Hello all! Sorry for the delay, but here is a longer special holiday update as promised for those traveling this season (Maginelli) and if you're not traveling, then may you enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

Thank you for making 2013 so enjoyable with all of the support of my little stories. Hard to believe I just started doing this in April. Looking forward to more in 2014. I wish you all a safe, happy and healthy holiday and a Happy New Year!

Chapter 19

Six months later-10 days before Christmas

Lauren picks up her cell. It's been a long day and she just wants to hear Bo's voice. Finals are this week and the holidays are coming up fast. She will have a little time off from school and the lab, so she has been working extra hours on her projects. She really wishes that she didn't have to be out of the lab over break, but that is part of the agreement. Lauren feels a little nervous as she waits for an answer. There has been some tension between them lately due to her schedule and stressing out over tests. After a few rings, Bo answers the phone.

"Hey babe."

"Hey back, pretty lady. How was your day?"

"Oh, you know, kissing ass for new clients and kissing ass for old ones. Same ole, same ole. You?"

"Pretty good. I have two more days, then I am off for two weeks. The lab says they don't want me working outside of the work study times, so it's a forced vacation."

"Is that a bad thing?"

Silence. Lauren is sure to be very careful how she answers this question, not wanting to further upset her already tense girlfriend.

"I guess not. I just...I have a few projects that I am working on and taking the time off just breaks your momentum. Plus, it makes me happy to be there." Just as soon as it leaves her mouth, Lauren cringes. She certainly doesn't intend to make it sound as if she is not happy being with Bo, but she knows that's the first thought that will cross her girlfriend's mind.

"Are you not happy spending time with me," Bo asks, the hurt in her voice evident.

"Here we go," Lauren thinks and now she has to scramble to do damage control. She wishes there was a way to convey to her girlfriend how she feels when she is in the lab. She truly enjoys it and the fact that she could someday help save or change a life with whatever she is working on. She loves Bo, but medicine is and has been her passion. "I'm sorry Bo, I didn't mean that. You know I love being with you, it's just different."

She hears Bo sigh before replying, "Well, lately I feel more like your mistress. I thought we were going to work on your obsessing over work and ignoring life?"

Her girlfriend's irritation can be heard over the phone, making Lauren uneasy. "We were. We are," she sighs, "I am. I just need you to keep reminding me, babe." Lauren runs her fingers through her hair in frustration. This has been a frequent topic of discussion the last few months. They have hardly had any quality time together since she started the job, choosing to do extra time in the research group on a special Parkinson's project. It's been even more so the last few weeks with finals on the agenda. It seems she has done a poor job lately of following through on her promise to learn to mange her time better.

"I miss you. We've hardly had any time together the last few months. Why don't you come over when you get done at work Friday? What are your plans for Christmas? Maybe we can spend it here in the city? It's beautiful." The pleading in Bo's voice breaks Lauren's heart. She deserves more. She's been nothing but understanding and supportive and Lauren knows she has been dropping the ball in her efforts in the relationship department.

"You're beautiful."

"Now you're just sucking up."

"I was hoping we could go to my mothers. I know she'd like to see us."

"Yeah, I'd like that. I love your mom, but come here first for a few days. I know you said you hadn't really done the city at the holidays and I'd like us to have some quality time before the holiday craziness. Bring all your stuff here and then we can head over and spend Christmas with your mom. Okay?"

"Okay. That sounds nice. Oh and Bo?"

"Yeah"

"I do miss you. I want you to know that."

"Good. You should, because I am amazing."

"Yes, you certainly are, Bo."

"I love you Lauren."

"I love you, too. So what are you going to show me this weekend?"

