Making her way slowly though the store, she tried to anticipate any sudden movements by the other shoppers, who were focused on last minute gifts that were needed for the holiday that was three days away.

Her attentiveness came in handy as the woman she’d been walking behind suddenly turned around, her overstuffed bag of boxes almost colliding with Beatrix Frayne’s stomach. She was relieved she had been able to get her arm up to create a buffer, allowing only one box corner to hit her skin.

“Sorry,” the woman said, before disappearing from view.

The curly-haired blonde let out a sigh, trying not to get frustrated. She knew it was her own fault for being in the stores this late in the season. No matter how many times she’s said it wasn’t going to happen, she always ended up doing her Christmas shopping at the last minute. Time seemed to get away from her as soon as Thanksgiving was over.

There was so much to do. Putting up the fake tree in the living room next to the fireplace, creating a perfect scene with the lights, garland, and ornaments strategically placed so there were no bare spots.

She knew she wasn’t a fan of shopping in the first place, especially if it was going to take hours on end. Trying to find that perfect gift for each person only added to that. Her husband, Jim, was the worst because he always said, “the perfect gift has always been you.”

Reaching the area where the last items she needed were found, she quickly grabbed them from the shelf and mentally calculated to make sure she had enough, so she didn’t have to come out again. Deciding to be cautious, she grabbed another package and then made her way to the cashier.

When she returned home, she took the items and quickly got them wrapped to take to the farm. She was really looking forward to everyone being together on the holiday.

“Trixie?”

“In the living room,” she called out as she set the last labeled gift on the pile.

She looked up with a smile as her husband of almost a year made his way into the room. There were some snowflakes beginning to melt in his red hair. He reached her side and leaned in to give her a kiss.

“Hey, sweetheart,” James Winthrop Frayne the second said as he leaned back. “How was your day? Did you get everything done?”

“I just finished wrapping the last of the gifts,” Trixie said, watching him remove his heavy winter coat.

“That means all of our shopping is done, right?” Jim asked as he sat down beside her on the couch.

Trixie instinctively curled against him as they sat back against the cushions. “It is.”

“That’s good,” Jim said tugging her close. “I think this is the first year in all the time I’ve know you that you’ve been done before Christmas Eve.”

“I’m surprised, too,” Trixie said. “Everyone knows I’m not a shopper. I’m certain everyone else has been done since June.”

Jim chuckled. “I don’t think that’s true.”

“Definitely Di and Honey.”

“I think the two of them keep their eyes open all year long,” Jim explained. “Di is always looking for inspiration since she makes personalized gifts each year.”

“That’s true. I just wish shopping was easier.”

“You could always do it online,” Jim suggested.

“To make sure the items get here on time, I’d still have to know what I want to give everyone.”

“Well, the task should be easier from here on out since we are giving our gifts together. I think we came up with great ideas for everyone.”

“You’re right,” Trixie said with a sigh.

They sat quietly as the holiday music from the radio filled the room. Trixie felt Jim’s hand moving rhythmically up and down her arm. The movement was soothing and seemed to be lulling her to sleep. For the past couple weeks she had been more tired than usual and this cuddling gave her a little more energy to get through the rest of the night.

“What is the plan for Christmas Eve?” Jim asked.

Trixie blinked slowly as she came out of her doze. “We’re going to the Christmas Eve service and then returning to Manor House. First thing Christmas morning we will go to the farm for brunch and presents and then back to the Manor House. Next year we will switch it.”

“I think that’s a logical plan,” Jim said. “It makes it fair to our parents that we rotate where we spend Christmas morning.”

“We are all so intertwined with marriage that it allows all of the kids from one set of parents to be in the same home at the same time.”

“It’s all well and good until someone decides they want to spend Christmas somewhere other than Sleepyside,” Jim said.

Trixie turned to look at her husband. She stared at him. “Would you really want to celebrate elsewhere?”

Jim reached up and brushed the curls behind her ear. “As long as I’m with you, I can celebrate anywhere.”

She felt her heart flutter at his words.

“Besides, we have celebrated Christmas outside of Sleepyside,” Jim continued. “Remember Arizona?”

“That was fun and a nice change,” Trixie admitted. “But for me, it really feels like Christmas when the temperatures are cooler and snow is on the ground. All the movies and stories are set in that environment and that’s what I’m used to.”

“I feel the same way,” Jim said. “Seeing a fresh layer of snow on the ground sparkling in the morning sun just makes it feel like Christmas.”

“Would you want to celebrate somewhere else?”

“I think I would have to think about it based on the situation.”

“I guess we can’t rule it out completely,” Trixie said.

“Anything can happen.”

Trixie snuggled closer to Jim once again. “Are you hungry?”

“Not really,” Jim said. “By the time the pizza arrives, I will be.”

