Trixie Belden made her way into the house hearing the holiday music blasting from the living room. Glancing to her right, she saw the Christmas tree was all aglow. Eight stockings hung on the fireplace mantle.

She kicked off her black boots, setting them on the tray alongside the opposite wall. She took her jacket off and hung it in the hall closet.

The curly haired young woman climbed the staircase feeling exhaustion weighing down on her body. She'd had three final exams that day which was mentally draining. She had spent so much time studying hoping she would be able to pass, but doubted her ability to do so.

Making her way into her light blue painted bedroom, Trixie dropped her bag on her desk before collapsing face first onto the mattress. She turned her head slightly so she could breathe. She inhaled deeply and then slowly allowed the air to slide between her lips, attempting to relax her body. The steps were repeated multiple times.

Suddenly there was a pair of strong hands massaging her shoulders. The hands went slowly down her spine and then back up.

“Jim?” she asked, feeling the tension beginning to ease.

“Don’t say anything,” James Winthrop Frayne the Second said softly. “Just focus on breathing.”

Trixie grabbed her pillow with her right hand, pulling it close. She lifted her head before settling it on the soft item. Her eyes remained closed as Jim continued caressing her skin.

Her body relaxed and she felt herself falling toward dreamland.

The ringing of her phone made her groan.

“I’ve got it,” Jim said, climbing off the bed to grab the phone from her bag.

Trixie rolled to her left side as Jim said, “Hello?” He paused. “It’s Jim. Trixie is asleep.”

She smiled at her fiancé as she opened her eyes.

“Oh, okay. I understand. It’s a shame, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.” He paused again. “Of course I’ll let her know. We’ll be waiting for your call. Talk to you later.”

As Jim set the phone down, Trixie asked, “Who was that?”

“Penelope,” Jim said as he moved back to the bed, settling beside Trixie. “She said they're snowed in and can’t get a plane out to pick us up.”

“That’s terrible,” Trixie said. “If it’s that bad, some of the festivities probably have to be cancelled.”

“Safety has to come first,” Jim said.

“You’re right,” Trixie said, flopping onto her back.

Jim reached up and moved the curls back from her forehead. “How were your exams?”

“Tiring,” Trixie admitted.

“How do you think you did?”

“Okay, I guess. It was just overwhelming having three in one day.”

“I’m sure you did fine.”

“Maybe on these, but I’m sure I’m going to fail my math one tomorrow.”

“You'll do fine,” Jim said. “Your grades have improved all semester and when you've struggled, you’ve gotten help.”

“I just don’t know.”

“I do,” Jim said as he stretched out on his side next to her. “You doubt your ability because you’re tired. You’ve spent so many hours studying, on top of coordinating the holiday plans that will take place thousands of miles away. And on top of all that, you’ve been at physical therapy three days a week.”

“It has been a lot,” Trixie agreed, rolling closer to Jim. “I have so much responsibility.”

“But it’s not just yours,” Jim said, taking Trixie’s hand in his own. “We are in this together.”

“You’re right.”

“Come here,” Jim said, rolling onto his back.

Trixie scooted closer to Jim; her head nestled against his left shoulder. His left arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her close. Trixie set her left hand on Jim’s chest. He put his right hand on top of hers, his fingers sliding gently over hers.

Neither of them said anything more as they cuddled together. Trixie listened to the steady rhythm of Jim’s heartbeat. She felt safe and relaxed in his arms, confident that he would always be there to protect her.

The next day, Trixie left her math final at the end of the allotted time. She had paced herself, working through each equation methodically, wanting to show all her work as required.

She let out a breath of relief that she was done with her exams for now. She could really focus on her therapy and getting instructions to continue on her own for when she went home for the holidays. The mobility in her left hand was increasing and in no time at all she would have full use of it again.

“Hey, there.”

Trixie turned her head quickly to see Jim standing just outside the doorway wearing the green winter jacket that matched his eyes. She hurried toward him with a smile on her face. She was pulled to his chest, receiving a hug.

“What are you doing here?” Trixie asked, savoring the love coming from her fiancé.

