The Best Christmas

Trixie Belden, a 17-year-old senior at Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School, bounced out the doors and down the stairs of the school, followed closely by her two closest friends, Honey Wheeler and Diana Lynch. The three girls headed for the school bus, more than ready to begin their Christmas vacation.

"How can it be so warm a week before Christmas?" Trixie complained, opening the front of her jacket. The matching jackets worn by the other two already hung open.

"I know!" Diana agreed. "It's so green too. It's supposed to be snow-covered by now."

"Don't worry," Honey soothed, linking arms with each of them. "I heard the weatherman say that we're supposed to get a cold front--with snow--by Christmas."

As the girls climbed onto the bus that would take them home, those behind them could see the letters "BWG" cross-stitched across the back of their jackets. Only a few knew that the letters stood for Bob-Whites of the Glen, the semi-secret club to which the girls belonged. Four years earlier, Trixie and Honey had started the club, along with Trixie's brothers, Brian and Mart, and Honey's adopted brother Jim Frayne. They vowed to always support each other, as one big family of brothers and sisters. Diana had joined the club later, followed by the last member, Dan Mangan. All of them lived near Glen Road, which gave the club part of its name. The other part came from the whistle Jim had taught Honey and Trixie to use as a signal.

"Mart and Dan should be home tomorrow," Trixie chimed in. "I can't wait to hear how college is going for them!"

"Trixie!" Honey exclaimed. "Do you mean to tell me you haven't spoken to your brother at all in the three months he's been gone?"

Trixie giggled. "No, that's not what I'm saying. It's just that our phone conversations are always limited--he always says he hasn't got much time. And neither of us are letter writers, you know. So I've heard some things, but not in any detail."

Diana blushed as she timidly said, "I've talked to Mart." Honey and Trixie turned to stare at her, and the blushed turned deeper red. "Well, you know, he calls me, every week." A pleased smiled curved her lips. "Sometimes two or three times in a week."

Trixie jumped up and leaned across the back of the seat to give Di a big hug. "Di! You and Mart are just too cute!"

Di laughed and hugged Trixie back. "Thanks! I was afraid you might be upset that he talks to me so much more than he does to you."

"Humph!" Trixie plumped back into her seat. "Like I want to talk to him!" Ignoring the giggles of the other girls, Trixie turned to Honey. "What about you and Brian?"

Honey sobered. "We're just friends, for now," she said. "We agreed, before he left for the new semester, that we think we may want to pursue something between us, at some point. But for now, we're just friends. And we're free to date anyone we want to."

Honey nodded, and gave her friends a small smile. "It's not what I really want, but at least we've said that we want to get together, once Brian's done with med school. I can wait."

Diana quickly turned to Trixie, to give Honey a chance to compose herself. "What about you, Trix? You're not interested in anybody since you and Jim decided to just be friends, are you?"

Trixie shook her head. "You know, I think I'll always love Jim--I mean, how can you not? He's so handsome and sweet and honorable. But he's just not THE one for me." She sighed. "I guess I'll just have to settle for being a spinster." The dejected look on her face couldn't last, and she giggled again. "At least that'll make it easier to be a detective!"

"Oh, Trixie," Honey scolded. "You know you're not going to be a spinster. You're really much too pretty for that."

Trixie just smiled. There really was someone she'd been thinking about lately, but she hadn't told anyone yet. She'd barely even admitted to herself that she was attracted to him.

The bus pulled up to the stop near the foot of the Wheeler's driveway, and Honey waved goodbye to her friends as she got off, promising that they'd all get together the next day. Trixie's stop followed, and Diana got off with her.

"Thanks for asking me to stay over tonight," Diana told Trixie as they walked up the driveway. "I think I'd've died waiting to see Mart tomorrow!"

The girls walked into the snug farmhouse of Crabapple Farm and were enveloped in warm smells.

As the girls entered the kitchen, Helen Belden--Moms to her children and their friends--turned away from the oven to welcome them. Nine-year-old Bobby, Trixie's youngest brother, sat at the kitchen table, industriously putting frosting on gingerbread cookies. Red, green and white frosting smudged the wax-paper-lined table and Bobby's fingers. Hints of food coloring around Bobby's mouth showed that he had "tasted" the frosting.

