What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

December 27th

Seth stared morosely at his ceiling. You really screwed up this time, Hazlitt. He rolled over on his side, sighing. Not sleeping, not eating, taking the head off anyone who even risks a glance at you. He turned again, wrestling his blankets into place and thumping his pillow, which didn't help at all. What was he going to do? He loved Jessica. He was in love with Jessica. He had been for donkey's years. Finally, finally, he'd gotten everything he'd longed for, and now this. How could he make this up to her? How could he fix this?

Christmas Day

Jessica stared at the phone. It was so strange, unsettling, not to have spoken to Seth on Christmas Day.

For the past several years, they'd spent every major holiday together. They were each other's dates to various barbecues, dinners, parties.

He was the one she thought of, the person she felt most comfortable with, the man she loved. Not that she would have admitted it to herself then. It was a gradual awakening to Seth and what he meant to her. What she could be with him. What they could be together.

Instead, she'd spent part of the day with Grady and Donna, all the while wondering what Seth was up to. Had he gone to Mort and Maureen's as they'd originally planned? No, knowing him. No, he was likely holed up in his flat above the office, licking his wounds. What about your wounds, Jessica? What about your wants and needs? She dashed a tear from her eye. Ridiculous. Crying over Seth as though you were a moony teenager.

She wandered to the sideboard, aimlessly flipping through her mail. She sat down on the couch and tried to concentrate on the magazine article she'd been trying to read for the better part of three days. The phone rang and her heart lifted. She scrambled to pick it up.

"Seth?"

"Mrs. Fletcher? It's Susan."

Jessica's heart sank. "Oh hello dear. Is everything alright?"

"Oh, yes, everything's fine. I'm sorry to disturb you on Christmas Day, but I just remembered that I was supposed to invite you to the New Year's Eve party we're hosting at the Astoria ballroom."

Jessica stifled a sigh. She'd hoped it would be Seth on the other end of the line. She was almost ready to call him herself. Almost. "That's very kind of you, dear. I'll give it some thought."

"Oh, please come, Mrs. Fletcher! You're already in the city. You don't have to get back, do you?"

"No," Jessica admitted reluctantly. "There's really no reason to hurry home." She swallowed past the lump in her throat.

"Then you'll come?"

"I suppose."

"Oh, wonderful!" Jessica couldn't help but smile at the girl's enthusiasm. "It's black tie, so you'll have an opportunity to really dress up. If you want to, that is."

"I'm sure I can find something suitable."

"Should I put you down for one or two?"

"One or two what, dear?"

"I mean, will you be bringing someone?"

Flustered, Jessica stumbled through her response. "Bring someone? No, no. No, I'll just come alone."

"Oh you can't do that, Mrs. Fletcher! You need someone to kiss at midnight. It's tradition!"

"I won't be observing that tradition this year," she said briskly. "Just put me down for one before I change my mind."

"Alright," said Susan reluctantly. "You wouldn't want to invite your friend?"

"What friend?"

"Dr. Hazlitt?"

"No."

That was odd. Susan noticed that 's tone nearly always softened anytime the doctor's name was mentioned. And Mrs. Fletcher had obviously been expecting him to call. She rather thought they had a thing going. "Alright then," Susan said with a false cheeriness. "I'll put you down for one."

"Thank you, dear."

"I'll call later in the week with the details."

After exchanging holiday wishes and goodbyes, Jessica placed the phone in its cradle. She wouldn't cry. Not anymore.

Thanksgiving Day

Seth was quiet on the drive home. Brooding, really. Jessica wasn't best pleased, either. For weeks she'd been wondering how to broach the subject of her changing feelings for Seth, and Maureen had given her an opportunity. A public opportunity, but nevertheless. And neither of them had capitalized on it.

After their Thanksgiving meal, the men as usual made a beeline for the den to cluster around the television and watch football. Once the food had been put away and the kitchen tidied, Maureen picked up two bowls filled with folded slips of paper and signaled to the women to follow her into the den, where she stood in front of the television to the general dismay of the fellows.

