"3:30. 3:30. 3:30," Hunter repeated to himself. Hallie's letter said to meet her at 3:30 at her house. In his arms were the presents he had bought for Hallie. He was very excited when he received her letter asking him to meet her. Taking a deep breath, he walked up the steps and knocked on the door. After what seemed like forever, the door opened. She was wearing a navy blue sweater and jeans, and her hair was pulled back. Hunter found the simplicity of her attire very attractive.

"Hey! I'm so glad you made it!" She pulled him into a hug and into the house. "Did you have a good Christmas?"

"Yeah, did you?"

"I did!" She noticed the packages in his hand but didn't say anything. As they went into the living room she continued to glance down at them.

"You know they're for you; so why don't you just ask?" Hunter said with a grin on his face.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied, blushing.

"Happy Christmas, Hallie." He handed her the gifts. When he saw the disappointed look on her face he added, "Don't worry about it. I wanted to surprise you. And I definitely didn't want you to get me anything, so open them." He gave her a reassuring smile, and she sat down and started to tear off the paper.

The chocolate was first, followed by a squeal and a hug. Then came the book. "Those were some fairy tales my mother used to read to me when I was little. I thought you might like them. I don't think you've ever heard them before."

"Babbitty Rabbitty. That's a silly name. I know I'll love them," she said as her smiled broadened. Only the earrings remained. She carefully opened the last box.

Hunter's smiled dropped as he saw the expression on her face. It was not the one he expected. She seemed sort of disappointed. "Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just I'm not really a big fan of rubies," she said sheepishly.

"Oh, I'm really sorry. I can take them back if you like. I didn't know." All the sudden Hallie busted out in laughter. This was very perplexing. First, she didn't like the gift, now she was laughing at him. "Why are you laughing?"

Hallie could tell he was hurt so she fessed up. "Are you kidding? They're gorgeous! They look so expensive. I can't believe you bought these for me. You really shouldn't have. Now I feel bad for not getting you anything."

Hunter just sat there, mouth ajar. After a few awkward moments he said, "How could you do that? I really thought you hated it!"

"I'm sorry! I couldn't resist."

"You're just lucky you're cute."

"Really now?"

"Yes, really." Somehow their smiles got even bigger.

"How do I look?" she asked after putting the earrings in.

"Absolutely hideous," he laughed, causing Hallie to hit him. "Hey! No need for that. You know you look gorgeous."

"Sure, whatever you say."

"Do you want to go for a walk, or something?" he asked. She agreed and got her coat. The two friends spent the rest of the afternoon walking the streets of London, catching one another up. Hunter, of course, had to lie about some of the things he said.

It wasn't like when they first met. They were both smiling and happy, but something was different. There was something more. Hunter couldn't take his eyes off her. This caused him to trip on the sidewalk several times, to which Hallie laughed.

"It's getting kinda late. We should probably head back," Hunter said. Snow was falling steadily as the sky had begun to darken.

Hallie sighed and replied, "Yeah, I suppose we should." Her face was downcast, so Hunter asked what was wrong. "I don't know. I guess I just don't want to go back."

Hunter was taken aback by this comment. "Really? I thought that was just me." She smiled at him and reached over and took his hand in hers. They walked back hand in hand, without talking, just enjoying each other's company. Hunter opened the front gate and led Hallie to the door step.

"You really have no idea how much I love spending time with you," Hunter said in little more than a whisper.

"I think I have an idea," she replied, squeezing his hand gently. She glanced up but did not look back down. Hunter looked up to see what she was looking at. Above their heads was a little, green vine with berries scattered through the plant. Mistletoe.

"You know what that means, right?" she asked him.

"No. We can't. I mean, it's your first kiss. It should be something special. It should be something you decide," he stammered. Though, the voice in his head was telling him the direct opposite. She was practically inviting him to kiss her. He had dreamed about that for months. "Just do it, you idiot!" his inner voice shouted at him.

"This is what I decided." She pulled him down and kissed him with all the passion she could muster. The snow whipped all around them. It was complete bliss. Neither of them had ever felt better in their entire lives. Finally, they broke apart.

"When will we see each other again?" Hallie asked.

"Not soon enough," he said back. A tear fell from Hallie's eye. "Hey! What's wrong?"

"It's just... This all seems too good to be true. I have no idea why you would even like me. I don't want this to be just a one time deal."

Hunter wiped the lone tear from her cheek and said, "I'll be back. I promise. Probably sooner than either of us expect.

"Don't lie to me. Please," she pleaded.

"I'll be back, but if you find some other guy just know I will be happy for you."

"You don't have to worry. Guys don't like me."

"And what does that make me?" he asked making her laugh quietly. He leaned in and gently brushed his lips against hers, smiling.

"Happy Christmas, Hunter."

"Happy Christmas, Hallie."