Ahhh... Way to go Myles. She's going to love it.

And I'm glad Bobby found a way to keep Tara distracted for 3 hours! Even I would've had a hard time at that!

Great teamwork, guys!

The strains of 'All I Want for Christmas' died away and the children went wild, begging for more. Most of the adults were grinning from ear to ear, remembering their own Elvis memories. Bobby was in his element, pulling a wee sheila up on the stage with him to sing while the girl's mom helped with the serving of lunch.

Davey and Tanya Gans came bounding across the room, joining the crowd of kids, adding their own joy to the melee. D wound his way over to Tara.

“I see Davey is better.” She smiled at her mentor and friend.

“Yeah, it was strange. The fever left after awhile. We just decided to hang out, eat popcorn and play games. It was the most peaceful time I've had in a while.” Blue light flashed and flowed strongly between the two.

Dewberry grinned. As if I would actually make him sick. Silly boy ate a hot pepper to get out of going.

Lucy handed over a pan of green beans and sighed. “Well, all are accounted for, except for Jack.”

A long finger pointed to the door, revealing the brown headed man coming in.

"Hey. Did di bis buch?” His grin was overshadowed by his red nose.

“What did he say?” Sue looked confused.

HE ASK “ME MISS MUCHQQ” Tara translated. BAD COLD HE.

BABY PITY was accompanied by a giggle.

Jack took it good naturedly. “All I cun say ids dat de Baple Leefs won id triple overdime.”

Sue shook her head as everyone laughed. “I never though I'd need a translator for you, Jack.”

Tara handed him a small notepad. “Here; you're outdoing me, and Lucy’s hands are full.”

Across the room, Bobby noticed that Myles had slipped in. He checked his phone and saw a single-word text message: Done. He glanced up, saw the Bostonian in a merry conversation with D and breathed deep. Winking at Tanya in the audience, he began another song, contentment filling his soul.


***
A/N: Have about three posts left. Will be finishing posting tomorrow.

Aw.........poor Jack has a cold. Sue could help him with that!!!

Love the scene, and Dewberry......hot pepper????
Who instigated that?


Don't know if I care to see this one come to an end, though! I'd rather it go on, and on, and on.......


Jill

I love seeing the team pulling together like this after hours. Really shows their family-feelings for each other. And as for Jack's cold, serves ya right, buddy. Putting hockey before your friends. SHAME ON YOU!!! <shaking finger at monitor> :whistle:

I love the giving nature of the team!!! That was a wonderful post, Trecebo!!!

Now, Sue, take Jack home and give him some TLC!!!

Joy

Wakey Wakey, time to post


such a lovely family there

By popular demand....

***

She was smiling as she climbed the steps of her apartment building; the afternoon at the shelter had been wonderful, from watching Bobby gyrate and croon, to the utter wonder at seeing Myles surrounded by children as he read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to them.

Who would have thought this would turn out to be one of the best Christmases ever? she thought to herself, looking down into her purse for her keys as she climbed the last few steps and walked down the hall.

Dewberry perched halfway up the wall, waiting to see Tara's reaction.

The petite agent turned the key in the lock, then looked up and gasped at the sight of the lush cedar wreath on her door, decorated simply with red berries and a gold ribbon. What the—?

Oh, my goodness! As she swung the door open, the gasp turned to a delighted little scream.

The cozy apartment was alight with gently glowing electric candles, some tinted in soft colors. Pine and cinnamon hung in the air, seemingly chasing each other in teasing wafts.

Nestled in her window seat nook was a mid-sized tree, a real one, framed with cedar garlands and red ribbons, and decorated with simple homemade-looking ornaments, popcorn-cranberry strings, and cinnamon-scented cookies.

Her cat was curled up next to a wood-carved Nativity set on her computer table, and there was a basket on her kitchen table that boasted hot cocoa (her favorite, mint truffle), a small fruitcake, crackers and cheeses and other snacks.

It was homey and inviting and tears sprang to her eyes. Who could have done such a wonderful thing for me?

She explored the apartment more carefully, finding little things here and there that only raised more questions: an Elvis Christmas CD, a small book of poetry by the Deaf artists they'd gone to see several months ago. There was a pocket-sized Scrabble game in the patchwork stocking hung on her bookcase, a packet of chili seasoning with Donna's “secret” chili recipe attached. There was even a plate of cinnamon rolls with a small wedge of Wisconsin cheddar perched beside it.

