Jon took her bags to the bedroom and put them down. He pulled back the covers and got back into bed, and patted the mattress for her to join him. Dixie got undressed and slipped into bed, laying her chin on his chest. She stared up at him and smiled "I really missed you, baby."

"I missed you too, Dix. You have no idea how much. I never much believed in the magic of Christmas and Christmas miracles and all that shit, but I do now. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth or whatever, but I do have to ask though, what made you change your mind all of a sudden?"

"You really want to hear this?" she asked him with a raised eyebrow.

"Yep, I do."

"Okay, well, the final straw was when I watched that interview you boys did and what he said about you being here by yourself in Vegas really just got to me."

Jon looked surprised "why is that?"

"I couldn't stand the thought of you being here all alone. I saw that you were forcing a smile, and I could see the sadness in your eyes. My heart was aching to be here with you, where I belong."

He smiled brightly "I am fucking thrilled to hear you say you belong with me. I doubted that I would ever get to hear it."

"I am sorry it took me so long to say it, Jon. Anyway, I just kept thinking about it and finally I just couldn't stand it anymore. I am tired of being miserable and feeling lonely even with someone lying next to me. I want to be with you, to love you and make you happy. You won't ever have to be on your own again."

He started to get choked up at her words. He had wondered before what life would have been like with her. He wondered if they could have the family that neither one of them had growing up. After she had left him for Colby, he tried to force those dreams out of his head, sure that they would never come true. Now here she was, telling him she would always be by his side. He couldn't believe he had finally found a woman whom he loved who loved him and wanted to be with him only.

"Anyway, I confronted him about embarrassing you like that on the show and I kinda just let it all out. I really didn't want to hurt him, but it was killing me living with the pain every day of not having you in my life. I was just so frustrated and weary of trying to make things work, that I probably didn't handle it right, the way I told him. I just blew. I never set out to hurt either one of you, but I swear you are the reason I stayed as long as I did. Even leading up to Joe busting us, the only thing keeping me sane was you. Otherwise, things would have ended before now I am sure. You are like my ray of sunshine, and my life was dark and gloomy without you in it."

"Dixie, shit, I don't know what to say. I was dying being without you too. Nothing seemed to help take my thoughts off you, especially after my birthday. I read your card over and over, wondering if you would ever change your mind and tell me I was the one you wanted. It gave me hope that you might, someday."

"I should have come to my senses sooner, baby. I know I probably didn't make much sense in that card but I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me. I would catch myself staring at pictures of you and smiling, wishing I was near you."

Jon was speechless but grinning. Dixie was still talking though. "You know what else, when I was leaving, he just gave me another example of why we didn't belong together."

"What was that?"

"He asked me if I was going to my mom's in Mississippi or coming here."

"Why the hell would he think you would go to your mom's?" he asked confused.

"Exactly. You just proved my point. You have not known me as long as he has, and you know I would never run to her when I am upset. Hell, we only went down there for one holiday in the four years we were together. It's like in some ways, he doesn't really know me at all. And still, with all the problems we were having, he bought me a ring. Like getting married would solve anything. But, doesn't matter. I am with you now, and we can deal with the fall-out later. Right now I just want to be here in your arms and forget the world outside."

"We can do that. I am sure you are tired, babe so get some sleep. We will talk more in the morning." He knew there would be a lot of drama they would have to deal with and a lot of explaining they would have to do, but that would have to wait. She was there with him, and nothing else was important to him. He knew Colby had bought her an engagement ring, and wondered if one day he bought her a ring, what would she say.

She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. "Jon?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Hypothetically, what would you do if you came home and all I had on was your old tactical vest and skimpy panties?"

He laughed, "Are you planning on doing this?! I would probably ravish you until you believed in the Shield!"

