Christmas Holiday

If anyone noticed the couple walking away from church, they didn't say anything. The night was cold, and the man was doing his best to keep his companion warm. They finally reached his car, he opened her door, made sure she was seated before closing her door and running around the car and climbing into the driver's seat. He started the engine and waited a few moments for heat to be generated. He looked over to his companion and smiled. He knew he was falling for her and couldn't believe that she might feel the same about him.

When they started driving, she turned to the man next to her. "I do believe that this is the best Christmas I've had in almost my entire life. I'm happy that you were able to join us at my mother's home and I'm also glad my mother volunteered to keep Elena overnight so we could go to Midnight Mass. All those years I worked the holidays I didn't know what I was missing. Maria sat back, relaxing in her seat. Danny was driving around his neighborhood so they could admire the decorations. Maria thought back to the last few days.

Three Days before

They had just been given two new cases along with the six they were already working. After reviewing the information for each case, Maria developed a list of things to check out using their technical tools before confronting their list of suspects. They split the list and did their research. Finding the information very helpful, they worked on their cases and were able to close two of them before leaving for the day. As they walked out, Danny asked Maria, "Are you still insisting on working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?"

"I was but I got this email today while we were in the house. Seems someone has decided that working the December holidays every year for the last sixteen years is no longer tolerated. You didn't have anything to do with that did you?"

"Me? Of course not. I knew about all the years we've worked together, didn't realize it went back that far. Why did you work all the holidays?"

"Well, if I was with someone, and that didn't happen very often during the holidays, I would use working to avoid situations I didn't want to be in. And, after my brother died, my sister didn't want to see me because it just reminded her of what happened. My mother didn't seem to care if I was there or not. So, I worked which allowed other officers who had families to be together if that's what they wanted. And, the money wasn't bad, either."

"But now you have a child and she's old enough to begin to enjoy these special moments spent with you. I have lots of memories of Christmas as a kid. Times we were all together, times that Dad and Pops were working but our mom and grandma made sure that we still could enjoy the holidays. We always went to Mass, as a family, we watched as everyone unwrapped their gifts… Those were great times. Not that we had much money to spend but we could make things. One year, just after we moved into the house we still have, we created cards that we handed out to each other. Like, I would take someone's turn at washing dishes or Joe would wash our car or Grandpa's car. Erin would cook dinner without being asked so Mom could take care of some other chore. When we were kids with four kids in Catholic school money was always tight. But we were brought up with lots of love and our parents were always involved in our lives. As teens we didn't always appreciate how much they were involved. Guess that's why we all turned out so good. Elena needs those kinds of memories, too."

Maria thought about what her partner had said and decided this year would be different. She had bought Elena a few gifts and planned to give the nanny a few gifts as well. "Thanks, Doctor Danny. I will think about what you've said. Elena should be able to remember this time of year with good memories and not what I have."

Back to the present

"So, what's the plan now that Mass is over, and we've been admiring all the decorations and it's getting late?" asked Maria.

"Well, I have it on good authority that Santa has been to my place already. We didn't get to open any gifts until after we went to Christmas Mass when we were kids. And, we had to eat breakfast together after Mass. Then we spent the rest of the day together. It could take hours to unwrap our gifts because we did one person at a time. When everything had been opened, and all the debris was cleared away, we could play while Mom and Grams cooked dinner together. Sometimes we had some relatives drop by and we'd get to enjoy time with them."

"Sounds like a Hallmark Movie. But you have some wonderful memories." They had just arrived at Danny's home. They had planned to pick up Elena in the morning and bring her to church and the family home for dinner. Jamie and Eddie would be there along with Erin and Jack. Sean would be spending the night at the family home and Joe would join them along with his mother. Frank and Henry had each asked a close friend to join the group for dinner. Danny parked the car, walked around to the trunk, and opened it. Maria had placed her bag in there before going to Mass, but Danny found two more bags there as well.