"Whaddya doin', Maureen? We're trying to watch the game here."

Maureen smiled sweetly. "Mort, gentleman, we ladies don't want to be ignored all afternoon. We put on a good dinner for you, and now it's your turn to play a fun game with us."

Mort and several other men groaned. Jessica stifled a giggle at Seth's wary look. She had a feeling she knew where this might lead, and she was in a mood to explore those feelings.

"You'll notice I'm holding two bowls. The green one is full of questions. It's the Truth bowl. The red one is the Dare bowl." Maureen made a show of scanning the room. "Dr. Hazlitt, why don't you go first?"

Seth threw Jessica a panicked glance. "Me?"

Jessica stepped in smoothly. "I'll take the first turn, Maureen. I think I'll answer a question."

Maureen rummaged around until she selected a folded slip of paper. She snickered as she read the question. "Ok, Jessica. Have you ever practiced kissing before? How did it go?"

Everyone laughed good naturedly. "I did practice kissing my pillow as a girl." Mort let out a whoop, but he stifled it when Seth glared at him. "I don't think it went too well initially."

"Initially?" burst Seth.

"She answered the question, Doc," said Maureen smoothly. "Now, Jess. Whose turn is it now?"

Jessica surveyed the small gathering. She felt Seth's eyes on her, but she deliberately avoided looking at him. She decided to put Jim on the hot seat. His wife, Susan, was a good sport. "I think Jim should have the opportunity to answer a question or pursue a dare."

Everyone laughed as Maureen passed the bowl to Jim. "Truth, I assume?"

Jim shook his head good naturedly. "Alright, alright." He rummaged through the slips and pulled one out. He read it and groaned. Everyone clamored to have him read the question. "What's one thing on your sexual bucket list?" The crowd laughed and pointed to Susan, who was blushing. Seth could relate. Why couldn't they just watch the game? He was equally relieved and disappointed that Jessica hadn't gotten that question. He had several items on that bucket list he'd like to cross through with her. It's be nice to discover one of hers.

"In mixed company," began Jim, "I think I'll just say I wouldn't mind making love outside."

"Oh, ho, Mort! You'd better be careful when you're out patrolling Jim and Susan's neighborhood!"

Susan covered her face and Jim put an arm around her, both laughing sheepishly.

"Who's next, Jim?"

Jim pointed to Mort. "You're up, buddy!"

"Thanks, buddy," said Mort. "Listen honey," he said looking at Maureen. "I'll take the dare!"

Maureen laughed and reached for the Dare bowl, passing it to Mort. He pulled out a slip of paper. Mort read it and groaned.

"What is it?"

"Tell us!"

"You asked for a dare, Mort! Don't chicken out."

"Alright, alright. Listen Maureen. Don't hold this against me." Maureen raised her eyebrows. "What's your worst pickup line?" Everyone laughed and egged him on. "I would have said "God bless you" after that sneeze, but it looks like He already has."

The room filled with groans and laughter. "How long did you have to hang around before a girl sneezed?"

"Ha ha. Alright, Doc. I choose you!"

Seth groaned inwardly. He didn't want to embarrass himself, but he didn't want to upset Jessica. She was enjoying herself. He risked a glance at her. Her eyes were sparkling and she was laughing; she looked so lovely. "I'll take Truth, I guess."

Mort handed him the bowl and Seth quickly reached in and grabbed a slip of paper. When he read it, he looked almost overcome. "No, no. I can't answer this one."

"Then you'll have to take a dare, Seth."

"Alright. Give me a dare."

The room erupted with laughter and cat calls. "Way to go, Doc!"

"You show 'em!"

"Show 'em what?"

"Whatever the paper says!"

Maureen handed him a slip of paper from the Dare bowl. He read it and his face flushed. "I don't think I can do this."

Maureen shook her head. "Sorry, Doc. You refused to answer the question, now you have to take the dare."

