Chapt. 25

Christmas day was dawned bright and cheerful. Claire woke with a smile and showered quickly before heading down to her kitchen to begin preparing her portion of that day's meal. She was ready for her friends and family to arrive, even though she knew that they wouldn't for another three and a half hours, but she was ready none the less.

With Christmas music playing throughout the house and her trees, yes trees; she had three in various locations, all lit and shining brightly Claire danced around her kitchen as she started the banana pudding. Christmas had always been her favorite holiday and it brought out the best in her it seemed. This would be her first Christmas in ages that she wouldn't be married and the thought filled her with more happiness than she thought it should. She continued to dance around as she sliced the bananas and lined the pan with the cookies, the radio blaring carols and her singing along.

Matt stood at the doorway to the kitchen watching Claire dancing around as she cooked and prepared the food. He couldn't fight the smile the crept across his face. She was so incredibly cute; even a man like him had to admit that she was quite the sight to look at. She was going to make the right man very happy one day he thought to himself as the song ended.

"Do you always give performances like that on Christmas day?"

Claire spun around and gave a short squeal. "Oh my heavens Matt, you scared me! I didn't hear you come in."

Walking into the kitchen he kissed her head and grinned down at her. "I'm not surprised seeing as how you were in rock star mode."

"Oh yeah, and the fact that you're an hour and a half early had nothing to do with it at all!"

"I can leave and come back if you'd like," he teased.

Swatting at his butt with a dish towel Claire laughed. "That would be pointless since you're already here. Sit your things down on the counter there."

He did as he was told and took a seat at the table. "So are you going to tell everyone else about your big plans today or are you still waiting?"

"I think I'm waiting still. I just want to have things a bit more solid and concrete first. At least have a space rented out or something. I like your idea though of starting small then expanding with the different departments."

"Have you given any thought to which departments you're going to start up first?"

Checking on the meal in the oven Claire turned and smiled at him as she took her seat beside him. "I have, yes. It's still going to be a big deal but I've narrowed it down none the less. I'm definitely starting with the women's shelter and outreach. It's too close to home not too. That will come with the center for counseling for those women and for any children that they might have too. Then the center for gay awareness is starting too. It's important to me to do that. The rest can all come later."

They were lost in talks of the center and what kind of space that Claire would ideally love to get when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Matt said.

Claire stood to get the food from the oven and to start getting plates down for the meal when she heard Matt greet PJ warmly. She smiled thinking that there was so much possibility between the two if only they could see it. She smiled warmly as they entered the kitchen together.

Matt caught her face and shook his head at her. "Claire, don't even go there."

Looking properly ashamed Claire lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry PJ I was going to hug you and tell you Merry Christmas but I guess I can't now." Unable to hold it in, she burst out laughing as she went to him and wrapped her arms around his trim and muscular waist in a hug.

"It smells wonderful in here Claire," PJ said. "Thank you again for having me. It means a lot really."

"It's no problem at all. I'm glad you could make it."

After that people started arriving regularly and soon everyone was there. They all enjoyed a wonderful meal and then headed into the living room to open gifts. The day passed in a mass of smiles, laughter and chatter. It was one of the best Christmas's that Claire could remember. Even when everyone had gone except Matt and PJ she was smiling and living on a high from the day

When PJ got up and headed out onto the back deck Matt hugged her. "Did you notice that I didn't give you your gift this afternoon?"

"Mhm I did, but you don't have to get me anything so it's okay. You're friendship is enough for me."

He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a gift wrapped in a beautiful silver foil paper. "Maybe so, but I got you this anyway. I just wanted to be able to give it to you alone."

"Matt, you really didn't have to." Claire pulled at the tape on the paper carefully and felt her heart swell with affection for the man in front of her. A jewelers box in that tell-tell Tiffany blue was in her hands. "Oh Matt, really, you shouldn't have."

"You don't even know what it is yet. Open it up."

Carefully taking the lid off the box Claire's eyes filled with tears. Inside on the soft bed of velvet laid a platinum pendant in a solid circle. Her initials were engraved on the front and she gentle lifted it out of the box. "Matt, it's beautiful. Really it is, and you really didn't have to but I love it! It's simple and elegant and so classy. Thank you."

"Turn it over."

Gently flipping the pendant over Claire saw more wording. She whispered the words as she read them. "To the best friend I've ever known. I love you." Wiping at her eyes she smiled up at him. "I love you too."

He hugged her and kissed her temple. "I mean it. You are the best friend I have ever had, and I'm so incredibly thankful for you."

She nodded as she wiped at more tears. "Go on out on the deck with PJ and I'll be right out. I just want to get the dishes put away."

She watched as he walked out and she gently held the necklace in her hands and smiled. After a minute she put it on and smiled again. It was the most heartfelt thing she had ever been given. Quickly putting the dishes away she headed to the deck but stopped just inside the door. Matt and PJ were lost in a deep conversation and both were smiling She could have sworn that they were holding hands too. Just as she was about to open the sliding glass doors to go out and join them PJ leaned over kissed Matt. Claire smiled and went back to the fridge to grab three bottles of water before heading out.

"Hey guys, sorry it took so long. There were more dishes than I thought. I brought us all water though. It's a beautiful night isn't it?"

Matt grinned at her like a kid and shook his head. "It is."

They sat outside talking for an hour or so before the guys stood to leave. She saw them out the door and as they headed to their cars their hands were linked. Claire was so happy that they were finding their way to each other and she couldn't hide her smile. Back inside she sent Matt a quick text that simply said, "I told you that you two would be cute. I'm so happy for you. I love you." Then she climbed the stairs and climbed into bed after changing into her night gown. She was asleep in minutes.