Later that night as Brock sat in the kitchen drinking his third cup of coffee and staring at the tree they had all decorated with bits of colored cloth that Elaine had for quilting, he couldn't remember ever appreciating a tree more. "It's beautiful," he said, getting up and walking to the one sack that held Elaine's presents. "I have one present here I want to give you myself. Close your eyes."

"Brock…"

He grinned as she closed them, took the music box out of the sack and walked over to kneel in front of her. "Open your eyes."

"Oh Brock! It's beautiful!"

"It reminded me of you. You like it?"

"Oh yes!"

He laughed when her hands shook with excitement when she took it from him and wound it up. "The music is so pretty! Thank you!"

"Merry Christmas."

"I don't have anything for you."

"Seeing you and the boys so excited and happy has made this the best Christmas I've had in a long time too. If you don't mind me bunking on the floor, I'd like to stay and have Christmas dinner with you. I told the men at the ranch I may stay in town, so they won't worry about me, unless you think it might mar your reputation."

"Who's going to know?"

He laughed. "Guess you're right and besides, I'd gun down the first man who said anything."

"Defend my honor?"

"Most definitely!" He said when she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him, giving him a shy kiss on the cheek. "Keep that up and we may be spending more than one Christmas together."

"Would you like that you think?"

"I think I'd like it right fine!" He kissed her gently on the lips.