James Winthrop Frayne the Second pulled his SUV into the driveway of Crabapple Farm. The tires crunched on the newly fallen snow as he came to a stop in front of the garage. Getting out, he made his way to the back and opened the trunk. After removing two large boxes, he closed the door and made his way to the back door of the house. He opened the mudroom door and called out, “Mrs. B.!”

“Jim? Is that you?” Helen Belden questioned as her footsteps were heard making their way across the linoleum kitchen floor.

“It is,” Jim said. “I’m sorry for just dropping by.”

“You know you are always welcome here,” Helen said taking one of the boxes from him.

They moved further into the kitchen and placed the packages on a couple of chairs. Once their arms were free, Jim gave the short woman a hug.

“It’s good to see you,” Helen said as they released one another. “Where did these come from?”

“I was at the post office to send a certified letter and the postmaster asked if I could bring them out since he was waiting for a carrier to return to make the delivery.”

“That was so sweet of you,” Helen said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze, before moving closer to check out the label.

She stepped back and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. He had seen who had sent the packages.

“They would be here if they could,” Jim said.

“I know,” Helen said sadly, turning away from the boxes. “I knew with Trixie’s job she could be called away at any time and that she would miss some holidays. But I wasn’t anticipating Bobby having to stay away as well.”

“His time at home can’t conflict with his training schedule,” Jim said. “The military is pretty strict.”

“I know. He said he’d get leave in January and we’d celebrate then, but it’s just going to take time to adjust to the fact that we might not all be together on Christmas anymore.”

“They might not be here physically, but they are in your heart and will definitely be in contact on Christmas.”

“I know,” Helen sighed. “I’m just used to having all my children under my roof on Christmas. But I guess this is just what happens when children grow up.”

Jim could feel the pain with Helen’s words and knew he never wanted to be the one to hurt such a wonderful woman who had the biggest heart, treating each person as if they were her own children.

“The holidays may change as we grow up, but they do so for the better as children marry and start families of their own, creating new generations and traditions.”

“You’re right,” Helen said.  “But I can still wish to have all my babies home.”

“And that’s a great wish,” Jim said, longing for one special person to be in Sleepyside as well. He decided to change the subject slightly.  “Is there anything you need help with for Christmas dinner?”

“Thank you for asking, Jim, but everything is under control. Peter is picking up the last few things I need when he leaves the bank tonight. “

“If you’re missing anything, please let me know,” Jim said.

Helen smiled. “I will. And you will be here on Christmas, right?”

Jim smiled in return. “I wouldn’t miss it. Mother, Dad, Honey and I will be here to celebrate.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

After talking for a few more minutes and being reassured once again that Helen was all set for the big day, Jim left the farmhouse and headed for his home.

He closed the door on the cold and leaned against it, staring down the gray carpeted hallway on the first floor. Letting out a breath, he shed his winter clothes and boots, placing them in the closet.

His footsteps were quiet as he went toward the kitchen and stopped in the doorway. He couldn’t help the smile that spread at the sight.

The figure was standing, back to him as the fixings for a very large sandwich were lined up on the counter. From his position, Jim could see sliced turkey, ham, salami, three different kinds of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and pickles. Each layer was being positioned precisely on top of the next.

When the top piece of the roll was put in its spot, Jim decided to make his presence known to the blond. “Are you making me one?”

The young man, his blond hair cropped short, spun away from the counter, holding another piece of cheese in his hand.

“Sorry, Jim.”

The red head couldn’t help but smile. “It’s fine. I told you to make yourself at home.”

“I really appreciate your help with this,” 18-year-old Robert “Bobby” Belden said. “None of the others could’ve kept this secret.”

“It’s perfectly fine,” Jim said, moving over to the island and washing his hands. “And you’re right, the others wouldn’t be able to keep your return under wraps. And your appearance will be the Christmas gift they were never expecting.”

“I hated lying to Moms, but I wanted it to be a really memorable Christmas.”

“I’m certain it will be,” Jim said as he pulled a roll out of the bag and started constructing his own sandwich, just not the size of the one Bobby was taking a bite of.

“I take it Trixie won’t be back?” Bobby asked.

Jim froze. He hated that it was true. Everyone knew she would be there if she could. Her job was important and there were times she would miss out on things because of it. He loved her for her dedication and wanting to do what was right, but he missed her, more than anyone knew. She was his heart and soul, and he wanted to spend eternity with her.

