Screen Captures Courtesy of Swoopes

For personal use and select distribution only © December 2002 by Amber Stockton

Santa's Got a Brand New Bag - tagalogue

Written by Lloyd Pye (excerpts from the episode belong to him)

 

Dotty set two plates on the coffee table in front of Lee and Amanda. "Now, you sit right here, and I'm going to go get Lillian." There was no arguing with that tone of voice.

Amanda smiled, both grateful and surprised. "Thank you!"

"Well, look at this!" Lee glanced at the attractive display of baked goods on the plate. He heard Amanda sigh and watched her place a napkin on her lap. "I see what you mean." Lee turned his head to look at Amanda. "Christmases here in the King house are ... pretty special."

Amanda wrapped her right arm around Lee's shoulders and placed her other hand in the crook of his left arm, her fingers tight against his biceps. "Your present's at the Q-Bureau."

"Well, mine for you is ... well, it's at the apartment." A hint of remorse crept into his voice as Lee leaned a little closer. "But, you know what?"

The anticipation on Amanda's face mirrored that of a little child on Christmas morning. "What?"

Removing his left arm from her clasp, Lee wrapped it around Amanda's waist and placed his right hand on her left arm. "I got my present already."

Amanda gave Lee a loving smile. "Merry Christmas."

"Yeah." Lee placed a quick peck on her lips, mindful of the family. When they weren't looking, though...

In an effort to distract himself from his own wayward thoughts, Lee cleared his throat and cast a purposeful glance around the festively decorated den. Strands of green garland, each with a bright red bow tied in the middle, were hung at various points around the room. Candles with holly and berry wreaths circling their bases adorned the coffee table and a few other random surfaces. The tree, ornamented and tinsel-laden, stood in the corner, a tower of gifts threatening to spill onto the floor with the most minimal encouragement. Compared to how he normally decorated, a bowl of guacamole and newspapers on the coffee table along with a chilled bottle of Dom Perignon '73, this was a refreshing change.

Surprised at his enjoyment of the atmosphere inside the King house, Lee only had a second to ponder his reaction.

"Is there something wrong?"

"What?"

Amanda repeated her question. "I asked if something was wrong."

Lee turned to face her and saw the concern etched in the lines formed by her drawn eyebrows. His arm still around her waist, he gave her a squeeze and smiled. "Not a thing."

"Then, why were you examining everything with the kind of scrutiny you give a suspect you're interrogating?" She gestured around the room with a nod of her head and pinned him with her intent gaze.

His smile faded. Discomfort settled in his stomach. Lee always felt as if Amanda could see right into his mind when she gave him that look. Most of the time, she was right on the money. Not wanting to give her a reason to worry, he shrugged.

"I was just admiring the way you have the house decorated." Lee glanced around the room again then brought his gaze back to Amanda's face. "It's been a long time since I've been a part of a household that actually celebrates Christmas. I'd almost forgotten what it's like."

"Well, since I was working so much, I have Mother and the boys to thank for most of this. I was able to get some things started, but they finished up and got the tree decorated." Amanda chuckled as she glanced at the festively-decorated tree. "It's a good thing I finished my Christmas shopping early, or everyone's gifts would still be in my room, unwrapped. Worse yet, they'd still be at the store!"

Lee ducked his head. Remorse filled him. "I'm sorry, Amanda. I dragged you into this case and..."

Amanda placed a hand on his chest and interrupted him. "Wait a minute, Lee." She flattened her palm against the lapel of his suit jacket. "You didn't make me do anything I didn't want to do. I wanted to help."

"Honest?"

"Cross my heart." Amanda lifted her left hand from under his right and made the crossing motion over Lee's heart.

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "That's my heart."

She grinned. "Close enough. I thought you'd given it to me, big fella."

Lee smiled. Emotion fanned the flames in his heart and made it swell with love for Amanda. He glanced around to be sure her family was still busy and met her lips in a lingering kiss. A breathless moment later, he pulled back. "You got that right!"

Amanda entwined her fingers with his and glanced down at their joined hands. "I'm just glad we could get back here to enjoy Christmas Eve with everyone and aren't stuck somewhere unable to get home!"

"Amen to that!"