"I'm not sure what to do," he said helplessly.

Maureen took pity on him. "Look, just do what the slip of paper says. Either with or to your partner."

"Partner?"

"Yes. For you, that's Jessica."

Seth blanched. "Why Jessica?"

"Because you came together," said Maureen patiently. She'd seen enough of the doc to know he carried a pretty big torch for Jessica. This was his opportunity to show it.

Seth piped up. "I'll answer the question."

Jessica was disappointed but not surprised. Seth was a private man. There were things he didn't share with anyone, and he'd never feel comfortable displaying any sort of physical affection in public, especially not with Jessica, whom he regarded as a sort of china doll. Almost a paragon of virtue. She tried to arrange her face into a sort of pleasant neutrality.

"Have it your way, Doc," said Maureen. "What was the question?"

Seth looked at Jessica. "My favorite physical attribute of yours is your smile, Jess."

Jessica nodded at him, smiling, as several people hooted their disappointment.

"Her smile?"

Suddenly a wolf whistle pierced the air. "Come on, Doc! Jessica's a 10!"

"You can't think of anything else?"

"Oh, I'll bet he can think of plenty of things!"

"Alright, alright," said Mort. "Pipe down, everybody. Mrs. F does have a great smile! Now, Doc. Who's the next victim?"

The game went downhill from there, and Seth and Jessica were glad enough to make their goodbyes and head back to Candlewood Lane.

Seth turned off the engine. Jessica unbuckled and turned to face him. "I want you to come in, Seth."

He nodded glumly. He really screwed up. Why couldn't he be natural like everyone else? He knew he had a prudish streak to him, but that was only in public. In private, he was a loving, affectionate man. Ruth had alluded to that often enough. As always, the thought of Ruth brought a smile to his face. It had been so easy with Ruthie. He was younger, of course, and that did make things easier, in a way. And it was private.

His friendship with Jessica was public knowledge, scrutinized by the residents of their small town. And her fame and wealth only complicated matters. Of course he couldn't be sure how wealthy she was, but he had a pretty good idea. An apartment in New York City? He knew those weren't cheap. And it was in Manhattan.

He was barely able to keep body and soul together. It had taken everything he had to claw his way out of debt and put Margie through college. Thank goodness she'd chosen the University of Maine. She'd worked and gotten scholarships. She knew implicitly. She was a good girl. A fine woman, and he was proud of her, even if it was hard for him to say things like that to her.

He heard Jessica's car door open and he turned abruptly.

"Seth?"

"A-yuh," he said, and scrambled out of his side and hurried over to her door.

She could tell he was distracted. He always opened her door for her. He was polite and respectful to a fault. She appreciated the little courtesies he showed her. She cocked her head. Perhaps she hadn't communicated clearly enough to him how much she depended on him, how much she appreciated him. Her heart lifted when he cupped her elbow, and the thought that she could rectify that tonight sent a pleasant thrill up her spine.

Seth used his key to unlock Jessica's front door, then stood back so she could enter. She stood in the foyer as he helped her with her coat. She craned her neck to smile at him, then took the coat from him and hung it up. He hastily shook out of his and hung it next to hers.

"Coffee? Tea?"

"No thank you."

Jessica took his hand. "Then let's sit for a moment, shall we?"

Seth followed her to the living room and when she tugged his hand, he sat down next to her.

"I'm sorry," he blurted. Jessica looked at him quizzically. "I don't…I'm just…" He exhaled in frustration. "I'm not comfortable with all that." He flapped his hands. "I just end up making an ass of myself. And this time I involved you. I'm sorry."

Jessica put a hand on his shoulder. "I understand," she said gently. "Truth or Dare is a game that ought to be played in private." He looked at her abruptly. "At least that version," she said quietly. She reached for one of his hands and brought it to her lips. Seth drew in a sharp breath. "If I ask you something, will you tell me the truth?"

"I'll always tell you the truth, Jess."

