Author's Notes: Here's the 4th Chapter. One more chapter to go after this.

Disclaimer: The show Flashpoint and its characters were created by Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern and belong to them and its respective networks. I am making no money off this story and it is for entertainment purposes only. However, this particular story is my creation and should not be used without my express written permission.

Christmas Green…with Envy

Chapter 4

It was almost four before Sam and Jules were able to get away from the Braddock household with the excuse they had to dress for the party. Mrs. Braddock hadn't been happy to see them - or maybe just Sam, Jules thought bitterly - leave; she'd admonished them for not bringing their clothes to change into there at the house so they could all go to the party together. Sam had tried to soothe things over by reminding her it was much easier for them to leave everything at the hotel and just go back there. This had just served to make her remind him once more that she'd invited them to stay at the house in the first place. Jules had acutely felt the Braddock matriarch's accusatory stare directed at her at that.

Sam must have noticed it as well because he'd put his arm around Jules and pulled her close. "Sorry, Mom, I don't regret getting us a hotel room. Every time I try to do this…" he leaned down and kissed Jules almost chastely on the lips. It wasn't a searing, toe curling kiss but Jules felt herself melt just a little with it. Sam then looked back at his mother. "…you have a cow. Frankly, there's no way I'd want to spend a couple of days listening to you fuss every time I couldn't control myself around Jules. You would be fussing quite a bit because I have very little control where she's concerned." He kissed Jules again, ignoring the cluck of disapproval from his mother as he did so.

"Now, Mom, I love you, but we really need to get back to the hotel. I may be fortunate enough to have a girlfriend who can go from beautiful to drop dead gorgeous in a blink of any eye, but it takes me a little longer to look presentable. And I know you will have my hide if we are even a second late for the party."

Elizabeth Braddock pursed her lips. "Hush, you. You make me sound like a tyrant."

Sam's eyes widened innocently. "I'm sorry, Mom. That wasn't my intention at all. Tyrants are much nicer than you are when it comes to your parties. I love you, Mom. Thanks for brunch; it was as delicious as always."

His mother kissed his cheek. "Don't think flattery will make me forgive you for being mean. I love you too, Son. Now, go get ready. But make sure you swing by here on your way to the party and pick up Heather. She's going to need a ride."

Jules stiffened slightly in his arms, enough that he noticed even if he wasn't going to comment on it there. Sam frowned. "Why would she need a ride? Won't she just ride with you and Dad or maybe her own father?"

"I'm heading over to the hall to finish supervising the decorations and final touches in just a little bit and your father and John are meeting a few friends for drinks at the Officer's Club before the party. Besides Heather doesn't want to hang out with the senior crowd; she'll have more fun with you."

I'm sure she wants to have more fun with Sam, Jules thought to herself. The last thing she wanted to do was spend any more time than was absolutely necessary with the woman who had made her intentions to steal Sam back abundantly clear. But to admit that out loud would just make her seem petty; and that wasn't who she was.

"Mom, I don't think it would a good idea..." Sam tried to explain without going into details, but his mother leveled one of her patented "do not cross me" looks.

"Nonsense. She's been a friend of the family- no, she's been family- for years. In this family, we look out for each other and we don't turn our backs on someone in need. It was bad enough you tried to go off with your father and John this afternoon without including Heather."

After brunch had been over, Warren and John had suggested that Sam and Jules accompany then to the base target range to see if their police target training could hold up against the army's training. Always up for a challenge, they'd readily agreed. When Heather had demurely asked if she could go with them, the only one who hadn't been surprised was Jules. If Sam had said something about digging through a pile of cow manure, Jules thought Heather would have followed him.

"Mom, the banquet hall is right on our way in. The house is between here and the O-Club; couldn't Dad and General Isaacs swing by here and pick her up on their way to the party?" Sam tried once again. The last thing he wanted to do was show up at the party with Heather in tow. She'd been acting weird, almost possessive today and he didn't like it. He was trying to make his disinterest clear without being rude but it wasn't easy. He could tell it was bugging Jules and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her.

"Samuel Warren Braddock, perhaps I didn't make myself clear. I wasn't asking you to do this for me; I was telling you what I expected. Do you understand me?"

"Yes Ma'am." Sam backed down. Jules put her arm to the small of his back and gave it a little pat. It meant the world to her that he'd tried to get out of it even if he hadn't been successful.