"Ah, partner, there's more here in the trunk than I remember putting in there."

"Oh, really?" Maria walked around to the back of the car. "For now, I just need this bag," she reached in and pulled out the bag she used for work. Normally, it carried a spare set of clothes for work, a casual outfit, and items to be used in case they couldn't leave work for an extended period of time. However, she had swapped out a few things for spending this extended weekend with her partner and best friend. "Leave the larger bag in the trunk, please? And I'll take this smaller bag for now." Maria reached for the small bag, Danny picked up the bag with her clothes and closed the trunk. They walked up the path to the door and into the home. Danny had a small tree set up on a table and placed it near the window in the living room. He had found a holiday cloth that he draped over the table and a few presents were under the tree. Maria admired Danny's handiwork; she had put up a small tree like this out of reach of her daughter. Elena was running almost all the time now and Maria wanted to keep the tree safe. "You have a wonderful tree, Danny. And look, Santa has been here."

"I get a text message whenever anyone enters the house when I'm not home. He's early this year." Danny took his coat off and removed his gun and badge. He opened the gun safe and placed his items inside. After hanging his coat, he helped Maria take off her coat and hung that in the closet. She handed him her badge and gun so they could also be placed in the safe. Danny offered Maria a beverage, but she declined, telling him she was tired and also asked what time they needed to be up for mass. "Maria, would you mind just sitting here with me for a moment, I promise it won't take long."

Maria's heart skipped a beat. What could he need to discuss? Was he going to retire or ask for a new partner? Had he found someone? She tried to keep her face neutral, but it was difficult. "Is something wrong? Have I done something…?"

"No, no, nothing like that." Danny reached out for Maria's hand and led her to the sofa. He pulled something small out of his pocket and began to speak. "Do you know anything about Irish traditions?"

"Do you mean like corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day?"

"Well, that's the one everyone knows. When that day rolls around, we have another tradition and I hope to show it to you next year. This is something more personal and to me, far more important." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Maria gasped but waited for Danny to speak. "A very long time ago a fisherman was at sea when he was captured by some pirates. They took this man to a land far away and he was sold to a goldsmith who trained the fisherman to create jewelry. He learned the skills and began creating wonderful pieces, becoming a master craftsman. The man who trained him offered to let the fisherman marry his daughter and he would give the fisherman half of his wealth if the man would consent to remaining where he was. But the fisherman had someone waiting for him to return and he declined the offer. The master set the man free, and he returned to his home in Galway. While he had been learning his craft, he created a unique item. It was a ring that had a heart, a pair of hands and a crown in the design. The heart was for love, the hands represented friendship, while the crown symbolized loyalty and fidelity. Over the centuries we have used this ring as a gift to a friend to celebrate their friendship."

Danny opened the small box he had been holding. He pulled the ring out of the box and pointed out the details to Maria. "When the ring is worn on the right hand with the point of the heart pointing away from the person," he moved the ring into the correct orientation, "it means the wearer's heart is still open to love." He turned the ring around. "If the ring is worn on the left hand and the point of the heart is directed towards the person wearing the ring it usually means that the wearer is married and therefore, not available." He paused for a moment. "I would like to give you this ring as a symbol of our friendship and loyalty for each other." He gently held Maria's right hand and slid the ring on the appropriate finger in the correct orientation. "We've talked a few times about our feelings, and I know in the past I said I wasn't ready yet. But, if you want to go forward, I would like to explore us. The reason I put the ring on this way is because if it were to be turned around, we would get interrogated endlessly and I don't want anyone in my family to do that to you. If the time comes that you want to turn it around, you will make me very happy.

