Hey all! Thanks for the wonderful comments. I love reading what you all say. I'm glad your enjoying it. Well I wanted to say I hope everyone had a Happy 4th of July, for those that celebrate it. And its late here so i wanted to make sure i had an update for you all. Enjoy!

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Chapter 8: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

A half hour has passed and we all go back to our conversations. I think to myself as I watch everyone so animated while still in their conversations, what is missing from this wonderful Christmas? Then it comes to me. Christmas music!

I try to get Dan's attention and when I do, I ask, "Where's the stereo? We need Christmas music." He smiles and nods over to the television.

"It is underneath the DVD player. Oh and Haley? Pick something good." He says it with a smile and I laugh. I walk over to the cabinet where the equipment is held. Who has this much stuff for a TV? I ask myself laughing. I find the right station and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" comes on. I begin singing the song and Brooke and Karen join in with me.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be light Next year all our troubles will be Out of sight Nathan stands up and grabs my hand to dance. He sees the surprised look on my face and smiles. Things he does can be very surprising sometimes. All the little things are what get to me. It makes me love him even more. I nuzzle my head into his chest and I follow his lead. Have yourself a merry little Christmas Make the yule-tide gay Next year all our troubles will be Miles away Once again as in olden days Brooke stands up and takes Peyton's hand. This makes us all laugh including them. They have had their fights in the past, but they are better now. Brooke had to make sure she got Peyton's hand before Luke did. Brooke saw the pout on Luke's face and says laughing, "Sorry. I got her first." Happy golden days of yore Faithful friends who are dear to us Will be near to us once more Brooke and Peyton slow dance together, but in their silly way. You can tell they are back to their old selves again. Something that brings relief to my heart. Luke, Karen, and Dan are left on the couch, smiling. Someday soon, we all will be together If the Fates allow Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

The song ends and Peyton and Brooke take their bows. Oh the things they do to get attention. They haven't changed. We laugh at their 'wonderful' dancing and listen to another Christmas song that comes on the radio.

Before we knew it, it was getting late and it was time to go to bed. We were all surprised that the babies were sleeping so well. Must be something in the air. So we say our goodnights and head upstairs. Within ten minutes, Nathan and I climb into our bed.

"Merry Christmas baby!" He whispers in my ear.

I turn to face him and kiss him sweetly. "Merry Christmas! I love you."

"I love you too Hales."

And we drift softly into a deep, peaceful sleep.