“You planned ahead.”

“Of course,” Jim said. “But if you’re hungry, there are still some of those honey lemon cookies left from the baking the other night.”

“Those were really good,” Trixie said. “But so were those scotch crunchies.”

“I never thought about that melting chocolate and butterscotch chips and stirring them into chow mein noodles and peanuts would taste so good,” Jim said.

“I was surprised at how delicious it is,” Trixie said.’

“I can go grab you some of each if you can’t wait until the food arrives.”

“I’m fine,” Trixie said, curling closer to her husband. “It’s been several busy weeks and the next few days are going to be just as hectic. I’m enjoying this quiet time with just us.”

Jim kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Trixie Frayne.”

“I love you.”

Per tradition on Christmas Eve, the Bob-Whites and their families made their way to the candlelight service, filling several pews. They sang the traditional hymns and listened to the Christmas story. As the service neared it conclusion, they all pulled out the candles and lit them as the lights in the church dimmed. The entire congregation began singing “Silent Night.”

Once the departed the church, they climbed into their vehicles and headed for the Manor House. A light rain mixed with snow forced them to slow their trip for safety.

The warmth of the Manor House family room, thanks to the roaring fire, welcomed all of them and chased the chill that had crept through their winter jackets. There were cookies and sweets on the tables within reach as they enjoyed their drinks.

Trixie was seated on Jim’s lap as he sat on the floor, leaning against the arm of the couch. They were listening to everyone talk as the holiday carols played softly in the background.

It was nearing midnight when the guests decided it was time to head home. Trixie slowly got to her feet. Her head spun and she sank right back onto Jim’s lap with her eyes closed.

“Trix!”

She leaned into him as her stomach swirled. She clenched her mouth shut to avoid being sick.

“I’ve got you,” Jim whispered into her ear before placing a kiss on the side of her head.

She could hear everyone asking questions but was focusing on the feeling passing. She felt herself getting lifted up and then moving swiftly along. The movement shifted upward. A door opened and she was carefully set on something soft. Her head resting on a pillow.

“Jim?” she whispered.

“I’m right here, sweetie.” She felt his hand take hers while his other cupped her face.

Trixie opened her eyes a little seeing her husband kneeling beside the bed.

“Sorry,” Trixie whispered, her eyes welling with tears.

“Hey,” Jim said as his thumb moved across her cheek. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I know.”

She could see the understanding in his eyes, but felt embarrassed her body decided to have an off moment.

“I’m tired,” Trixie admitted.

“I’ve got my bag, Trix,” Brian said entering the room and moving to the far side of the bed.

“I’m okay,” Trixie said quickly glancing between her brother and husband.

“You almost passed out,” Brian said.

“I got a little dizzy,” Trixie protested. “I’m fine. I just need to get some sleep. It’s been a long day.”

Brian sighed as he stared at her.

“I’ll keep an eye on her and if she feels worse, you’ll be the first person we call,” Jim said. “The house is close by.”

“You’ll be spending the night here,” Matthew Wheeler said as he stepped into Jim’s teenage bedroom. “A travel band has been issued for the entire county as the rain has turned to freezing rain. The roads are covered in ice and the trucks haven’t been able to get out and treat the roads.”

“So, everyone is staying here?” Brian asked.

“Everyone,” Matthew confirmed. “No one wants to take a chance in these conditions, even if they live next door.”

“Safety is more important,” Jim agreed.

“That’s what we all agree on,” Matthew said. “Your bathroom should still have everything the two of you may need for the night. Your mother is currently getting everyone else settled.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Is there anything you two need before we all head to bed?” Brian asked.

“We’ll be okay,” Trixie said. “Thanks.”

“Sleep well,” Matthew said and left the room with Brian, who closed the door behind them.

Jim and Trixie looked at one another. Jim gave her a smile. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Jim.”

He leaned in and gave her a kiss. When they broke apart, he said, “Let me find us some clothes to sleep in. I think I left some here.”

Trixie let go of Jim’s hand and watched as he moved over to the closet. A few minutes later he returned with two t-shirts and shorts.

“This will have to do for tonight,” Jim said approaching the bed.

“Okay,” Trixie said softly feeling her eyes slowly slip closed.

“Are you going to change?” Jim asked.

“You can.”

Jim chuckled. “Can you at least help me?”

She raised one arm.

Jim laughed.

She allowed herself to be shifted into a seated position and did help change into one of Jim’s old t-shirts which was long enough to be considered a nightgown on her.

Trixie rolled onto her side where the comforter had been pulled back. She settled her head on the pillow as Jim pulled the covers back to her chin.

He kissed her head. “Sleep well.”

“Waiting for you,” Trixie mumbled, fighting sleep.

“I’m coming.”

The bed finally dipped a few minutes later as Jim got himself comfortable. She scooted close to him, resting her head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around her.