"You're welcome anytime, dear," Moms told her. "Trixie, could I get you to run Bobby over to the Lynch's? Larry and Terry felt that if Diana could stay here tonight, then Bobby ought to stay with them."

Di laughed, thinking of her eight year old twin brothers. "That sounds just like their scheming!"

"If I can borrow your van, I can run him over anytime," Trixie said. "Just give me a moment to change out of my school clothes."

"I hafta finish frostin' these cookies first anyway," Bobby informed her. "Then I'll be ready."

Reddy, the Belden's lovable, but completely untrained, Irish Setter, looked up from his comfortable spot under the table at Bobby's feet.

"No, I wasn't talking to you, Reddy," Bobby told him. As he squirmed in his chair to look further under the table, he knocked a gingerbread wreath that he had not yet frosted onto the floor. In a flash, Reddy had picked up the cookie and run to his bed by the laundry room to eat it.

Moms and the girls laughed. "It's okay, Bobby," Moms said. "At least that one wasn't frosted. But please try to be a bit more careful."

The next morning, with Diana's help, Trixie had just finished doing her morning chores when Reddy's barking alerted them to an arrival. Both girls ran out the kitchen door and around to the driveway, just in time to see Mart and Dan getting out of the old car they shared.

Diana immediately ran up and threw her arms around Mart. "Mart!" she squealed. "I'm so happy to see you!"

Mart picked her up and twirled her around, enthusiastically returning her hug. "Gee, if I got a welcome like that every time I came home, I'd do it more often," he grinned.

Trixie, following behind Diana, used her friend's example as an excuse to run up to Dan and give him a big hug.

Dan happily hugged her back, appreciating the feel of her in his arms. "Thanks, Trix!" he answered. "I'm glad to be back." Privately, he wondered at her greetings, not daring to hope that she looked at him as more than a friend.

"So, how was your first semester?" Trixie inquired as the four made their way indoors.

"A little hectic, at first," Dan said. "But I think we've pretty much settled in now."

"You would not believe the food in the cafeterias!" Mart said with glee. "Some dishes are better than others, but you can eat all you want!"

"Yes, I can see the results on your not-so-svelte form, brother of mine," Trixie teased. "You'll have to put yourself on a diet while you're home, just so you can fit in your clothes."

The other three burst out laughing just as they entered the kitchen, where Moms was just setting out a panful of sugar cookies in holiday shapes, covered with red and green sugar. She cocked a quizzical eyebrow at them as Mart reached for a cookie with one hand and put the other arm around her in a quick hug.

"Hi, Moms! Gee, am I glad to be home! I've missed your home-cooked meals," Mart told her, struggling to keep a straight face as the others started laughing all over again.

Moms gave him a hug back, and a quick kiss on his cheek. "We're very glad you're home too, dear." She turned to Dan to give him a hug as well. "You too, Dan. We've all missed you," she said, with a significant glance at Trixie.

Dan missed the glance as he hugged her back. "Thanks, Moms," he said. Turning to Mart, he asked, "Hey, Mart, you don't mind if I leave my stuff in the car for a while, do you? I want to run up to the stables and say hi to Uncle Bill before I go on back to the cabin."

"Sure, that's fine," Mart mumbled around a bite of cookie. "I'll get my stuff out, then you can just take the car whenever."

"Thanks," Dan said, slapping Mart's shoulder. Turning to Trixie, Diana and Moms, he bowed slightly. "Ladies. I'm sure I'll be seeing you later!"

Trixie walked Dan back to the front door. "Bye, Dan," she said as she opened the door. "I hope you come back soon."

"I will," he said softly. Suddenly embarrassed, he cleared his throat. "So, are we having a BWG meeting this week?"

Trixie was disappointed by the change in subject, but smiled gamely. "Of course! Brian and Jim won't be back until Wednesday, but I thought the rest of us ought to get together before then. Everyone is invited here for dinner tonight."

"I don't know," Trixie answered. "Fine, I guess--I mean, Brian would have told us if there was something wrong--but I haven't talked to him or anything."

Dan was relieved. Mart had told him that Trixie and Jim were just friends now, but it felt good to have it confirmed.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tonight, if not before!" he waved cheerfully as he went down the walk.

"They wanted to take a walk in the orchard," Moms said in response to her inquiry. "Why don't you see if Honey can come over? I had planned on getting out the decorations this afternoon and putting them up. If you girls would like to help, we can make a party out of it."