"Mrs. Braddock, brunch was delicious. I'm really looking forward to the party tonight. Sam's told me so much about the ones you've hosted in the past. I'm sure this one is going to be just as spectacular."

Mrs. Braddock flushed with pride. "Thank you, my dear. It's a labor of love."

Knowing it was only a matter of minutes before Heather returned from returning a call she'd missed earlier while they'd been out, Sam propelled Jules toward the door. His mother followed them. "Honestly, I don't know why you can't wait a few more minutes. What will Heather think when she comes downstairs to find you left without saying goodbye?"

"She'll understand." Sam assured her, although his tone suggested he didn't really care what she thought. "Tell her goodbye for us and that we'll be here to pick her up at a quarter to seven."

Once they were both in the jeep, Jules barely had time to fasten her seatbelt before Sam had the vehicle in reverse and was pulling away from the house. She glanced over at him. His mood had been slowly deteriorating as the day had progressed. No, she amended to herself, it had only gotten bad after the two generals had left them at the target range to go meet with another visiting official. She had a feeling she knew why.

Heather had waited until after the older men had left to be taught how to shoot. Sam had suggested that Jules do the honors, claiming she was the better trainer of the two. Heather however had pouted saying that Sam teaching her how to hold the gun made more sense because Jules was so much shorter. Jules had frowned at the implied insult to her height but she didn't let her size bother her; there wasn't much she could do about it anyway.

It wasn't like Jules didn't know what Heather was up to. Sam's former girlfriend was looking for an excuse to have Sam wrap his arms around her as he showed her the proper way to hold the pistol. It wasn't much different from the way he'd gotten Jules to show him the proper way to hold the paintbrush or roller when he'd first started helping her on the renovations of her house when they'd first started dating. Her skin still tingled at the memory of him standing behind her, his body flushed against hers as he mimicked her actions. They hadn't gotten much painting done that night but the lovemaking they'd shared on the covered floor of her dining room remained to this day one of her favorite experiences.

To Sam's credit, he'd tried to keep his distance as he showed Heather the proper form but the red-head was apparently skilled in getting what she wanted. She'd played her part well in doing everything she could to coax Sam closer until she had him exactly where she wanted him. He'd shot Jules a look of apology but she'd merely shook her head to let him know it was okay.

Once again, she was struck with what a perfect looking couple Sam and Heather made. If she had to pick someone who looked like the type of person Sam should date, Heather would be her first pick. It was almost as if their bodies were designed to fit together perfectly. Not like her short frame that would barely allow her chin to reach his shoulder if she wore three inch heels which she hated doing. Everything about Sam and Heather together appeared picture perfect and suddenly Sam didn't seem as bothered by having his hands on Heather as he'd originally had.

The ride back to the hotel had been made in silence but when Sam pulled into a space facing the snowman she'd built that morning, he made no move to turn off the engine. He glanced over at her. "Jules, I owe you an apology."

Jules shook her head reaching out to stroke the side of his face with her gloved hand. "Sam, you don't owe me anything."

He twisted in his seat so that he was actually facing him. "When I invited you to come with me to this party, all I really thought about was that I didn't want to have to face it alone. I wanted to walk into that hall tonight with the most beautiful woman on my arm; I wanted everyone to turn and look at me and say 'Wow, looks like Braddock's doing okay for himself.' I was pretty selfish."

Jules frowned. She'd heard him down on himself before but it wasn't something she ever liked hearing. "Sam, you don't have a selfish bone in your body. You're apologizing for thinking of me as a beautiful woman?"

He leaned forward and kissed her. "I'd never apologize for thinking that. I'm sorry that I didn't consider your feelings when I dragged you here. I knew my parents might give you a hard time but I didn't even bother to warn you until we were almost here."

Jules controlled her expression carefully to block out any evidence that her feelings had been hurt during their visit. Sam didn't need it added to the guilt he was apparently feeling. "Sam, you've done nothing wrong, okay? You can't control your parents' actions any more than they can control yours. Besides, I think your dad might actually be starting to like me."

Despite his turbulent feelings, Sam grinned. "I know he's starting to like you. I think he would have let you shoot that Remington-Rider revolver of his if you'd asked."

