They donned heavy cloaks and pulled up their hoods at this hour there would not be anyone there but they wouldn't risk it. They walked side by side untouching to the small grave at the far back of the cemetery on the edge of the large field and meadow under the large oaks. They stood there together for a moment Halt sinking down to a knee brushing the snow from the small stone marker letting his finders tracing the engraving on it the date their daughter was born and simple words of love. He stood again slowly "no parent should have to bury their child" he said softly. Pauline looked at him softly then crouched down tears in her eyes at the grave she traced her fingers over the smooth stone "hello little one" she said softly "mummy's here... your father too..." She said risking a glance at Halt who was watching quietly and gave her a soft nod "we came to wish you a happy Yuletide and to tell you that we love you very much" she said softly tears slipping down her face and she sobbed quietly. Halt put a hand on her shoulder and she nodded and stood slowly. They walked silently back to the cabin once their they shed their cloaks and sat on the couch.

"I'm sorry..." She said wiping her tears away. "Don't be... It's alright to be sad you loved her very much" Halt said watching her carefully. "I meant I'm sorry to you Halt... It wasn't a mistake... She wasn't a mistake" she said sobbing "it was how I justified everything but it wasn't true and I'm sorry... it was the only thing I could say to cover up how much I hurt and how guilty I felt for what happened." He couldn't stand seeing her cry he never could he slid over to her carefully and touched her shoulder. She turned to look at him carefully he stroked the tears off her cheeks gently. She tensely lay her head on his shoulder and when he didn't flinch this time she relaxed muffling her sobs against the material of his tunic. He wrapped his arms around her and tried to calm himself too. They had gone through quite the range of emotions tonight and it was taking its toll in combination with their combined inebriation. He hadn't held her close in years and yet somehow when he did it still felt right or maybe that was the liquor talking. He nuzzled his head down into her hair and she gripped his shirt holding him tight. She finally quit sobbing being in his arms brings her enough comfort to settle her she looked up at him their eyes met then both sets drifted shut and their faces came together lips meeting softly. The kiss was tentative and shy at first then grew deeper and more passionate. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he held her tight. They leaned back on the couch her laying over him kissing him deeply him returning with eagerness and pleasure. His heart started racing he could feel every pulse of blood through his body and his skin felt alight everywhere she touched him his face his chest his sides. She shivered as he caressed down her back his hand resting at the small of her back.

When the kiss finally broke it took a grand total of about 2 seconds for her to snap back to reality and sobriety. She jerked away from him standing "I'm sorry I... I don't know what got into me... I... I should go" she said moving to collect her cloak. He stood quickly and went to stop her "wait... What do we do?... I don't understand. It's a mistake then it's not then you kiss me" he said confused. She slowed and looked at him "I don't know what's gotten into me I don't know what to do Halt this is just to complicated I-..." She said shaking her head. "Let's take it easy... We can't be together for now not like we want... But let's take it slow... No more running no more broken hearts ... And maybe one day we will move onto something more" he said "when we are both ready." She looked at him softly and touched his cheek she nodded slowly "alright" she said. "Alright?" He repeated softly not sure he heard her right. She smiled softly and said "yes" and kissed his cheek softly. He smiled softly both their hearts healing that night. They would take things slowly and quietly for as long as they needed till one day they were ready.