Half an hour later, Diana and Mart had returned from their walk, looking a little rumpled and with Diana's lipstick smeared on Mart's lips, when Honey came in.

"All right, girls, to the attic! We need to find all the boxes of tinsel and ornaments." Moms marshaled her troops. "Mart, you'd better get your bags from the car. I'm sure you have laundry too--go ahead and get started on it." She lead the way out of the kitchen and up to the attic, Trixie, Diana and Honey following behind, giggling.

Later that afternoon, the four of them sat in the family room, sipping eggnog, listening to Christmas carols and admiring their handiwork. A fire was laid in the fireplace, ready to be lit. Juniper branches, with berries still attached, graced the mantel and gave their fresh pine scent to the air. Among the branches stood six stocking holders--a Santa and Mrs. Claus, a reindeer, a snowman, an elf and an angel. Empty stockings, each with a name glittering across the top, hung from the holders, ready to be filled on Christmas Eve.

The end tables each had a red, cinnamon-scented candle nestled in a wreath of holly. On the coffee table a Nativity scene was set, with a tiny wooden manger filled wit dried grass and a tiny golden Baby Jesus. Figures of the Virgin Mary, Joseph and the Three Wise Men were gathered around. Figures of cows, horses and sheep looked on as well, and snowy cottonballs completed the scene.

Mistletoe hung in the archway leading to the kitchen, which had been decorated too. Brightly embroidered hand towels hung from the rack. A door mat with a picture of jingle bells stood by the back door. The hallway leading to the living room at the front of the house was covered with a green runner, covered in brass colored bells. The living room itself was only partly decorated.

The front window had been treated with canned "snow" to create a frame around the tree, which wasn't yet present. Tomorrow, Mart and Dad would go out into the preserve and cut a tree to bring home.

The other end of the hallway lead to the stairs, which had golden tinsel garland wrapped around the top rail and vines of holly wrapped around the lower rail. Electric candles glowed in each of the windows.

Outside, Dad and Mart had been busy hanging lights along the eaves. Red and green lumenaria lined the walkway and front porch.

That evening, Crabapple Farm was a scene of raucous and riotous fun. Helen and Peter had accepted an invitation to dinner at the Lynch house. Bobby was still there, having spent the day with Larry and Terry. Diana, along with Honey and Dan, had joined Mart and Trixie.

The five of them had put together a meal of hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, chips and sodas. A selection of Moms' baked goods awaited them for dessert.

When the eating and drinking began to slow, Trixie rapped her spoon on the table for attention. The laughter and talking quieted as everyone turned to look at her.

"As the only co-president of the BWGs present," she began, "I hereby call this meeting to order. With the majority of the club here, we need to make some decisions about what we plan to do this Christmas."

"We know you girls have already done some planning, so why don't you start by telling us what's already been discussed," Dan suggested. He was very glad that his dark coloring meant the heat he felt on his face when Trixie favored him with a smile wouldn't show.

"Honey, you want to take this one?" Trixie asked. She fought the disappointment that threatened to overwhelm her when Dan turned his gaze away from her.

"Well, we've already made plans to go caroling--with or without the guys--four nights this week, to raise funds for the homeless shelter. They're trying to put together enough money for a nice Christmas dinner, and to get presents for the children."

Dan's eyes glowed. "That sounds like fun--and very worthwhile. I'm in, but I don't guarantee to have a good singing voice."

Trixie wrinkled her nose at him. "What about you, smarty-pants? After all, the Bremerton Musicians need their donkey."

Mart smiled. "I, of course, will be lending my awe inspiring baritone to the endeavor."

Trixie snorted, but before any more bantering between the siblings could go on, Honey spoke up. "That's wonderful! We need to take some time tomorrow, and at least one hour each day, to work on the songs we want to sing. Di's already been working on pamphlets we can hand out."

Di blushed. "Thanks, Trixie. I don't know about fantastic, but I do think they've turned out well."

Mart looked at her with adoring eyes. "I'm sure that they're better than fantastic. You never give yourself enough credit. You are a very talented woman."

Everyone turned back to her and she thrilled at the smile Dan seemed to save just for her. Taking a deep breath, she fought her mind back to the business at hand. "We want to decorate the clubhouse for the holiday. Honey and Diana, with their talents have already made some really neat things, but it isn't finished yet."