Dotty's voice interrupted their intimate conversation. Lee tried to extricate himself from Amanda, but she held onto his arm. He gave her a pointed look and saw her firm resolve. Far be it for him to argue or try to dissuade her. Besides, if he was honest with himself, Lee enjoyed the feeling of having Amanda's family know she considered him someone special in her life.

"Now, where did Joe and the boys go?" Dotty wrung her hands on the hand-embroidered apron her sister had made for her and began to pace. "I had everything just about ready to go, you two are finally here and now they disappear."

"Mother, they just stepped outside to get some more firewood."

"Well, they'd better hurry. If we don't eat soon, my goose is going to be cooked to a crisp!"

"Mother, did you manage to pry Aunt Lillian..."

"Yes, Amanda dear, she did." Lillian stepped down into the den and glanced toward the sofa. As soon as her gaze fell on Lee, her entire face brightened. "Oh! Amanda! Is this your new boyfriend Dotty announced so loudly a few moments ago?" Lillian's smirk at her sister and Dotty's answering shrug demonstrated the close relationship the two women shared, despite their outward animosity toward one another. Amanda's aunt brought her attention back to Lee and smiled as she walked toward them. "Handsome!"

Lee chuckled. He liked this woman already! Withdrawing his arm from around Amanda, he stood. Amanda followed and together they turned to face her aunt. Lee extended his hand.

"Lee Stetson, ma'am. It's a pleasure."

Lillian clasped Lee's hand and placed her left over his upper arm. "Ooh, and he has manners too!" She shifted her gaze to Amanda and leaned closer. "You'd better hold onto this one, honey! Men like him are a prize and not easily found!" She squeezed Lee's arm appraisingly. "Strong and handsome! Son, if I was a few years younger, my niece would have some competition!"

"Aunt Lillian!"

Lee saw the red steal into Amanda's cheeks at her aunt's honesty. Finally, Lillian removed her hand from Lee's arm and ended the handshake. She leaned toward Amanda, winked and whispered loudly, "He's a keeper, dear!" before she disappeared into the kitchen.

The back door flew open and crashed against the doorstop by the back wall. A gust of icy air accompanied by a dusting of snowflakes blew inside. Amanda instinctively crossed her arms and rubbed her hands up and down them. Lee stepped closer to shield her from the majority of the blast.

"Whoa, it's freezing outside!"

Jamie stomped inside first, balancing a stack of wood in his arms. Phillip followed with Joe bringing up the rear, each of them laden with a larger pile. Joe kicked the door shut and the trio headed for the bin next to the fireplace to deposit the wood.

Lee watched the procession with interest. How different it all looked when more than one person shared the responsibility of the work. From the time his parents were killed to when he struck out on his own with his work at the Agency, the concept of sharing didn't play a very big role in his life. Most of the time, it was everyone fend for himself or lose out, especially on the bases where he and his uncle normally spent their Christmases. This was a refreshing change of pace.

Amanda called into the living room. "You guys have enough wood there to last us for weeks! Are you planning on being snowed in?"

Lee pulled Amanda against him and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I know how I'd keep warm!"

"Lee!" Her voice was low, so only he could hear, but her embarrassment was obvious.

"Snowed in would be way cool!" Jamie poked his head through the doorway into the living room and smiled.

"No, it wouldn't!" Phillip's voice sounded from behind Jamie. "We're already on Christmas break, worm brain! It'd be better if a blizzard happened while we're in school."

"Phillip, don't call your brother names."

Lee noticed the softer quality to Amanda's voice. Must be the season.

"Sorry, Mom." Phillip appeared behind Jamie and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Sorry, bro."

Jamie shrugged. "No prob. I'll get you back." With that, the younger boy raced toward the kitchen. Phillip followed and easily caught up, rubbing his knuckles into his brother's hair. Jamie ducked and took a playful swing at Phillip. The battle continued around the center counter in the kitchen.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Dotty entered from the dining room, shaking a warning finger. "No running in this house, especially not with dinner being set on the table!"

"Sorry, Grandma." The boys immediately stopped.

Joe appeared at Amanda's other side. "Hasn't changed much around here, has it?"

"Not a bit!" Amanda smiled. "But I wouldn't change a thing!"