"Fair warning, being a Reagan isn't easy; we never do anything the easy way unless it's also the right way to do something. We've argued in the past when Jamie and Eddie were engaged and still wanted to work together. Apparently, there's some unwritten rule that says that married couples who also happen to be police officers cannot work together. I don't want to lose you as my partner so we will probably face an uphill battle to remain together on the job. Fair warning - my family can be brutal when asking questions, you may not want to answer, and we have some traditions when someone gets engaged and the fiancée comes to Sunday Family dinner. I believe you have the strength to stand up to all of them and I will be by your side as your friend, lover, husband, whatever you want. We were pretty brutal to Eddie when she came to the table for the first few times. I would never allow them to hurt you. I will always be by your side. If this isn't what you want, I will still be your partner and best friend, if that is what you want."

Maria stared at her hand. The ring was gorgeous, and she loved the history behind the gift. She reached out with her left hand, caressing Danny's cheek. "I have never had a gift as meaningful as this ring is. Yes, I'd like to see what we might have. You are my best friend and for all the years we've worked together I know you have always been there for me even if we disagreed about something." She leaned forward and kissed him, very gently. "I love you Danny and will treasure this gift for the rest of my life." Danny leaned closer and kissed Maria properly, making her toes curl.

"Now, as much as I would like to see where this might lead, I want to show you just how much I care for you. I want to take you to dinner, maybe a few games, learn how you became an expert at the range and manage to take me to the cleaners each time we have to qualify." Danny stood up and held out his hand, "It's getting late, and we need to be up early. Mass starts at 1200 and it will take us about forty-five minutes to get there after we drive to your mother's home and pick up Elena. Get up when you need to. I'll set the coffee pot to brew a fresh pot at about 0900." Maria took Danny's hand, and he walked her upstairs. He carried her bags and placed them in the room where she would be sleeping. Danny also showed her the bathroom and the closet that might have anything she could need. They said good night and went to their separate rooms.

Just after 0200, Maria was lying in bed having trouble getting back to sleep. She tossed and turned for some time before deciding to see if Danny had something that might help her relax and get to sleep. She crept out of bed, walked over to his bedroom door and knocked gently. She called out to him, and he opened the door. They spoke at the same time.

"I'm having trouble falling asleep. Would you have something that might help me relax?"

"I hope I wasn't keeping you awake; I still have nights that I can't sleep."

They stood there for a moment before Danny invited Maria to join him in his bed. They cuddled together, said good night and were asleep within moments.

Christmas Day

The morning was busy for Danny and Maria. They both came downstairs to get their first cups of coffee when Danny noticed that there was something under the tree that wasn't there before. The box wasn't large, but it was wrapped beautifully. "I don't suppose you know anything about this? There's no text message on my phone so I'm pretty sure no one came into the house."

"Well, doesn't Santa come down the chimney?

"I don't have a chimney."

"Well, maybe you should open it, see what it says."

He thought for a few moments and decided they had enough time to open one gift each. He picked up one of the gifts and handed it to Maria. "Merry Christmas, Maria."

She smiled back at him, "Thank you, Danny. You know you didn't have to…"

"Yes, I did. I want you to know how much you mean to me." Maria removed the wrapping paper and opened the box. Inside was a gorgeous necklace, made from gold with the finest links she had ever seen.

"Oh, Danny, this is gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it. Would you mind putting it on me?" Danny removed the necklace from the box, Maria turned around and Danny fastened the necklace. Maria walked over to a mirror that was hanging by the front door. The thought that Danny had taken the time to find something that was so pretty and give it to her had tears starting to form in her eyes. "It's perfect! Thank you." She kissed him on the cheek.

"Yes, it's very pretty especially on you but you are gorgeous all by yourself," he kissed her back, "this just accentuates how pretty you are." Maria stepped back over to the tree and handed the mystery box to Danny. "The box is too small for a gun, not the right shape for a tie or a shirt. Wonder what it could be." He began removing the wrapping paper. He took the top off the box and removed the card that was inside. He began reading the words, then looked up at his partner. "We're going to spend three nights and four days upstate? In the middle of the week?"