“I love you, Jim.”

“I love you, Trixie.”

The featherlight touch of fingers gliding down her arm slowly brought her out of her dreams. She shifted closer and felt the arm tug her close holding her tight. She adjusted her head slightly, place a kiss on the chest.

She was kissed on the top of her head.

“Merry Christmas, Trixie.”

“Merry Christmas, Jim.”

She lifted her head to meet his gaze, a smile filling her face.

“This is our first Christmas a husband and wife,” Jim said, his hand reaching up and slowly carding through her curls at the back of his head.

“I know,” Trixie said. “And next year it’ll be a lot of new firsts.”

“Are you excited?”

Her smile grew bigger. “I am.”

“So am I.”

Jim shifted and gave her a deep kiss which left her breathless.

When they broke apart, they gave each other little pecks as they got their breathing regulated.

“How are you feeling this morning?” Jim asked, his fingers gently moving across her chin and up her cheek.

“I’m all right.”

“Do you feel sick at all?”

“No,” Trixie said. “If I had been the doctor would have been in here in an instant.”

“That’s true.”

“What time is it, anyway?”

Jim turned in the bed. “Just after 8. We should probably get up. Breakfast might be ready and then we’ll need to address the conditions outside.”

Knock, knock.

“Come in,” Jim said.

The door was pushed open by Madeleine Wheeler. She said, “I’m sorry if I woke you both, but the cook said breakfast is almost ready if you want to join us.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Jim said. “We’ll be down shortly.”

Madeleine smiled at them both. “We’ll see you soon.”

She closed the door behind her.

Trixie sat up and looked at her husband. “Do you think she knows about the gift?”

“I don’t think anyone knows what they’re getting from us,” Jim said as he sat up and slid out of the bed. “Come on. If we don’t make an appearance soon, I’m sure there will be more knocks on the door.”

“I think a couple people will burst in without knocking,” Trixie said accepting Jim’s hand as she got out of the bed.

“I don’t want to deal with that today,” Jim said.

“Me neither.”

When they finally made it downstairs, the rest of the family was filling their plates from the various items lining the buffet table. Anything they could think of for breakfast was at their fingertips. They joined the others at the table as they enjoyed the meal.

The conversations started to lull and Madeleine suggested, “Since the roads are still unsafe, how about we go into the other room and open presents?”

While there were calls in agreement, Trixie saw the forlorn expression on her almost-twin’s face at the tray of cookies he’d been slowly nibbling on throughout the meal.

“Maybe Mart could grab that tray while the rest of us bring our drinks in,” Honey said with a twinkle in her eye.

“Done.” Mart stood up, grabbed the tray and made a beeline for the family room.

Everyone laughed as they followed along, Di carrying her drink and her husband’s.

They spread out all around the room so they had a view of the Christmas tree with the piles of presents spilling out from beneath the lowest pine branches.

Trixie was sitting in Jim’s lap in the armchair closest to the fireplace. She had an arm wrapped around him as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Gifts were pulled out from under the tree and stacked in front of people. When everything was out, they began tearing the paper to reveal what was hidden inside.

The couple kept their eyes on their family as they opened the gifts in front of them.

“Thanks for the book, Trixie and Jim,” Brian said after a little while. “But I don’t think I need the Scrabble letters to help read it.”

“There were letters with your book?” Bobby asked laughing.

“These are common letters – E-H-N-I and A. They are used in a lot of words,” Brian said. “You would’ve been okay since there are always doubles of these in the game.”

“You’re right,” Jim said ang gave Trixie’s arm a squeeze.

“You might have gotten common letters, but the ones I’ve found spell VENT,” Di said.

“I probably would have put the game away so that the pieces wouldn’t get lost while I was wrapping,” Mart said.

“Wait a second,” Honey said, lifting up tiles she found in her gift. “I don’t think this is a coincidence. “We all know Jim and he wouldn’t have left a game out at all if they were finished with it. We’ve seen him put everything away.”

“So, what do the tiles mean?” Madeleine asked, finding five in her gift.

“Does this mean we have to solve the puzzle to get out gift?” Bobby asked.

“We all seem to enjoy mysteries, so you’ll have to figure it out,” Trixie said as she reached for her glass of juice and taking a sip.

“All right,” Honey said. “Let’s see what tiles everyone has.”

“I have E-H-N-I and A,” Brian repeated as he handed over his tiles.

“V-E-N-T for me,” Di answered.

“X-A-W-R-A,” Madeline said.

“T-J-N-A-N,” Peter said.

“G-I-M-R-T,” Helen said.

“R-A-I-M-T,” Mart said.

“S-A-V-E,” Matt said.

“H-I-I-D,” Bobby said.

“I-I-R-Y,” Honey said.