Ok, whoever did this has covered everyone except… Her suspicious intuition began to form a direction until she looked under the tree once more. There, hidden slightly by the numerous ornaments, was a small box, left open. In it was a sterling silver pin, in the shape of a laptop computer.

Very classy, she smiled. So much for thinking the improbable just might be the truth. Though, after last night...

She shook her head and slipped off her shoes, settling on her couch with a deep green velvet throw. I am so blessed, and I almost let Christmas get away from me. How can I pass it on at this point?

Dewberry thought hard, looking through space and time, seeing what might be for just a glimpse. She flicked a finger and the cat suddenly scrambled off the desk, a piece of paper statically attached to his fur.

Tara reached out and grabbed the slip. Seeing the numbers there, an idea came to mind and she picked up her phone to make a call.

***
A/N: Two more...

sigh lovely


MORE
MORE
MORE

PLLLLLEEAAAAAAAAASSSEEEE

Caught up! Great job! can't wait for more!!!

I want Myles to come and decorate my home!!! Popcorn-cranberry strings, cinnamon cookies!!! I LOVE the smell of cinnamon!!!

Joy

It was so beautiful...
I can't wait for more!

Really.......Myles, where are you? My tree looks rather in need of a makeover.

Wonderful story, ladies. Keep it going!

Jill

More, please!

A very beautiful post

Lovely posts, the team are really a wonderful family!

I'll be rather sad to see this story end, but I've had a fantastic journey reading it, thank you!

Sairs

* * *
Christmas dawned bright and early for Bobby. He was buried under several blankets, one bare foot sticking out. The phone beside his bed rang and a long hand reached out, groping for the offensive item. A tousled head poked out of the covers long enough to croak an answer.

“Manning...”

He sat up in surprise at the voice on the other end. “MUM!”

Dewberry smiled as the blue light shot across the great divide, binding mother to son. It is love.

* * *

Myles was perusing the morning paper, a cup of coffee beside him and a plate of maple scones warming in the oven. Anne was due for brunch any minute, and then they'd planned to spend the day just enjoying each other's company for a change. No keeping up appearances for the sake of their parents' social circle, no “progress reports”— just quiet time to rebuild what they'd lost for so many years.

He was lost in the crossword puzzle when his cell phone rang. “Leland,” he answered.

“You know, brother dear, if you'd bother to look at your caller ID occasionally, I might get a different greeting than your co-workers.” Anne's voice was full of teasing.

“You're late, Sis,” Myles replied, grinning. “The scones are going to be very dry.”

“I'm sitting in your driveway,” she countered. “Would you be interested in a change of plans? I had a very intriguing invitation last night, and hoped you might join me.”

His first reaction was a wave of disappointment that he wouldn't have her to himself; then the events of the past few days came back to him, and he decided that a little adventure might be in order. “I'll be right out.”

“Bring the scones,” Anne laughed. “I haven't had breakfast yet.”

* * *

I wonder where Anne and Myles are going?

What a lovely way to start Christmas day for Bobby.

I'm looking forward to your last post.

Sairs

EEEWWWW! Are they gonna party at Tara's place?

This is fantastic -- and what do you mean you are ending it just when I finally have time to read!!!

kav

I know I've said it on almost every post here so far, but...

Ahhhh.... That was so sweet. What does Tara have in mind for those two now, I wonder?

And what do you mean only one post left??? You can't end it, yet! This is too good!!!

Alas, tis time to bid our friends a fond farewell, at least for this challenge. We hope you enjoyed the ride. 'Twas fun coming up with the sitch and solutions. And now...the final installment of 'Comfort and Joy', one of Kav's Christmas Wishes....

* * *

It was close to eleven when Bobby walked up the stairs to Tara's apartment, a puzzled look on his face. He had planned a quiet day at home, but his mum had insisted he go to the address she gave him. He stood in the hallway, staring at the paper until he heard voices below him. A wry grin twisted his lips, and he watched Myles and Anne come up the stairs.

“What took ya so long, mate? Been waiting...” Steel blues twinkled merrily at the jest.

Myles raised a wary brow. “I do believe we've been made,” he said. “The question is, are we about to be lauded for our creativity, or fed to the cat?”

The Aussie shuddered as Anne laughed. “You've never met the cat, sheila.” He was about to knock on the door when it opened, revealing the interior of Tara's abode.

Both men stood open-mouthed at the change. Even though Myles knew he'd done the work, something about it now seemed... almost magical...

Tara was literally glowing with happiness as she greeted her company. “Hi guys, Anne; come in.”