"We were hoping that you could find a small tree for the clubhouse when you go out tomorrow," Diana said to Mart.

"We've got everything else we need to decorate," Honey agreed. "But we want a nice tree, especially since we want to have our party there."

"Great!" Trixie said. "Now, everybody knows who they're buying gifts for, right?"

Dan nodded. "Sure--we exchanged names at Thanksgiving. I doubt any of us have forgotten since then."

Trixie continued, saying, "We had thought that the BWGs could have our own, private, party on Friday, Christmas Eve, in the afternoon, before the Lynch's party."

"Well, that sounds like everything is pretty well taken care of," Dan commented. "I move that we close this meeting and clean up dinner."

"Motion seconded!" said Mart. "After we've got this all cleared up, we can go into the family room and watch a movie or play games."

"Motion carried!" Trixie said, emphasizing her words by pounding on the table with a spoon.

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter as various games were played. Dan surprised everyone by being the first to lose his balance while playing Twister. He laughed along with the others, but didn't want to admit that the reason he fell was because Trixie's athletic, rounded, form--bent over to reach the right spot--had distracted him. He was just as happy to be able to watch the rest of the group continue. It also gave him an opportunity to appreciate Trixie's figure, without worrying about accidentally touching her.

The next day, Mart, Bobby and Dad went out into the preserve bright and early. They came home with two perfect trees--one for the house and one for the BWG's clubhouse. Trixie and Moms then spent the remainder of the morning setting up and decorating the tree in the house. After lunch, the BWGs met at the clubhouse to decorate their tree and practice their caroling.

Dan smiled at the festive wreath on the front door of the clubhouse as he unlocked the door and walked in. It was unusual that he was the first to arrive. He stopped just inside the door, looking around in astonishment.

The normal red gingham curtains had been replaced by solid green curtains, beautifully embroidered with snowmen and holly. The wooden table was covered by a red broadcloth tablecloth, also painstakingly embroidered. The shelves containing the club members' sporting equipment had all been edged with tinsel garland, matching the garland that had been hung around the walls just below the ceiling. The tree had already been placed in its tree stand and the decorations were set on the table, ready to be hung on the branches. A cinnamon broom was hung on the wall, lending its spicy fragrance to the air. Sprigs of mistletoe had been hung in strategic locations.

Dan was just starting up the stove for a little heat, when laughter outside alerted him to the arrival of Trixie and Mart. Honey and Diana came right behind them.

"It's all Honey and Di's work," Trixie told him. "You know me with needles and thread--there's simply no way I could have done the work on the curtains, or on the tablecloth."

"But you made the wreath, and hung all the garland!" Honey said, stoutly defending her friend.

"Enough of the mutual admiration society!" Mart said. "It's all wonderful, but we need to do something with this tree--it's looking rather bare."

The five of them willingly pitched in and soon the tree was festooned with bright balls, shining lights and sparkling tinsel. They even managed to avoid breaking anything, despite one of them getting tangled in the lights.

Once they were done, and the empty boxes were cleared away into the back room, Honey and Di fixed hot cocoa on the stove while Mart and Trixie set out cookies and candies that Moms had made. Dan got out cups, plates and napkins for all.

As they enjoyed their snack they looking through various holiday songbooks and discussed the songs they wanted to include in their caroling.

Trixie snorted delicately. "I would too--I think that song's hilarious--but for this, we probably ought to stick to more traditional songs."

"I agree," Diana said. "I think we should start with 'Here We Come A-Caroling'. After all, that is what we're doing."

"Sounds good to me," Mart said. "But in among the traditional songs, I'd like to include 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer' and maybe 'Frosty the Snowman'."

"I'm not sure. Maybe four or five at each house?" Di worried her pencil. "Is that too many? Or maybe it's not enough?"

"I went caroling with my parents and our church group when I was little," Dan said hesitantly. "I think we sang about six songs at each house, but we had about ten songs in our book, so we could switch it up."

Discussion continued, until they had all agreed on songs, which included Mart's suggestions, to be sung especially at houses with children.

In spite of their teasing of each other, Mart and Trixie both had nice voices. Honey and Diana had each had some singing lessons and took the lead. The biggest surprise was Dan's rich tenor. When everyone exclaimed about his voice, and how well he sang, Dan just shrugged.