"Oh, you don't shoot an antique like that, Sam. It would be a sacrilege. A beauty like that should only be admired, not touched." Jules chided softly, their faces only centimeters apart. Sam reached over and cupped her cheek lovingly.

"Whereas a beauty like you should be touched and touched often. You know, if we showered together, we could save a little time getting ready. I have a couple of ideas how we could spend that time."

She grinned. "I bet you do but I think that even if we skipped showers altogether we wouldn't have enough time to really enjoy what you have in mind. Might have to save that for after the party."

"Or forget the party completely and just stay in the room and make our own little party." Sam suggested.

Jules shook her head. "No way. Your mom already doesn't like me; no way am I making things worse by us not showing up tonight." Belatedly she realized she probably shouldn't have mentioned his mother's feelings toward her as Sam's smile went straight back to a frown.

"I'm sorry she's been so unpleasant, Jules. I never thought she'd be so blatantly unfriendly. It's not like her at all."

She put her finger over Sam's lips. "Stop. I can take it. Tonight she's probably going to be so busy at the party that we won't hardly cross paths and we leave tomorrow. I might not be the woman she wants for her son, but as long her son doesn't agree with her…"

"He doesn't. I don't even think it's that she doesn't like you but that she's always had a soft place for Heather. Mrs. Isaacs died a little less than a year before we were stationed in Vancouver and Mom took Heather under her wing. Honestly, I think when we left Vancouver, Mom wanted to leave me behind and take her in my place. And I swear I had no idea that the Isaacs were coming; if I had, I would have done things totally different."

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask what he would have done differently. She couldn't help but wonder if he would have come alone or just not come at all. The former thought made her stomach twist in worry but the latter made her feel guilty because she wanted him to be close to his parents and to see them at holidays with or without her. "It's okay, Sam. Really, don't worry about it. You haven't done anything that you need to apologize for. Now, I'm betting the hotel room is a bit warmer than this jeep is even with the engine and heater running; why don't we head upstairs?"

He gave her one more kiss before turning the key. Once they were in the room, Sam hung up both their jackets and then wrapped his arms around her waist before nuzzling her neck. "Even if we don't have time before the party for what I had in mind doesn't mean we still couldn't save time by showering together, right?"

Jules twisted in his arms so that she was facing him. "I think that sounds like a wonderful way to save time and water."

Sam grinned down at her before once more brushing his lips against hers. "Can I see your dress for tonight?"

She and Natalie had gone shopping together, an outing she would have normally shied away from. She'd agreed primarily because Natalie knew what the party was like and what would be appropriate. It had taken them several exhausting hours of Jules trying on dress after dress before they'd finally settled on one that Natalie claimed would be perfect for the party that Jules wouldn't mind being seen in. However, she'd refused to let Sam see it. It was still in the bag hanging in the closet and as far as she knew, he hadn't peeked. She shook her head. "Not until I'm dressed."

- FP - FP - FP -

Sam had often been told that good things come to those who wait. When Jules finally emerged from the bathroom - this time she'd kept the door firmly shut and he hadn't been able to hear her if she'd decided to once more sing in the shower - he momentarily forgot how to breathe. The dress was midnight blue with a velvety sweetheart neckline and butterfly sleeves. The velvet ended as a high waist where it became satin of the same color that ended just above her ankles. It was understated but at the same time sexy as hell because only he knew the treasure hidden beneath. A gift almost too perfectly wrapped to open but you do so because you know the present inside was even better than the wrapping.

When he finally found his voice, he shook his head. "Jules, you look…I mean….wow."

A blush crept up her features. The dress was so much more than anything she'd ever worn before but compared to the ones Natalie had tried pushing on her, it was one she could live with. Still, she couldn't help but feel like Barbie's little sister trying to wear her sister's clothes. "You sure? I wasn't so sure about the bare arms but Natalie assured me the party was well heated and that I'd be fine."

Sam nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah, I'm definitely walking in tonight with the most beautiful girl on my arm." He glanced down to her feet and his grin widened. "Are you wearing heels?"

Her blush deepened. "Yeah, Natalie insisted. She wanted me to get these five inch stilettos but I finally convinced her that your parents probably wouldn't like it if we had to cut the evening short because I fell trying to walk in them and broke my neck. We finally agreed on the wedges that were just about as high. My feet are going to be killing me before the night is over."

