Christmas Day-

It was the perfect morning. Snow covered the ground, the smell of gingerbread lingered around the house, the tree lit up the room, and everyone was together.

Jessica, Sean, Olivia, and Sam all sat around the living room exchanging gifts. It was a simple, calm, morning.

The kids opened their gifts first. They got small things and money. The two of them then gave Jessica their gift. They pitched in to get her a spa day out of the city and small little things that she loved.

"Sean, Olivia, I got you both a little something." Sam says pulling two gifts out from under the tree.

"Really?" Olivia says as she is handed her gift.

Sam nods and hands Sean his.

Jessica smiles then takes Sam's hand as she watches them open their gifts.

"You don't have to get them anything." Jessica whispers into his ear

Sam grins then turns back to the kids who had the gifts unwrapped.

Sam got both of the kids something small but exciting at the same time. He never usually shopped for younger kids so he didn't really know what to get.

"Cavs tickets? No way!" Sean says

While Sam had been staying with them, him and the kids spent lots of time watching sports. Sean and Olivia loved the Cavs and loved watching the games. He thought it was the perfect gift.

"This is awesome! Thank you, sam!" Olivia sits up and runs to Sam giving him a hug.

"I thought the two of you could go. Their coming into town, so why not?" Sam chuckles

"Sam, this is a big gift! You didn't have to do that!" Jessica says nervously

"Jess, it's fine. We've been watching the games on the tv for too long."

"Now we can watch them whoop ass in person!" Sean exclaims. He holds his ticket in his hand and examines it. He couldn't believe his eyes.

Sean and Olivia then pause for a moment and start to laugh.

"What?" Jessica says

"Well, Sam we got you a gift too." Olivia giggles

Sean stands up and pulls out an envelope from a desk drawer. He walks over and hands it to Sam.

"Go ahead, open it." He says

Sam slowly opens the envelope and their was a Cavs ticket.

Sam and the kids starts to crack up.

"I guess we all had the same gift idea!" Sean says

"Ha! Wow, this is amazing! You guys really didn't have to get me this! Thank you so much." He smiles

"Now all three of us can go!" Olivia exclaims

"Aww, this is so sweet! You are all going to a game together!" Jessica giggles

"Haha, yeah! This will be awesome!" Sean says

"Jess, we can get you a ticket? I bet they still have some."

"No! It's okay... I'm not a big basketball fan anyways. You three go and have fun." She says

Jessica was thrilled to see Sam and the kids bonding so well. Every time she'd hear them laugh or bond together it was music to her ears.

"January tenth! Save the date!" Sam chuckles

//-//

Later that day the kids went over Danny's for the rest of the day. They were spending the day at his condo then coming back for the Lange's annual Christmas celebration before the leave for stillwater.

For dinner they all drove up to Jessica's parents house for Christmas dinner. Since Sam and Jessica weren't able to celebrate thanksgiving together, today was their first big holiday as a couple.

When they arrived everyone was thrilled to see them, especially Jessica. The last time they were all together as a family was when Jessica was in the hospital. Now they could celebrate a holiday at home.

"Jessica, Sam, and the kiddos have arrived!" Dorthy smiles hugging them both.

"Merry Christmas!" She says happily

Dorthy walks them into the living room and everyone exclaims 'merry Christmas'. Jessica smiled seeing all of her family in the same room. She was glad to spend the Christmas with her family. But not only was she glad, she was lucky.

They spent lots of time talking with everyone and catching up. Sam fit in perfectly. He had already known the Lange's so well, everyone loved him.

"You look great, Jessica. How do you feel?" Ann asks

"I feel fine. Thank you. Sam's been taking good care of me." She says taking his hand

Sam blushes then kisses her cheek.

Ann squeals "What a cute couple!"

Jessica rolls her eyes then giggles

//-//

They all sat around the dinner table getting ready to dig into the food. Before they began Albert says grace.

Everyone bowed their heads from start to finish.

Once he was finished with grace he stood up and everyone watched him.