By suppertime, they felt they had all the songs down reasonably well, and agreed to meet the next evening immediately after supper, to warm up before going out for their first night.

Trixie and Dan lead the way out of the clubhouse, with Honey close behind them. They called farewells to each other as Honey headed up the hill to the Manor House. Dan paused when he realized that Mart and Diana weren't following them.

"Don't worry about them," Trixie said, guessing what was on his mind. "They'll probably be a few minutes yet."

Dan smiled at her. "Then I guess I have the honor of walking you home." He cocked his elbow towards her, in an invitation.

Smiling back at him, Trixie gladly put her hands through his arm. Talking of nothing in particular, they made their way to Crabapple Farm

"No, Dan, I haven't." Trixie's blue eyes gazed up into his dark ones. His breath caught in his throat, he felt like he was drowning. Slowly, Dan bent his head towards her, watching to be sure of her response. She lifted her face, her lips inviting his touch. Softly, gently, his lips met hers.

Trixie felt an almost electric charge go through her and she put her arms around Dan's neck to draw hm even closer.

Dan's heart thrilled at the feel of Trixie in his arms--a warm, energetic bundle. His tongue asked for, and received, entrance to her mouth. Finally, he pulled back with a soft moan.

Drawing her close to his chest, he whispered in her ear, "Gods above, Trix, you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

"I wouldn't be so sure," he growled as he claimed her mouth with his lips again.

Just then, they heard Mart approaching, singing lustily. This time, it was Trixie's turn to sigh. Dan moved as though to step back, but Trixie held him close.

"We've got nothing to hide," she told him, "and no reason to not to let Mart--or anyone else--know how we feel about each other."

He grinned into her sparkling eyes. "You are a very smart woman, Beatrix Belden."

"Thank you," she said, then grimaced at him. "But, please, don't ever call me that again."

"Never again?" he whispered, eyes dark with meaning. "I'm not sure I can promise that," he growled.

Mart came out of the woods, still warm from Diana's farewell embrace. Luckily, he had finished the carol he'd been singing as he came in sight of the back porch to Crabapple farm, because he wouldn't have been able to utter another note when he saw the tableau waiting there. He stopped in shock and stared.

Finally, Dan became aware that Mart had stopped and was staring. He looked over and raised his voice a little.

"About five minutes," Dan answered with a fond smile for Trixie. He kept one arm tight around her. Trixie leaned into him, both arms around his waist.

Mart looked at them, noting Trixie's sparkling happiness and Dan's glowing eyes and protective stance. Mart shrugged and gave them a small smile. "Well, I guess there's nothing more for me to say," he said. "Except," he glared at Dan, "if you hurt my sister...well, let's just say, I know where you live." He eased the glare and his words with another smile.

Moving past the couple to the door, he continued speaking over his shoulder. "Don't take too long, Trix. I'm sure dinner is just about ready and Moms probably needs your help." Not waiting for an answer, he closed the door behind him.

Trixie looked up at Dan. "Mart's right," she said. "I really need to go help Moms."

Dan nodded. "Yeah, I know. I need to get home too. I promised Mr. Maypenny I'd be back to help with dinner and the evening patrol."

That evening, after the dinner dishes had been washed and put away, Trixie went into the study and closed the door behind her. Then she picked up the phone and called Honey's direct line. It was answered immediately.

Trixie could almost see Honey laying back on her bed, abandoning the formal posture she always adopted when answering the phone. "Tell me!" she squealed back.

Trixie giggled. "Give me a chance and I'll tell you!" She took a deep breath, reliving the moment before telling her best friend every detail she could think of.

"So, does this mean that you're going steady or something?" Honey asked when Trixie finally ran down.

"Not if he's staying with Mr. Maypenny," Trixie objected. "You know there's no phone out at that old cabin."

"Yes, there is," Honey disagreed. "Mr. Maypenny had one installed earlier this fall--he said he needed to it to keep in touch with Dan."

Just then, someone knocked on the study door. "Trixie!" came Mart's voice. "Are you going to tie up the phone all night?"

"I might!" she called back. Turning back to the phone, she said, "I've got to go, Honey. I'll let you know tomorrow if he calls."