"I already cleared this with Mike. We'll work the weekend of February 10 and 11, work Monday then drive up on Tuesday and stay till Friday when we head home. The cabin has a cobblestone wood fireplace, a jacuzzi tub, and a full kitchen if we decide to cook or order something from one of the local restaurants. There are also two bedrooms and bathrooms but only if we need them. If there's snow, we could go skiing and there's also a place for tubing. We'll be home in time to spend the weekend with Sean."

Danny gently pulled Maria into his arms. Three nights alone with you, I can't think of anything better. Thank you." And he kissed her. They stood there, staring at each other. He brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. "As much as I would love to just stay here with you, sitting on the couch, watching holiday movies, we are expected to pick up Elena before getting to church. We'd best get started." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Guess we won't be doing anything like that back at the house."

Maria shook her head 'No' and began to walk away. "I'm gonna take a shower, see you back down here in thirty minutes?" Danny nodded yes and watched his partner head up the stairs. He cleaned up the wrapping paper and ribbons then headed upstairs. Danny had a simple breakfast ready for them when Maria came back downstairs. They chatted about the service they would be attending, what might be on the menu for dinner and who Frank and Henry had invited to attend.

Family Dinner

The holiday dinner was spectacular. The meat was cooked while the family was at church. The potatoes and vegetables were on the stove just waiting for the stove to be turned on. Frank's guest would bring bread, Henry's friend, Jamie and Eddie would bring dessert. Erin had been assigned the wine and Jack had gone shopping with her to find just the right selections and would also be at the table on this day. With so many people, an extra leaf was added to the table. When Danny, Maria and Elena arrived, the kitchen was full of helpers. Elena was sleeping; Maria took her upstairs to the crib that was set up in Danny's room. When she came back downstairs, she worked with Danny to get the table set. Henry had bought a new holiday tablecloth that they spread over the table. Then, Danny pulled out a large box that was filled with the family's gorgeous silver set. Place settings had been bought over the years and they had finally accumulated enough place settings for almost any event. Sean was bringing presents out from the closet and placing them under the tree in the living room.

When the doorbell rang Frank hurried out of the kitchen to answer the door. His guest had arrived, and he welcomed her with a kiss on the cheek. Kelly Peterson had been the General Counsel for the NYPD but left the position when she and Frank decided to start seeing each other. As far as they knew, no one in the family knew about this but would learn about the relationship very soon. Frank introduced Kelly to the family members present and she joined Frank in the kitchen to help get dinner on the table.

Moments later, the doorbell rang again. This time, Henry's friend and neighbor, Donna Duvall was at the door and was joined by Paula Hill and her son, Joe. Everyone was now present; dinner was served. Bowls and platters filled the table, place cards marked everyone's seat, and Joe poured wine for those who wanted some. Frank looked around the table, pleased to see so many family and friends. "Thank you for joining us today. We do have two wonderful ladies who are here for their first time. I'd like to introduce the lady to my left. This is Kelly Peterson, the former General Counsel for the NYPD. We worked together for several years, had a few battles but I enjoyed my time with her. Since she left her position, we've been enjoying what the city has to offer - the culture, dining, sightseeing. It's amazing how many people who live here never get around to enjoying the city. And it is my hope that I can convince her to be with us on a regular basis." Frank paused to give Kelly a kiss on her cheek causing her to blush.

"Frank, thank you for inviting me here today. I've enjoyed the times we've been together now that I no longer work for the city and we have no conflict of interest. And I can't wait to see what will happen in the new year." Frank smiled at her and nodded to his father.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce Donna Duvall, one of our oldest neighbors. Her kids and my grandkids were friends growing up. Her children have mostly moved away and she's thinking about moving near her daughter. If she does move, I will miss her dearly. She plays a wonderful game of Bridge and has been a great friend to me and my family."

Next, it was Joe's turn to speak. "I'm a recent discovery to the family. My father died in the line of duty, but I never got a chance to know him. My aunt and uncles have been telling me about my father and how much I am like him except he didn't like sweets but I love them. Next to me is my mother, Paula, who raised me and helped me get to be the man I am. There's no way I can repay her for raising me except to be the best man I can be. Thanks, Mom." He leaned over and gave Paula a kiss.