“Jim?” Bobby asked, getting his attention.

“She said she wouldn’t be here when she called at Thanksgiving,” Jim said sadly, taking the knife and getting some mayonnaise to spread on his roll.

“She’d be here if she could,” Bobby said softly.

“I know,” Jim said and resumed making his sandwich.

Whenever Trixie was away from Sleepyside, he always worried about her. It wasn’t that they weren’t in the same place. It was the fear that she would never return. So many people he really cared about had gone away. It was no fault of their own, but with Trixie’s job, the dangers were more prevalent and anytime there was a lapse in contact, his fear grew.

He wasn’t one who would say she couldn’t do something because she would go and do it anyway just to prove that she could. He would support her as she pursued her dream and stand there with wide open arms everything time she returned. Worrying about those he loved was in his nature. That would never change. His love for Trixie was his reason for being where he was in his life.

“What do you want to drink?” Bobby asked, opening the refrigerator door.

“Just water,” Jim said, placing the knife in the sink before sealing the packages of meat.

Once all the ingredients were returned to the refrigerator, they grabbed their plates and drinks to head for the living room. The television was switched on to a hockey game.

“So, are you all set for Christmas?” Jim asked. “Do you have any last minute errands to run?”

“I’m set,” Bobby said. “I’m going to take the next couple days to relax because when I walk through the doors at the Farm, I won’t be going anywhere else.”

“Do you really want to leave the farm?”

Bobby shook his head. “No. Training was a challenge and the sleeping arrangements were different. I’m looking forward to being back home.”

“Especially your own bed?”

“More than you realize,” Bobby answered. “I think the mattresses they have us use are to make us adjust quickly to rotten sleeping conditions for when we do get deployed.”

“It makes you appreciate what you have at home,” Jim said.

“It does, but I’ve realized I can give up a lot of those amenities if I’m defending my country for my family.”

“We’re all proud that you chose this path.”

“I’ve learned from the Bob-Whites how to help people,” Bobby said. “You all were role models for me. This allows me to helpful as well.”

Jim smiled at the young man sitting across from him. At times he saw the little boy who had been bitten by a copperhead. But at this moment, he saw a young man and felt honored Bobby was in his life.

“We’re lucky to have you defending our freedom,” Jim said.

Bobby smiled.

“So, will you be all right here by yourself on Christmas Eve?” Jim asked. “I’d stay, but Mother is insisting I stay at Manor House that night.”

“I’ll be fine,” Bobby said. “Besides, you don’t have to babysit me. I think I can look after myself for one night.” A grin filled his face. “And I promise the forty people coming to the bash are upstanding citizens.”

“Forty people turning into this driveway on Christmas Even when everyone knows I’m at Manor House won’t raise suspicion?” Jim teased.

“We’ll be quiet. And no one will pay us any mind. They’ll be focused on their own festivities.”

“Just make sure this place is still standing,” Jim said. “I worked hard on this and would like it to last for more than a year.”

“I promise,” Bobby said. “No fires.”

Jim knew Bobby was joking. It was nice to have someone in the house with him for a change. He hoped he could convince one person in particular to join him permanently.

On Christmas Eve, Jim carried his bag into the Manor House and then up to his room. He had arrived a little earlier than necessary so he wasn’t rushed to get to the service. Once he set his bag down on the dresser, he turned and returned to the first floor.

Voices carried down the hall. which alerted Jim to his sister and her fiancé’s location. In the family room, the couple was snuggled on the couch in front of the roaring fire. The eight foot pine tree with a rainbow of color on its branches twinkled in the corner of the room.

“You made it,” Madeleine “Honey” Wheeler said as she shifted on the couch.

“I did promise Mother,” Jim said moving over to one of the high back chairs and settling on the cushion.

“It’ll be nice that we’re all together,” she said.

“At least all of us that can be home,” Brian Belden said wistfully as he draped his arm around Honey’s shoulder.

“Trixie and Bobby would be here if they could,” Honey said. “I know you feel their absence more because you’ve had so many holidays together and this is really the first one you’ve been apart.”

“You’re forgetting the Christmas in Arizona,” Brian said.

“No I wasn’t,” Honey said. “We went to Arizona, but Bobby was still here. This is the first Christmas Bobby won’t be here.”

“Arizona seems like a lifetime ago,” Brian admitted.

“And our lives are much different now,” Jim said, thinking about that trip and all the other excursions the Bob-Whites took.