"I'll give you a foot massage when we get back." Sam promised. "There's just one more thing that dress needs." He went to the closet and pulled out his suitcase. He rooted through one of the pockets and pulled out a jewelry case. He handed it to her. "It's not a Christmas present; it's just a thank you for being you."

Jules raised an eyebrow and lifted the top of the jewelry box. Nestled inside was a silver snowflake pendant on a silver chain with matching snowflake drop earrings. She looked back at him. "Sam, it's beautiful, but it's too much."

Sam shook his head. "Nothing is too much for you. Not when you make me the happiest man in the world every single day just by being you. Besides, I got a really good deal for the set. Remember a few weeks ago when we had that call at that little antique shop on Martinson?" She nodded, remembering the robbery that almost turned deadly for the elderly shop owner. Sam had handled the negotiations and talked the drugged out robber out of killing anyone. "I saw it in the display case before we left. I thought about how excited you get the first time it snows and I wanted you to have it. So I went back the next day while we were off shift. I didn't care how much it cost but the shop owner remembered me. He'd bought the necklace and earrings for his wife for their first Christmas together over fifty years ago. When I told him about you, he told me he couldn't sell me the set. I was devastated until he pulled it out of the case and handed the box to me. Said he hoped that you and I were as happy together as he'd been with his wife."

Unshed tears filled Jules's eyes as he removed the necklace from the box. She swept her softly curled hair off her neck so he could see to work the clasp. With her free hand, she pointed at him. "No fair trying to make me cry after I've done my makeup. The last thing I need is to make my mascara run."

Sam stepped back around to admire the way it fit. He smiled. The snowflake landed just above the neckline of the dress like they'd been made to go with each other. He leaned toward her but paused just before his lips touched her. "Will I mess up your lipstick if I kiss you?"

"I'll take my chances." Jules promised as she closed the remaining distance. The kiss was long and sensuous with the promise that much more would follow, later when they had time to really enjoy fulfilling that promise. As they broke apart, Jules adjusted the black tie on his suit. She grinned up at him. "You look pretty hot yourself. You'd better not walk that close to the snowman 'cause you'll definitely melt him."

She put the earrings in and waited as he retrieved their coats from the closet. She almost wished she had purchased a fancier cape to wear but after splurging on the dress she might not ever wear again, she just couldn't see going to the expense of buying a matching wrap as well. They would be checking their coats at the door anyway; it didn't really matter what it looked like and this one was much warmer with the bitter chill in the air.

Once downstairs, Jules didn't protest as Sam held the jeep door open for her. Normally she would have rolled her eyes at the chivalrous gesture but tonight it didn't bother her. The same soldier checked their IDs at the gate and this time greeted them warmly and without trouble. Once on the base, Sam mumbled under his breath as he passed the hall where the party was to be held. Jules reached out and squeezed his leg.

"Sam, are you really that upset about having to pick up Heather? It's not like you to be bothered about going a little bit out of your way to help someone."

He shrugged. "It's not that we're having to pass our destination on the way. It's just I feel like Heather is manipulating us to get what she wants and I hate that. I hate that it seems like she's just trying to get under your skin…"

Jules shook her head. "Sam, she can't get under my skin unless I let her."

"Don't tell me it doesn't bother you that my ex-girlfriend is practically throwing herself at me. I know you Jules, you might not want to admit it but I can tell it does." Sam glanced her way.

She shrugged, cursing inwardly that he knew her so well. "Yeah, okay, so maybe it pisses me off to see it but I'll be damned if I'm going to give her the satisfaction of knowing it. Sam, I know you love me, this necklace is just further proof of it. I also know that when we get back to the party, even if she's walking in with us, I'm the one who will be on your arm; I'm your date. That's all I need to know."

He reached down and picked up her hand in his and brushed it against his lips. "Anything she and I had together was over a long time ago, like when we were still in our teens. You are the only date I want tonight and every night."

"Then let's go get her and get to the party. I'm eager to see if I can actually dance in these damn shoes without breaking anything." Jules urged him.

Sam pulled up in the driveway and halfway hoped that Heather would be watching and come out to meet them. But of course, she apparently wasn't because she didn't. He turned off the engine and together he and Jules made their way up the walk to the front door. He opened the door and they stepped inside, closing the door against the cold air. They found her sitting on the couch wearing a fluffy pink robe, her head buried in her hands crying.

