Trixie Belden left Crabapple Farm, pulling her jacket up over her arms. It was two days before Christmas and she had just received news that broke her heart. She had sounded strong on the phone, but the pain was deep. Once the call ended, she disappeared through the faded kitchen door into the snowy night.

The tears were threatening to fall and she just needed some time alone. Staying in the house would only welcome the visitors within asking if she was all right. Trixie just needed to wrap her head around what was happening.  Her feet took the snow covered path that led to the Manor House. Instead of turning toward the brightly lit dwelling, Trixie turned away and followed the edge of the driveway. She crossed into the woods, making ankle high footprints in the snow.

Trixie reached the clubhouse and quickly unlocked the door as large, fluffy snowflakes fell from the sky. She turned on the light and closed the door behind her. She moved over to the electric heater that had been installed years earlier, turning it on.

Sinking into the brown upholstery covered couch, she curled her legs inward as she tightened her hold on her jacket. She squeezed her eyes shut and allowed the tears of disappointment to fall freely.

This was not how she pictured the holidays.

We were supposed to enjoy the next couple weeks together, she thought.  We had talked about all we were going to do. But now, all those plans are gone.

The last time we were together was when classes ended last spring. We managed to have a week where we spent a lot of one on one time with each other. Then he was back in California for summer classes and to work.

We both knew long distance relationships take work, but it seems like the forces of the universe are working against us as of late. He wasn't able to come home for Thanksgiving because his boss scheduled him to work. And I didn't have the money to fly out there. We talked and planned what we'd do together until we returned to school for the spring semester, which started in the middle of January.

I guess I need to find something to occupy this free time. Maybe I should go back to the apartment and let my boss know I'm available to work. It would be better than sitting in my room at the farm alone, missing him.

The sound of the door opening forced Trixie to quickly wipe her eyes before lifting her head. She turned to see her almost twin entering the clubhouse.

"How are you doing?" Mart asked, moving to the other end of the couch.

Trixie shrugged her shoulders.

"This sucks," Mart admitted, leaning back against the tan cushion.

"I know," Trixie said.

"This was supposed to be a fun time," Mart said. "We had so many plans."

"I know," she repeated.

"We just wanted some time together and then the plans ended up changing," Mart grumbled.

"I don't want to hear you complaining," Trixie said eyeing her brother. "You and Honey have been together every few weeks. It's not like you haven't been in the same room with her in the last six months."

"Trix."

"It's not fair!" Trixie exclaimed as she got to her feet and began pacing the small clubhouse. "We were finally going to see each other. It's been so long and computer dates just don't cut it. I want us to really be face to face in the same place at the same time."

"I get it, Trix."

"No you don't," Trixie snapped, her eyes blazing with fury. "You and Honey go to school in the same city. You don't have to worry about time zones and trying to coordinate phone calls so that it doesn't interfere with either of your schedules."

"Long distance relationships are always a challenge," Mart said.

"It seems like every obstacle that could be put in our way keeps coming," Trixie could feel the tears building again and struggled to keep them from falling. "This was supposed to be our time together. But that meeting just had to be on the west coast on the 26th. It never seems like Mr. Wheeler cares about his children's happiness, just making more money."

"He didn't do it on purpose," Mart said.

"It feels that way," Trixie said as she stopped pacing. "We need time together, but that's not happening." She turned her gaze to the floor and whispered the words that made her sick to her stomach. "Maybe we just aren't meant to be."

"Trix, no," Mart said and in an instant had his arms around her. "You two love each other."

"Sometimes that's not enough," Trixie cried as she clung to her brother.

"Trix, you can't just give up on Jim," Mart tried to reason with her.

"He didn't seem upset when he told me he wasn't coming home," Trixie cried, her fists clenching the back of Mart's shirt. "It was as if it wasn't important."

"You are everything to Jim," Mart said.

"I know you're trying to help, Mart, but I'm not blind to what's going on." Trixie leaned back from him. "I've been seeing the signs for weeks. I know what's coming and I just have to accept it."

"Trixie."

"Please, Mart, I just want to be alone right now. I need you to respect that."

"All right," Mart said with a sigh. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. When he leaned back, he looked her in the eye. "Just remember, I'm here if you want to talk, okay?"

Trixie nodded.

Mart turned and left the gatehouse.

Trixie moved back to the couch and collapsed onto the cushion. She knew Mart understood what she was saying even without hearing the words. She just hoped she could move past being Trixie and Jim.

The next morning, the 21-year-old put on the mask that everything was okay and she was just disappointed Jim wouldn't be in Sleepyside for Christmas. She would say, "He's with his family and that's all that matters."