“Are you three ready?” Madeleine Wheeler’s voice came from the doorway.

They turned to see her in an emerald green sweater and black pants. A moment later Matthew Wheeler appeared at her side wearing a suit and holding her coat over his arm.

“We’re ready,” Honey said as she stood up.

“We should go or we’ll be standing in back,” Brian said as he took his place beside his future bride.

“Your parents will save us seats,” Jim said. “Whoever gets there first always makes sure there are enough for everyone.”

“But we don’t want to miss out, so we should head on out,” Matthew said as he helped Madeleine into her coat.

In no time at all, they joined Peter and Helen Belden who were standing at opposite ends of the pew in the small church. Jim could tell the elder Beldens were missing their youngest children. Although their greetings were cheerful, the smiles didn’t reach their eyes. They slid into the pew behind Mart and Diana Belden, who were sitting with Edward and Carolyn Lynch and their two sets of twins, Larry and Terry, Kelly and Allie.

The service began with the traditional hymns with the choir walking down the center aisle with lit candles. Readings for the season were intertwined with more music.

Having heard the same thing year after year, Jim’s mind wandered to Trixie. He hoped she was safe and warm on this night and that the opportunity would come for her to reach out to them on this holiday.

He recalled the previous year when they sat together in the same pew. As the choir began one of its hymns, his left hand took hers. She scooted closer so their shoulders were touching, but their eyes never strayed from the front of the church. Her hand fit perfectly in his as she gently gave it a squeeze.

Their hands remained connected throughout the rest of the service until they all stood and lit their candles for the final hymn. They left the songbook on the bench as they knew all the verses of “Silent Night” from years of singing.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side. Trixie nestled her head on his chest as the organ began to play the chorus to signal the start of the song.

The evening had been perfect, Trixie fitting right in his arms as if that space was created just for her.

As the congregation stood for the final song, Jim noticed her absence even more.  His sister stood with her fiancé, and Mart and Di were cuddled together in front of him. Even their folks were standing close to one another.

I hope this will be the only Christmas we’re apart, Jim thought as the song came to an end and they blew out the flames.

The lights came back on in the church and the congregation slipped their coats on before departing. Sitting in the back of the SUV by the door, Jim stared into the passing night, missing the houses glowing in a rainbow of colors. He didn’t see the array of inflatables adorning the snow covered lawns.

“Jim, did you forget to turn the lights off at Ten Acres?” Madeleine asked as Matthew drove along Glen Road.

He blinked and could see his house in the distance, the lights from the living room illuminating the woods surrounding the structure.

“No, Mother,” Jim said. “The lights are on a timer as part of the security system.”

“That’s a good idea,” Honey said. “Even if you’re not home, it gives the appearance that you are.”

“Exactly.” Jim kept his gaze on the house hoping Bobby was keeping to his word and not ruining his home.

When the SUV came to a stop in front of the garage, the five of them climbed out. Approaching the front door, they stopped as two more vehicles came up their drive.

Everyone made their way inside and to the family room where cookies, pastries and eggnog were waiting for them. They all settled about the room, talking about plans for the next day, especially dinner, as holiday carols played in the background.

The laughter in the room as the conversations continued unknowingly felt like a knife to Jim’s heart. He forced a smile on his face so the others didn’t see how out of place he felt. It was nice that they were together, but it would be better if they were all there that night.

Jim made his way out of the room after a while, needing a few minutes to himself. He had felt his mask of joy slipping and knew if he didn’t get a break, he would receive looks of pity and he didn’t want that.

His footsteps took him to the library which faced Ten Acres. He stood in the dark room, staring out across the grounds as the moon lit up the snow, casting shadows from the tall maple and pine trees that were scattered across the property. Green eyes trailed up to the sky, taking in the twinkling stars.

Trix, I hope you’re seeing these beautiful stars tonight, Jim thought as he focused on the brightest one. Please know that I love you and wish you safety as you carry out your mission. I know your job is important and I will always support you. When you finally return home, I want to start planning a future with you. I know you are my soulmate. I see us growing old together with children and grandchildren running about Ten Acres. Please let me Christmas wishes reach you on this night. I love you so much, Trixie. More than I will ever be able to show you.

He continued standing there, enjoying the silence.

Jim jumped slightly when he felt a hand slide around his waist. He turned to see Honey leaning against his side. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he asked, “What are you doing?”