“I thought maybe you’d join me for lunch?” Jim proposed. “And I know you have some shopping you needed to finish and was going to offer my services.”

“I would love to go to lunch with you.”

“Then we can go if you’re ready.”

“I am.”

Trixie slid her right hand into Jim’s left and they left the building. A light snow was falling as they made their way along the paths. They reached the parking lot and climbed into Jim’s SUV.

“Anywhere in particular you want to go?” Jim asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“I’m fine going anywhere.”

“How about the food court at the mall?” Jim suggested. “Or we could stop someplace sooner if you’re hungry.”

“I can wait until the mall,” Trixie said. “The breakfast you made me eat this morning was very filling.”

“You needed it, so you could focus on the test, not being hungry,” Jim said with a grin.

Trixie reached over with her left hand and placed it on Jim’s. She focused with all her might to squeeze his hand. “I really appreciate it.”

Jim’s smile grew bigger, returning the gesture.

The ride to the mall was made in comfortable silence as Christmas music filled the vehicle. They got out and went inside, leaving the biting wind and snow behind.

They purchased some pizza and took a seat in the food court.

“What shopping do you still need to do?” Jim asked and took a bite of his pepperoni pizza.

“I have to get something for Moms and Dad,” Trixie said. “I had planned to do their shopping at home, but due to the weather, I need to have something in case we spend Christmas in Sleepyside.”

“Do you know what you want to get?” Jim asked.

“I was hoping inspiration would strike.”

“They will love whatever you give them because you'll put a lot of thought into it.”

“I want it to be perfect.”

“It will be,” Jim said. “As we wander around, you'll see something that will be just right for them.”

Trixie smiled at Jim’s positive thinking.

Before anything else could be said, there was a group of voices that echoed through the jam-packed food court, singing Christmas carols. Trixie turned her head to see a group of high students wearing red sweaters with green scarves standing at one end. Trixie moved around the table to sit beside Jim so she could see.

They began with “Jingle Bells,” and then went through all the classic songs that she knew by heart. She couldn’t help but to mouth along as they sang. There was excitement on all of their faces as they performed. She could tell they had spent a lot of time practicing.

Once they finished, everyone in the food court applauded. The grins on their faces grew at the response.

“They were amazing,” Trixie said.

“They were,” Jim agreed. “I’ve heard groups before, but none that sounded like them.”

“They should be so proud of their talent,” Trixie said. “I wish I could sing like that.”

“You do all right.”

“I’m so good that cats and dogs run in the opposite direction,” Trixie pointed out.

Jim chuckled. “Maybe singing isn’t your forte, but you are perfect in my eyes.”

Trixie smiled at Jim, touched by his words. “I love you so much.”

“I love you.” Jim leaned in and gave her a kiss, his hand cupping her chin.

Breaking apart, Trixie said, “We should probably get moving.”

“Lead the way.”

They moved from the food court and began to trek through the mall hand in hand. Trixie glanced in each store window for Helen and Peter Belden’s perfect gifts, but she didn’t find anything that seemed right. She was feeling  more dejected with each step she took. This was harder than she anticipated.

After a couple hours and a few small purchases, Trixie felt at a loss. She couldn’t find something for them. She couldn’t understand why this task was so challenging for her.

“Maybe the gift for them isn’t here,” Jim said as they sat down on one of the benches.

“I don’t know why this is so difficult.”

“Because you want it to be perfect because you love them.”

Trixie knew Jim was right.

“Maybe you just feel rushed and you can’t see what it is.”

Trixie sighed. “I guess I need to think about this a little more.”

“You have time,” Jim said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “Christmas is a week away. You will find their gifts. I’m sure of it.”

Trixie smiled.

The next day, Trixie was seated in the library in a chair pulled close to the window. She had a notebook open on her blanket covered lap. She was reviewing the plans for the holiday festivities at home. The schedule had been emailed to her the previous day and she needed to approve it.

