
"Indeed." replied Michael.
"I guess you could say they are perfect for each other" added Marella "if only Hawke would face up to it."
"I spent most of the evening trying to convince him to face up to it, but you know Hawke, so stubborn about everything." said Michael.
Cait was enjoying dancing with String, even if the way he had been since she arrived had caught her by surprise. She couldn't remember ever seeing him like this before, relaxed, happy and most of all so attentive towards her. It must be the Christmas spirit getting to him finally she thought. What else could it be?
"Well, much as I am enjoying dancing with you" said Cait after the third song "I really need to go and help Dom with the lunch."
"Just another couple of minutes" replied String holding onto Cait just a little more tightly.
"What's gotten into you?" chuckled Cait "I didn't really think you did Christmas spirit."
"Who said it had anything to do with Christmas spirit?" whispered String
"Well, whatever it is" said Cait with a slightly quizzical expression on her face "I'm not complaining, but I do really need to go help Dom ya know."
"I know" replied String spinning Cait round one more time and then reluctantly letting her go.
Michael and Marella were still dancing, well smooching, they hadn't parted since the music started playing.
"Get a room you two" muttered String as he walked past them to collect their empty glasses.
"Like you can talk Hawke! exclaimed Michael, "you looked very cosy over there with Cait!"
String just gave Michael a brief smile before taking the glasses to the bar. Cait had started to set the table. She had brought with her a bright red linen table cloth and gold place mats, red serviettes and red and gold crackers. She had made a centre piece from holly, with 3 gold candles stood in the centre.
"Cait that looks amazing" said String as he passed the table on the way to deliver Michael and Marella their drinks.
"Thanks Hawke." beamed Cait.
"Say Cait" said Dom appearing, complete with apron on from the kitchen "do you think we have time to open presents before we serve the lunch?" He winked at her and gave her a knowing smile.
"Sure Dom, I think we have time" said Cait smiling back at Dom.
Everyone gathered in front of the fire. Michael and Marella sat in the chairs by the fire and Dom and String perched either end of the couch, leaving a space in between them for Cait.
"Room for a little one?" asked Cait before she sat down.
String immediately put his arm around her shoulders.
"Dom, Cait and I clubbed together to get you your present" said String handing Dom a wrapped envelope. Dom opened it quickly. Inside were details of an all inclusive night at a casino, with meal and overnight stay. Dom's face lit up.
"Well, I don't know what to say, other than thank you very much!" beamed Dom.
"You're welcome Dom" said Cait leaning over a giving Dom a peck on the cheek. "maybe String and I can join you when you go, and you can show us how it's done."
"I'd like that" replied Dom. "String, give Cait her presents will ya, before she bursts" laughed Dom
String reached under the couch and pulled out 2 wrapped boxes.
"That one is from me" said Dom pointing at the larger of the 2 boxes.
Cait unwrapped it to reveal some perfume.
"Dom! How did you know I wanted some of this?" exclaimed Cait throwing her arms around him.
"Well, I kept seeing the magazines you read at work left open on the advert page, so I thought you must be dropping me a hint." chuckled Dom
"Really? I didn't do it on purpose, honest."
"Sure Cait, sure" chuckled Dom "I'm just pleased you like it."
"I love it Dom"
"This one is from me" said String handing Cait the smaller box.
"Cait silently unwrapped it. Inside was a black velvet covered box, which she opened to reveal a pair of gold earrings.
"String! They're gorgeous!" said Cait.
"I take it you like them then?" smiled String
"I love them! Thank you" replied Cait reaching up and kissing him.
"Where's Marella's present then Michael?"
"Ah….well…we thought we would do present giving later, when we get home" replied Michael
"And we decided not to buy for each other, right Michael?" said String "I think he had been wishing for a big black helicopter in his Christmas stocking Dom."
"Huh! No chance" chuckled Dom.
"I am glad we reached that decision Hawke as who the hell would know what to buy you!"
"Well, I hope I know" said Cait, standing up and going over to the bag she had put behind the bar when she arrived. Returning to the couch, she handed String his present. It was beautifully wrapped with a huge parcel bow on the front. String carefully removed the paper to reveal a painting.
"Cait!" exclaimed String, not able to take his eyes off the painting "this is too much, how did you manage to afford this?"
"Well, I saw how much you loved it when we went to that gallery opening, so I managed to sweet talk them into allowing me to put a deposit down on it and then I've just saved up all my overtime monies and I did some extra hours at the studios when I could." smiled Cait
"I offered to help her with it String, but she was adamant she wanted to do it all by herself" said Dom.
"Sounds like the Cait we know and love eh Dom? smiled String "single minded, feisty, stubborn and with a heart of gold."
String's eyes met Cait's, she was blushing. He leant in and kissed her on the lips. A kiss that lingered just a little longer than she was used too between them.
"I'm so pleased you still like it." said Cait "I've been so looking forward to giving it to you. I've been excited since I paid the last instalment and collected it!"
"Cait it's perfect."
"Right, come on Cait, let's get this lunch served, by belly is roaring like those lions in Pope County." laughed Dom.
"Right behind you Dom" smiled Cait, making eye contact once more with String before standing and following Dom.
"Hey, I'll help" said Marella
"I need to get some more logs in" said String.
"And I'll help you then" said Michael. They both stood and headed out of the cabin.
"That was some present Cait got you there Hawke! I know that artist and his work isn't cheap! Mind you, those earrings looked quite expensive too might I say." smiled Michael.