XXX

NYC- One Week Till Christmas

Friday evening finally arrives and Bo has been anxious all day. She's trying hard to be patient, but the lack of time with her girlfriend is wearing on her. They feel out of sync and it scares her to death thinking they may drift apart. What they have feels so right and Bo can no longer imagine a life without her soon to be doctor. In all fairness, Lauren did warn her of her obsessive behavior regarding work right from the start. After all, it was one of the reasons she was hesitant to even date Bo. Well, that and not wanting to fall off track from her career goals. The thing is, Lauren's passion for her work is one of the things Bo loves most about her. Bo is willing to be flexible, but she won't be put on the bench. She thinks she just needs to make sure Lauren is reminded of how good it feels to be together as often as possible, so that it is never a hard decision on which place she'd rather be. Bo doesn't want t take Lauren away from science. She knows that's a losing battle and she wouldn't want that anyway, it's a huge part of who she is. At least she has her to herself for two weeks and Bo doesn't want to waste a minute, starting with her surprise. Her girlfriend should be arriving soon, so Bo takes care of some last minute details, hoping to make the night as perfect as possible. Turning on the holiday music, she slips into her bedroom to change before Lauren arrives.

Bo is sitting in the single chair she has set in the middle of the room when Lauren walks in the door. The blonde has her hands full and doesn't even notice her girlfriend, struggling to balance everything in her arms as she makes her way through the door. "Hey babe, I'm home." Leaving it all beside the door in a heap, she turns around to find Bo seated with her legs crossed wearing a santa hat, high black boots and not a whole lot else.

"Hello Lauren," she sings in her most sultry voice, a seductive smile adorning her lips. Bo uncrosses and then crosses her legs again as she gleams satisfaction from the look of surprise on her lover's face.

Lauren's jaw drops at the sight before her. Suddenly all of the excuses she has been using to explain their time apart go right out the window. She can't justify the reasons why she has been ignoring this woman the way she has lately. She can't think of anything actually, when Bo is looking at her like that. Watching her seductive brunette strut oh so slowly closer in a stretch mesh strapless Christmas lingerie that barely reaches the cheeks of her shapely ass and a white faux fur neckline that allows a generous view of the soft flesh of her ample bosom that she has been ignoring. Her pulse to quickens. The sensual attire caps off with a black velvet belt with matching long stretch satin gloves and a red thong, all of which accentuates her voluptuous curves. Lauren swallows hard and remains frozen in place while Bo runs one finger along her collar bone causing her to shiver. She doesn't even realize that she has her eyes closed and is biting her lip until the contact stops and she immediately misses Bo's touch. She is met with a smirking Bo standing in front of her, who is looking very proud of herself. She has reason to be, she looks positively delicious.

"You have been naughty Dr. Lewis."

The way those words roll off Bo's tongue make her shudder and the thought of that tongue makes her ache in all the right places. Her heart skips a beat when Bo takes her hand and leads her to the chair, slowly peeling off her brown leather jacket. Still stunned, but loving every minute of this charade, she is happy to play along. Lauren pouts, "Does that mean I don't get any presents?"

Her eyes never leaving Lauren's, Bo hits a remote and the song "All I want for Christmas is you" begins to play. She pushes the blonde down into the chair and takes several steps back.

"Actually Lauren, bad girls get the best presents," Bo answers seriously as she begins to sway her hips to the music.

Bo's eyes turn dark. Her hands slide down the edges of her stomach and along her thighs. Lauren has never smiled bigger than when she realizes her girlfriend is going to give her a lap dance. Moving in time to the rhythm of the song, Bo allows her lips to turn up into a sultry smile as she spins away from Lauren and drops down low. Keeping her head down, she slowly allows her legs to straighten and lock out, giving her girlfriend a spectacular view of the bare covering of her perfect backside. She arches back up and saunters closer to Lauren, who licks her lips at the tasty treat dancing before her. She has a death grip on the chair legs, her fingernails digging into the oak. Bo inches the lingerie down at an agonizingly slow pace. Lauren is loving this. She's been thinking of Bo and the way it feels to be touched by her the whole train ride over and she can feel the desire pooling between her legs. She is aching to reach out and touch her girl, but not yet. Right now she is beyond ready for Bo to shed that pesky fabric that is hiding the textbook definition of the perfect body. Her breath catches when the red material finally hits the ground revealing the large, supple breasts that she dreams of teasing with her tongue. She reaches out to pull Bo toward her, but her hand is swatted away teasingly.

"No touching the dancer, babe." Bo smiles devilishly and her eyes sparkle with delight. It is blatantly obvious that she is enjoying this little ruse and the blonde doesn't seem to have any problems with it either. It may not be the best lap dance ever technically speaking, and the music is too fast, but honestly, Bo oozes sex. She could make taking out the trash look sexy with her confidence and the way she moves her body. Then there's that unassuming killer smile she delivers that lets her dimple come out to play. Irresistible is what she is, Lauren's kryptonite.