She felt sadness wash over her because she wasn't on her way home. When she  first found out that she was a princess, she fought the news. She felt she wasn't graceful or beautiful and was happy with the life she had been living. But after meeting her birth parents, she realized that this was her destiny. She was still learning this role, but with the help of King William and Queen Penelope, she knew she would be able to face the future successfully.

Trixie enjoyed the traditional activities of her country and was looking forward to them once again. She really missed her home there. Nine months had passed since she'd set foot on that soil. Trixie was supposed to spend the previous summer there, but with her injury and having to face physical therapy, she'd remained in the states to heal.

"You seem deep in thought," came Jim's voice.

Trixie turned away from the window to look at him. "Just wishing things were different."

"What things?" Jim asked, making his way into the room. He grabbed one of the computer chairs and rolled it close to her before sitting down.

"We should be heading to the castle right now."

"Unfortunately we can't control the weather."

"I know, but it's been so long since we've been there," Trixie said looking down at her left hand.

"We can't change what happened," Jim said, reaching over and squeezing her hand. "Last summer was rough, but I thank the stars each and every day that you got through that and are on the mend."

"I don't think I would've made so much progress if you hadn't been there for me."

"I just offered encouraging words," Jim said. "Each step of the recovery was all you."

"But I really did appreciate those words." Trixie turned her hand over, so their fingers were intertwined.

Knock, knock.

The two of them turned to see Dan Mangan standing in the doorway, dressed for the outdoors. "We're ready to go, Jim."

"Go?" Trixie asked and Jim turned to face her.

"A bunch of guys are getting together to go paintballing as a way to celebrate the end of exams and the start of the holiday break."

"That sounds like fun," Trixie said.

"You could come with us," Dan offered.

"I think I'm going to pass," Trixie said. "I have some royal duties that need my attention. I've been putting them off."

"I can skip out and help," Jim said.

Trixie smiled at her fiancé's generosity. "I appreciate the offer, but go have fun. You've worked really hard this semester and can use this to relax and recharge."

"You are amazing," Jim said, leaning in and giving her a kiss.

"As are you," Trixie said.

"I'll be back later."

"I'll be here."

Jim gave her another quick kiss and then left the room with Dan.

Alone once again, Trixie focused on the notebook and the items that needed her approval. The plans for the Christmas party had been finalized, including the gifts to be purchased and the food to be served.

The next items on the agenda were the details for the New Year's ball. All the invitations had been sent with Penelope fielding the responses. The Queen had sent her the proposed menu and options for the decorations. There were also sketches of what her ball gown could like. She needed to pick which one she liked the best.

"Hey, Trix."

She turned away from the notes to see Honey Wheeler entering the room.

"Hi, Honey."

"I need to head out to grab some fabric to finish a couple of holiday gifts and wondered if you'd like to ride along."

Trixie glanced at her notebook and then back at her best friend with a smile. "I'd love to go with you."

A while later Trixie and Honey were in the fabric store with Honey searching for the perfect style and texture. Trixie roamed about looking at the vast variety that was packed into the small shop.

She was drawn to some fabric by the design. Touching it, she realized it was fleece. Her fingers ran over the softness as she took in the various designs from snowmen to reindeer, from sports to rainbows, and every color imaginable.

Looking up at the wall above the fleece, Trixie saw some sample projects. There was a blanket that had the ends tied and a pillow that matched. To her it looked beautiful.

"Did you find something?" Honey asked, coming up behind her.

"That's really creative," Trixie said, pointing to the displayed items.

"Those are really easy to make," Honey said. "There is no sewing involved. Once the fleece is stretched out and the pieces match, you just cut slits into it all the way around for both pieces. Once done, you take the two different strips and knot them together."

Trixie looked at Honey. That really did sound easy, but she wasn't sure she could do that.

"This would be easy for you," Honey said addressing Trixie's thoughts, even though she had not spoken. "And it would be great therapy for your hand."

"It's just knots?" Trixie asked uncertainly, looking at the blanket.

"Yes," Honey said. "And I'll help you, if you want."

"I think I want to try," Trixie said. "I know I'm not really crafty, but I think I can do this."