As soon as they hung up, Trixie moved to leave the study. Then she smirked as another idea occurred to her. She picked up the phone again and dialed another number.

"Di! You'll never guess what happened!" Trixie recounted the story again, to Diana's delight.

A little while later, Mart banged on the door again. "Trix! Come on!" he pleaded.

Trixie laughed and yelled out, "You can't call Diana anyway, Mart! Her line is busy!"

Diana, on the other end of the phone, burst out laughing. Trixie could here Mart muttering, "How would you know...?" She started laughing too as Mart figured it out and burst through the door.

He charged toward her, hand out for the phone. "Let me talk to her!" he demanded.

"I don't know, Di," Trixie said mock seriously into the phone. "He seems to think you might want to talk to him." She quickly dodged away from Mart's grabbing hands, dancing across the study to keep the phone away from him. "You wouldn't want to talk to any brother of mine, would you?"

Mart stopped chasing Trixie, and stood glaring at her. He could hear Diana's laughter, and something about "before Mart explodes."

Finally, Trixie said, "Oh, alright." Then she tossed the phone to Mart and ran out the door, closing it behind her, letting her laughter ring out in the hallway.

Feeling restless, Trixie wandered from room to room in the house. Finally, she grabbed her jacket and went out to the front porch. She sat in the old swing and lost herself in dreams.

Trixie smiled as she opened her eyes to see Dan walk up to the porch. "Well, if it isn't tall, dark and handsome," she said. "What brings you back here tonight?"

"Well, it might be that I wanted to talk to Mart," Dan teased. His smile grew wider. "But I think I'd rather see his short, blonde and beautiful sister."

Trixie reached up to take Dan's hand and drew him down next to her. "I was wondering if you would call, so we could talk," she said.

"I tried to call, but your line's busy." Dan put an arm around Trixie's shoulders to draw her close. "I assume Mart's on the phone with Di."

Dan rested his chin on Trixie's head. "So I guess we need to talk," he said. "I, uh, got the idea you didn't mind me kissing you?"

Trixie chuckled softly. "I've been wondering what your kisses would be like--and wanting to find out--for quite a while."

Dan smiled, even though he knew Trixie couldn't see it. "You know, I've been wondering the same thing about you."

Dan hesitated, then continued. "So, will you be my girlfriend?" Rushing on without giving Trixie a chance to answer, he said, "I know it'll be difficult--I'm going back to school in just a few weeks and long distance relationships can be tough. I understand if you'd rather not. I mean, you can say no, and if ..."

Trixie had turned to face Dan and now she reached up to put one hand over his mouth. "Dan! Would you give me a chance to say something? Please?" Dan nodded and Trixie lowered her hand. "I'd love to be your girlfriend. We can make it through next semester, I know we can. Then you'll be home for the summer, and next fall I'll be going to school with you."

Dan drew her into a fierce hug. He sighed deeply. "I was worried you'd say no," he finally said.

Trixie held him tight. "Silly man! How could I say no to you? Your kisses are yummy!"

Dan drew back. "Yummy?" he asked, incredulous. "Yummy?!?" He started chuckling and before they knew it, they were both laughing uncontrollably.

When the laughter finally slowed, Dan said, "Trix, you are a treasure!" just before drawing her into a deep kiss. There was very little talking for the rest of the evening.

Honey was anxiously waiting at the stables when Trixie arrived the next morning, closely followed by Mart. Honey could hardly wait for Mart to go in and begin saddling Starlight before she grabbed Trixie's arm and whispered, "Well? Did he call?"

"No," Trixie said, trying unsuccessfully to look unhappy. Honey just cocked an unbelieving eyebrow at her. Trixie grinned. "He came over!"

The girls continued to chatter while they saddled their horses. Then Trixie had to tell the story all over again when Diana arrived on her horse. Mart, finished saddling Starlight, awaited Dan just outside the stables. As soon as Dan showed up, Mart gave him a disgusted look.

"Do you have any idea what you started?" Mart demanded. "There's a giggle and gab session going on in there that may not break up until New Years."

Dan grinned at his friend. "Well, as long as they're not planning the wedding of the century, I'm okay with letting them talk."

Mart grinned back. "I heard the wedding of the century was held this past summer, so you should be safe."

Dan gave an exaggerated sigh of relief, then smiled as the girls came out of the stables. "Here come the lovely ladies now!"

