He glanced around the firelit room and a lump formed in his throat. Decorated festively for Christmas, it was so warm, inviting, familiar. He hadn't been prepared for the depth of his emotions when he and Michaela had finally arrived home earlier this evening after riding for several days from the indian grounds up north. Seeing his family and Dorothy congregated there together, all waiting for he and Michaela, had overwhelmed him. For months he'd had to consider the possibility he might never make it home, that he might never again be able to live as a free man. He'd thrown himself into his efforts to bring some semblance of peace to the indian tribes as a means by which to push to the back of his mind such disturbing thoughts, but they had always been there just the same, at times making his heart pound and his blood run cold.

He listened as Michaela, Dorothy and Colleen chatted quietly in the kitchen while they cleaned up the supper dishes. Brian had already gone to bed, admitting that his worry about whether his ma and pa would make it home for Christmas had exhausted him. Matthew had followed soon after. He'd offered to put Katie to bed, but Sully had wanted to hold her, feel her warmth, make up for some of what he'd missed all these months. Again he bent to tenderly kiss her forehead.

In the other wingback chair sat Cloud Dancing. Sully hadn't expected to see his brother so soon and at this special time, but he was so pleased to have him here with them. So much of the time spent riding on the long journey home, he'd contemplated and worried about what might become of his Cheyenne brother. The thought of perhaps never seeing him again, of being unable to bring his joys and problems to the wise man, daunted him as nothing else had. Cloud Dancing really *was* his brother, in every sense of the word, and to be separated from him hurt as much as being separated from his dear little Katie or perhaps even Michaela. The medicine man had been very quiet since their arrival home. Occasionally he would catch his eye and give him a reassuring nod or smile, but for the most part, he sat silently watching the leaping flames in the fireplace. Sully realised it must be difficult for him facing an uncertain future while his at last was resolved. And yet to Sully, his own future was uncertain too. Were his opportunities to help the indians like Cloud Dancing at an end? Would he now have to stand by helplessly while they were gradually eradicated from the land? He sighed. He knew he just couldn't let that happen.

A gentle hand on his shoulder shook him from his reverie and he looked up into the tired eyes of Michaela. "We've finished," she said softly. "Do you want me to put her to bed?"

He shook his head. "I wanna hold her a bit longer," he whispered. "Aint had the chance lately."

"Dorothy's leaving," she informed him softly.

He nodded and stood, resting his sleeping baby girl against his shoulder. He held out his hand to Dorothy. As she took it, he uncharacteristically drew her in close against himself and whispered emotionally, "Thank-you for everythin' you've done ... I dunno what Michaela ... ah ... we ... would o' done without ya ..."

Dorothy stepped back, her eyes glistening, and rejoined sincerely, "You an' Michaela are like family Sully ... I only did what I could ... an' that weren't much ..."

Sully shook his head. "Michaela told me Dorothy ... I'm real grateful ..." When she did not reply, obviously lost for words, he urged, "Ya are comin' back tomorra mornin' aren't ya ... for Christmas? ..."

She nodded and smiled. "I certainly am ... but actually its this mornin' ... its awful late ..."

"So why don' ya stay the night?... We could find ya a bed ...," Sully urged.

She shook her head. "You don' need ta be worryin' about me ... besides ... Cloud Dancin's gonna see me home," she replied with a shy smile. "An' I'll be back first thing in the mornin'," she promised. "I don' wanna miss seein' this little one's face when the presents are opened." Apparently oblivious to Michaela's disconsolate expression in response to this pronouncement, Dorothy wandered across to the door and began to pull on her gloves and wrap her heavy, wool shawl around her shoulders. "Now you two git a good night's sleep ... you both look like you could use it," she recommended with a smile.

Michaela nodded and gave her a wan smile in return. "Its likely to be a short sleep given the hour," she said softly, lifting her hand and gently running it down her tiny, sleeping daughter's back.

Dorothy chuckled. "There aint no time like Christmas for little ones," she returned indulgently. "For anyone really," she added softly, her eyes meeting those of Cloud Dancing as he patiently waited to escort her back to town.

The medicine man smiled and took her hand. "We must be going if you are to have any sleep before returning," he said quietly. He addressed Michaela and Sully, "I will not disturb you when I return, but I will see you in the morning."

Michaela grasped his hand. "It would be much warmer in the house ... and Brian offered to sleep down here ...," she implored. "The barn's so cold ..."