Continuing her dance, Bo begins to unbutton Lauren's shirt. Leaving a trail of tingles as she passes her hands over the blonde's shoulders, she pushes the fabric down her arms. Bo stops half way, leaving the blonde's arms stuck in the blouse and locked behind the chair. Bo grins and straddles her girlfriend, leaning in close enough for her nipples to brush Lauren's face before sitting on her lap. Memories of their roles being reversed the first time they met flash through Lauren's mind, causing her to smile wide. Bo trails a finger lightly across the blondes lips, licking her own at the memory of their softness against her sensitive skin. Lauren captures the finger in her mouth, biting it gently and then teasing it with her tongue. Bo's eyes roll back in delight and the blonde frees herself from her binds. She reaches down to cup both cheeks, giving the flesh a tight squeeze. Lauren bites her lip when it earns her a delicious moan from the woman on her lap. She shivers at the feel of Bo running fingers through her long, blonde hair and the hot, wet tongue gliding up her neck ending with a nip on her lobe that sends a jolt right between her legs. Tugging sharply on the luscious blonde locks, Bo pulls her girlfriend's face down into her breasts, moaning as she arches into the contact. She pushes her hips hard into Lauren's core and both women know that this part of the dance is over.

Bo's breathing grows heavy. Her own need to feel Lauren on her, in her, intensifying by the second now that they have made physical contact. "I've missed you, Lauren. Missed your touch. Missed the way you feel on me. Missed the way you make me feel when you're inside me." She crashes their lips together hard, teeth gnashing and tongues dueling in a heated frenzy. Hands grasping at clothes and pulling hips tightly, anything to remove the physical distance and barriers between them.

"I'm so sorry," Lauren pants, her finger nails dragging along Bo's ass and down her outer thigh as their passion flares. "Let me make it up to you, baby."

Their chests heaving with desire, Lauren looks up at her lover through hooded lids, staring at Bo's pouty, kiss swollen lips. She misses the way they taste and the way they feel. Bo wets her lips and Lauren's breath hitches at the sight of that talented tongue. That familiar throbbing between her thighs begins and she no longer wants to play this game. She wants Bo, needs Bo and while she may have been neglecting her before, she intends to pay full attention to every inch of her creamy flesh tonight, several times over. She leans in and tugs the brunette's bottom lip. Taking a firm hold of Bo's body, she slides them down to the floor as she begins placing light kisses between luscious mounds and down to her belly button. Her fingers teasing lightly over erect nipples while she gently nips the place on the brunette's hip that makes her whimper. She knees Bo's legs open. A primal growl escapes as she sees how ready Bo is for her. The sight alone could make her come undone and her own desire to take the woman in front of her spikes through the roof. She feels the need to prove to Bo how much she wants her, to eliminate any doubts from the brunette's mind. Lauren looks up into the eyes of her lover who is watching her intently, arching up as she begs for contact.

"Please Lauren. I need you now." Bo begins to writhe, the pressure building is making the ache in her core unbearable. If Lauren doesn't release it soon, she would do it herself while the blonde watches.

"Tell me how do you need me?" Lauren slides off her own jeans and slowly unhooks her bra, her eyes never leaving the hot and ready brunette's. Bo's eyes flash and she shudders at the sight of her nearly nude lover.

"I need you, to feel you. All of you. All over me. I need you right now, Lauren." Her voice is no longer pleading, but demanding.

Lauren enjoys the control and smirks at Bo. She runs her hands up Bo's stomach and down between her thighs, lifting her slightly. She lowers herself and grabs the tiny thong with her teeth, pulling it down the brunette's shapely legs. Bo watches her lover with anticipation. She hisses and presses her head back into the hard floor when she feels the blonde's teeth graze her inner thigh as her soaked panties are dragged off. She is ready to explode already, so it doesn't take much as Lauren dives in and begins to indulge herself in the sweet nectar until her tongue sends Bo tumbling loudly over the edge.