Dixie giggled and stretched up to kiss him. "That was the right answer." Eventually she dozed off on his chest, resting better than she had in a while. She didn't toss and turn and slept peacefully with him beside her. Waking up early the next morning, she felt bright-eyed and cheerful, as if she had a new lease on life. She lay there for a while, waiting for Jon to wake up. When he opened his eyes, there she was, her green eyes staring back at him. He was startled "morning, Dix."

"Good morning, Jonathan!" she said gleefully.

He chuckled "someone is in a good mood this morning."

"I certainly am. I awoke to your beautiful face and nothing could be better. How about I make us breakfast?"

"Um, well, that might be a problem. See, I don't have any food in the house."

"What?" she asked.

"Well, not home much and usually eat take out."

"Okay, so let's get dressed and grab some breakfast so we can do our shopping."

"Uh, what shopping?" he questioned, rubbing his eyes.

"Christmas shopping of course."

"Christmas shopping?"

"Yes, baby. Christmas is two days away so we need to do it today. So hop your sexy ass out of bed!"

"Dix, I mean, what are we gonna….?"

"It's our first Christmas together, Jon and I want it to be special. Let me do this."

He smiled at her "okay." He got out of bed and they both started to get dressed. He didn't know what all she was planning, but he really didn't care. He was excited to have her there for the holidays and whatever she wanted to do for him, was fine with him. She got her toiletries out of her bag and they shared time in the bathroom brushing their teeth and finishing getting ready.

She grabbed her purse and he locked the door and walked down the stairs to his car. They climbed in and he asked "where to first?"

"Target or something. We need to get a tree and decorations."

Jon chuckled "alright. Let's go."

They ran through McDonalds before he drove them to Target. Their first task was to find a tree. They picked out one and he loaded into the buggy. They grabbed strands of white lights and she picked out red and gold balls. They got gold beaded garland and snowflake ornaments. She asked Jon to pick out the tree topper and he chose a silver and gold star. They threw wrapping paper, bows and tape in the cart and she found a red tree skirt. They also picked each other out a stocking to hang up. He had to laugh at the full buggy they had. She smiled at him because he really looked like he was enjoying himself. They went to housewares so she could get pots, pans, serving dishes, and baking dishes. She also got a cutting board, mixer, measuring cups and spoons and cooking utensils. The only thing he had was a set of dinnerware and silverware and glasses. She also found a tablecloth with wreaths on it and some candles and candle holders.

They decided to go ahead and check out so they could go to the mall and separate to pick out gifts for each other. They planned to go to the grocery story last. Jon paid for everything and loaded it all up in the car. He was glad she insisted on doing this, because he never really had a big Christmas.

Their next stop was the mall. They kissed and agreed to meet in the food court in a couple of hours. She headed to Dillard's first, and he set out to find a jewelry store. He didn't know what he was going to get, but wanted it to be jewelry. She picked him out an olive green military style jacket she thought he would like and bought him a Polo gift set. She then went to Macy's and got him stocking stuffers along with boxers, socks, and wifebeaters. She found the Hot Topic and Spencer's and bought him a couple of tee shirts as well. She didn't want to overdo it and she really didn't know what else to get him. She went into the Hallmark Store and found a perfect card for him. Her last shop was Things Remembered where she found a snowman couple ornament that she had engraved for them.

While she was going all over the mall, he had gone to Zales first. He looked confused staring at the glass case, so the clerk asked, "can I help you find something?"

He nodded, "yes, maybe. I need to get something for my girl. It is our first Christmas together, and I have never really done this before, so I don't know what to get."

"Okay, how about a nice necklace? Do you think she would like that?"

"I think she would." She pointed him towards the necklaces and he saw one he really liked for her. It caught his eye and he knew he had to have it. He pointed at it and grinned, "That one. I want that one." The clerk softly smiled and pulled out the black and white diamond double winged hearts pendant and he picked out a sterling silver chain to go with it. As she was putting it in the box, he saw a white gold black and white diamond tilted heart promise ring that would match her necklace, and decided she had to have it. If Colby was planning to give her a ring, then Jon felt he should make his intentions clear as well. He knew they weren't ready to get married, but he wanted to promise that one day they would be. He told the lady he wanted that as well, so she placed it in a box. He asked her to wrap them for him and paid before he left.