"Then let's find you some fleece to work with," Honey said. "It's probably easier to pick a print and then we can find a solid to go with it."

"All right," Trixie said, her gaze shifting to the long line of prints.  Her eyes were immediately drawn to a light blue fleece with white snowflakes of varying sizes. She ran her hand along the edge of the fleece.

"That's pretty," Honey commented.

"But what color would go with it?" Trixie wondered. "I think light blue or white would wash it out."

"The samples show the solid as a color that was used sparingly," Honey said, glancing down at the colors lining the wall. She moved over and pulled a bolt off the wall.

As Honey returned with the blue fabric, Trixie realized this was the right match.

Honey set the bolt on top of the rack. She lifted the print and held it close. Honey looked back at her. "Well?"

"I like it," Trixie said. "What about you?"

"It's perfectly perfect," Honey said. "How much do you need?"

"Enough to cover a queen sized bed."

"Your queen sized bed or a normal queen sized bed?" Honey asked with a twinkle in her eye.

"All queen sized beds are the same, no matter who sleeps in them," Trixie said.

"Let me pull up the measurements and we can get this cut."

"Thanks for the help with this, Honey."

"That's what sisters do," she said with a smile.

Trixie looked back at her choices and knew she had found the perfect gift. She could picture the joy on Helen and Peter's faces when they saw the blanket and learned she had made it herself. That was better than any gift she could buy.

When evening arrived, Trixie needed to take a break from her project. She had spent an hour cutting the edges of the fleece to make the fringe. Then she began tying the pieces which made her left hand hurt from the repetitive motion. One side had been tied and she knew the rest could be worked on in stages. It was simple to do and she was excited to see it completed.

She left her room and made her way downstairs to the living room, where she heard voices arguing.

Trixie looked in and saw Dan and Mart Belden standing in front of the video collection, each holding a choice in their hands.

"This is a better holiday movie than yours," Mart said.

"No, it's not," Dan said. "You're just trying to get your way again."

"If you two can't stop arguing, both of those movies will come off as choices," Brian Belden said.

"And what suggestion do you have, big brother?" Mart asked, turning to look at the eldest member of the clan.

"Well, because you are acting like children, I would say you both should go to your rooms, but since this is the holiday season and we haven't had time together like this since Trixie learned of her royal family, maybe she should be allowed to choose."

"What?" Mart asked.

"I think that's a great idea," Diana Lynch said.

"So do I," Honey said. "Everything has been so hectic that last couple years with her being excused from classes a week early to go home due to the royal duties."

"I don't need to pick a movie," Trixie said, moving into the room and over to Jim. She sank down on the love seat cushion, curling into his side. "All I ask is that we don't watch that Christmas Shoes movie. It's just so sad and I don't want to feel that way. It's a happy season."

"I agree with Trixie," Jim said. "We need something fun and light hearted."

"I think I know something that everyone will agree on," said Jen Glenn, their other roommate.

"What is it?" Mart asked.

"I'll go get it while you get snacks ready," Jen said heading upstairs.

"Is anyone else worried?" Dan asked. "I mean, we've only known her since September. We could be getting ourselves into deep water."

"Stop worrying," Honey said, swatting Dan's arm as she stood up. "Jen is a trustworthy friend. She won't do anything to hurt us."

"I'll hold judgement for now," Dan said with grin.

"Come on," Honey said. "We need snacks for our movie night."

"I'm coming along to make sure we have something I'll eat," Mart said and followed Honey out of the room.

He ignored Dan, who whispered loudly to Brian, "What, exactly, wouldn't he eat?"

Jim wrapped his arms around Trixie's shoulder pulling her close.

"How was paintballing?" Trixie asked.

"It was fun," Jim admitted. "I'm glad I went along. We had a great time and I would to do it again, although the paint balls do sting a bit when you're hit."

"Are you hurt?" Trixie asked, pushing herself up to look him over carefully. She didn't see any marks on his visible skin.

"Just a couple of welts on my arm," Jim said, glancing over at Brian and Dan. "Some people got a little competitive."

Trixie followed her fiancé's gaze. "It was supposed to be relaxing."