"Yeah, me neither."

Lee glanced at the two of them. "Is it always like this?"

Amanda and Joe shared a look then turned to face him. "Pretty much!" they said in unison, both chuckling at their identical reply.

A pang of jealousy tugged inside Lee at the closeness the two still shared. Joe and Amanda may have come to an agreement regarding their relationship, but he still experienced a hint of doubt about his own ability to commit, especially now, seeing just what he'd be getting along with Amanda. As if she sensed his inner struggle, Amanda stepped closer and placed her arm around his waist. Lee looked down and saw the love shining in her eyes. Suddenly he felt reassured. He might not know much about teenage boys, but he'd be learning from the best.

"Here, take these plates into the dining room and set them in front of each chair." Once the boys did her bidding, Dotty turned and looked around at each kitchen surface.

"How many of us are there, Mother?

"Seven for tonight."

Amanda turned to face Joe. "Isn't Carrie joining us?"

"No, she's coming tomorrow for dinner. She wanted to spend Christmas Eve with her folks."

Amanda looked at her mother. "What about Captain Curt?"

"Oh, he's also coming tomorrow. Said he had other plans with family tonight, but wouldn't miss dinner with everyone tomorrow for the world ... not even for a flying lesson." Dotty smiled at her own humor, then wiped her hands on the apron.

"Mother, I think you have everything on the table already."

"Yeah, is it time for us to eat?" Joe sounded like one of the boys.

Lee couldn't help but grin, because he felt the same way. Grateful Joe had asked the question, he waited for Dotty's reply. Phillip and Jamie appeared in the doorway to the dining room, Phillip with his arms crossed, and they both leaned against the frame.

Dotty looked at each face in turn, then smiled. "Is it time? It's been time for more than a few minutes! I'm not the one who's been holding up the parade!" She made a shooing motion with her hands at the boys and followed them into the other room. "So, let's get moving you three slowpokes!"

Joe led the way, with Amanda and Lee bringing up the rear. As soon as they entered the dining room, Lillian's exclamation sounded above everyone else's random chatter.

"Look! You two are standing under the mistletoe!"

Lee and Amanda simultaneously looked up. Sure enough, a small sprig of the seasonal plant hung suspended from a hook on the other side of the doorpost.

"Ha! I knew I'd catch somebody under there!"

Dotty looked at her sister, a mixture of surprise and amusement on her face. "Lillian, when did you have time to hang that?"

"Well, you've been busy with last-minute cooking, Dotty. I had to find some trouble to get into!" Lillian focused her attention back on Lee and Amanda. "So? What are you two waiting for? Kiss already so we can eat!"

A rosy blush appeared on Amanda's cheeks. Lee forced a smile. His stomach muscles clenched in nervous tension. Moisture began to form in the center of his palms, and he tried to nonchalantly wipe them on his suit jacket. With everyone watching them, there was no getting out of this. Determined to focus on anything but their audience, Lee finally looked Amanda in the eyes. The same uncertainty coursing through him reflected in her deep brown pools. At least he wasn't alone. Now, what were they going to do?

Amanda's tongue darted out to moisten her lips. Lee's gaze dropped to her mouth. His breath caught in his throat as anticipation of touching that mouth with his overtook the measure of discomfort inside. Lifting his head, he focused his attention on her eyes again. The look in them changed from uncertain to inviting. For a moment, only the two of them stood there. No one else intruded on their private moment. Of their own accord, Lee's hands found their way around Amanda's waist. Her hands raised and rested against the lapels of his jacket. He watched her eyes flutter closed as he leaned down to close the minimal distance between them.

As soon as his lips touched hers, peace washed over him. Lee knew he'd better be careful, or he'd be the cause of a very awkward situation. Mindful of the family watching them, he pulled back. Although it felt like minutes, the kiss only lasted a second or two. Amanda's eyelids slowly opened. The hint of a grin appeared on the lips he'd just kissed. An answering smile formed on his.

"It's about time!"

Phillip's voice shattered the romantic moment like an errant baseball through the front window. Not wanting to prolong or invite any further embarrassment, Lee nodded toward the table and placed his hand at the small of Amanda's back to guide her into the room. As they walked to their seats, Lee caught Dotty's glance and saw the satisfied grin on her lips. Lillian wore a smile like a Cheshire cat.