Everyone seemed to accept that and they all focused on the preparations for the next day.

Trixie managed to head into town to finish her shopping. She always tried to be done by Thanksgiving, but with her classes in her final year of college and part time job that seemed more like full time, there weren't many extra moments to shop.

Many of her purchases had been completed online when she needed a break from studying.  She just wanted a few last trinkets to be added to the stockings. This trip was also to pick up a gift that had been backordered and then shipped to White Plains. She had just received word that it had arrived.

She retrieved the item with a heavy heart. Trixie had found the perfect gift for Jim and was anticipating the moment he opened it. But she knew she wouldn't see his reaction. She'd have to mail it since she didn't know when they'd see one another.

Walking through the mall as the holiday music played overhead, Trixie saw a lot of people hurrying about to do their last minute shopping. As she passed the jewelry store, she saw lot of men inside looking at bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings. Trixie knew there would be a lot of happy women the next morning.

Trixie shook hear head and tried to focus on her errands. She needed to stop at the bakery to pick up two special desserts for the next day's meal. Moms was a great baker, but there was one treat she bought every year and that was chocolate cheesecake. Each member of the Belden clan would give anything for a piece, so it was saved and only eaten at Christmas when they were all together.

After sliding the box into a handle bag, Trixie left the bakery and began her trek out of the mall. She was about halfway through the structure when her phone rang. Figuring it was Moms, Trixie hit the answer button without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Trix."

She stopped walking, surprised at who was on the other end.

"Trix?"

"Sorry, Jim," Trixie said. "My arm got jostled by a passing shopper."

"Are you at the mall?"

"Is there someplace else I'm supposed to be?"

Jim chuckled. "I wouldn't find you anywhere else on Christmas Eve."

"Exactly," Trixie said. "So, did Honey and your parents arrive safely?"

"They did," Jim answered. "They’re getting ready so we can do some last minute shopping as well."

"That sounds like fun," Trixie lied.

There was a moment of silence before Jim spoke again, his voice soft. "Trix, are you really okay about this?"

"It's fine," Trixie lied again. "Christmas is about being with family. As long as you are all together, the location doesn't matter."

Jim sighed. "I really didn't expect this to happen, Trixie. I was looking forward to coming home."

"Jim, it happens," Trixie said, trying to sound positive instead of like her heart was breaking. "It would be crazy to try to have Christmas here only to have to leave after a little while to fly to the west coast for a meeting the day after. It would have been a terrible holiday for all of you."

"Trix..."

In the background she heard Honey call his name.

"Jim, it's all right," Trixie said, her gaze shifting to the tiled floor. "You need to go."

"I'm sorry, Trixie."

"Have a Merry Christmas, Jim," she said softly.

"You too, Trix," Jim said and the call was over.

Trixie shoved the phone in her pocket and resumed heading for the exit. She kept her emotions in check until she reached the car. Once behind the wheel, she leaned her head against it and allowed the tears to fall.

She hated that they were apart and it seemed that they might never get any time together. As much as she hated the thought, she began to feel like she had no choice but to let Jim go. She couldn't hold him back and that's what she was doing with their long distance relationship.

Trixie gasped for air at the pain that sliced through her. He meant the world to her, but the distance was making them both miserable. His life was in California and hers was in New York. She knew this was a conversation neither of them wanted, but it was going to have to happen. Right then it felt like a Band-Aid was slowly being pulled off. She needed it to be torn off so she could move on. She would wait until after the holidays.

Christmas morning, the Beldens made their way to church. It was a family tradition dating back years that they would go to the service on Christmas morning. It didn't begin until nine, which allowed them time to open some presents and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Returning home, the smell of ham and turkey filled the farmhouse, making all of their mouths water. The family of six headed into the living room to finish opening their gifts.

Trixie put a fake smile on her face as she opened her gifts, exclaiming appreciation at the right moments. Everything she received was something she could use.

They finished unwrapping with mounds of colored paper scattered all throughout the living room.

"Well, I guess we should clear all this up," Peter Belden said as he glanced at his four children lounging about.

"Maybe the boys can take care of picking up in here while Trixie helps me get dinner together," Helen Belden suggested.

"That sounds like a plan," Peter said as she climbed out of his recliner. "And we'll all come help once this is done."

"Thank you," Helen said and made her way to the kitchen with Trixie following close behind.

The two women quickly got to work prepping the rest of the items for the meal, such as the potatoes, corn, squash, peas, carrots, yams and more. They stood at the counter working efficiently.