"I know Michael, Cait shouldn't spend her money on me like that, I can't believe she did."
"I can!" exclaimed Michael "and like you said when Cait sets her mind to something…."
String piled logs into Michael's arms.
"Besides, I saw you with her earlier Hawke, and don't you dare tell me that you feel only friendship for her, it won't wash!"
"Michael, I'm not telling you anything" replied String but he struggled to stifle the smile he had on his face.
"She's good for you Hawke & that girl loves you!" said Michael to String's back as he made his way back to the cabin with the logs.
"Hey, you two" said Cait when she heard the door open, "I was just about to send a search party. Dom is going to pass out if he doesn't eat soon." laughed Cait. "Lunch is served"
String and Michael deposited the logs by the fire and headed to the table.
"Wow!" this looks delicious!" exclaimed Michael . String went and stood next to Cait, slipping his arm around her waist. He led her to the chair next to his and pulled it out for her to sit down.
"Tuck in!" said Dom, removing his apron and joining the others at the table.
"This all looks great Dom." said Cait.
"Hey, it's not just down to me, you've worked really hard too sweetheart."
Snap! Michael and Marella were pulling their crackers. Cait offered one end of hers to String, who got the prize, a red plastic ring, the usual terrible joke and a green hat. Without even thinking String took Cait's left hand slipped the ring onto her finger. She knew it was stupid, but Cait found herself blushing.
"String are you going to carve?" asked Dom.
"Sure Dom, I don't want to keep you waiting for your lunch any longer." smiled String.
Everyone was helping themselves to vegetables whilst String shared out the turkey.
"Michael, you don't have any broccoli." said Cait.
"It gives him gas apparently." smirked String.
"Thank you Hawke!" laughed Michael.
"How about we all go for a walk after lunch?" suggested Marella.
"Sounds good to me" replied Cait. "We could take the path that goes around the lake, it's beautiful at this time of the year."
"OK then, that sounds perfect." replied Marella.
"String, are you going to join us?" asked Cait
"Sure, why not."
"How about you Dom?"
Nah, you guys go, I think I might just sleep my lunch off in front of the fire!"
"OK Dom" chuckled Cait.
Everyone enjoyed their lunch, going back for seconds. It was just as well String and Michael had prepared all the veg as most of it was eaten leaving empty dishes on the table. When String finished eating, he put his knife and fork down, picked up his wine glass with his left hand whilst his right hand disappeared under the table and found Cait's knee. A slightly surprised Cait made eye contact with String, who just smiled at her.
"God! I am stuffed!" exclaimed Michael leaning back in his chair "that was sensational!"
"Room for some gateaux?" asked Cait
"God not now! Maybe after our walk though." he smiled.
"Right, lets get tidied up then" said Cait standing. "who's washing and who's drying?"
"I'll wash" replied String.
The kitchen was a hive of activity. String couldn't keep up with the demand for dishes to dry. When Cait came to collect a pan, String took a handful of bubbles from the bowl and blew them in Cait's face.
"Hey!" laughed Cait swatting String with the tea towel
"Argh that hurt" exclaimed String with a smile.
"Don't start something you can't finish Stringfellow Hawke" said Cait with her hands on her hips.
Suddenly the kitchen seemed very crowded.
"Look, we'll head out and you two can catch us up." said Marella.
"Sure, Marella" replied String, still dodging the tea towel Cait was wielding.
Michael caught Dom's eye and smiled, nodding towards String and Cait who were oblivious to anything else going on around them. Dom crossed the fingers on both hands and ushered Michael and Marella out of the kitchen.
By the time String had escaped from the tea towel and the tidying up was done, Dom was already asleep in the chair. He still had his cracker hat on, a red one naturally.
String and Cait headed out of the cabin to catch up with Michael and Marella.
"Hang on, why are we going this way? We're meant to be going round the lake." said Cait as String headed towards the mountain path.
"I thought it would be nice to just spend some time together, on our own I mean. You don't mind do you? I thought we could go up to the blind. Would it be festive to see the deer? smiled String as he slid his arm around Cait's waist.
"Yes, I think it would be festive to see the deer and yes it would be nice to spend some time with you" replied Cait smiling. Glancing up at String she wrapped her arm around String's waist.
"Cait, I still can't believe you bought me that painting. I went back to get it and they told me it had gone. I never would've dreamt you had bought it" said String squeezing Cait even closer to his side.
"I'm pleased I can still surprise you." laughed Cait.
"You sure can" replied String.
They had started to get within sight of the blind when String stopped, suddenly.
"Hawke, what is it?" asked Cait
"Listen" whispered String
Cait hadn't heard anything, but then wait….was that laughter she could hear…and was it coming from the blind? They crept a bit closer and stopped to listen again and this time there was no mistaking the sounds coming from the blind.
"Oh my God…Michael!...Yes!...Yes!...harder!...don't stop!"
"Eeeewwww!" whispered Cait, pulling a face. "they were meant to be walking around the lake!"
String couldn't help but laugh at Cait's expression and taking her face in his hands he kissed her. Before Cait had a chance to respond, he had grabbed her hand and was leading her back down the path towards the woods.
"Where are we going?"
String didn't reply until they had got into the woods.
"You've heard that that old saying right, if you can't beat them, join them. Well…" said String gently pushing Cait up against a tree. He kissed her again and this time Cait was able to respond and kiss him back and she did so with a passion that took his breath away.
Merry Christmas – The End.