The blonde doesn't stop. She moves away from the sensitive areas and begins to touch and tease lower, building Bo's passion once more. "Oh God, Lauren. Don't stop baby." Bo can feel her insides burning up as Lauren drives her closer to another release, her toes tingly as the warmth spreads throughout her body.

"Never." Lauren dips a finger inside. She pulls it out and looks into Bo's hooded eyes as she takes it into her mouth. Her eyes roll back and she groans at the exquisite flavor or her lover. Bo tries to pull her up into a kiss, to taste herself on Lauren's lips, but the blonde pushes her down and plunges back in, curling her fingers slow and deep until she hits that one spot she knows will make Bo scream the loudest. Lauren grins wildly as her name echoes throughout the apartment over and over again.

She does miss this, her connection to this amazing woman. She almost slipped back into her abyss, but Bo didn't let her. She saved her, just like she has done everyday since they met, making her want to do better and want to be present in the relationship for the woman who is completely in love with her for the nerdy, work-a-holic, Trekkie that she is. She would show Bo that no matter how much work and science was part of her life, that she always comes first, again and again and again. The brunette lies in a heap in front of the brightly lit tree, breathless with a wide smile, her arm over her head in exhaustion. Lauren is having none of it as she wastes no time pinning Bo down and voraciously sucking, licking and thrusting to send Bo into ecstasy a third time as her body trembles from yet another crashing wave of pleasure. She hopes Bo stocked the sports drinks, because she is in for a long, pleasure filled night.

XXX

Bo is lying on her side watching Lauren sleep until she starts to stir. Lauren opens her sleep filled eyes, blinking rapidly to adjust to the light, she smiles a sleepy smile at her girlfriend.

"Mmm, morning beautiful." Bo leans over and places a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Morning. How are you," Lauren asks, her voice raspy from sleep.

Bo stretches her limbs, working out some of the soreness from last night's activities. "Amazing. Tired, but amazing. You were unbelievable last night Lauren."

Lauren rolls her eyes and smiles bashfully. "Yeah well, you weren't so bad yourself." She snuggles in closer, wrapping an arm around her girlfriend and nuzzles her nose into her hair.

"What would you like to do today?" Bo whispers into the blonde's ear.

Pondering her answer, she really just wants to stay right here. "Maybe something casual. I just want to relax with you. I'm also in favor of not getting dressed or leaving the apartment."

Bo certainly perks up at the sound of staying naked all day with her girlfriend, but she really wants to spend some quality date-like time and show her the city. "How about I order up some breakfast so we can snuggle a bit longer and then maybe take a walk in central park? We can play the rest of the day by ear, stay in go out, whatever."

"I like that plan. I'm in favor of anything that means we get to stay right here longer." Lauren smiles and she pulls Bo in closer, not ready to let go just yet.

Bo reaches her cell, dialing up her favorite little diner that delivers and orders up some breakfast. Just as soon as she hangs up, she rolls back toward Lauren. Looking into those adoring, honey brown eyes, Bo can feel the love between them and she hopes that it will always be like this. She needs and craves the warmth and fullness in her heart that only comes with Lauren. Their lips meet softly, taking the time to explore one another, a stark contrast to last nights frantic need to reconnect physically, to feel something. Now it's about reconnecting mentally and spiritually. Bo nibbles lightly on Lauren's lip and smiles when the blonde moans into the kiss and opens her legs, inviting her in. She glides her body sensually up the blonde's and settles herself between Lauren's legs. Rolling her hips against her girlfriend's wanting center, Lauren gasps at the first luscious contact. She can feel that Bo is already ready for her and pulls the brunette's face down to hers. Enveloping her mouth in a deep, languid kiss, they begin to move together in a well choreographed dance. They make love this time slowly, tenderly and Bo sees fit to dedicate her full attention to pleasuring Lauren. The delivery man is greeted by the screaming of Bo's name at the height of Lauren's passion.

They break into a giggling fit imagining what it probably sounded like as he rang the doorbell. With a devilish grin Bo snickers, "I don't know about you, but I don't think I could eat another bite."

Lauren blushes and hits Bo across the head with a pillow before she jumps on top, hitting all of her ticklish spots until Bo begs for mercy.