"I am used to the cold Michaela," rejoined their friend quietly. "And if soldiers were to come ..."

"They left town ... didn't they Colleen ... Dorothy?" queried Michaela worriedly, her brow furrowing nervously.

Both women quickly nodded and so she turned once more to the medicine man. "You're safe Cloud Dancing," she said softly. "We all are," she added in a low tone.

The Cheyenne squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I would still prefer to stay in the barn ... You will likely be asleep by the time I return from town ... I will see you in the morning."

Michaela nodded resignedly and the older couple made their way down the porch steps to their horses. "See ya in the mornin'," called Dorothy as they rode quietly off towards town.

The family quickly returned to the warmth of the silent, living room. Then Colleen abruptly turned to face Sully. "Oh God, its so good ta have ya home with us pa," she exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and resting her cheek against his chest. "It seems so long since all the trouble with the army started ... an' then when we began ta think you an' ma weren't gonna make it home for Christmas ...." She trailed off, closing her eyes and saying a silent prayer of thanks that her family was at last back together.

Sully lovingly hugged his daughter and, over the top of her auburn head, his eyes met Michaela's. She looked exhausted and there was something in her eyes he couldn't quite discern, something he hadn't seen before, or at least noticed. "Its good ta be home Colleen," he said quietly. "Real good ... Now why don' you go on up ta bed? The mornin' aint far off ..." She nodded gratefully, gave him another quick hug and set off up the stairs, but Sully's eyes remained fixed on his wife. "You alright?" he asked tenderly. She swallowed and nodded tiredly. He offered, "Why don' you go on up too? ... I'll turn out the lamps ..."

She took a deep breath and then suggested in a whisper, "You take Katie upstairs ... Like you said ... you haven't had too many chances to do that lately ... I'll close up and turn out the lamps and be with you in a minute ...."

Again Sully watched her carefully. She sounded so tired, even dispirited. "You sure you're alright?" he asked with concern.

She nodded. "Go on," she urged. "Put her to bed .... She's got a big day tomorrow ..."

"Ya mean today ...," he murmured wryly, still concerned about her subdued demeanour.

"Yes ... today," she returned tiredly. "Go on ... take her up." Sully bent to lightly kiss her temple and then headed for the stairs.

Revelling in doing such routine, loving things for his tiny daughter, Sully was some time putting her to bed. She'd half woken as he laid her down in her cot, and he'd gently talked to her, soothed her, as she once again drifted off to sleep. So, it was with some surprise that he discovered his and Michaela's bedroom empty after finally reassuring himself that Katie was asleep and comfortable. He stood on the threshold, surveying the room, their room, their special place. The fire was alight, though burning a little low, so he strode across and quickly stirred it up before adding another log. He straightened and turned towards the bed, then smiled when he noticed the sprig of holly on the pillow and the mistletoe fastened to the bedpost. It wasn't hard to recognise his eldest daughter's handiwork. But where was Michaela?

From the top of the stairs it was immediately obvious that the living-room below was in almost total darkness. The glow of the fire provided just enough light by which to see. He tiptoed down and then spied her. She was sitting forward in the wingback chair by the gaily festooned Christmas tree, her head in her hands, her shoulders heaving as she silently wept. He hastened towards her and dropped to his knees by her side. "Michaela?" he queried worriedly, resting his hand on her shoulder. She jumped in surprise and then swiped at the tears coursing down her cheeks. He reached up to cup her damp face. "Michaela?" he murmured again with concern.

She shook her head and attempted a smile. "Its nothing," she said, her voice husky from the crying.

"It aint nothin'," he replied tenderly, edging closer. "What's wrong?"

She shrugged her shoulders and swallowed deeply, then squeezed her eyes shut as another sob inadvertently escaped.

"Tell me Michaela," he implored. "Please ..."

She scrabbled for a handkerchief from her pocket and then, after mopping her face, muttered wretchedly, "I don't know what's wrong ... Its just that ... that ... nothing's happening the way I expected ..."

Grasping her hands in his, Sully asked in puzzlement, "Whatdya mean?"

Again she shrugged. "I've been so looking forward to you coming home ... I've been planning for it ever since we heard ... but ..." She trailed off and raised her hands and eyes in despair. "Look at us," she entreated softly. "Its Christmas morning already ... we're filthy dirty and tired ... there are no gifts for the children ... and ..."

"And?" he prompted.