She smiled, and Seth had never wanted to kiss her more. "Do you love me?"

He nodded. "I do."

"Do you want to kiss me?"

"A-yuh."

She leaned in closer. "Then what's stopping you?"

"How do you feel?" he rumbled.

"I feel fine," she answered pertly.

Seth groaned. "I mean, how do you feel about me?"

She laughed. "How do you think?"

Seth suddenly grabbed her shoulders, and Jessica's laughter died in her throat. "Don't tease, Jessica," he said hoarsely. "Do you love me?"

"I do. I do love you, Seth."

He felt tears spring to his eyes as he pulled her into his embrace, kissing her anywhere his lips could reach. She managed to snake her arms around his neck, drawing back to fix him with her gaze before she leaned in and kissed his lips.

He let himself relax into her and they kissed for a long, amorous while, but when Jessica started to unbutton his shirt, Seth set her apart from him.

"You don't want…"

Seth laughed harshly. "More than perhaps I've ever wanted anything, Jess, but it's too soon."

She looked askance at him. "Too soon?" she repeated, a little incredulously. "I've known I was in love with you for the better part of this year. I'll wager it's been longer for you."

"A-yuh, and as glad as your words make me, we've only just declared ourselves tonight." He looked at Jessica unflinchingly. "I spent a lot of time on active duty, Jessica." She looked at him blankly. "I was a cad, a bounder. I took what was on offer. No respect for those women or myself, not that I deserved it." Her face softened, and she stroked his cheek. He put a hand over hers. "I wasn't an honorable man, Jessica. I wasn't the man Ruth married, and I wasn't a man good enough even to shine your shoes." Jessica laughed, and he smiled wryly. "It's true, Jessica. I know you think I take myself too seriously, but I want to be a better man. You make me want to be a better man." He grinned ruefully. "I'm trying to be truthful with you."

"I understand."

He furrowed his brows. "Do you?"

"I think I do." She looked away. "I'm a little embarrassed, though."

He grasped her chin gently and turned her to face him. "Not a bit of it. I wouldn't have stopped you if I didn't love you so much."

She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder. "What was your dare?"

"What?"

"Your dare," she repeated. "What was it?" She felt him stiffen.

He cleared his throat and shifted on the couch. "The slip of paper said to tell you something naughty I'd like to do with you."

Jessica chuckled. "Oh, Seth," she said and drew back to look at him. "Oh my. I don't think I could have done that either."

"Ha. You'd have tossed your head and done it, and I'd've had to sit in that blasted living room for an hour."

Jessica's eyebrows disappeared into her hairline. "Any ideas what you'd have said?"

Seth kissed her soundly, then stood. "Plenty, which is why I need to get going." He held out a hand to her, and she stood up. They clasped hands as they walked to the door. Jessica helped Seth into his coat. He opened the door, then turned to Jessica.

"See you tomorrow?"

"Breakfast?'

"I'll be here." He grasped her shoulders. "I love you." He kissed her gently and turned to leave.

"Seth?" He turned, a question in his eyes. "I love you, too."

He nodded. "Lock up behind me."

Jessica saluted smartly, and he laughed as he walked to the car. Seth could indeed remember when he'd last been so happy, and his heart lurched. He suspected Jessica felt the same. He sent a prayer of gratitude to Ruth and her selfless love of him.

December 30

"Doc? Doc?" Beverly sighed. He'd been like this for a week. She didn't know what had happened between him and Jessica, but whatever it was had been swift and serious. Jessica bolted to New York City and the doc stuck around here to bite everyone's head off. "Doc?"

"What?"

"You know what."

Seth poked his head around his office door. "Actually, I don't, Beverly. I don't at all know what." Beverly folded her arms and stared at him. "And just what do you mean by that?" Beverly stared quietly. He shook his finger at her. "And don't tell me you think I know or you know I know or any of that female nonsense. I'm through."