"Are you doing okay, Trixie?" Helen asked softly. "You've been awfully quiet today."

"I'm fine."

"You're not upset because Jim couldn't come back to Sleepyside?" Helen asked.

"I can't be upset," Trixie reasoned. "His school and work is out there. It would have been a crazy idea to come here for Christmas and have his father have to leave after being together for only a little while. This just made sense."

"I know you were looking forward to seeing him."

"We'll just have to wait," Trixie said, although she doubted it would turn out for the best.

"Moms! Trixie! Can you come in here?" came 14-year-ol Bobby's voice.

"Go ahead," Helen said as she moved to wash her hands.

Trixie set the pot down and returned to the living room. She saw her older brothers standing on either side of Bobby who was kneeling on the floor.

"What is it?" Trixie asked.

"Bobby found this under the tree," Mart said, pointing to the envelope in the youngest Belden's hand.

"It has your name on it," Brian said.

Trixie took the cobalt blue envelope and saw her name was written in elegant script. There was no way to tell who it was from. She flipped it over and broke the seal at the point with her fingernail.

Inside was a blue piece of cardstock. She slowly flipped it over revealing swirls at the corners. In the center were words in the same font as on the envelope.

"What?" Trixie asked aloud.

"Trixie?"

She lowered the card and looked at her parents. "This is a clue to a gift. I have no idea what it means or who it's from."

"Let me see," Helen said, moving over to her.

Trixie handed the card to her mother and watcher her face as she read the words. Helen finally looked at her daughter. "There could be a lot of answers to this. But I think you know the answer."

"But who would make me go hunt for my gift?" Trixie questioned as she looked around at each family member.

Helen handed the card back to her. "The only way to find out is to decipher the clue."

Trixie sighed. She really didn't want to go searching for her gift. She wondered,  Why couldn't it have been left under the tree?

"Why don't you go find your gift," Peter suggested.

"But dinner is almost ready," Trixie argued.

"We have time," Helen said. "Go ahead."

Trixie sighed again. She looked at the clue and reread the words. Trixie knew the five people had to include her two older brothers. Her mind went back to the summer she turned thirteen. She met Honey and Jim and there was the end of the summer day when she was standing at the chicken coop talking to Jim. Brian and Mart came out and then Honey came down the hill.

"I'll be back," Trixie said, turning to head out the kitchen door. She grabbed her jacket and slid it over her shoulders as she made a beeline to her destination.

The snow wasn't deep as she moved around the house. Reaching the coop, she saw another blue envelope.

She broke the seal and pulled out another card.

"I've got to go to the boathouse," Trixie said softly. She felt the stirrings of excitement that she got at the beginning of a mystery.

She made her way to the path and noticed there were footprints going in both directions.

Who would go to so much effort? Trixie thought.  I mean, this is a lot of work to give someone a Christmas present. Why would someone go to so much trouble?

Reaching the boathouse, she tried the door but found it locked. She pulled her keys out. Flipping through them, she came across the right one. Quickly opening the lock, she pushed the door open.

Sitting on the bench across from the door was another envelope.

Trixie got it open and felt her eyes start to water as she read the words in a familiar scrawl at the top.

She saw the same script used on the previous clues.

"Jupiter," Trixie said.

She slid the card back into the envelope and left the boathouse, locking it up behind her. Trixie took the path back to the Manor House with a little skip in her step.

I can't believe Jim did all this for me, Trixie thought as she walked along, a light snow beginning to fall.  He loves me so much and I know this is his way to show how sorry he is that we can't be together. I can't believe I thought about breaking up with him.

Trixie reached the stable and slipped inside, shaking the snow from her curls. She moved along, her eyes searching for the blue envelope.  She glanced at the horses as she passed each stall. Every horse glanced at her, but went back to eating or sleeping.

Attached to the outside of Jupiter's stall was another blue envelope. As she pulled it off the door, Jupiter stuck his head through the opening. She reached her free hand up, running her fingers up and down his snout.

"How are you doing, Jupe?" Trixie asked.

The stallion pressed his nose closer to her hand that was holding the envelope. He got hold of the corner and Trixie tugged it away from him.

"All right," Trixie said with a chuckle. "I'll see where this next clue leads me."

She continued her pattern and pulled a card out once again.

"The clubhouse," Trixie said to herself. "I just hope he didn't put it on the roof."

Trixie's hand was nudged again and she smiled at the stallion.

"I know you want to go out for a ride, but we both know I'm not the right person," Trixie said, leaning forward and pressing a kiss on Jupiter's snout. "But I promise to come back with a special Christmas treat for you later, okay?"