He thought for a while about what else she would like, so he went to Victoria's Secret. He laughed to himself that it would be a gift they both would enjoy. He saw one he really liked, but he wasn't sure what size to get her. He asked the girl behind the counter, "how do I know what size I should get?"

"Well, how big is your girlfriend?"

"I don't know. Not very."

She laughed, "do you have a picture of her? That would help."

He pulled up the picture he had of her on his phone. The girl nodded "She's pretty. Well, I think she is a small. Here, this one should be right." She handed him the black halter babydoll and he asked her to keep it at the counter until he was done. He found another one he greatly liked. It was a white merrywidow with marabou trim. He thought it was sexy, but knew she would look like an angel in it. The clerk suggested white lace-topped thigh-highs to go with it. He went to check out and she asked him "how about some nice perfume for her?"

"Oh yeah. That too. Okay, what do you suggest?"

"What kind does she like?"

"Not sure."

"Okay. Well, let me recommend one of our Dream Angels line. Heavenly is very popular. Would you like to smell it?"

"Sure."

She walked him over to where it was and sprayed some on a paper strip. He smelled it and shook his head "that's too strong. How about something else?" He smelled a couple more and decided on the Kiss. She suggested the lotion to go with it and he agreed. She rang everything up and wrapped it all for him. He paid and she wished him a Merry Christmas before he left. He finally went to Macy's to pick out some stocking stuffers for her and got her a box of Godiva chocolate. His last destination was to Hallmark to find a card for her and he bought a plush Snoopy, knowing how much she liked Charlie Brown.

He texted her to find out where she was and she told him she was finishing up. They met at the coffee shop and grabbed something to drink before they went out. He tried to peek at what she bought, but she had it double bagged. "I will carry them for you if you want me too, babe."

"No, no, I've got it. Besides, you might be too tempted to sneak a look inside" she told him with a laugh.

They walked back to the car and put the bags in the trunk. "You think we have room for groceries?" she asked him.

"I think so. We can put a lot of shit in the floor board too." They drove to the grocery store and Jon followed her around like a puppy. He never thought he would be so happy just shopping. He was so thrilled to be with her, he felt he was walking on air. While they were in the store, Colby tried to call them both again. She turned her phone off, not wanting anything to ruin her time with Jon. "We will have to talk to him eventually, Dix."

"I know, but not right now."

They got a turkey and everything for her to make a big Christmas dinner for him. She also had to get regular groceries just to stock his pantry and fridge. He didn't even have spices, so they had to get those as well. When they were done, they packed everything in the car and headed back to his house. They unloaded the car and were exhausted by the time everything was put away. They decided to rest on the couch for a while before wrapping presents and putting up the tree.

Later, she made him stay in the living room while she wrapped his presents. She wanted to have them ready for when the tree was up. That night, Jon tried his hand at putting together the tree. She watched and let him string the lights. She found a station playing Christmas music and they laughed as they decorated it. When they were done, she smirked at him "there is one missing."

"What? Where?"

"Let me go get it." She went into the bedroom and got the engraved ornament out of the bag. She went back into the living room and handed it to him. It was a boy and girl snowman that she had customized with their names and the year. It said "Our first Christmas."

Jon beamed "I love it. I think it should go right here in front." He hooked it on the limb and she started piling presents around the bottom. He got hers out as well and placed them under the tree. He hung up the stockings that they had stuffed and looked around with satisfaction. He turned off the lights and walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. "It is beautiful, Dixie. Thank you so much for this. You haven't been here 24 hours yet, and you have already made this place a home instead of just the fucking place I sleep when I am off. I don't think I have ever been this happy, like in my entire life."