Lee shrugged and pushed in Amanda's chair, then took his seat next to her. There could be worse predicaments; he'd been in any number of them. Christmas seemed to bring those kinds of situations out in droves. At least this year, they'd solved the case and weren't stuck in some nest of killers. In previous years, he wouldn't have minded, as long as they made it out all right. This year was different. As food made its way around the table, Lee realized how enjoyable 'different' could be.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Lee "Mmm, now this is one tradition I can get used to!"

Amanda snuggled deeper into Lee's embrace and buried her head beneath his chin. The crackle and pop of the wood burning in the fireplace, accompanied by the soft strains of Christmas music wafting in from the other room, created a cozy atmosphere.

"I couldn't agree more!"

Lee stared into the fireplace, mesmerized by the jumping of the flames on the logs. "You know, I just realized how quiet everything is."

"Well, Joe's gone and the boys are always in bed early on Christmas Eve, so they can get up at the crack of dawn. I don't know if they'll ever outgrow that." Amanda paused. "Oh, and Mother and Aunt Lillian are in the kitchen."

"It was really nice of your mother and aunt to clean up everything." Lee rubbed his hand up and down her arm.

"Well, they had an ulterior motive."

Lee chuckled. "Yeah! Getting us alone in here." He pulled her tighter against him. "Not that I mind!"

"Me either!" Amanda laughed. "I still remember the look on Mother's face as you eagerly agreed to the suggestion. When you said we had some work-related matters to discuss, she looked like she was going into cardiac arrest!"

Lee leaned his cheek against her head and smiled. "Well, you weren't exactly innocent of plotting either. When you mentioned the paperwork you could get done and how thankful you were that I was here to help get some of the facts straight, you even made your aunt speechless. Now that is a feat!"

Amanda lifted her head and looked up at him. "Well, it worked didn't it?"

Lee turned and gazed down at her beautiful face, the firelight dancing across her cheeks and chasing shadows across her soft features. "It sure did!" His lips descended on hers as their mouths began a dance of their own.

A breathless moment later, they parted.

Lee grinned. "So, you still think I'm impossible to get in the mood?"

Eyes glazed with passion, Amanda blinked several times as if in a daze. "What?"

"A few days ago, you wondered why I was so hard to get into the Christmas spirit. Only, you used 'mood' instead of 'spirit.' Let me tell you, my mind wasn't on Christmas celebrations at that moment."

Amanda grinned. "It never is!"

Lee smiled, then looked around and sighed. "You know, after my folks were killed, I never thought I'd be able to enjoy Christmas again." He returned his gaze to her face and dropped a quick kiss on her upturned nose. "Thanks to you, I finally can."

"It sure beats being trapped in a nest of killers!"

"You can say that again!"

Amanda raised her right hand and smoothed it down his tie, absentmindedly fingering the lapels of his jacket. "So, what do you say we start our own Christmas tradition?"

Lee reached for her hand and clasped her fingers in his, immediately brushing his thumb across the backs of her knuckles. He grinned when she shuddered at his touch. "I thought we already were."

She swallowed twice before being able to reply. Her voice was raspy when she spoke. "Well, yes, this is the tradition, but I'm going to make you promise on this one."

"Scout's honor?" He smiled.

Amanda shook her head. "Not good enough."

"Oh? Then what is?"

"Have to seal it with a kiss."

"Hmm, with pleasure!"

With Amanda wrapped securely in his arms and the warmth of her love surrounding him like a cocoon, Lee felt a comfort and peace he hadn't known since he was a little boy. Being with her family tonight and sharing Christmas Eve with them was very special. Now, he couldn't figure out why he'd avoided it for so long. They still had to be careful around her family, since they had technically just started dating. Considering the family's reaction so far, Lee didn't think it would be a problem.

The crackling fire. The soft music. The snowflakes falling past the window and promising a white Christmas. The woman he loved more than life itself nestled in his arms. All of it made this night stand out among the rest. This would be one year Lee wouldn't easily forget. It was without a doubt a Christmas to remember.

(THE END)

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