She swallowed and lowered her eyes. "And ... and ... we haven't had ... we haven't had any time together ... just you and I ..."

Sully tenderly ran his thumbs across her cheekbones. "We had ta help those folks Michaela," he responded softly. "Who knows what would o' happened to 'em if we'd left 'em out there ..."

"Of course we had to help," she rejoined immediately. "I was the one to suggest it ... but ..."

"But?"

Her brow furrowed, she finally met his eyes. "But it changed everything," she said bleakly. "I was so looking forward to ..."

"No it didn'," he rejoined instantly. "I'm still home ... its still Christmas mornin' ... an' it won' take us long ta clean up ..."

"But ... but ... what about ... What about gifts for the children ... I was knitting mittens for Katie when we left ... but now I can't even find them .... They weren't finished anyway ... and ..."

"The kids aint gonna worry 'bout presents ... looks ta me like there're a couple for each of 'em under the tree anyway ... Besides ... Katie's too little ta know if she's missin' out on somethin' ... an' the older kids ... well ... I reckon they're just happy we're all back together ...," Sully soothed. When she continued to look dubious, he added, "We can make it up to 'em ... though I don' think we're really gonna need to ..."

She at last nodded resignedly. "I suppose," she conceded softly. "But ... it was going to be the best Christmas ..."

"It'll still be the best Christmas Michaela," he crooned softly. "We're back together ... you, me, all of us ..." She bit her lip and then abruptly reached out to wrap her arms tightly around his neck and shoulders. He held her close, feeling the trembling of her body beneath his hands as she wept anew. "Its alright," he soothed. "Its alright ... everythin's gonna be alright ... we just both need ta clean up now an' git some sleep." He slowly hauled himself upright and then gently lifted her into his arms.

*****************

Dorothy drew her horse to a halt on the outskirts of town and Cloud Dancing reined in alongside. "You better not come any further," she whispered. "Ya never know who might be watchin' ... you aint supposed ta be back here ..." She dropped the reins and climbed down from her mount. As Cloud Dancing did the same, she added, "But I'm real glad you are ... I weren't lookin' forward ta Christmas so much this year ... not knowin' where you were or what you were doin' ..."

"I am glad also," rejoined Cloud Dancing. "While I wished to be with my people in the north ... I most needed to be with my family ... at least for now ..."

Dorothy reddened and lowered her eyes shyly. "I was glad you found Michaela an' Sully today ... the kids were startin' ta worry ...," she suggested softly.

"They were not too far north of here ... though the young people they assisted had taken them far off course ..."

Dorothy shook her head. "Trust them ta be helpin' someone out," she said wryly. "Must've bin hard for 'em ... when they wanted ta git back here ..."

Cloud Dancing nodded. "Life has been difficult for both of them for many months ... they must talk with each other ... share what they are feeling ... I expect that was what they were hoping to do on the journey home ..."

"But didn' get a chance ...," concluded Dorothy. "They sure looked tired ... an' Michaela was too quiet ..."

"They rode through the night to reach home in time ..."

"Well ... they made it ... now maybe they can talk ... git their lives back together .."

Cloud Dancing clasped her hand and nodded. "Yes ... I hope it can be so ... for I am the cause of their troubles ..."

Dorothy squeezed his hand reassuringly and protested, "That aint so Cloud Dancin' ... Sully couldn' just sit by after he found out what was happenin' out at Palmer Creek ... Even if you hadn't bin there ... he'd've wanted ta help the others ... That's who he is ..."

The medicine man swallowed deeply. "Sully cares so deeply for his family, that sometimes his love for them ... and his need to do what is right, come into conflict ... I know he has missed them very much ... I pray that Michaela will know this ..."

Dorothy smiled. "She'll know it," she returned. "Cos she's felt just the same .."

"It is not going to be easy for them ..."

"They're both strong ... they'll make it alright ..."

Cloud Dancing raised her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly. "And we will both be there in the morning ... to share this time with them ...," he murmured.

Resting her other hand over their clasped ones, Dorothy returned with a heartfelt sigh, "I'm so glad ya decided ta come back ... I was missin' our time together ..."

"I too was missing being with you ... While I was back with my people ... there was an emptiness in my heart ..."

Again Dorothy blushed. "An' now?" she asked softly.

"Now ... it is overflowing," he replied immediately, drawing her into his arms.