“Comfort and Joy, comfort and joy, tidings of comfort and joy...” rang in Bobby's ears. He shot a glance at Myles, eyebrows raised in question.

Myles heard it slightly differently: “A song, a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth, good will to men... tidings of comfort and joy.”

Anne ignored the two statues and followed the petite blonde into the apartment. “Tara, this is beautiful. Myles told me about the schedule you all have had. When did you find time to do this?”

“I didn't. It was just...here when I got home.” She hugged herself with glee. “It reminds me of that part of the story in 'A Little Princess', where she wakes up to find the attic all decorated. Only, there are no monkeys here, just TDLK.”

“TDLK?” Anne raised a pert brow.

“Don't ask...I don't want to know,” Bobby raised a hand in supplication. He had found his feet and followed Myles in, looking around in wonder.

“The Dreaded Lap Kitty,” Tara clarified. “Although I can't quite figure out how someone got past Lucifer; he doesn't let very many people enter this apartment and leave unscathed.” She glanced at Myles as she said it.

“I know it was you, and you have no idea how much it means, how much comfort it brought to my Christmas. Thank you; I wish I dared tell you out loud, but I know you wouldn't want that.” He drew in a sharp breath as it registered in his mind.

“It seems I've been surrounded by gremlins, elves or something the past few days,” Tara was telling Anne. “Things have been happening that have just made my Christmas so... wonderful!”

“You did my desk, Bobby... and that wonderful night at MacGill's... I don't know why you two decided to do this, but...”

Dewberry smiled and snapped her fingers. Suddenly, the lights flickered and the candles wavered on the table.

“Ok, that was strange,” Anne said.

Both Bobby and Myles were shaking their heads, ears popping once more. Steel blue met gray-blue and over at the stereo, music began playing softly in the background: God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,…

Dewberry snapped once more and her many friends from the North were gathered round, a witness to the true meaning of Christmas.

O, tidings of Comfort and Joy, comfort and Joy, O Tidings of Comfort and joy....

Tara smiled. “I can't stand it. I have to do this.” She reached over and hugged Bobby tightly. “Thank you. Thank you for the gift of joy.”

Bobby's heart caught a little as he realized he heard only her voice. The response to his raised brow over her shoulder was a resigned smile and a small shrug. Whatever had been the reason behind it, their glimpse into her soul had served its purpose and was now gone.

Tara turned to Myles, who was looking a little embarrassed. Still, there was an almost-sad glint in his eyes, and she wondered at it. But not enough to stop her from doing what she needed to. “You're not going anywhere,” she laughed as she pulled him into an embrace as well. “Thank you for the gift of comfort.”

The elves stood back in awe as the blue light of love burst through, filling the house and spilling over, out into the street, reaching for the heavens.

“Well, done, Dewberry. Well done...”

Tara drew Anne into the circle as well. “I have a Christmas dinner planned that may be short on elegance...”

“But rich in spirit, from what I can see.” The redhead smiled and reached a hand toward them all. “Merry Christmas.”

FINIS

trecebo and only.me wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

WOO HOO that was brillant- thank you sooooo much.....

That was a fabulous story, thank you for sharing.



Sairs

Beautiful ending and story

Okay you guys just because that was such a fantastic ending I'll let you get away with ending it too soon! Beautifully done -- so unique and well-written -- storyline tight -- not rambly at all ( I bow down before you for that). Sigh I can't think of any way to express how truly wonderful that was. So I'll stop rambling and say

Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!

kav

Wonderful story! It was really lovely of Tara to return the gesture. Guess she had some insights in her friends' souls too... They can all use some Christmas magic.

This co-operation worked out really nice, so maybe we can see some more of the two of you?

GReat job! Fantastic! WA-HOO!

Great job guys! Loved it!

Great story! Great ending!

Wonderful story with a very unique twist!!
Loved it!

Trece and OM - Just now finally got the chance to finish reading this one. And I give you two a standing ovation. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Thank you so much for writing that for us.

That was beautiful ! They gave a wonderful Christmas to Tara, and while doing so, they also gave themselves a wonerful one!

Merry Christmas to you guys !!!

Wonderful, wonderful!!! Merry Christmas!

Jill

I'm still playing Christmas catch-up. I just read it all and it was so much FUUUUUUUUUUUN!

I loved the friendships and how they worked so well together. I especially liked the dialogue and descriptions. And Kujo kitty had me

Bravo!

Trawling through lots of the stories on the board and read this its fabulous thanks for sharing your talent