“I wanted to check on my big brother,” Honey said. “You’ve been gone for a while.”

“I didn’t mean to disappear for so long,” Jim admitted.

“It’s understandable,” Honey said. “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without her.”

Jim hummed in agreement as they watched a light snow begin to fall from above.

He let out a breath after a moment. “Come on. We should rejoin the others.”

“Okay.”

The siblings returned to the other room and settled around Brian, Mart and Di.

“Do you think Dan is going to make it tomorrow?” Di asked, leaning into Mart.

“He said he was going to try,” Brian said. “They always go to midnight mass in White Plains, but they were invited to Regan’s girlfriends place for dinner. He said he would probably swing by later tomorrow.”

“Will Trixie and Bobby call tomorrow?” Mart asked.

“If they can they will,” Brian said, turning to look at the flames dancing in the fireplace.

“It doesn’t feel like Christmas without them,” Di said, echoing exactly what Honey had said a little while earlier to Jim.

“They would be here if they could,” Jim said, trying not to grin at the knowledge that the Beldens would get a very special gift the following day. “I’m certain they’re thinking of us just like we’re thinking of them.”

The five of them settled in silence as they thought about the two absent Beldens.

After a while the non-Wheelers headed for their homes to get ready for Christmas morning. Jim wished his parents and sister a good night before retreating to his teenage bedroom on the second floor.

He loosened his tie as he made his way down the hall. He went into his room and flipped the light switch on before closing the oak door. His silent footsteps led to his closet where he hung his suit jack on a hanger and draped his tie around it.

Turning back toward his bed, he froze in place.

Nestled in the center of the hunter green comforter was a white package with a red bow tied around it.

Jim scanned the room looking for anything else that was out of place, but nothing jumped out at him. He was certain his bed had been undisturbed when he’d been in there earlier.

Curiosity won out as he slowly approached the box, now seeing a small green envelope wedged under the bow.

Sinking onto the mattress, he pulled the envelope out. He saw his name written in black calligraphy. He broke the seal and pulled out some white paper folded in half, revealing a familiar script that increased his heart rate.

Jim read the note two more times clinging to the words that she would see him soon. She was coming home.

Setting the letter down, Jim pulled the gift closer. It wasn’t heavy. He shifted the bow off the box and found where the tape held the paper in place. He removed the paper and lifted the lid off the box. Inside was another green envelope, but nothing else.

A chuckle escaped his lips knowing this was definitely a Trixie move. He broke the seal on the second envelope and pulled out another piece of paper.

He laughed again knowing Trixie did this to brighten the holiday. She knew him so well.

“Merry Christmas to you, Trix,” Jim said softly as he looked toward the bedroom window seeing the star that had caught his gaze earlier twinkling in the night sky.

The anticipation that his gift from Trixie was coming had him on edge. He had spent the night sitting at the window gazing at the stars, keeping the brightest in view. When the sun came up, Jim moved away to get ready for the day. Afterward he joined his parents and sister for pastries and coffee before opening the gifts in the family room.

As the paper was torn off the packages, Jim made sure to read each tag carefully, looking for the one from Trixie.  When all the gifts had been opened, there was nothing from Trixie, leaving Jim slightly disappointed. That feeling faded quickly as he figured it would come when they were at Crabapple Farm for dinner.

Hours later, Jim held his drink in his hand. He stood off to the side, trying to avoid being in the way as the food was dished up and moved to the table. He saw an opportunity knowing they would be sitting down within minutes and quickly pulled out his phone to send a message to Bobby to let him know it was time for his surprise.

When Helen brought the last bowl to the table, they all took their seats.

Peter lifted his glass and everyone followed suit. He said, “Helen and I would like to thank all of you for joining us on this Christmas Day. Over the years we’ve grown from just friends to family and we wouldn’t want to spend this with anyone else.”

“Does that include me?” a voice asked from the doorway.

All heads swung in that direction to see Bobby Belden standing there with the biggest grin.

“Bobby!” Helen exclaimed and was the first one out of her seat. She had him in her arms before anyone else could move.

Jim smiled, seeing the surprise and joy on the Belden’s faces at the arrival of their youngest child. He was glad he had been a part of the surprise.

When Bobby finished hugging his family, he went around and greeted the other guests while a chair and place setting right beside Helen were added to the table.

Bobby took his seat and they all looked to Peter who was beaming with pride, waiting for him to continue.