********************

As he slowly ascended the stairs, carefully bearing his precious burden, Sully felt overwhelmed by such feelings for Michaela. She was nestled in against his chest, her arms so trustingly grasping his shoulders. Her crying was ebbing and he could no longer feel her trembling. Just as he'd been unprepared for the depths of his emotions as he'd entered the house this evening, so it seemed had Michaela been unprepared for this homecoming. He realised she'd endured much while he'd been in hiding. He was also aware that he'd probably been told only half of it. Now they were back together and a new trust would have to be forged. He swallowed as a lump formed in his throat. She said she understood, that she forgave him for what he'd done. Could she really bring herself to fully trust him again? If one thing was certain, it was that he would work hard to merit the faith she placed in him.

In their room, he sat her carefully on the side of the bed and said softly, "You start gittin' changed ... I'll be back in a minute ..." He waited for her to nod and then headed out the door.

When he returned a few minutes later, a steaming jug of water in his hands, he discovered Michaela still perched on the side of the bed. She had removed her boots and unbuttoned her blouse, but that was all. He poured some of the hot water into the cold already in the basin on the dresser and then beckoned to her. "Water's nice an' warm Michaela ... you clean up first ... then me ...," he invited.

She raised her weary eyes to his and gave him a wan smile. "Thank-you," she said softly. She slipped from the bed to her bare feet and padded across the room. Sully stepped back to remove his own shirt, and then watched as she slowly drew her blouse from her shoulders and dipped a clean cloth into the warm water. As she began to tiredly rub the cloth over her face and neck, he irresistibly moved towards her once more. "Let me," he murmured against her ear. "Let me do it ..." There was no verbal reply, but her hand stilled and then she instinctively leant back against his bare chest.

He gently gathered her long tresses together and then bunched them to one side, allowing him access to her neck, shoulders and throat. He dipped the cloth into the warm water once more, then rubbed a little sweet smelling soap on it, before gently running it over her exposed skin. He felt her take a deep breath, then slowly exhale and he could have sworn she moaned softly. He swallowed deeply. She'd been right. They hadn't had the opportunity to be alone. When she'd kissed him under the mistletoe at the reservation just before heading home, he'd known what she'd been anticipating. So had he! Instead, in the company of two raw travellers, they'd spent five days wandering over the Colorado landscape looking for a group of easterners who, with very few practical preparations, had decided to make the frontier their home. He shook his head wryly, then slid his fingers in under the straps of her camisole and slowly drew them down to lay slackly over her arms. Stirred by at last having her close and alone, he placed the cloth down on the dresser and began to tenderly run his hands over her soft skin, gradually becoming more intimate, more sensual. He dropped his head to her shoulder and kissed her neck tenderly.

"Oh Sully," she moaned softly, turning to face him. Her sultry eyes met his and held. "I've missed you so much," she whispered huskily.

His eyes suspiciously bright, he very slowly bent to claim her lips with his. Their mouths opened and moved languidly together in a familiar, yet exploratory fashion, and each clasped the other in a secure, affirming embrace. For long, pleasurable moments, they stood together, senses afire and bodies aroused, giving and taking of each other's love. When Sully pulled back momentarily, his pulse racing, Michaela moaned softly, then determinedly clasped his nape and drew his head down again. The kiss continued until Michaela, chilled by the winter air, shivered. Again Sully pulled back. This time, his eyes locked with hers, he quickly divested her of her skirt and under-garments and then led her across to their bed. As he assisted her up and then climbed in to lay along her length, he whispered with a seductive smile, "We should be sleepin' ... its real late ..." Michaela swallowed and then shook her head resolutely. He chuckled and gently ran his thumbs across her cheeks, then dipped his head to place a trail of kisses from her forehead to her chin. "Love you," he whispered, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin.

"Love you too," she returned, her breathing quickening. "I ... I ... need you now ... please," she added, her tone low and desirous. "We've waited a long time ..."

He nodded and bit his lip, then finally lowered himself to her in an adoring renewal of their timeless love.

****************

Dorothy stepped out of the Gazette office and shivered in the chill of the early morning winter air. She pulled her shawl more tightly around her shoulders and set out across the street for the mercantile. The town was deserted so early Christmas morning and the grey clouds hinting at snow and the freezing wind gave it a desolation that made her shudder and quicken her step. She halted at the locked door and rapped loudly, not even sure whether Loren would yet be awake. She waited a couple of minutes and when there was no sound, knocked again and then reached up to feel with her fingers along the door jamb for the spare key she knew was always there. Locating it, she unlocked the door and stepped into the dim interior. Worried about frightening her old friend, she called up the stairs, "Loren ... you awake? ... Its me ... Dorothy ..." Hearing an answering grunt and then a shuffling of footsteps, she set about to do what she'd come to do.