The rest of the week passed in a happy haze for Trixie. She and Dan held hands often as the friends got together every day to ride or just hang out at the clubhouse. When they could get a little time alone, they talked, cuddled and kissed.

Every evening, the group gathered again to go to a different neighborhood to carol from door to door, collecting donations for the homeless shelter.

On Wednesday, Brian and Jim came home, and joined in the activities, including the caroling. Jim's bass and Brian's baritone blended well with the others.

Christmas Eve finally arrived. The BWGs all met at the clubhouse for their private party. The tree glowed with lights and the stove glowed with warmth. Packages had found their way under the tree throughout the week. Moms and Celia Delanoy had come down earlier in the day to make sure a fine lunch, with plenty of goodies, was laid out for the group. Much laughter and good spirits could be heard from the cozy little clubhouse. Mart and Diana seemed inseparable, as did Trixie and Dan. Brian couldn't bear the thought of not having Honey for his special girl over the holidays, and an intense whispered conversation made sure that she was his. Only Jim remained unpaired, but knowing how much each of the others cared for him--that they truly were one big family, he was content.

As had been agreed at Thanksgiving, they were only giving presents to the person whose name they had drawn--in order not to strain their budgets or put too much burden on the time constraints of those in college. These gifts, from Mart's present to Dan of a wristwatch with stopwatch and alarm, to Jim's gift to Trixie of a new pair of leather driving gloves, were opened and appreciated in turn. But the best part of the afternoon was spending time with their best friends and the family they knew they would never lose.

Just before everyone was ready to leave for the Lynch home, Dan pulled Trixie aside.

"I know we weren't supposed to get gifts for anyone but our Secret Santa." he told her. "But I saw this in the store one day, and knew I had to get it for you." He pulled a small box, wrapped in shiny blue paper and tied with a silver ribbon, from his pocket and handed it to her.

Trixie took it, her hands trembling. "Oh, Dan, I...I'm not sure what to say!" She smiled sweetly at him.

Trixie nodded, and quickly tore off the ribbon and the paper. The box opened to reveal a delicate golden heart on a fine gold chain. One word was engraved on the back of the heart:

Dan took the chain and gently put it around Trixie's throat. "Because you all ready hold my heart in your power."

Trixie wordlessly reached up and pulled Dan's head down to hers to give him a warm, lingering kiss. At the end of it she whispered, "It's safe with me."

The entire Belden family arrived together for the Lynch's party that night, and were met in the driveway by Larry and Terry.

"But Mary and Kerry don't, yet," Larry continued, referring to their six-year-old twin sisters.

Peter and Helen exchanged amused glances. "We promise not to tell," they assured the boys.

Brian, Mart and Trixie all struggled to contain their laughter while promising not to tell. Bobby went to stand with Larry and Terry.

Christmas spirit seemed to flow throughout the once cold mansion that evening, and the dinner party was a marvelous success. After dinner, every struggled into their coats to make their way to church. Soon, the party had moved into the driveway and was sorting itself into various cars.

The church service was traditional, with much hymn singing. But the ending was a bit of a surprise that the new pastor had wanted to try. Once the service itself was done, everyone filed out the front doors where they received a candle, inserted through a paper cup to protect their hands from dripping wax. They lit the candles from those held by choir members, then everyone arranged themselves on the front steps of the church.

"Now, for those who didn't make it to service, for all those who couldn't be inside with us tonight," the pastor said, "let us raise our voices in a song of prayer. Let us wish them all that Christmas promises for the coming year."

The entire congregation began singing as the pastor lead them in "O Come All Ye Faithful" followed by "O Holy Night."

As they were singing, it began to snow. The unseasonable heat had broken, and it seemed they'd have a white Christmas after all.

Dan looked over at Trixie, her eyes glowing, and snow catching in her hair. She smiled back at him, and his heart seemed ready to burst with joy. This was the best Christmas he'd ever had.

To PatK...Merry Christmas!!! I hope you enjoy my efforts to bring you a traditional Christmas celebration, featuring Trixie and with that wonderful man, Dan. Any mentions of "the wedding of the century" were intentional!

Merry, merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year!

From Lorindol/Diane

Many Thanks to Terry (chromasnake) for the graphics, especially the gold heart with Dan's name!

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