"Thank you, Joe. Yes, you are very much like your father. And like everyone here I too am so grateful to be here at this table again. From the very first time I was invited to dinner I have always felt welcomed."

Everyone welcomed the ladies then Frank asked Danny and Maria to lead the family in saying Grace. He noticed the ring on Maria's hand and made a note to ask about it as soon as he could. During the meal Frank noticed Danny being especially devoted to keeping Maria happy. He occasionally whispered to her and seated as they were, Frank suspected they were holding hands under the table. About halfway through the meal Elena woke up. Danny excused himself to take care of the baby. Maria went into the kitchen to warm some food for Elena. Danny returned with a smiling baby and sat down with her on his lap. Maria brought the toddler's meal to the table and began to feed her. Elena seemed to be excited to see so many new people and tried to talk to each of them. Henry, Frank and Erin thought back to when their children were this age, bringing very happy memories that had been buried in their minds for years. Maria finished her meal and moved Elena to her lap so Danny could finish his meal.

Finally, the meal was over. Leftovers had been packed up and placed in the refrigerator, dishes were loaded in the dishwasher and were being cleaned while Danny and Jamie washed and dried the pots and pans that had been used to cook the meal. Those not engaged in KP were still at the table chatting.

The cleanup was finally finished, and Frank encouraged everyone to move to the living room. He was the last person to join the group in the living room. Extra chairs were placed in the living room, but a few people had decided to sit on the floor. Sean was designated to hand out gifts. "I can't remember the last time we had so many people in this room," said Frank. "It was probably when Jack, Sean and Nicky were young, and it was so much fun watching them open their gifts. To those of you enjoying your first time here, we do open presents one at a time starting with the youngest person in the room and working our way to Pops. Sean, if you're ready?"

"Yes, sir, Grandpa." He pulled out one larger box and two smaller packages and handed them to Maria. "These are for Elena. Merry Christmas."

Maria was touched and thanked Sean. Elena had never opened a gift, so Danny and Maria helped her. She loved books and received two appropriate to her age. She also received two new stuffed toys designed for children who were teething and that could be washed and dried as often as needed. Over the afternoon everyone received at least two gifts chosen especially for them. Coffee and Dessert were finally ready and everyone moved back to the table. It was getting dark out; Henry walked Donna back to her home with Sean. He decided to spend some time with her and told Sean he would call when he was ready to head home. Erin and Jack headed back to her home; they had tickets to fly out in the morning to see their daughter, Nicky. Joe and Paula headed home while Jamie and Eddie were going to visit her parents.

Maria, Sean, and Kelly were in the living room admiring the decorated tree while Danny and Frank made coffee in the kitchen. "Danny, got a moment?"

"Sure Dad, what's up?"

"I happened to notice that Maria has a Claddagh ring on her right hand. I've never seen her wear any jewelry, so this is something new?"

"Yes, it's new."

"Are you gonna make me ask twenty questions?"

"If you want to know something why don't you ask a direct question, Dad."

"What's going on between you and your partner?"

"Nothing that falls under the purview of the police commissioner."

"How about your father?"

"I could ask the same question, Dad. You and Kelly have been seeing the sights, going out to dinner… What are your intentions, Dad?"

"I'm an adult…

"As am I."

"I'm enjoying the company of a woman who is very bright, is an excellent conversationalist, has many of the same interests that I have and what business is it of yours what I do?"

"Well, I'm enjoying spending time with a woman and her daughter. It gives her a break from working twenty hours a day."

"Did you give her the ring?"

"Isn't that our personal business? We are both adults of sound mind."

"Maybe I'm just concerned about my son."