"It's part of the fun to tag the other person," Dan said quickly. "The balls sting when you get hit and may bruise a little, but it's all part of the experience."

"I'm fine," Jim said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her close once again. "There's nothing to worry about."

"All right," Trixie said, but was certain the next time they went, she could be going along.

"How much did you get accomplished today?" Jim asked.

"Not much," Trixie admitted. "And I know Penelope and William will be disappointed in me. I know the menu needs to be finalized as well as the decorations, but it's hard to do when I'm here."

"Let's pull it out later and we'll look it over together. I'm certain the options are all tasteful. Your parents wouldn't offer anything they didn't like."

"I know," Trixie said. "But I want to see the choices before I agree to them. And the same goes for the decorations. The ball is important."

"Everything will be fine," Brian said as Honey and Mart returned to the room carrying trays with drinks and snacks. "We all know you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, but its also okay to ask for help. I wouldn't be surprised if Queen Penelope had narrowed everything down so you would just have to approve it and not worry about the fine details because of everything else that's been going on."

"You're probably right," Trixie said after a few moments. "These last six months have been pretty hectic. I should trust that everything will be perfect."

"That's my girl," Jim said and kissed the side of her head.

Trixie smiled.

"Okay," Jen said, hurrying into the room. "I've got the movie that all of us will enjoy."

"I doubt it," Mart grumbled sinking onto the couch beside Di.

"Have a little faith," Di said giving him a shove.

"Fine," Mart said.

"Everyone get settled while I get this set up," Jim said.

Trixie leaned toward the coffee table and picked up a mug of hot chocolate. She handed it to Jim before reaching for one for herself. She curled back into his side, making room for Dan to sit on the love seat on her other side.

"Are we ready?" Jen asked, stepping back from the entertainment center, remote in hand.

"Go ahead," Brian said, his arm draped around Honey's shoulder.

Jen settled in one of the recliners and pressed 'play."

Within moments they watched the opening credits of "A Muppet Christmas Carol."

"This is perfect," Trixie said.

"Any protests?" Jen asked.

"I think you picked the one movie we can all agree on," Jim said. "You can't go wrong with The Muppets."

"Exactly," Jen said.

They all settled back in silence to enjoy the holiday show and one another's company.

Trixie glanced around at the others as the movie played. She felt so connected to these people and wished she could spend more time with them like this. While these moments would be few and far between, they were going to be cherished. She had the best friends in the world and knew they would always be there, no matter what.

The next day Jim met Trixie in the library and they began reviewing the plans for the ball. They looked over the menu and made a few suggestions for the food that would be served. From there they tackled the decorations, looking at photos of the samples that had been given to Penelope.

They decided that silver and blue would be better colors than red and green. It seemed most people would be ready for a change once Christmas had passed.

The last major decision was her gown. Each one was beautiful, but she couldn't choose. All of them were floor length and she still worried about falling and making a fool of herself.

Trixie knew a full ball gown was traditional, but she just couldn't pick one. None of them really seemed to be her. She also knew she needed to remember she was the princess and future queen, and would be required to dress a certain way.

"I can't pick one," Trixie said, pushing all the samples away.

"None of them pique your interest?" Jim asked, looking at the half dozen pictures, one at a time.

"You know me, Jim. I've never been a fancy dress person. But with this life, that's going to be a requirement. I understand that if I had grown up in that environment it would probably be easier, but that's not what happened."

"I wish I could help you decide," Jim said. "I think you'll look beautiful in any of the dresses."

Trixie groaned as she closed her eyes. "Maybe I should put them all face down and just pick one blindly."

"You'd really do that?" Jim questioned, surprised.

"What other choice do I have?" Trixie asked. "Penelope needs the decision today so the dress is ready for a fitting when we arrive."

"You know what? Let me make the decision."

"What?" Trixie's eyes flew open.

"I can see this is stressing you out more than any of the other plans and I want to take some of that away."

Trixie stared at her fiancé. She was touched at his offer, but she knew he really had no clue about women's fashion.

"Jim."