"Before we dig into this beautiful meal, I wanted to present a small little speech....

This year has been quite the year. Layla and Joshua started college, Heather and Sean are graduating, all my grandkids are making big accomplishments, my children are doing great things and it will be your mother and I's fiftieth wedding Anniversary this January. We are all so lucky to be here as one very big happy family.Being your husband, Dad, father in law, and grandpa is the biggest honor of my life. You all make me so proud... but I only think it's necessary to take a minute and thank god. If it weren't for him and so many amazing doctors, we would have our Jessica with us.

Jessica, a month ago I thought I was going to lose you. And it really opened my eyes and really all of our eyes. It showed me how lucky I am to have my family alive, healthy and happy.

So thank you god. For giving me my family. Thank you for letting us all be together." Albert and everyone in the room begins to tear up. He wipes his eyes and sits back down. Dorthy leaves a soft kiss on his lips.

Jessica cried softly. Her dads toast really opened her eyes as well. She was so lucky to be alive, sitting with her family, children, and Sam. She should be dead, but because of Neil she is alive. Jessica took a moment to close her eyes and send a thank you to Neil for giving his life so she could live hers.

//-//

After Dinner and presents Sam was sitting and talking with the men. They all had a cold beer in their hands.

Jessica was with her sisters and nieces. Albert had a minute to snatch Sam away without Jessica knowing.

"Hey Sam, do you mind coming with me?" He says

Sam stands up and sets his beer down. "Sure thing."

Albert leads Sam into his office and shuts the door behind him. He sits down on his chair as Sam sits across from him.

Albert crosses his legs and leans back in his chair. Sam quietly waits for Albert to say something.

He lets off a soft sigh and begins. "Sam, thank you. Dorthy has been telling me how well you've been taking care of Jessie. I'm really grateful that she has a man like you to count on and take care of her. You've always been a good man, Samuel Shepard. We've been friends for quite some time. But now, you're dating my daughter. See, usually id give the long hour lecture to you like I did with all of my daughters boyfriends and husbands... but I don't need to do that with you, Sam. Why? Because I know that you are a great guy and will only treat Jessica with respect and love her. I know you'll take care of her and be there for her. That's the kind of man she needs. After what Danny did to her she deserves more than the world. I think in a matter of only a few months you given her that and more. The kids too. I haven't seen those three this happy in a very long time. I see how they are when they are around you and how you all are when you're together. So thank you for taking care of
Them."

"It's my pleasure, Albert. I love Jessica and I love those kids of hers. They've made me more than happy."

//-//

It was getting late. Sam drove Jessica and the kids back home. Immediately Sean and Olivia went to bed.

Jessica and Sam were in Jessica's room getting ready for bed. While Sam changed into his pajamas Jessica waited patiently on the bed for him with something in her hands.

The two of them waited to give each other their gifts. They both agreed to get small things that were not too expensive.

Sam hoped into the bed and cuddled up next to Jessica. She kissed the top of his head.

"Merry Christmas." He says handing her a small box.

Jessica smiles and slowly begins to open it. Once she unwrapped the paper she came across a pandora box.

She turned to Sam then back at the box. She slowly opened it. There was a charm bracelet inside with a few charms on it already.

"Sam, it's beautiful!" Jessica smiles

"You like it?"

"I love it! The Mom charm is my favorite. Thank you!"

Sam slides it onto Jessica's wrists and she kisses his hand.

"Merry Christmas!" Jessica says anxiously handing him his gift.

Sam holds the gift in his hand and opens a small box. Inside was a key.

"I know you probably think a little key is a stupid gift... but I had a key made for you... now it doesn't mean you have to move in but over the last month you've become a big part of our family. You've helped me recover and you've bonded with my kids. Overall you've been the biggest help and you dropped everything... soon I may not need help anymore but that doesn't mean that I don't want you to stay. This key is for you, when January comes my doors are always open and you're always welcome."

"This is the best gift I could ask for, thank you."

//-//