Loren stopped at the foot of the stairs and regarded Dorothy quizzically as she edged back and straightened after having delved into the back of a low shelf. "What in tarnation are you doin' here Dorothy?" he expostulated. "Its Christmas mornin' ... I aint even openin' the store today ..."

Dorothy turned to face him and smiled serenely. "I know that Loren," she said quietly. "An' Happy Christmas to you too ..."

The old man had the grace to redden a little, but then curiosity got the better of him. "You aint told me what you're doin' here ... what're ya lookin' for?"

Looking suitably apologetic, Dorothy attempted to explain. "You know after the tree lightin' last night I went back to Michaela's with the kids?" Loren nodded, so she continued, "Well Michaela an' Sully finally got home ... real late ..."

"I'm glad they're home safe," Loren said immediately. "But that don' explain why you're nosin' around in my shelves ..."

"You know they were supposed ta be home days ago?"

"Sure I do ... Nothin' happened did it?" he asked anxiously.

"Well ... the reason why they were so long gittin' home was they were tryin' ta help two young folk from back east ... new settlers ... They were lookin' for this couple's family ... seems they rode most o' Colodaro lookin' for 'em ..."

Loren shook his head. "Trust them two ta git involved in somethin' like that ..."

"They were *helpin'* them Loren," protested Dorothy.

"That's what I meant," rejoined the old man, affronted. "Trust them ta be out helpin' someone when their family's expectin' 'em home ..."

"You're right I guess," conceded Dorothy. "But it seems this couple didn't have a clue about where they were an' what they should be doin'... so Michaela an' Sully couldn' leave 'em out there ..."

Loren acknowledged her explanation with a nod. "Ya still aint told what you're doin' here," he inquired, his eyebrows raised.

"I'm gettin' ta that Loren ...," said Dorothy calmly. "Last night ... when me an' Michaela were talkin' in the kitchen ... well ... I got the feelin' she was real upset cos she wasn't back in time ta git the kids their Christmas presents ..." She paused and then said determinedly, "*That's* why I'm here so early ... Thought I might be able ta help her out ..."

Light dawned in Loren's eyes and then his brow creased in thought. "Last time Dr Mike was in here she was talkin' 'bout what she might get ... You're right ... she had ta leave with Sully real soon after that ... she didn't have time ta buy 'em anythin'."

"She say what she was thinkin' of gettin'?" asked Dorothy immediately.

Again Loren's brow creased in thought. "Reckon I might remember a couple o' things ... but I don' know if I've still got 'em in stock ..," he advised. "An' there were a couple o' things I got in hopin' she might like 'em ..."

"Sounds good ... We'll do the best we can," rejoined Dorothy with a smile. "But I don' know about payin' ya today?"

Loren waved away the notion. "Those kids've bin waitin' for their pa ta come home for months now ... they deserve ta have a real good Christmas," he determined, his mind already on the gift possibilities. "We'll worry about the money later ... Now let's see what we can find ..."

Dorothy suddenly smiled broadly and wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him. "You're a good man Loren Bray ... under that crusty old exterior," she exclaimed. "A real good man ..."

Loren reddened and shook her off embarrassedly. "Now don' you be goin' on now," he muttered. "Here help me with these ..."

******************

Sully woke to grey, winter light spilling into their room. It was so long since he'd slept a full night here in this bed with Michaela, it felt somewhat strange. And yet it wasn't. It was how things were meant to be, how his world was meant to be. With his hand resting just below her breast, he could feel the steady rise and fall of her chest with her heavy breathing. He revelled in the warmth of her bare skin against his and pulled the bed-covers up a little against the chill in the early morning air. A squeak in the floorboards on the landing indicated that one of the children was up, but as yet, had not knocked or called for them. He was loathe to wake Michaela. It was only a few hours since they'd at last drifted off to sleep, their bodies still entwined. He smiled to himself with the memory, tenderly kissed the warm skin of her shoulder and tingled when goosebumps immediately rose on it. How he loved this woman!.

He relaxed back against his pillow, his hold on her never lessening. Abruptly he felt her tense and then sigh as she expelled a deeply held breath. He raised himself up on his elbow and peered over her shoulder at her beautiful face. "Mornin'," he said softly.

