Ned and Alexis walk into their room, snow-covered and laughing. Ned walks up to Alexis and whispers in her ear.

N- Have I told you today how beautiful you are?

A- No, but feel free to.

N- You're beautiful. Sexy, too.

A- You're good at flattery.

N- Mind if I take you up on your offer? (if you're curious about the offer, read chapter 25)

A- Not at all. Why don't you turn the fire on?

N- Which one?

A- The one that isn't on. The one in the fireplace.

N- I like the way you think.

A- Well, I hope I'm not starting to think like you.

N- Why not? Oh, nevermind.

Ned starts to undo Alexis's shirt buttons.

A- (laughing) Understand why I don't want to think like you?

She starts to kiss him while he takes her clothes off. Alexis then helps him out of his clothes, and, well, you know...

Ned gets out of bed quietly. Alexis is sleeping. (thinking to himself) If they're going to celebrate Christmas, they'll need a tree. But where is he going to get a tree at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas eve? He contemplates calling Bloomingdales. That was probably his best bet. He takes his cell phone out into the other room, calls Bloomingdales, and places his order. But instead of an star, he gets an angel because that is what Alexis reminds him of. He still needs a present for her. He wanted to get her something from Bloomingdales, but she already has a ton of custom-tailored clothes. Lingerie seemed, well, for another time. He didn't know what kind of perfume she wore. Probably Chanel #5. Jewelry seemed in good taste. A gold locket from Tiffany. She might like that. He checked to see if she was still sleeping, which she was. He called Tiffany to order the locket. When he hung up, there was a knock on the door.

N- Come in. Quietly, please. My gir... my friend is sleeping and I'd like it to be a surprise.

Man- Certainly.

Two other men came in to help set up the tree. They said it would take about 45 minutes.

N- Just put the tree up. I'll do the decorations.

After the men leave, Alexis starts to wake up.

N- Hey, Lexi. I have a surprise for you.

Alexis walks into the other room.

A- (she lights up) A tree! Where are the decorations?

Ned points to some boxes.

N- Right here. I'd though you'd like to put them on.

A- I would. C'mon, let's decorate the tree.