Jupiter leaned his head back and nodded. Trixie smiled and made her way to the door.

With it secure, Trixie turned to head down the driveway to their clubhouse. The snowflakes were big and fluffy, adding another layer to the winter landscape all around her.

As she continued along she thought about all the treks she made down this path, including the Thanksgiving weekend when she had given the ring to Mr. Lytell to hold Brian's jalopy. She had given a performance, pretending to have a crush on Honey's cousin, Ben Riker.

After that weekend, she had gotten a feeling Jim felt more for her that just friendship when he'd pushed her into a snow bank and claimed her eyelashes looked good with snow on them. That moment had made her heart flutter even more.

She trudged down the path to the gatehouse spotting prints leading to and from the building hidden in the trees. As she neared the wooden structure, she pulled out her keys once again. Once within in the walls, she shook her head again to release the snow that had accumulated. Some of it had melted and she wished she had put on a hat before leaving the farm.

Looking about, she saw the blue envelope propped up in the center of the table. She picked it up as she sank down on the bench. In an instant it was open and she read the words.

"I have to go to Ten Acres?" Trixie asked herself. "But there's nothing there."

She knew she really had no choice if she wanted to find the gift.

Trixie got to her feet and moved to the area that stored a lot of items, including their sports equipment, from gloves and bats to ice skates and hockey sticks. She hoped she could find a hat to cover her curls. She pulled a blue one on her head so her curls framed her face.

Trixie left the Bob-White clubhouse, securing the door. As she moved into the woods toward her destination, she realized the temperature was dropping. The snowflakes had decreased in size, but picked up in intensity. She knew that a winter storm was coming and she had to move quickly.

She shielded her eyes so she wouldn’t get snow in them, as she reached the property. Trixie wanted to find the envelope and then return to the farm until the storm passed. She took note that the sky was darkening and if she didn’t solve the mystery soon, she would probably have to finish her gift hunt the next day.

Moving further along, Trixie saw what looked like a portable shelter with a red roof. She knew she was nearing the area where Ten Acres had stood since there were no trees. The shelter had walls and appeared to be tied down to keep it from blowing away.

It seemed so out of place, but Trixie was certain this was for her. She reached the structure and found the opening at one corner. She pulled the canvas back and stepped inside. A single light shined down on the object inside. In front of her was an easel with a large thin package wrapped in shiny red paper with a white bow. Just below was another blue envelope.

Music began playing one of her favorite Christmas Carols, "Silent Night."

Silent Night, Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Trixie's eyes scanned the tent and saw there were small speakers at each corner. She moved closer to the easel and carefully removed the envelope. She got it open.

Her eyes zeroed in on the printed words.

She was confused because it didn't give any clue as to what was hidden behind the packaging.

Trixie reached for the corner and tore the paper away. She was vaguely aware that the music had switched to Hark, the Herald Angels.

When the paper fell to the ground, the confused look remained. She realized she was staring at an architect's rendering of a house. Trixie leaned in close to look at the details as it seemed really familiar, but she couldn't place it.

The building was two stories and had a covered porch that wrapped around all sides. There was a 2.5 car garage that was attached to the house by the porch.

It was a beautiful house. Taking a step back, Trixie gasped when she realized what she was looking at.

"It's Ten Acres," Trixie said, the image connecting in her mind. "But why is this my gift?"

"Because it's my promise to you," a voice said behind her.

Trixie spun around, her eyes going wide.

"Jim!" Trixie exclaimed as she rushed toward him. She jumped into his arms and gave him the tightest hug she could manage.

"I've missed you," Jim said into her ear as he pulled her close.

They stood that way for a few minutes, soaking in just being together after months of separation.

Jim slowly lowered Trixie to the ground as she loosened her hands from around his neck. Trixie kept her hands on his arms as she looked into the face that she loved. Their lips found one another’s. When they needed to breathe, they leaned back from each other.

"I thought you were in California," Trixie said as her eyes took in each feature from his lopsided grin, to his expressive green eyes, to his red hair that had a single lock curling on his forehead.

"I was, but I needed to come home," Jim said. "To you."

"You made me think you were staying in California," Trixie said, anger filling her as she slid her arms off Jim's arms, knowing the pain he put her through.

Jim grabbed her hands and held them tight. Jim said, "Please let me explain."

Trixie tilted her head as she looked at him, encouraging him to give her a good reason for the lie.

Jim let go of one of her hands and moved it up so he could cup her face.

"I know I said I was in California and I wouldn't be home for Christmas, but I only said that so I could set this up for you."