XXX

Having enjoyed an amazing Saturday peacefully, just the two of them, Bo is trying, though somewhat unsuccessfully, to get Lauren out of the apartment. Her girlfriend wants to snuggle on the sofa, but Bo has a surprise and she needs her out of the place for a few hours. Checking her phone, she sends a couple of quick texts. She fiddles in the kitchen to hide what she's doing and when her cell vibrates, her eyes light up at the text.

"Babe, come on, Tamsin wants to meet us for some lunch." She pulls on the blonde's arm who groans and lies there with dead weight.

"Really Bo? I'm tired. I guess I didn't realize how much I had been working until I stopped. Now I'm exhausted," she whines and buries her face in a pillow.

"Just for a little while, I promise. I will make sure you get lots of rest tonight. No hanky panky."

Lauren frowns as she sits up. "Fine. Just for a bit, but that doesn't mean we can snuggle naked later, just so you know."

"Noted. Now get ready to go. Chop, chop!"

XXX

Bo keeps checking her phone every few minutes and it's driving Lauren insane. When Tamsin excuses herself to the ladies room, she decides to confront her girlfriend.

"Babe, what's so important? You drug me out here and all you 've been doing is glancing at your phone."

"I'm sorry. It's nothing. I'll stop."

Lauren eyes her suspiciously. Tamsin returns and notices some tension. She knows about the surprise and is trying to keep them there until Bo gives her the thumbs up. "So Lauren, how's the lab job going?"

The blonde lights up and goes into one of her science ramblings, leaving Tamsin glazed over, but doing a good job of keeping up with the conversation. Suddenly, Bo pipes up, "I guess we should get going. I know Lauren's tired. I'm glad we got together, Tamsin. We are heading to Lauren's mom's for Christmas, but let's do ours after, alright?"

"Sounds good to me. You two have a safe trip." She stands up and hugs Lauren, giving Bo a wink behind her back before letting the blonde go and hugging Bo.

When they arrive back at the apartment, Bo opens the door and let's Lauren enter first. A delighted squeal sounds through the room as Lauren pulls her mom into a big hug. "What are you doing here," she asks excitedly.

"Well, it's been a long time since I've been to the city for the holidays and Bo thought it would be nice if she brought me out to spend it with you, Kenzi and your new friends."

Lauren spins around to Bo with tears in her eyes. "This was your idea? That's why you made me go to lunch today?"

Bo nods and before she can say anything she is swept up into a tight embrace. Lauren presses their lips together in a soft, but passionate kiss. "Thank you, babe. You're amazing."

The brunette smiles brightly, the dimple in full effect as she places another kiss on Lauren's lips. "Anything to see you smile."

The pair forgets Lauren's mom is even in the room, breaking them from their bubble when she speaks, "You two are adorable. Thank you, Bo, it was very sweet of you to bring me here." She smiles at Bo with the same bright and heartfelt smile that Lauren gives her.

"So," Bo begins, looking from the mother to her daughter that still has an arm around her, "what would you ladies like to do this evening?"

Lauren looks over to her mom, not letting go of her grip on Bo's waist. "We'll let you decide, mom. I know it's been ages since you've been here."

"Very well then, I would like to go to Rockefellar Center and see the tree and ice skating."

"Sounds like a plan," Bo says cheerily, "and Mary, anything you need or if there is somewhere you want to go, Bob and Lawrence at the front desk will take care of it. I do mean anything, from food to tickets to transportation, don't hesitate to ask."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to hassle anyone. I'll be fine, I just want to spend time with you gals and see Kenzi. I can't wait to meet this new man of hers. She just goes on and on about him."

"No, really, they are paid very well to do just that, so it's no bother and as far as Kenzi's man, he owns the building."

"Really?" Mary raises her brows in surprise. "I know she said that he was your boss, but no mention of owning buildings."

Lauren can't help but wonder, "Did she mention that he is quite the wealthy gentleman?"

"No, just that he was sweet, and goofy and he "got her and her little quirks." Oh, and that he had amazing muscles." All three laugh at the last statement.

"Yes, she is in love with his abs," Lauren giggles. "He is very nice though, mom. He takes great care of her, of all of us actually." Lauren smiles. Kenzi is usually so interested in the glitz and glamour of things, hearing that she hasn't brought up his money can only mean that her best friend truly is falling for Hale.