“This Christmas has had one of the best surprises we’ve ever had,” Peter said looking at his youngest son. “And I’m glad all of you were here to experience it with us. As I said earlier, we are all family.” He raised his glass up. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” everyone echoed.

After taking a sip from their drinks, the dishes were quickly passed around allowing everyone to add a bit of each to their plates. Conversation flowed easily amongst the group.

No one left the table when their stomachs were full. They were enjoying the conversations too much to venture from the dining room until an hour later when they knew they needed to put away the small amount of leftovers and do the dishes.

The parents packaged the food as the younger generation got the dishes cleaned.

In no time at all, the kitchen was returned to its original condition and everyone migrated to the living room where sweets were ready, if anyone had room.

Jim stood at the sink as the others left the room, making sure it was clean. Alone, he closed his eyes and let out a breath. The waiting for Trixie’s gift was beginning to grate on his nerves. He usually had patience, but having been apart from Trixie for so long and getting the teasing gift the night before, he didn’t know how much more he could take.

He was thinking about going outside for a brief walk in the fresh air, when Honey interrupted his thoughts, “Jim? Are you coming in?”

He knew the walk would have to wait as he moved to head into the living room.

“Are you okay?” Honey asked, sliding her arm around his waist as he stepped up beside her.

“Yeah,” Jim said, squeezing her shoulder. “I was just making sure we had everything cleaned up.”

“And is it?”

“The kitchen looks perfectly perfect as you would say,” Jim said.

“The Bob-Whites always do a good job,” a female voice spoke behind him.

Jim recognized that voice. He spun around as the others gasped to see the final member of the Belden clan standing in the doorway.

“Merry Christmas,” Trixie said.

Time froze for Jim as he stared at the woman he had been in love with for the last 10 years. Her beautiful curls famed that angelic face that invaded his dreams every night.

He could tell she had lost weight and there were dark circles under her eyes. There was also a bruise on her forehead that was partially hidden by her curls.

Jim was bumped as the Belden’s rushed by him to get to Trixie. He saw Helen hug Trixie and couldn’t miss the wince of pain cross the young woman’s face. He was itching to get her into his own arms, but Jim knew her family came first.

After all the greetings welcoming her home, it was his turn. Before he could take a step, Trixie was in his arms. He held her close as he leaned down, pressing a kiss to those lips he loved. He whispered, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” Trixie whispered, giving him a squeeze.

They stood there for a few minutes until Peter broke the silence. “I think this calls for another toast.”

Immediately glasses were filled and handed out. Jim kept one arm around Trixie, ready to monopolize all the time he could get.

Helen returned to Peter’s side, beaming smiles on both their faces as they raised their glasses.

“This has truly been the best Christmas with everyone together,” Peter said. “Thank you all for joining us to celebrate this wonderful day.”

“Merry Christmas,” they all chorused again before taking another drink.

Jim noticed Trixie put the glass to her lips, but none of the liquid was swallowed. He leaned into her ear and asked in a whisper, “Are you hungry?”

“Yeah,” Trixie said as she nodded her head.

“We’ll be back,” Jim said. “I’m going to grab Trixie something to eat.”

“I can get it,” Helen said, reaching to set her glass down on the table.

“We’ve got it, Moms,” Trixie said. “I’ll be back in a minute to hear all the gossip that I’ve missed.”

With a smile from her parents, the duo made their way to the kitchen. They moved to the table and Jim stood by Trixie as she slowly settled on the bench, her eyes closing briefly in pain. Jim crouched in front of her, taking both of her hands in his own and giving them a gentle squeeze.

“Are you really all right?” His eyes searching her face.

Trixie pulled a hand from Jim’s and placed it on his cheek. “I will be now.”

Jim leaned in and captured her lips with his own again. “What do you want to eat? There is some of everything left.”

“Maybe some turkey, potatoes, stuffing and squash?” Trixie asked.

“I’ll grab it.”

With a plate and a glass of water in front of Trixie, Jim sat down beside her.

“I won’t ask about the case,” Jim said. “I know that information is classified.”

“The case is over.” She set her fork down.

“It looks like it took a toll on you.” Jim scooted closer and wrapped his arm around her.