"Please, Trixie," Jim said. "Trust me on this."

She was quiet for a moment. "All right."

Jim smiled as he leaned in and gave her a kiss. "I love you so much. You will be the shining star at the ball."

"I love you too," Trixie said, knowing Jim would not do anything to hurt her.

Trixie and Jim finally made it to the castle three days later and were immediately drawn into the holiday hoopla with limited time to worry about the ball. William and Penelope had taken their instructions and delegated the tasks to make sure everything was completed on time.

They arrived the day of the holiday theater production with just enough time to change clothes before being whisked away with Penelope and William. The next evening had them joining in on caroling, and the following night was the Christmas Eve service. Next came Christmas with the children from the orphanage.

It was a rush and then the four of them were off to their winter retreat to allow the staff time to transform the palace for the New Year's Eve ball.

Trixie enjoyed the time with Penelope and William since they had not seen one another in a few months. They caught up on all the happenings in their lives, especially with the kingdom. Trixie and Jim absorbed all the information they were given should they be questioned about any issues that arose during their absence.

During the quieter time when Penelope and William went out, Trixie and Jim  curled up together on the couch in front of a roaring fire. Their flight, followed by several activity filled days, had left them exhausted and only wanting to rest so they would have enough energy for the ball.

The previous two years they had hit the slopes, but Trixie knew that wasn't an option until her hand was stronger. Her mobility was getting better. However, it was still weak and she had to be careful.

Trixie felt Jim shift slightly behind her, pulling her closer to his chest. She placed her right hand on top of his, feeling safe and secure in his embrace.

"If you want to go skiing, I'm sure William would go with you," Trixie said softly.

"I'm too tired to go skiing," Jim said. "This was a tough and busy semester and all I want to do with this month-long break is relax, with you by my side."

"Are you sure?" Trixie asked, turning on the couch so they were facing one another.

Jim reached up and cupped her face in his hand. "I'm absolutely sure." His thumb began moving gently over her soft skin. "Our schedules do not allow much time for us to be together. Our classes are stretched out through the hours of the day, and we also have to contend with your physical therapy."

"And our weekends are booked with studying and completing assignments."

"Exactly." Jim shifted so he was on his back.

Trixie moved closer so her head rested on his chest. She closed her eyes as she felt Jim toying with the curls at the back of her neck. This was the most stress free she felt since her high school graduation and knew a lot of that was because Jim was there. She was certain Jim's plan was perfect for both of them.

New Year's Eve morning had the four of them returning to the castle. Trixie began fretting that morning as she had not seen or tried on her gown for that evening. She tried to rush their departure knowing the seamstress would need to make alterations to whatever dress was waiting for her, but she couldn't get the others moving.

They finally walked through the doors late in the afternoon to see everything had been set up just as they wanted. Trixie and Jim looked at each detail, pleased at the outcome.

The two of them went to their rooms to prepare for the festivities, after giving the staff their stamp of approval.

Trixie showered and settled in a chair to have her hair and make up done. She was still uncomfortable with all this pampering, but had stopped complaining about it.

As her hair was brushed, getting all the knots out, she looked at the engagement ring Jim had given her on her graduation day. At that moment, it hung from a chain. She was touched that Jim was still old fashioned and wanted to propose, even though they had been officially engaged for almost two years prior to that moment.

She hated that she couldn't wear the ring where it belonged because of her injury. She still had it around her neck, so that it was close to her heart. She knew that in time it would rest permanently on her finger and she could wait.

"What do you think, Your Majesty?" the hairdresser asked.

Trixie looked at her reflection, stunned. Her curls had been pulled back slightly from the sides of her face, held in place by two silver barrettes decorated with blue jewels. Her make up was fresh and light, giving her a natural look.

Her gaze shifted to look at the hairdresser and make up artist. She smiled at both of them. "Thank you so much. You've made me look beautiful."

"You already were beautiful, Your Majesty," the hairdresser said. "We just accentuated your features."

"Thank you," Trixie repeated.

"You are welcome."

Knock, knock.

"Come in," Trixie said.