Bo nods in agreement. He has been more than good to her since they met and she will be more than happy if he finds love in the quirky little girl. "Shall we go? We can walk a little before dark, take in the holiday window displays and then see the tree after the sun goes down. Would you mind if I call Tamsin to join us? I'd love her to meet Mary before our dinner."

Mother and daughter shake there heads and Lauren escorts her mother back to the guest bedroom.

"Mom, I'm so surprsised. You haven't traveled in forever, not even an hour from home."

"I know, but Bo is so sweet and it means alot to her to be able to do this for us. Besides, if I'm going to bother you to move on, I need to venture out of my comfort zone as well."

Lauren pulls her mom into a tight embrace, squeezing a bit harder than normal. She didn't realize how much she has been missing her since she visited a few months ago. Much like she did to Bo, Lauren has neglected to keep in touch with her mom, too. She is mad at herself for hiding away from the people that mean the most to her. She doesn't want any regrets in the event of a sudden loss, which she knows all too well, can happen at any time.

"I'm sorry I haven't called mom. I've been a horrible daughter and a horrible girlfriend," she says with a light tremble in her voice as she chokes back tears.

Mary holds her tight and rubs her back just like she did when she was a kid. Mary's voice is soothing as she speaks, "Lauren, it's okay. I love you and I am so proud of all you are doing. I know how much it means to you, too. You just need to remember to balance work and play. How's Bo been with it?"

Keeping a tight hold on her mom, Lauren let's go and the tears begin to stream down her face. "She's been supportive, but understandably upset. We had a few discussions about it and I know I need to work on it, yet I always slip back into the same pattern. I don't want to keep hurting her. I love her and I want to be with her, I just don't seem to know how to do both."

Mary runs her fingers through her daughter's hair and tries to console her. This has always been a problem for Lauren. She had some wild times, but it was always more like a binge to blow off steam from hiding in her studies all the time. Thankfully, she had Kenzi to keep her in check, or who knows what would have happened."Lauren honey, Bo loves you very much. I can see it when she looks at you. You don't have to choose work or Bo, you just have to be sure to give Bo a special place in your life. Let go of your fear of hurting her, it's holding you back and making you hide in your science. Go get her and let her in completely. I think you'll be surprised how easy it will be to decide between heading home on time or staying at work another hour." Mary pulls Lauren back and smiles while she wipes hair from her tear soaked face. "It's rare to see two souls that have found their match. We both know life is short, enjoy it with the ones that make it worth living."

Lauren's tears stopped falling as she let a soft smile take over. "Thanks mom. I'm so glad you came."

"Me too honey, now why don't you go get ready so you two can show me around this wonderful city?"

Lauren nods and makes her way back to her and Bo's room where she finds a dapper looking brunette in her winter scarf looking in the mirror as she does her makeup.

In the reflection Bo notices her girlfriend's red eyes and smeared eyeliner. "Are you alright, Lauren."

"I'm great, Bo. Better than great. Have I told you how amazing you are?" Lauren snakes her arms around Bo from behind and nuzzles into the nape of her neck.

The brunette smiles and hums,"Mmm, yes, but I like hearing you say it." She runs her hands over Lauren's, giving them a squeeze.

"Well, you are amazing. I love you and thank you for all of this." She turns Bo around to look at her directly. "I am sorry for the last few months. I don't know why I was holding back, but I know without a doubt that I want you, us, more than anything. I promise that I will make a real effort to fix my little problem. I won't lose you."

"It's going to take more than a little science to get rid of me babe." Bo cups Lauren's face with both hands and pulls her in for a heated kiss.

XXX

The three women walk and chat, enjoying the crisp New York City evening. As they approach the ice rink Bo sees a familiar tall blonde and she pulls the group over to meet her. "Tamsin, this is Lauren's mother, Mary. Mary this is Tamsin, she's my family, my guardian angel."

Tamsin extends her hand in greeting, but Mary is having none of it as she pulls her in for a hug. Bo and Lauren laugh at her expression of shock as the older woman engulfs her a warm embrace. She pats Mary on the back apprehensively, not sure of the proper etiquette for this situation. She has never been the touchy feely type. "It's nice to meet you Mary."

