A/N: I don't own the characters - they belong to Elizabeth George and the BBC.
Tommy found a free parking spot near the harbour, which meant they needed to walk about five minutes to the location of the Christmas variety show. All four Lynley's got out of the car, and in almost perfect sync, closed their doors. The crisp winter air nipped at their faces, and they huddled into their coats for warmth.
Judith patted Tommy on the back and said, "Oh, my heart breaks for you, Tommy. You'll have to find a way to show her you mean it," in a genuine tone.
Tommy sighed, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. "I know, Judith. It's just... I don't know if she'll believe me."
Dorothy, ever the matriarch, gave him a reassuring smile. "Actions speak louder than words, Tommy. Just be yourself and let her see that you care.
Peter tried to lighten the mood. "Maybe start with something small, like buying her favourite coffee next time you see her at work. It's the little things that count, right?"
Tommy chuckled, appreciating his brother's attempt. "Maybe you're right, Peter. One step at a time."
As they made their way through the festively decorated streets of Nanrunnel, the town's holiday spirit was in full display. Every shop window was adorned with twinkling lights and elaborate Christmas displays. The scent of pine and freshly baked gingerbread filled the air, mingling with the sound of distant carollers. They passed by the town square, where a large Christmas tree stood proudly, its branches heavy with ornaments and lights. The scene was picture-perfect, and it seemed to lift Tommy's spirits a bit.
"Nanrunnel always goes all out for Christmas," Dorothy remarked, her eyes twinkling. "It's one of the reasons I love this place so much."
Judith nodded in agreement. "It's magical. No matter what's going on, this town always feels like home."
As they approached the theatre, they were greeted by a wave of familiar faces. Friends and neighbour's called out cheerful hellos and exchanged warm holiday wishes.
"Well isn't it the Lynley's!" Mrs. Crandall, one of the local shop owners, waved enthusiastically. "So good to see you all. Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Crandall!" they replied in unison.
Inside the theatre, the festive atmosphere continued. The lobby was decorated with holly and garlands, and a large wreath hung above the entrance to the auditorium. The buzz of excitement was palpable as families and friends mingled, waiting for the show to begin.
"Let's check our coats before we head to our seats," Dorothy suggested. "It'll be more comfortable inside without them."
The others agreed, and they joined the queue at the coat check. The attendant, a cheerful young woman with a Santa hat perched on her head, smiled as they approached. "Good evening! How may I help you?"
Judith replied, returning the smile. "We'd like to check our coats, please."
"Of course," the attendant said, handing them numbered tickets as she took their coats. "Enjoy the show!"
With their coats safely stored, the Lynsey's felt a sense of lightness as they moved through the theatre. They found their seats, greeting more locals along the way. The house lights dimmed, and the audience fell silent with anticipation. The curtain rose, revealing the first act—a children's choir dressed in angelic white robes, their voices lifting in a harmonious rendition of "Silent Night."
Tommy glanced around at his family, taking in the expressions of joy and wonder on their faces. Despite his worries, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. He reached over and squeezed Judith's hand. "Thanks for the pep talk, sis," he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. The warmth of her smile in response made him feel even more reassured, reminding him that no matter the challenges ahead, he wasn't alone.
As the show continued, Tommy sat stiffly in his seat, the vibrant lights of the variety show flickering around him. Every act seemed to echo with memories of Barbara—the way she used to laugh at their inside jokes during their cases, her confident voice coordinating their team during tense operations, her steady presence providing a sense of calm during chaotic scenes. The magician's act brought back memories of her clever problem-solving skills and the comedian's timing echoed the playful banter they shared during their light night shifts. It was becoming too much. He stood up, planning to slip out quietly.
Just as he reached the door, a familiar melody floated through the air—the intro to "All I Want For Christmas Is You." Although it wasn't in the normal upbeat version but in a slow acoustic one, the melody wasn't to be mistaken by.
As the first two lines were vocalised by a familiar voice, a lump formed in his throat, and he swallowed hard as he turned around. He couldn't believe his eyes: Barbara stood on stage, her strawberry gold hair catching the light in a radiant halo around her head. She wore a deep green velvet dress that accentuated her perfect hourglass figure, the fabric draping elegantly to the floor. Her green eyes sparkled with warmth and sincerity as she sang, her gaze sweeping across the audience, drawing them into her world. She held the microphone with confidence. Each note she sang was infused with emotion, her voice rich and velvety, filling the theatre with its warmth. Barbara's presence on stage was captivating, her beauty and talent combining to create a mesmerising performance that left the audience spellbound.
Tommy stepped a bit closer, was he dreaming, he needed for her to see him to be sure. When their eyes finally met, they locked in a captivating gaze. The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, connected by the song. Tommy froze, his heart pounding. The pull of her voice held him there, unable to move, each note wrapping around him like a warm embrace.
Tommy stood transfixed as Barbara's voice filled the theatre, her rendition of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" carrying an emotional weight that tugged at his heartstrings. Each note she sang seemed to resonate with the unspoken words, he had been struggling to express, for longer than he had realised.
As the song reached its crescendo, Barbara's gaze remained locked on Tommy. It was as if she was singing directly to him, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. The raw emotion in her voice was undeniable, and Tommy felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes. He had never seen her like this before—so vulnerable, yet so powerful.
When the final notes of the song echoed through the theatre, a hush fell over the audience. Barbara held the last note, her voice wavering slightly with emotion, before letting it fade into silence. The applause that followed was thunderous, but Tommy barely heard it. He was still caught in the spell she had woven, his heart pounding with a mix of hope and longing. It felt surreal, as if time had paused to allow him to savour every lingering note that hung in the air. It was nothing short of a Christmas miracle. He stood there, entranced, certain that this moment was too perfect to be true.
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