The door was opened and Muriel, the seamstress, came in carrying a garment bag.

"Hello, Your Majesty," Muriel said, bowing.

"Hello, Muriel," Trixie said. "Thank you so much for creating my gown for the ball. I do apologize that we haven't had a fitting."

"It is all right, Your Majesty," Muriel said, hanging the garment bag on the back of the bedroom door. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"You're probably right," Trixie said. "I'm anxious to see what it looks like."

"You will be pleased," Muriel said, tugging the zipper down.

Trixie gasped as soon as she saw the color. The dress was a deep blue. There was matching blue lace across the bodice/ The sleeves were short. The skirt wasn't as full as she expected, but there was the same lace along the bottom as on the bodice.

"Your Majesty?" Muriel asked worriedly.

"It's beautiful," Trixie said. "It truly is."

"I'm glad you like it," Muriel said. "We should probably get you dressed so you're the belle of the ball."

Trixie nodded as she set her chain holding her engagement ring on the dressing table. She moved toward the dress, anxious to see how it looked. It didn't take long for her to slide into the dress. She stood patiently as Muriel took the daunting task of securing the buttons on the back.

Once done, Trixie slowly made her way toward the tri-fold floor length mirror. She was stunned by her reflection. The color really suited her. It was perfect and she knew she needed to thank her fiancé'.

"You look beautiful, Your Majesty," Muriel said.

The other two ladies agreed.

Before anything else could be said, there was another knock on the door.

"Come in," Trixie said as she turned to the right and left to get the full impact of the dress.

The door opened and she saw King William entering, holding a brown box, dressed handsomely in his black tux with an emerald green bow tie..

"You look breathtaking," William said.

"Thank you, Trixie said, feeling the color on her cheeks.

William looked at the ladies. "May I have a moment with my daughter?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," Muriel said and the three women left the room.

"You are going to outshine everyone at the ball."

"Thank you."

William moved to the dressing table, settling the box down. Trixie slowly followed. She stopped when William turned to face her.

"We knew the color of your dress and had some of the family jewels brought out for you to wear to the ball."

William lifted the lid, revealing a silver tiara with deep blue diamonds set on the metal. There was a silver chain with a matching blue heart diamond pendant to go along with earrings, which had two diamonds above another blue heart diamond.

"These are beautiful," Trixie said.

"Not as beautiful as my daughter," William said, lifting the necklace from the box.

Trixie turned and lifted the hair from the back of her neck so her father could secure the clasp. She felt the cool jewel against her skin.

William stepped back and she turned to face him. He said, "Perfect."

Trixie smiled. "Thank you."

"I'm going to have the ladies help you with your crown as I don't want to mess up your hair."

"I appreciate it."

William reached over and squeezed her hand. "Anything for you, my dear."

He turned and left the room. The ladies came in and helped her add those  finishing touches. Once done, they left the room a final time.

Trixie took in her reflection again. She knew her ensemble was all the work of her fiancé'. He had asked her to trust him, and in doing so, he made sure she looked amazing.

Knock, knock.

"Come in," Trixie said.

The door opened and she turned to face the very man she was thinking about, looking perfect in his black tuxedo with a blue bow tie that matched her dress.

"You look very handsome," Trixie said as he approached.

"You are breathtaking," Jim said as he took her hands in his own. "What do you think?"

"I'm speechless," Trixie said. "From the moment I saw the color, I knew it would be just right for the ball."

"I did have some help," Jim said with a grin.

"You deserve all the credit." Trixie squeezed his hands. "You knew I was stressing about this and when you took the decision from me, I knew no matter what I would love it."

"You are everything I ever hoped for and I'm so happy you're mine."

"I feel the same way, Jim."

They leaned in sharing a kiss.

Breaking apart, their eyes locked. Jim asked, "Are you really okay about your dress?"

"It's perfect, but I don't remember seeing it among the designs."

"All the sketches were nice, but there wasn't one that seemed right for you," Jim answered. "I was looking them over and Honey saw them."

Trixie smiled as she knew what was coming.