Beverly heard the creak of his chair as he sat down. She took a deep breath and counted to ten. Slowly. She heard the chair creak again, and the doc came barreling out of his office.

"And another thing!" He pointed at her. "Why do you think this was my fault?" He stood in front of her, hands on his hips. "Why are you so sure I'm the one who messed up here?" Beverly stood her ground. "I know what you're going to say. You women stick together. A man's got no chance." Beverly raised her eyebrows slightly. "You can just forget it, Beverly. Forget whatever you're thinking. I won't do it." He looked past Beverly's shoulder. "I can't do it." He was quiet for a moment. "She won't want to hear from me. Not the way we left it." He sighed. "The way I left it."

"Now, Doc," began Beverly in the brisk tone she used for recalcitrant children. Or Caleb. "I don't know what happened between you and Jessica, and I'm not asking you to tell me. I know Jessica, but I know you, you know?"

Seth scrubbed his face. "Beverly, I can honestly say I don't know, you know?"

Beverly laughed. "Lucky for you, Doc, I do. Now then. I called Grady."

"You did what?"

"You heard me," said Beverly calmly. "I called Grady. Now you and I both know he doesn't know much, but he does know where Jessica's going to be spending New Year's Eve."

"What's that got to do with me?" asked Seth acidly.

"Oh, Doc." Beverly shook her head. "Can we talk off the record?" Seth flapped a hand at her. "You are the most stubborn, pigheaded jackass I've ever had the pleasure of working for. How long have we worked together…seven years? I hadn't known you long when I saw how Jessica Fletcher had caught your eye. Course you weren't in love with her then. That happened gradually. But it did happen. And I saw her fall in love with you. You two belong together. She's almost as stubborn as you. Almost. I'm surprised she hasn't broken down and called you herself. So whatever you did, it must have been pretty good. Pretty good indeed. But you can make it up to her. She loves you, and you love her."

She walked over to her desk and picked up a piece of paper. "Now, I've written down all the details Grady could give me. I've had your tuxedo pressed. Should be ready to pick up this afternoon. Bill's gonna give you a shave tomorrow afternoon, and I've booked you on the 7:30 train to New York. I know, I know." She held up her hands. "That was the best Phyllis could do on such short notice. It should give you plenty of time to get to the party where you can make things right with Jessica."

She looked at Seth. She'd half expected him to tune up into one of his long-winded diatribes, but the fight had gone out of him. She had a curious urge to hug him. "Doc?" Seth raised his eyes to hers. "You can do this. You can," she said kindly. "You have to."

New Year's Eve - Jessica

Jessica checked her reflection one last time in the mirror by the door. She'd gone through the motions as she readied herself for this evening. She looked well enough.

Susan had ordered a cab to pick her up. She glanced at her watch. It would be here any minute. She sighed. This was ridiculous. She should have called Susan earlier in the week, declined the invitation, and gone back home to Cabot Cove. She shouldn't have left things the way she had.

He'd hurt her, deeply, but she'd hurt him just as much. What a mess. She felt tears pricking her eyelids. This would never do. She took a few deep breaths, then took her coat and purse from the hook. She cast a final glance in the mirror, squared her shoulders. "You can do this, Jessica." She sighed as she left her apartment and walked to the elevator.

New Year's Eve - Seth

He felt a perfect fool, riding the train in his tuxedo. It was only what he deserved. Beverly had straightened his bow tie, then stood back to appraise him. "You look mighty handsome, Doc! Jessica won't be able to resist you." Seth grunted. "Got your tickets?"

"A-yuh."

"Got money for a cab?"

"Yes, mother," he replied acidly, then softened. "I'm sorry, Beverly. Don't mind me."

"I generally don't," she said blithely. "You'd best be going. You don't want to miss your train."

Seth nodded, picked up his overnight case and his coat and made his way to the door. He paused as he opened the door, craning his neck. "Beverly?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"Oh, go along with you now. Have a good time. And Happy New Year!"