"Well, here's all you need to know. We've known each other for twenty years. We've worked together for more than ten years. When my house burned down, and I lost my wife she was there for me as a friend. When I couldn't sleep, she would sit with me, just listening to my ranting or would hold me when I couldn't stop crying. No telling me what I should do or shouldn't do. And it's been like that for the last six years. My sons love her and hope we can find happiness together. Can you and Kelly say the same?"

"Well, her only son died when he crashed his car while he was high on drugs. He was about 18 at the time. I'm not sure about a husband. We only began spending time together after she resigned as Corporate Counsel. She's doing something else; with her credentials she could write her own ticket. She doesn't need help, but she does want a friend and perhaps more; we haven't discussed that. But I like having her at Family Dinner."

"I'm sorry for her loss, Dad. But you don't need to worry about me and my partner. We both have enough time in the job to retire if we want to but right now, we love what we do and we want to remain as partners. Does that help?"

"Well, if that's all I can get it will have to be enough. Will we see her every week?"

"Not sure, yet. Her mother and sister would like to try and repair the damage that has been done over the years since she joined the department. We may have to spend one week here and one week at her mom's. Can you handle that?"

"If we have to, yes."

Danny grabbed several coffee mugs while Frank took a plate of cookies and they proceeded to the living room. Elena was asleep in Maria's arms. Danny put a cup in front of her on the coffee table. Frank sat next to Kelly and handed her a cup of the dark brew. They chatted briefly before Sean's phone rang. He put his cup on the coffee table, put his coat on and picked up his flashlight. Henry was ready to return, and Sean would see that he had arrived safely. Sean gestured to Danny that he needed to talk to him. "Dad, if you don't mind, I'm going to stay here tonight."

"Course I don't mind. Any particular reason? I'm planning on taking Maria and Elena home, it would just be you and me…"

"Dad, I love having Maria and the baby at our house, but I think Grandpa is going to go home with Ms. Peterson and that would leave Pops here all alone. I know he doesn't need someone to watch him, but he might sleep better knowing that someone is here with him?"

"And how do you know that Grandpa is going out?"

"There's a bag by the front door and I overheard him telling his detail. I wasn't trying to listen, it just happened."

Danny looked at his son with a new appreciation. "Well, I think that's a great idea. Just don't let Pops think you're here because he's too old to be here alone. I'm sure you can come up with a reason to be here. But we'll see you tomorrow, correct?"

"Yeah, my plan is to be home for the rest of the week. May I call you for a ride home?"

"Of course. See you then." He reached his son and gave him a hug. His son was growing into a wonderful adult; he thanked Linda silently, knowing that she was much more involved with their sons and teaching them the life lessons that would help them become Reagan men. Sean walked off, put his coat on and headed out to walk Pops home.

Danny walked out into the living room and began to gather his things as well as Maria's and Elena's bags. Maria stood up and laid the toddler on the sofa to put on her winter coat. Danny took their items out to the car then returned to say good night to his father and Kelly. Henry returned and said good night to everyone and headed to his room. Frank had called his detail letting them know they could stand down for the night unless something required his attention during the night. He also asked the RMP to remain at the home while he escorted Kelly home. She had called for an Uber which had just arrived. Danny and Maria said their goodbyes and headed back to his house. Sean said good night and went upstairs to his room in the family home. Frank checked all the doors before locking the front door and escorting Kelly to their ride. It had been a long time since Frank hadn't spent the night at home.

Maria was quiet during the drive. Finally, she spoke up. "We didn't talk about tonight; you could drive us back to Queens, if that works better for you."

Danny took a quick glance at his partner. "If that's what you want, but I enjoy having both of you at my home. It's nice not waking up to an empty home. And I'm really proud of my son. He's really grown up. Now, I hope he decides what his career path is going to be and then finds someone to be his life partner. He's a little young to decide on that but I hope he finds someone who understands what it would mean to become part of the Reagan family."

Maria thought about what he said. "Okay, let's go to your place. I seem to sleep better when I'm with you." She reached out, touched his hand, and smiled at him. For Danny, this was a great way to end the holiday.