"She said they were beautiful, but agreed none of them were perfect for tonight. She saw aspects in the different dresses and pulled them together. I thought it looked good on paper, but seeing it on you; I don't think there will be another woman as beautiful as you."

"Oh, Jim." Trixie blushed.

"I love you." Jim leaned in and kissed her again.

"I love you too."

"Are you ready to celebrate the start of a new year?"

"With you, absolutely."

Jim offered Trixie his arm and they left the room together. They slowly went down the stairs being careful so neither one of them fell. As they reached the ballroom doors, the music stopped.

"Presenting Princess Beatrix and her fiancé, James Winthrop Frayne the Second."

The doors opened and they proceeded toward the far end of the ballroom where William and Penelope were waiting. They could see the crowd bowing and curtsying as they walked along. Trixie thought her mother looked beautiful in an emerald green gown with light green lace around the short sleeves and neckline.

When they reached the King and Queen, they turned to face the attendees.

"Thank you all for coming," William said. "We come together this evening as one year comes to an end and another one dawns. We have all faced good times and bad."

Trixie caught the quick glance William shot her way and felt Jim squeeze her hand.

"I am certain this coming year will be brighter, with more happiness." He paused. "Let the music begin."

The orchestra began playing and couples moved to the beat around the marble floor.

Penelope moved around William to their side and said, "Go enjoy yourselves."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Jim said with a grin. He took hold of Trixie's hand and pulled her out onto the dance floor.

Trixie and Jim faced one another. They clasped one set of hands. Jim's left hand went to her waist while her right rested on Jim's arm. They moved to the beat as one, their eyes never drifting from the other.

It seemed as if they were the only ones there as their bodies moved instinctively, making the transition when the tempo switched to slow and the back to upbeat.

After a while, Jim released their interlocked hands and led Trixie over to the refreshment table. They each picked up a glass before moving toward the wall to take a breather. Jim kept his arm around Trixie's waist as they watched everyone having a good time.

"I think it's a success," Trixie said, her gaze roaming about the room searching for any problems.

"I knew you would make this a perfect evening," Jim said.

Trixie turned to smile at her fiancé. "We did this, Jim. Not just me."

Jim set his glass on a nearby table. With his hand free, it cupped her face "And I will always be here to help you. We are in this together."

"I love you so much."

"I love you, too," Jim said. "And I think it's time we put something back where it belongs."

"What are you talking about?" Trixie asked, looking confused.

She watched carefully as Jim reached into his tuxedo jacket. His hand slowly slid out pulling a chain. A moment later she saw her engagement ring, which she recalled placing on the dressing table.

Jim's other hand moved to the chain, opening the clasp. He slid the ring off the chair before putting the chain back into his pocket.

Jim looked her in the eye. "You've made amazing strides this year in getting back to the Trixie we all know and love. Sure, there were lots of struggles and you had doubts, but you are here and have mobility back in your hand. I know you wore this on a chain because at first you had the cast and because you feared you would lose it. But I think the time has come for it to be put back for all eternity."

"Will you ask me again?" Trixie asked.

Jim smiled. "Princess Beatrix, my special girl, will you agree to marry me and be my wife and queen?"

"Yes, Jim," Trixie said, the grin filling her face. "Forever and always."

Trixie lifted her left hand and watched as the beautiful ring she had only worn on her hand for a short time slid back into place. She watched Jim lift her hand and her gaze followed. He pulled it to his lips and kissed her hand.

"I love you so very much," Jim said. "You are my world."

"And you are mine," Trixie said, squeezing his hand.

Jim pulled her left hand to his chest, tugging her close. His free hand cupped her face, his thumb moving slowly over her soft skin. Their eyes never left one another.

They slowly leaned toward each other. As their lips met, their eyes closed, transporting them into their own little world.

The countdown to the New Year echoed through the ballroom. When the clock struck midnight, cheers surrounded them. Trixie leaned back and opened her eyes to see Jim's smiling face.

"Happy New Year, Jim."

"Happy New Year, Trix."

They kissed again as the music resumed. They were happy and that's all they cared about.