Mart looked over at his sister and brother-in-law. “Any hints?”

Trixie looked at her almost twin in surprise. “Are you seriously asking for a clue?”

“You boast that you are amazing at these puzzles with how quickly you solve them,” Jim added.

“I guess he was exaggerating about how quickly he can solve word scrambles,” Trixie said before Mart could speak.

“We’ll just take the pieces home,” Jim said, leaning forward to scoop the letters into a pile.

“Wait,” Mart said diving forward and blocking the tiles from their hands. “I can figure this out.”

“All right,” Trixie said, leaning back against Jim once her husband was settled.

“Okay,” Honey said. “Let’s look at these letters again. I’m going to write them all down and make some copies so we can all try to figure this out.”

In no time at all everyone had a paper trying to decipher the message.

“I got marriage,” Di said.

“They’re already married,” Bobby pointed out.

They couple watched their family scrutinize the page, making notes as they used the letters, crossing out as they formed words.

“I got it,” Bobby said.

“Really?” Trixie asked.

“I know it.” Bobby beamed proudly.

“So, what is it?” Peter asked.

“Disney,” Bobby stated.

“That’s only six letters,” Di said. “What about the rest?”

“Diversion,” Bobby said. “So the answer is they are taking all of us to Disney.”

“Good try,” Jim answered. “Maybe not this year.”

Trixie felt Jim squeeze her arm. They knew they were going there in a few years. They’d already talked about it.

Several more minutes passed with just the sound of music filling the room and scratching on paper.

“Wait a second,” Helen said.

Everyone looked at her.

“What is it, Moms?” Mart asked.

“We know this puzzle is from Trixie and Jim, so we need to remove those letters.”

“That leaves us with H-N-V-E-N-A-W-A-T-A-N-G-M-R-T-A-T-R-S-A-V-E-H-I-I-I-I-R-Y,” Mart said.

“There are seven more words after that,” Trixie offered.

“The word ARE follows what Moms said and the second last word is IN,” Jim said.

“You’re giving us clues?” Bobby asked.

“Dinner will be at some point and we wouldn’t want it to get cold,” Trixie said.

Now that a few words have been filled in, there were more words being thrown out.

“Is travel in the answer?” Peter asked.

“Sorry,” Trixie said.

“I got winter, water, rivers, January, ugly,” Mart said.

“It’s none of those either,” Jim said.

“What about rattle?” Madeleine asked.

“Sorry, Mother, but that’s not part of the answer,” Jim said, fighting to keep the grin off his face.

“What’s with that grin?” Mart asked. “And it’s on Trixie’s face as well.”

“Rattle might not be in the answer, but it could be a clue to the rest of the puzzle,” Honey said.

“But what would a rattle have to do with the two of them?” Bobby asked.

Trixie and Jim caught their parents exchanging glances before going back to their pages, more words being written down, then crossed out.

The couple shared a look knowing their news was about to be revealed. Jim leaned forward and kissed her lips.

“I love you,” Jim said.

“I love you, too.”

Their lips brushed against the other when Helen cried out, “Is this true?”

Trixie squeezed Jim’s arm as she stood up and made her way over to her mother. She glanced at the paper and saw their puzzle had been solved.

Her beaming smile met her mother’s gaze. “It’s true, Moms.”

Helen screamed as she jumped to her feet, dropping the paper and wrapped Trixie in a hug.

Everyone moved to see what the message was.

“Congratulations, you two,” Matthew said.

“You’ve kept this a secret from us?” Honey asked.

“We wanted to tell all of you at once,” Jim said.

“But the timing never worked,” Trixie said.

“So, we figured announcing it at Christmas was the best,” Jim finished as he wrapped his arms around Trixie from behind, his clasped hands resting on her abdomen.

“This new year is going to be amazing,” Madeline said, her arm hooked through her husband’s. “We’re going to be grandparents.”

“We really need to celebrate the news,” Matthew said.

“No alcohol for me,” Trixie said.

“I have bottles of sparkling cider on hand at all times in case we have youngsters around,” Matthew said before leaving the room.

Mart pulled Trixie into a hug. “Congratulations, sis. This is great news and I love how you put this little mystery together for us to find out.”

“You’re not mad that I didn’t just tell you?”

“Nah,” Mart said. “This was perfect and so unexpected. You are going to make a great mom.”

“Thank you.”

Matthew returned to the room with glasses filled with sparkling cider. Everyone took one and turned to the couple.

“To Trixie and Jim. May this next year bring lots of joy to all of us with the arrival of the next generation,” Matthew said. “Congratulations.”

“Congratulations!” the others chorused.

Jim and Trixie kissed, happy they had finally shared the news.

They all sat down and resumed opening presents.

Trixie settled on Jim’s lap once again and watched as he pulled out his phone to look at the answer to the puzzle.