"It's nice to meet you, too Tamsin," Mary says as she pulls back. "I hope you'll be joining us on the ice."

"Oh no, I don't ice skate." Tamsin waves her off and backs away.

"What? Sure you do. If an old woman like me can do it, so can you." Mary takes her by the arm and leads them all over to the skate rental booth.

"You're not that old," Tamsin smirks and narrows her eyes at Mary who just chuckles back at her.

"Just put on the skates. It'll be fun, I promise."

Bo has been watching the whole exchange curiously. She's never seen anyone take control over her old friend like that, but Mary has an uncanny ability to put everyone at ease. She holds back her snickering as she watches Tamsin fumble about the ice with Mary close by to help her out. It only takes about twenty minutes for Tamsin to get her legs under her and the four of them are laughing and skating around Rockefellar Center on a beautiful winter night.

Bo leans into Lauren, "Your mom is amazing. Now I know where you get it from."

Lauren looks on with pride, "Yes, she is certainly something special. It's nice to see Tamsin letting loose."

"No kidding. I don't think anyone else could have gotten her out here. It's quite the family dynamic we've put together, babe."

Lauren stops and skates in front of Bo. She slides her fingers into Bo's hands and smiles softly, "A year ago I never would have imagined having a family again and now I can't imagine it any other way."

Bo closes the distance between them, "I know exactly what you mean." She brushes her lips against the blondes lightly, then gently sucks her bottom lip until Lauren deepens the kiss. The two of them are frozen in place in the center of the ice, oblivious to the world as people skate around them.

"Hey you two, less kissing and more skating," Tamsin yells out and laughs along with Mary.

"We may have created a monster, "Lauren giggles as they pull away to catch up with the others and finish their skate.

XXX

Everyone is gathered around the table for Christmas Eve dinner at Bo's apartment. Kenzi is sitting closely beside Hale on one side, with Lauren and Mary on the other. Tamsin heads off the end of the table while Bo sits at the end closest to Lauren. Bo looks around her new found family and smiles at all of the love she sees. This is the first time she has really done any kind of holiday family gathering. She never had it growing up and when she lived with Tamsin, it was nice, but it was just the two of them. On occasion a cop buddy of Tamsin's would stop by while on shift for a warm meal. It was one of the few times the older blonde would show her softer side. Tamsin knew how hard it could be to work night shift on the holidays, especially if you didn't have family around and she always joked that it was her good deed for the year to open her home to a lonely friend.

Lauren can see the emotion in her girlfriend's eyes and gives her hand a loving squeeze. She hasn't really done the holiday thing, besides small gift exchanges with her mom and Kenzi, since her dad passed. It warms her heart to see her mom smiling as she chats up Hale and Tamsin and Kenzi having their own debate about alcohol. What a difference a year makes. Who would have thought she'd find Bo and be on her way to that dream of a family before she even finishes her residency. It was always something she saw far into her future after she had her own successful practice, but as usual, Kenzi was right. She needed to pay attention to the present. When Bo stole her heart, she would have been a fool to ignore it and keep on the path she had set in her mind. She just never imagined that one date with this woman would end up being her future and heal so many hearts.

Following a lovely time of laughter, family and gifts, the evening comes to a close. Mary wraps Kenzi into a big, warm hug and tells her that she overwhelmingly approves of her new boyfriend. Mary is just like a mother to her, so the approval means alot. She is heading to Hale's family's home tomorrow for Christmas and she is more than nervous to meet them all. It's only been a few months, but she is already smitten and hoping that this could be the real deal for her.

XXX

Christmas morning Lauren wakes before Bo and gently slips out of bed to ready her surprise for her girlfriend. They had already exchanged most of their gifts last night, but she had an idea that she is sure Bo will enjoy. Quietly, she tip toes back into bed and lies atop the blankets. Bo usually wakes up around the same time each morning so she knows it will be soon. Lauren only has to wait about ten minutes before the brunette begins to stir, her gentle snorts and changes in breathing are the typical sign. Lauren fluffs her hair and rolls on her side, propping her head up on her hand and staring seductively at her girlfriend. Bo reaches up and stretches her muscles, letting her arm fall on Lauren's pillow. Feeling only emptiness, she turns her head to look and a sleepygrin takes over her face when she sees Lauren lying naked with a big red bow tied around her waist.