Seth grunted his goodbye, and Beverly smiled. It would be a good day's work, getting those two sorted. But she had a good feeling. Now she could tend to her own plans. She waited until she heard the doc's car pulling down the driveway, then she began locking up.

New Year's Eve - The Astoria

Jessica had to admit, it was a lovely party. Susan had thoughtfully placed her at a table with several people she knew and a few she didn't. They were pleasant, interesting acquaintances, and several men had asked her to dance, egged on no doubt by their wives or partners, but it hardly mattered to Jessica. She enjoyed dancing, and she wasn't prepared to dance with anyone who was available.

Susan observed her from a distance. To the untutored eye, Jessica was as bright and charming as ever. But to Susan, who had cut her PR teeth on JB Fletcher's career, Jessica looked strained and pale. And her smile never reached her eyes.

"Susan?"

She turned abruptly, startled by a touch on her arm, then relaxed as she saw it was Lennie. He was on door duty tonight. She laughed. "Oh, Lennie! You startled me." She glanced at her watch. "I hadn't realized how close it is to midnight! You ready to pack it in?"

"Not quite." Lennie hopped nervously from one foot to another. "There's a man at the door and boy, is he mad. He says he's here to see Jessica Fletcher, but he's not on the guest list."

Susan went still. "What's his name?"

"Dr. Seth Hazlitt. He's asking for you. Says you know him."

Susan started walking to the door. "I do," she called over her shoulder. Lennie was right. As she approached the doctor, she could see he was frustrated. Probably angry. She knew he had a bit of a short fuse, but in general he was a kind man. And crazy for Mrs. Fletcher, as far as she could tell. "Dr. Hazlitt?"

"Susan! Am I glad to see you. These two." He pointed at Lennie and Sam, the other poor kid checking the guest list. "Didn't believe I know you. That I know Jessica."

"We have to be careful," piped Sam, who retreated under Seth's glower.

Susan took him smoothly by the arm and pulled him into the ballroom. "It's all right, boys. I'll take it from here."

She walked Seth over to a quiet corner. "What gives?" Why did she suddenly sound like a wisecracking moll from the 1940s?

"What do you mean?"

She fixed him with a glare. Seth blanched. Had the girl been taking lessons from Jessica? "I asked Mrs. Fletcher if she'd invited you, and she said no. So I'll ask again. What gives?"

"If you must know, I've been a stubborn horse's behind, and I've come a long way to try and make it up to her."

Susan clapped her hands together. "I'm happy to hear it! She looks miserable. Beautiful, but miserable."

Seth glanced around anxiously. "Where is she?"

"I put her at a table with several eligible bachelors," she smirked, then caught sight of Seth's face. These two had it bad. She threw out her hands. "Kidding! Kidding! She's seated with several couples. I offered to find her a date, but she declined." Seth looked visibly relieved. "So what's your plan?"

"Plan? I'm here, aren't I?"

"You screwed up big, right?" Seth nodded glumly. "Then you'll need to do something equally big to make it up to her. Just don't ask her to marry you, alright?"

Seth looked affronted. "I do have some idea of Jessica, young lady."

"So do I," she said pertly. She grabbed his arm. "Come with me."


Seth stared nervously at Susan as she chatted intently with the DJ. He wouldn't let his eyes scan the crowd. He had a feeling he knew the grand gesture Susan was after. He looked at his watch. Only a few minutes before midnight. The train ride had been slow, then getting a cab on New Year's Eve had taken a good deal of valuable time. The whole time he'd been afraid he'd miss her, afraid he'd miss the only chance he'd have to make things right with her. Suddenly Susan was by his side.

"Ready?" she trilled brightly.

"Ready for what?" asked Seth warily.

Susan patted him on the back. "You'll be fine, Dr. Hazlitt. Just speak from your heart."

"What are you talking about?"

"Ladies and gentleman, a distinguished member of our company would like to make a speech to his lady love before the clock strikes midnight. What do you say? Do we have a few minutes to spare?"

