Just before Christmas, Tim took Julie to a gathering at Nick Walker's house. The whole lot of his classmates were there, at least the ones not working. Upon arriving Julie kissed his cheek and disappeared into the kitchen. He smiled as he watched her walk away.

She'd been spending time with Mrs. Walker. Julie referred to it as 'doctor's wife training'. Tim thought it might be more about her mum being gone. That and the fact that Tim was working incessantly as he was nearing the end.

He found his mates in the billiards room. The first time he heard Nick mention it, Tim said, "Colonel Mustard with the dagger in the billiards room."

Nick laughed, but Tim was sold when he saw there was a dart board. He was letting off steam with his mate and emptying a few bottles of Bass. After a few games, Julie found him.

He was caught by surprise as she reached up and kissed him full on right in front of his mates. He pulled her into him and whispered, "What was that for?"

They ignored the comments from their audience, some of which were not entirely appropriate.

"Because I was just talking to Jim and I wanted to let you know how glad I am that you found me at the cinema."

"Darling, I would have found you regardless, because we're meant to be together. What did he have to say?"

"Condolences, but then he started talking about heart disease. He was very boring."

"I'll remember not to bore you. I heard he was going with a girl from home. I guess she's not with him then."

"I hope not. He cornered me for some time. He means well, but I'd like to see him laugh just once."

Tim thought and said, "He would if I humiliated myself, but more importantly have you eaten?"

She hadn't, of course. So together they went to the dining room. Tim thought, Reverend Green with the rope. As Tim surveyed the buffett, he asked, "Now tell me what did you make?"

Everything she pointed to, he put on his plate which was full when he was through.

"You've been busy," he said as he bit into a savory tart. "This is delicious… you're brilliant."

She blushed. "I spent most of my day here helping."

Tim took her hand and asked carefully "Jules, I'm glad you enjoy cooking. Does this interest have anything to do with your mum?"

"No, but I think of her when I'm in the kitchen. It's just that I finally found something I'm good at and I like. It isn't glamorous, but it makes people happy."

Tim was a bit shocked, because there were so many things she was good at.

Pointing to his plate, he said, "Darling this makes me very happy, but you are good at so many other things… Children, you are wonderful with children. I've never seen one not love you. Just because you didn't like your office job doesn't mean you weren't good at it. I hope you find many things you enjoy, not just cooking and cleaning for me."

"And changing nappies," she smiled.

"That we'll both do." Tim thought again of Jules as his wife and a mother and wondered how he got so lucky.

####

Julie laughed. Tim was a gem. She still didn't know how she got so lucky.

They were still eating when his mates came round and started encouraging him to go to the piano. Eventually he relented. Julie was secretly thrilled because she loved him at the piano. It was especially festive, because he played Christmas carols and everyone sang.

When they stepped out into the cold December night, Tim said, "Come back to mine for awhile."

Julie leaned into him, because she'd been wanting that all evening. They were going to be apart again. Tim was leaving to go back home for his holiday. Julie would travel to Poplar for Christmas, but she was needed to mind Oliver on Boxing Day.

Going home was not even a consideration now. Carole and Charlie had left for Australia a few weeks after their mother passed. She'd miss not seeing Albert, Linda and the baby, but not the rest of her lot.

She was going home for Christmas —home to Poplar where she belonged.

####

Tim loved Christmas and having Julie with him made it perfect. He wanted to share his traditions with her.

When he told mum about his excitement, she said, "Remember you'll be starting your own traditions and be mindful that Julie may have some that she'd like to share."

Every thought led to when they were married next Christmas. They might already be expecting a child. As exciting as the idea of next Christmas was, this year was Julie's first without her mum. He was worried it would undo things. She'd been getting on so well, but it worried Tim that perhaps it was too well. Was she in denial? He smiled remembering his psychology lecture.

They went to the nativity play and sang carols. Her beautiful voice rising above the others. They exchanged only token gifts because they were saving to set up housekeeping. Tim asked mum to wrap his gift to Julie. He promised himself that next year he'd figure it out on his own.

Julie spent time in the kitchen with Mum. He felt like a spoilt boy, because he wanted her attentions and set out to tell her.

####

Julie saw Tim hovering around the kitchen looking like a lost puppy. She smiled and shook her head. As a second thought she went over and kissed his cheek.

"Didn't Teddy get a game you could be playing?"

"Teddy got a new football like he does every year." His response sounded like a whine.

"It's mild go have a kickabout. It'll be good for you," she said patting his shoulder like he was a lad. She'd pat his head if she could reach it without stretching as far as she could.

"I'd rather sit in the garden with you."

She smiled, because it was a lovely idea. "I'm learning how to make the roast potatoes. I want to know all about what you like."

He and Teddy went out for a while and when he returned, she was alone in the kitchen washing up.

"Where's Mum?" he asked.

"Upstairs, changing now the cooking is done."

"It's quiet," Tim said in her ear.

He had moved behind her. His arms were looped around her pulling her against him. She felt his fingers brush across her breast. She giggled nervously being in his parent's house.

Willingly she turned into his arms. Tim kissed her in a way that they only did in private. His hard body was flush against hers. Her head was light and she couldn't think. One hand clung to his back whilst the other was raked through his unruly hair.

She wanted to continue forever, but were forced to stop upon the clearing of a throat. Pulling their faces apart they turned to see Tim's dad.

"I wanted a cup of tea. Is there mistletoe in here?"

"Dad…"

"Tim, you're adult, but your sister and brother needn't…"

"Dad…"

"Tim, I remember not being able to kiss my wife, because a certain someone complained about mushy stuff. Seems you've taken a liking to mushy stuff."

Julie giggled as Tim rolled his eyes.

"Oh good Patrick, you're putting the kettle on," Shelagh entered the kitchen unaware of the conversation.

"Happy Christmas Shelagh," Patrick said as he took her hand and pulled her to him and surprised even her with a nice mushy kiss.

"Patrick, it there mistletoe? Tim, you're awfully quiet," Shelagh said.

"Dear, I've discovered that he likes mushy stuff."

"Oh!" Shelagh looked at Tim and Julie and laughed.

Julie in that moment wished she had gone home for Christmas. Just as quickly she changed her mind. She was where she was meant to be.

Christmas at the Mushy Mansion how lovely!

A/N We find out in the sequel that Tim never learns to wrap.