She spun around in his embrace and cupped the back of his head "I am glad you are happy, baby. So am I. This is just the first of many good memories for us. I will make sure you have lots more. I love you very much and want to spend every day showing you. You are a wonderful man with a big heart and I know you keep a wall around yourself to keep from getting hurt. And I know I hurt you very badly, but never again. Your heart is safe with me now, and I know mine is safe with you. You are my perfect fit, Jon. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to have you."

She pulled his face down to her and pressed her lips to his. He tangled his fingers in her hair and slipped his tongue into her mouth. He felt her whimper as he squeezed her firm breasts. Dixie ran her hands under his shirt and pushed it over his head. She stood and stared at him, running her hands down his shoulders and all over his defined chest. "You are perfect." She had never said it, but she preferred Jon's body to Colby's because she loved his broad shoulders and his round ass.

She looked in amazement at his body and he smiled cheekily at her as she unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants. "You have no idea how much I have missed you. I want you so much, Jon."

"I have missed you too, babe. No one makes me feel like you do." He let his jeans fall to the floor and kicked them away, then set to getting her clothes off too. When she was naked, he pulled her against him, "you are all mine now. I never have to share you with anyone ever again." He tenderly kissed her and she dragged him down to the carpet with her.

He laughed "you want to do this here on the floor?"

"Yes. I want you to make love to me right here under our tree."

"Well, as I said before, anything for you." He leaned over her and placed butterfly kisses down her body. She closed her eyes and savored his lips on her skin. She was on fire for him and needed to feel him. He opened her legs and crouched between them. She sat up quickly "Jon, you know I can't handle…"

"I know. That is why I am doing it. It makes you crazy and lose control and that is just how the fuck I like you." Dixie felt powerless whenever he used his tongue on her and he knew it. She couldn't take the sensations she felt and always came unhinged. He kissed her inner thigh and flicked her clit with his tongue. She arched her back and grabbed her head. "Oh fuck, Jon!"

He smiled and covered her pussy with his mouth, dipping his tongue inside her. He reached and took her breasts in each hand, twirling her nipples between his fingers. She moaned and clenched his head between her legs as he flitted across her clit, licking faster. She tugged at his hair and shook all over as the waves of pleasure coursed through her body. Her belly convulsed uncontrollably as she came, him lapping her juices as they flooded his mouth. She panted, unable to catch her breath.

He grinned proudly at her, "damn I love it when you do that." He sat back on his knees and pulled her to him. He slipped his hard cock deep inside her and pressed his body against hers. He kissed her sweetly as he slowly worked his manhood in and out of her. As many times as they had been together, he never let his guard completely down except when Dixie made love to him. Now it was his turn to make love to her. He wanted to lose himself in her and never come back to reality. She caressed his ass and drew him in deeper, watching the lights flicker in his baby blues. She felt more connected to him than she ever had before and enjoyed every inch of his cock being in her.

He moved back to his knees and grabbed her ankles, pulling her legs apart. He picked up the pace, angling as deep as he could. She whined as another orgasm racked her body. He shifted to lay behind her and raised her leg to rest over his. He plunged inside her pussy again, rocking his hips to stay buried within her. He curled his arm around her chest and held her close, whispering to her as he worshiped every inch of her body. He felt he wasn't going to last much longer so he fingered her clit and started to pound her harder and faster. She screamed his name as her climax hit her and it was enough to propel him over the edge. He shouted that he was coming and filled her with his seed. He wanted to possess her, reaffirm that she was all his.

He laid his head on her shoulder, completely given to her. He pulled out and she lowered her leg. He breathlessly spoke softly to her "you make me feel fucking incredible. I love you with all my heart, Dixie."

She rolled over and draped her leg across him. She kissed him affectionately and lightly stroked his chest. "I love you too, baby. You are the best thing in my life." He lay there and looked down at her satisfied body entwined with his underneath their Christmas tree and thought life couldn't be any better for him than it was in that moment. Regardless of what happened in the days to come, they had each other and nothing else really mattered.