The crowd erupted in cheers and catcalls, and Seth felt Susan pushing him up the stairs to the stage. He walked dumbly to the DJ who was holding out a microphone. "Dr. Hazlitt?"

"A-yuh," he began tremulously. He looked at the crowd, hoping to find Jessica, but the lights were too bright. He tried shading his eyes, but it didn't help. He glanced quickly at Susan, who gave him an exuberant thumbs up.

He cleared his throat. "I'm not one for public speaking…"

"Louder!"

"We can't hear you!"

"I'm not a public speaker," began Seth, and his voice rang out through the ballroom. "I've always been in the background, happy to stay there. I've never sought the spotlight." He glanced anxiously at Susan, but she was beginning to look worried, which did little to settle his own galloping nerves. But this was for Jessica. He took a deep breath. "But I'm not here to talk about myself. I've been fortunate in my life. Very fortunate indeed. My wife, Ruth, was just about the best wife and mother a man could ask for. She devoted herself to our family, taking care of our home, raising our daughter, supporting me through the hard times. Looking back, those times weren't hard at all. I just couldn't appreciate them then. But Ruth was taken from us too young, and I turned inward. Couldn't cope. Became an angry, bitter bear of a man. Ask my daughter." Seth paused as the crowd laughed politely.

"I decided to move back home to Cabot Cove, Maine, where I'd lived as a boy. Fewer memories there, and I thought I could be of some use to the community. Wasn't long before I crossed paths with Jessica Fletcher, and you'd be hard pressed to find a more inquisitive, irritating busybody anywhere." Seth paused for more laughter and a few outright guffaws. "I could see she took on little projects all over town, and I vowed right then and there that I wouldn't become one, flattering myself that, being a widower myself, I might be appealing to at least some of the ladies." More laughter and Seth felt himself grow warm. This wasn't what he wanted to say. What he wanted to say was buried deep, private, but Jessica was worth more than a little discomfort.

"It won't surprise you to discover how she drew me out. How she offered me true friendship where I had only expected a trap. I began to know her, and I began to let her know me. Friendship is a beautiful gift, and I'd lost enough by then to have learned the hard lesson of treasuring what I did have instead of wishing for something more. But I couldn't quite convince my heart."

He took a deep breath. "I fell in love with Jessica Fletcher. How could I not? Oh, I tried to hide it. Did my best not to let on. Kept myself gruff and crotchety…not too difficult. It grew harder and harder to watch her leave town for a book tour or a visit to family or friends. I was jealous, antsy. But what did I have to offer?"

"Imagine my surprise this Thanksgiving when she asked me to tell her the truth about my feelings for her. Imagine my surprise when I found out that she'd fallen in love with me." He paused for a moment, clearing his throat. "Imagine how I hurt her by behaving like a Neanderthal, trying to throw my weight around, make demands of her, give her ultimatums." He shook his head. "No excuse for it. None at all. I was afraid. I am afraid. I'm afraid, Jessica. I'm afraid of not being good enough for you. Not being what you need. Afraid of losing you. I love you. I love you more than my ego, more than my foolish, stubborn pride, more than my own life."

He heard a rustling in the crowd, but it was too difficult to see. "I came here tonight to tell you…to ask you if you can forgive me. If you could give me one more chance to show you how much I love you. How deeply I care." He paused. "My life would be a poor shadow without you in it."

He heard someone coming up the stairs of the stage, and his breath stilled in his chest. He was afraid to turn his head. Afraid it would be a security guard prepared to escort him out of the ballroom, out of the hotel, out of Jessica's life. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he put his hand over hers. Without looking, he handed the microphone to the DJ. Then he turned to pull Jessica into his arms.

"What a night, ladies and gentleman! What a night! Let's hear it for the happy couple!" The DJ turned to look at them. "I see they're enjoying their New Year's kiss just a few minutes early. Only three minutes to midnight, folks! Find your partner, and kiss 'em like Dr. Hazlitt is kissing Jessica Fletcher."