"Morning baby, Santa left you a present," Lauren smirks seductively. "I hope you like it."

Maneuvering to face the blonde completely, her eyes twinkle with mischief as she says, "It's a little creepy that Santa was walking around in my bedroom, but seeing as how he left me exactly what I asked for, I guess I can let it slide."

Lauren had to chuckle at Bo's early morning playfullness as she watches the brunette wipe the sleepy haze away before sliding over and pulling Lauren tightly against her body. Bo's hungry eyes rake up and down the blonde's lean form, her fingers fiddle with the red ribbon.

"I'm exactly what you asked for, huh?" Lauren bites her lip, Bo's gaze making her shiver with anticipation and she can feel the desire pooling between her legs. She squeezes her thighs in an attempt to relieve the pressure while Bo teases her with a trail of light touches along her collar bone and breasts.

"Oh yeah. My entire adult life and he finally delivers, better late than never," she chuckles and nibbles on Lauren's bottom lip. "What about your mom?"

"I took care of that, she's already out joining Tamsin for breakfast. I told them not to be back before ten," Lauren replies with a cheeky grin before a little sadness overcomes her features. "Bo, I'm sorry I've been holding back with you. It wasn't to hurt you, I was just so used to being that way and I didn't let you all the way in. This is me giving all of myself to you from now on, I promise." She looks into Bo's adoring chocolate eyes, seeing the unconditional love that has been there everyday since they met and she wonders why it took her so long to get to the point of surrendering completely to this woman.

"Thank you. That really does mean everything to me. Now if you don't mind," she nuzzles into the blonde's neck, inhaling her vanilla scent, "I have a gift to open and I'm definitely going to unwrap it slowly," Bo growls, letting her tongue work along the blonde's jawline and sucking on her pulse point. She releases the ribbon with a tug and feels Lauren's heart begin to race and her skin flush from desire.

The feel of Bo's mouth on her skin drives her crazy. "Whatever you want baby, I'm yours completely," Lauren whispers back against Bo's skin. Her body jumps uncontrollably when her lover's fingers flick across excited nipples. Every offering creating a new sensation that ripples through her body, the effects building upon one another to make her whole body hum.

The words filter through Bo's mind and warm the depths of her soul. The woman of her dreams really was hers and there wasn't any gift she wanted more than Lauren's heart. She takes her sweet time caressing every inch of Lauren's body with soft nips, kisses and touches, ignoring the blonde's not so subtle hints that she wants more until Lauren's frustration boils over and she resorts to begging.

"Dammit Bo, I can't take anymore. I need to feel you now, please."

A sly grin curls Bo's lips as she slides her body up along Lauren's, letting her thigh press hard into Lauren's heated center. She begins to push her hips into her girlfriend's as they match pace. Bo increases her pressure and rhythm, devouring Lauren's mouth in a hungry kiss, swallowing her moan. Bo snakes her hand down between their legs and slides into the heated desire that is pouring out of the blonde. The pleasurable whimpers and gasps escaping her lover nearly make her come undone and the feel of the wet center around her fingers drives Bo insane.

"God, Bo. You feel so good baby. More," Lauren pulls her legs back and wraps them around Bo and she wastes no time giving the blonde as much as she wants, sliding a third inside. A fire ignites inside of Bo when she hears the deep moan of satisfaction, "Ahh, ohhh God...yes, baby, don't stop!"

They have had many passionate encounters, but something about this one feels different, like Lauren truly is without a doubt, completely hers in body, mind and soul. Overcome with emotion and sensation, Bo struggles to hold on. The friction from the frantic pace between them and the noises from the blonde have her ready for her own release, but not before she gets Lauren there. Sweat covering their bodies, she continues to thrust deep into her lover, meeting the force of her hips over and over until Lauren's body finally tenses. Her walls clench around Bo's fingers in waves as screams of passion fill the apartment ad it's all she needs to follow her lover into ectasy.

Falling breathless to the side of her girlfriend, Bo reaches up, cups her cheek and smiles. There are no words needed, the look in their eyes say it all as Lauren returns the smile and kisses her palm. This has been a good year indeed and both ladies make a Christmas wish that there are many more to come.

XXX

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