“It did.” Trixie rested her head on his shoulder. “We were overseas trying to rescue a young woman who was going to be sold for sex. She had been hired as an au pair, or nanny, for two children. She had been hired to watch the children and to teach them English. Their parents for all intents and purposes, were television celebrities. You wouldn’t think anything wrong with that, but there had been women that had gone missing after taking jobs in this country, never to be seen again. The agency heard some grumblings about this young woman so we were deployed to keep her from becoming a statistic and at the same time, shut down this sex traffic ring.”

“Wow,” Jim said.

“She had no clue that she was a target. She was dedicated to the children, doing everything she could to make sure they got to where they needed to go, behaved in public and focused on the lessons she was teaching them.”

“She sounds like she was dedicated to her job.”

“She was,” Trixie said as she lifted her head from Jim’s shoulder. She put her hand on his and their hands linked together. “The family decided to go on a vacation and took her with them. The father asked her to run an errand for him and they would watch the kids while she was gone, giving her a break from her responsibilities.”

“She was set up,” Jim concluded.

Trixie nodded. “We were waiting because we had heard from an informant that didn’t want to see her get hurt. She is an American and her family would cause a major uproar if she just vanished.”

“So your team went in.”

“We went in prepared for the worst to happen.”

“Is she all right?”

“She’s okay, a bit shaken, but is back with her family,” Trixie said.

“But there’s more,” Jim pressed.

Trixie closed her eyes as she bowed her head. “We had an inexperienced agent added to our team right before we departed. The rest of us have been together for a while and know the quirks of one another and we expect certain things to happen on a case. We look out for each other, making sure we all get out of it unharmed.”

“The newbie wasn’t ready to be in the field, right?”

Trixie sighed. “Not even close. We didn’t have a choice about the agent as higher ups demanded he be added to our team claiming he would be an “asset.” He should have been deemed more of a liability.”

“Is that how you got hurt?” Jim asked, reaching up and brushing the curl back from her bruise with a feather light touch.

“He thought I was on the other side and tackled me from behind. I landed on a rock which bruised my ribs and smacked my head on the ground, giving me a concussion.”

“And you probably haven’t had much sleep because of that,” Jim said, pulling her close to lean against him once again.

“Not really,” Trixie said, allowing her eyes to close. “They were waking me up every hour to make sure I didn’t slip into a coma and the flight home wasn’t very smooth.”

“Oh, Trix.”

“But I’m home now.”

“You are,” Jim agreed.

They sat in silence for a few minutes. They could hear the others talking in the living room and just soaked in the feeling of being together.

“So, how did you get that gift into my room?”

“Bobby brought it to the Manor House just after you left Ten Acres last night,” Trixie explained. “He snuck in and out without being seen.”

“He’s good.”

“He’ll make a great military member representing our country.”

“Just like his big sister,” Jim said.

Trixie bowed her head again as she always did when she received praise.

“So, he knew you were coming home?” Jim asked.

“He did,” Trixie said. “I knew he had recruited you to help with his surprise and he agreed to be my helper.”

“Amazing.” Jim let out a breath as his hand began caressing her arm. “So, when do you need to head back?”

“I don’t.”

Jim froze again, wondering if he heard her wrong. “Trix?”

She lifted her head, revealing a small smile. “I gave my notice. I’m done. This case and the problems with it made me realize that while I love mysteries, this isn’t the job for me. I had a team to lead and was given someone unqualified who couldn’t listen to instructions. Having someone so green put the entire team in danger.  I fought the addition knowing our team’s strength. I had seen the newbie in training. The higher ups didn’t listen to my concerns or listen to what the instructors said about how he was during training. They felt they were right and ignored all the signs that were there. I will not be forced to put my team in harm’s way just because they felt an individual would be the right fit for the team.”

“What are you going to do now?” Jim asked.

“Relax and spend time with my family and friends.” Trixie looked up at Jim. “Spend a lot of time with you.”

Jim smiled. “Is that my gift?”

Trixie nodded and smiled in return. “It seemed like the one you wanted the most.”

“You won’t regret resigning from the government?”

“No,” Trixie admitted wholeheartedly. “I’ve pursued my dream and that’s enough. Working for the government isn’t my cup of tea. I prefer being a nuisance to them instead.”

“You always drove Molinson up a wall when he showed up after the criminals were caught.”

“I do attract trouble.” Trixie reached up and cupped Jim’s face in her hand.  “I think there are more mysteries in my future, just a little closer to Sleepyside.”

“I’m certain things will fall into your lap,” Jim said.

“Merry Christmas, Jim.”

“Merry Christmas, Trix.”

They leaned in and kissed.