"I don't understand what this is," Trixie said, turning to face the easel. She looked back at Jim. "You said this was a promise to me."

"It is," Jim said and together they moved over to the easel.  He stood behind her with his arms around her waist. "Now, you realized this is Ten Acres, right?"

"It took me a moment, but it's beautiful," Trixie said. "But I still don't understand."

"This is what Ten Acres will look like when it's built."

"You're rebuilding it?"

"I need someplace to live when I graduate," Jim answered.

Trixie stared at the rendering, not sure she heard Jim correctly.

"You're...you're going to live at Ten Acres?" Trixie asked, hoping he didn't hear him wrong.

"Yes."

"And it's being built here in Sleepyside?"

"Yes."

"Right where we're standing?"

"Yes," Jim said with a chuckle.

Trixie turned in Jim's arms and held him tight. "Oh, Jim. That's wonderful."

"This is the only place that feels like home."

Trixie's excitement quickly switched to confusion again. "But, how does this become my gift? How is this a promise to me?"

Jim reached up and brushed the curls away from her face. "Trixie, this last semester was so hard being away from you. All day long I was thinking about you, wishing we were together. I have to admit my grades suffered because I was missing you so much. I think the longing was so bad because we really didn't get any 'us' time this summer."

"I was feeling the same way," Trixie said. :And with both of our class schedules, working and being on opposite sides of the country, it really felt like everything in the world was working against us."

"This has been hard and I always felt like the time we did get to talk, it was rushed."

Trixie nodded.

"I don't want that, Trixie. I want our time together. The moment for me to come home is approaching. When I graduate in May with my master's degree, I'm coming to Sleepyside. I'm coming home to you."

"Jim?"

"We need to see how our relationship will grow when we're in the same time zone." Jim took one of her hands in each of his. "I'm making contacts in White Plains and New York City looking for teaching positions."

"Jim?"

"Helping children is my dream and being a teacher is the best way to do that," Jim explained.

"Are you sure?" Trixie asked. "You've always wanted to open your boys' school."

"This is just a step in that direction."

"But what does all this mean to me?" Trixie asked, looking at the house.

"My gift is my promise that I am returning here so that we can grow as a couple, spend time together and allow our love to blossom," Jim said. "This home is a promise of a future together."

Trixie's eyes went wide as the breath left her. She was stunned that Jim was having this home built for them, for their future. She couldn't believe he was proposing. She wasn't sure she could answer yes if he got down on one knee.

"Trix, I can see the surprise in your eyes about this, but I'm not proposing," Jim explained and Trixie let out a breath. "This is a promise. I see a future with you, but we need time with one another. We need to go on dates, we need to learn each other's likes and dislikes. We haven't had that opportunity."

"So, this promise is for the future?"

Jim nodded as his hand cupped her cheek once again, his thumb gliding lightly over her flushed cheek. "I love you, Trixie, and one day I would love for you to agree to be my wife. But we're not ready yet. We need to solidify our relationship before we take that step."

"So, you're really coming home?"

"Is that okay with you?" Jim asked.

Trixie leaned up and kissed him. As she stepped back with a smile, she asked, "What do you think?"

Jim smiled and kissed her in return.

Breaking apart again, Jim said, "I love you so much, Trixie. I've hated being in California."

"Me too," Trixie said. "But our time is coming. In a few months, we will be together."

"I hope it's the start of a beautiful future for us."

"I'm sure it will be," Trixie said with a big grin. "Now, come on. Show me what amazing amenities this house is going to have."

They turned to the picture and Jim started explaining the features their home would have. He stood behind her, his arms around her waist as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Trixie leaned back against him, soaking in the love that she felt in his embrace. She listed and felt her heart swell at what Jim was building for them. She knew when the time came, she would gladly agree to Jim's marriage proposal. They were soulmates and their future was going to be amazing.

This had turned out to be the best Christmas ever.

Author’s Notes

December 2015

Author's Notes: Janice, I was honored to be the writer of your gift fic this year. You said you preferred the Bob-Whites as young adults and I hope that I have captured them correctly for you. I hope you enjoyed this story. You had some neat traditions that I loved incorporating into this story.

I hope you liked it. I wish you a happy holiday season, {{{{{hugs}}}}}

Robin

Disclaimer: This is an unauthorized fan fiction site and is not affiliated with Random House in any way. No profit is being made from these pages.

Authors’s Notes 2:  I want to thank KellyKath for editing this story and her comments that helped make it so much better. I also want to thank Mary N. for creating the page for this story.

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