Streamers unfurled and confetti fell on the revelers. Soon, the clock chimed midnight and the strains of Auld Lang Syne filled the ballroom and still Seth kissed Jessica, stroking her back, pausing to murmur in her ear, placing gentle kisses on her cheeks and lips. Jessica drew back for a moment, then cupped her hand around Seth's ear.

"How we spend New Year's is how we'll spend the rest of the year, Seth. Are you prepared to spend 1987 kissing me?"

He slipped his hand discreetly down her hip to cup her bottom. "I'm prepared to do much more than that, woman," he growled.

She laughed, then took his face in her hands. "We still need to talk."

"Indeed we do, Jess. I still have more apologizing to do. But can't we enjoy this moment? Can't we just keep kissing each other senseless for a little while longer?"

She winked at him. "Are you hoping your kisses will drive any rational thought from my mind?"

"No, my dear. Your rational thoughts are what drew me to you toil the first place." He kissed her soundly. "You just happen to be a very sexy lady as well as a smart one." He kissed her soundly while he squeezed her bottom.

Jessica drew back, flustered. "Seth! What's gotten into you?"

He squeezed her to him. "I can't say I'm a new man," he said, his lips close to her ear. "But I'm trying, Jessica. I'm trying." He hugged her even more tightly. "I love you."

"I love you, Seth."

They kissed under the stage lights for another pleasurable few minutes, until the DJ came by with the microphone, asking them to clear the stage. They laughed, and Seth shook hands with him.

"Thank you, young man. I owe you."

"I think she's the one you owe," said the DJ, pointing to Susan.

"Right you are. Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year to you both."

Seth placed a hand at the small of Jessica's back as she made her way down the stairs. Susan was waiting for them.

"Thank you, dear," said Jessica and she kissed the girl's cheek.

"Yes, thank you."

"My pleasure, Mrs. Fletcher. Dr. Hazlitt. Even a lowly PR rep like me can see the two of you belong together."

Jessica looked at Seth, who smiled and squeezed her elbow. "You ready, Jess?"

"Yes. I just need to stop by the table to get my purse and the coat check." She looked at him quizzically. "Where are we going?"

"Back to your place, I hope."

Jessica's face fell. "Oh, Seth. We'll never get a cab tonight."

Susan cleared her throat. "The publishing house has a suite here. As soon as you and Dr. Hazlitt made up." She colored faintly. "I went to the front desk and got the key." She held it out to them. "No one's using it tonight."

Jessica wrinkled her forehead. "Are you sure, dear?"

Susan nodded. "I'm sure." She winked at them both. "Go on now, while the gettin's good."

Jessica looked at Seth. "You heard the young lady, Jess." He took the key from Susan. "Thank you," he said to Susan, then he turned back to Jessica. "Let's get your things and go upstairs. It's been a long week."

Susan waved them off, then watched as they weaved among the tables to collect Jessica's purse. She felt proud of herself tonight. That DJ was pretty cute. She might see if he wanted to share a New Year's kiss.


Seth threaded Jessica's arm through his as they strolled through the lobby. They could hear the party still going strong. As they waited for the elevator, Seth patted Jessica's hand as he leaned in close to her ear. "I'm hoping I'll get called to active duty tonight."

Jessica whipped her head around, a look of pleased surprise on her face. "Are you sure?"

"My dear," said Seth as the elevator doors opened smoothly. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

He escorted her onto the elevator and, assuring himself that no one was watching, kissed her soundly as the doors closed, pausing only long enough to push the button for their floor.

A/N: Beverly and Susan for the win!Happy New Year!

I hope you enjoyed this little teaser, and I hope the new year brings you nothing but wonder, happiness, and a big old helping of old-fashioned romance.

I suppose it goes without saying that "active duty" is allegedly 1940s slang for male promiscuity.

It also goes without saying that this is another homage to KarlieQ's Truth or Dare, an absolute gem of a story.