Her sleepy eyes rose to his and she smiled. "Morning," she returned.

He edged her back a little so he could kiss her lovingly, then asked in a whisper. "Felt ya go all tense when ya woke up ... what were ya thinkin'?"

She lowered her eyes and said softly, "I ... I thought I might have been dreaming again ... that you wouldn't be laying here beside me after all ... but then I felt you holding me ... Don't let go ..."

He kissed her once more. "Never agin Michaela," he returned sincerely. "Never agin .."

She smiled and nestled in against his chest. "You'll never know how many mornings I woke, praying that when I reached out you'd be here ... but you weren't ..." She trailed off and sighed.

He gently caressed her skin. "It was the same for me," he admitted quietly. "Sometimes I needed ya so bad ..." He paused and then added, "We gotta talk ... you an' me ..."

She bit her lip. "I know ... we need to ... but not today ... please ..." She rolled onto her back and peered with longing up into his intense blue eyes. "Merry Christmas ...," she whispered lovingly.

He smiled and ran his finger across her full lips. "Told ya it was gonna be the best Christmas," he murmured.

"But its hardly begun .."

"Exactly ..."

She smiled and cupped his face with her hand. "Welcome home," she said softly.

"It's the only place I wanna be," he returned genuinely, reminiscent of another time and place. He dipped his head to kiss her again, their senses quickly and urgently igniting once more. At last Sully pulled back and gulped for air. "Kids are gonna be expectin' us soon," he murmured huskily.

"Very soon," she returned breathily. "I smell fresh biscuits and coffee ..."

"They've bin real quiet .."

"Yes they have ... probably for us ... but its Christmas morning ... Perhaps its time we joined them," she suggested, just a hint of regret in her voice and in the touch of her fingers against his skin.

"You're right," he agreed. "But remember where we left off ..."

"Oh I'll remember," she chuckled, reluctantly turning the bed-covers back and stepping out into the chilly air.

*****************

Sully, leaning against the back of a wingback chair, smiled as he observed little Katie try to turn the pages of Matthew's book with a mittened hand. Dorothy had been right. Watching the faces and antics of the children at Christmas was indeed a delight, and this year, after all the trouble, it was exactly what he, and Michaela, needed. Katie had insisted upon putting on the mittens as soon as they'd been unwrapped and so far had resisted any efforts to remove them. Colleen had done a fine job of completing her ma's gift after discovering them in the basket by the rocking chair a few days back. And Sully still didn't know how he was going to thank Dorothy for all she'd done in ensuring that everyone had a gift under the tree. Michaela had clearly been overwhelmed when their friend had arrived this morning from town bearing a sack of wrapped and beribboned packages. Dorothy's thoughtfulness and concern had filled their hearts to bursting. She was sitting now close by Cloud Dancing as they too watched the children. Brian was already industriously writing in his new leather-bound journal, while Matthew was trying to protect the pages of his new law book (a gift from Colleen) from the energetic attention of his tiny sister.

From the kitchen wafted the appetising aroma of roasting meat and vegetables and around him the many pine boughs scented the air with the freshness of the woods he so loved. Colleen brushed past him and smiled at him as she sat herself next to Matthew and Katie, her new pale blue shawl still around her shoulders. Sully heaved a deep contented sigh. Only a few months ago he'd feared he'd never again be free to be with his family like this. He was indeed a fortunate man! He sent up a silent prayer of thanks to the spirits for making it so.

Lost in his thoughts he started when a loving pair of arms encircled his waist from behind, and Michaela whispered, "Your turn ..."

He twisted around to regard her quizzically. "My turn?" he queried.

"To tell me what you're thinking," she replied with a smile.

He shrugged his shoulders and pulled her close. "That we're real lucky," he whispered against her hair. "Me especially ..." He swallowed. "Thought I might never have a chance to see this ... ta be a part o' this ...," he admitted, his eyes all at once a little too bright.

Michaela hugged him close and rested her cheek against his chest. "The best Christmas ever Sully," she whispered so only he could hear. "That's what you said ... and you were right ..." She raised her eyes to his, inviting his kiss, an invitation to which he eagerly responded. After some moments, an excited squeal from Katie brought them back to the present. They exchanged understanding, promising looks and then, wrapped in each other's arms, went back to enjoying this very special Christmas with their family.