"Heather?" Jules forgot any ill feelings she might have been harboring toward the young woman and sat beside her on the sofa. "What's wrong?"

The redhead bolted off the sofa like she'd been struck by electricity and threw herself into Sam's arms. "Oh Sam, I'm so glad you're here. I don't know what I'm going to do. My apartment was broken into today. It doesn't look like anything was taken but my stuff was trashed."

Jules stood. "Do the police have a suspect?"

Sam took a step backward, disentangling himself from the distraught woman and reaching for a box of tissues on the table to hand her. Heather took one and shook her head. "They don't but I do. My ex-boyfriend. He's trying to scare me back into dating him again. I'm scared he might hurt me when I go home."

Sam's eyes narrowed. "If you're that concerned, you should file for a peace bond; maybe stay with another friend for awhile. Get your dad to talk to him; that'll scare him for sure."

She sniffled. "I can't tell Daddy. He'll insist on me moving back with him. Sam, you're a cop, can't you do something?"

"I have no jurisdiction outside of the GTA. There's nothing I can do." Sam informed her flatly. Jules had never seen him act so dispassionately.

"Heather, if he's threatening you; you should file a report with your local police. They can probably offer you some other tips on how to best protect yourself. Maybe they can recommend a self defense class or something." Jules offered.

"I don't want to get him in trouble. That'll just make things worse. I think he would listen if someone talks to him. He's just a bully. Please, Sam, I'm living in Kingston. You'll drive right through there on your way home tomorrow. Can't I ride with you and you could talk to him? He'd take one look at you and back down completely. Please, Sam. I know I have no right to ask but I'm scared."

"Jules is right," Sam argued. "It's better to involve the local police. My talking to him wouldn't do any good if he knows I'm not there to make sure he leaves you alone. Anyway, you're safe here tonight and Jules and I have to get to the party before Mom throws a fit. We'll make your excuses for you."

Heather pouted. "I don't want to stay in tonight. I'll just think about him and what he could do to me. Give me five minutes and I'll be ready."

She disappeared up the stairs. Sam began to pace like a tiger in his cage. Jules watched him for the first couple of minutes of Heather's requested five and she wondered if his protective instincts were warring with his sense of duty knowing they had a shift tomorrow night they had to return in time for. She chewed on her bottom lip. "Didn't Burkes from Division 51 move to Kingston? He's a good guy; maybe we can talk to him see if he can help."

"NO!" Sam practically growled. Then he caught himself and reached out to squeeze her shoulder. "I'm sorry. Just… she… we…I'm not doing this. I'm not getting sucked into her drama and I'm not going to let her suck you into it either. We've told her the best thing to do and now it's up to her to do it if she wants to. Can we leave it at that? Please?"

Jules nodded; she sensed there was more to the story but she wouldn't press the issue now; not after she'd put off discussing her own demons the night before. "Sure, we'll just enjoy the night. Can you do that though? Enjoy the night? 'Cause right now it doesn't look like it."

Sam stopped mid-pace and took her gently in his arms. "As long as I'm with you, I'll more than enjoy myself."

"Okay, let's go before Liz sends out a search party for us." Heather announced as she re-entered the room. Once again, Jules felt frumpy in comparison. While her own dress was modest, Heather's left absolutely nothing to the imagination. It was Christmas red, strapless, and the belled bottom barely hit her mid thighs. All in all, Jules was sure there's been more material used to make the cream sweater she'd worn earlier. Not that she'd ever consider wearing anything that revealing, Jules certainly wouldn't do so if her father was going to be in attendance.

Sam had little choice but to help her into her coat after he'd helped Jules into hers. As they made their way out to the jeep, Heather frowned. "Oh dear, a two door. I don't think I could get in the back in this outfit. That's not a problem is it?"

"Not at all." Sam murmured. He handed the keys to Jules with a kiss. "I'll get in the back and you can drive."

There was no way he was going to make Jules sit in the back seat of her own vehicle, not so that Heather could sit up front beside him as if she were the date. As they made their way to the party, Sam couldn't help but feel like he was riding to his own funeral instead of a festive occasion. He only hoped that it wasn't an omen for what was coming.