Christmas

Chapter One
     Shawn was walking home from school one wintery afternoon. It was the last day of classes before Christmas vacation started and he was fully prepared to enjoy the days off to its fullest. He walked through the snow when he thought he felt something fly past his right ear. He turned to look behind him but saw nothing but the snow covered trees and cars. He continued walking and after a minute he swore he felt something lightly touch his shoulder and a movement to the side of him caught his eye. He stopped and thought he heard giggling just before another snowball hit him in the back. He turned, ready to fight, and he saw Belle just as she threw another snowball at him, hitting him in the arm. She started laughing hysterically as she threw another one and he finally started to retaliate. Behind her, he could see Philip and Chloe further down the sidewalk, also engaged in a snowball battle. He threw one at her, hitting her on the arm and they were now in a full-on battle, flinging balls of snow at each other. Philip had caught Chloe up against a tree, threatening her with a huge ball of snow but Shawn concentrated on Belle. One hit the side of her black jacket and left a white mark behind. She looked so cute to Shawn, in her black coat with bright pink gloves, scarf, and ski hat. She knew it was a losing battle so in vain she threw one without looking. It hit him square in the side of the head, exploding into his dark hair.
"Shawn! I'm so sorry!" she yelled out, trying not to laugh.
"Yeah, I'm sure you are!" he said, walking over to her menicingly. "And now you're going to get it!" With a shriek, he scooped her up in his arms, backpack and all, and started carrying her.
"Shawn! What are you doing to me?" she asked, wiggling in his arms. Chloe and Philip had finished their battle by this time and watched them in amusment. He carried her over to where some little kids had piled some snow and acted like he was going to dump her in it.
"Shawn, no please!" she begged. "These are new pants!" He laughed as he pretended to weigh his options while she tried to free herself.
"Ok, I'll be nice...this time" he said.
"Thank you!" she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Getting nice and comfortable there?" he asked, as she set her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah, it's a long walk" she said. "I thought you could carry me" He laughed.
"Just for a little bit" he said, as Chloe and Philip came up to join them, walking slowly because Phil was behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist. Belle snuggled closer to him and gently brushed the snow out of his hair.
"I'm really sorry about that" she said.
"No problem" he said. "It's all in fun" She again put her arms around his neck and leaned her warm forehead against his neck and cheek.
"Shawn, aren't you so excited about Christmas?" she asked.
"Yeah, I am" he said. "It's just five days away. And it's our first Christmas with JT...it should be fun"
"I'm so excited" she said, squeezing him tightly.
"I can tell" he said, with a grin. "You're a little bundle of excitement" She laughed and they continued walking.
"Hey guys, I'm going to walk Chloe home so we'll talk later, ok?" Philip interrupted.
"Ok, see you guys later" Shawn said.
"Bye Chloe!" Belle said, hanging over Shawns back and waving. "Call me later!"
"So, did you get your Christmas shopping done?" Shawn asked, adjusting her weight.
"Almost" she said. "I still have to get Chloe's present...and yours"
"Mine?" he asked. "I didn't know we were exchanging presents"
"You don't have to get me anything" she said. "But I want to get you something"
"Well, I'll get you something too" he said. "We can exchange them Christmas Eve at Gran's house"
"I just love all this Christmas stuff" she said, motioning to some decorations. "It's all so exciting"
"Mm hmm" Shawn said, running an idea through his mind. "Uh oh" he said, after a minute.
"What?" she asked.
"I'm gonna sneeze" he said, and she hopped out of his arms right before he did.
"Bless you!" she said, handing him a tissue.
"Thanks" he said, taking it, and they continued, only a block from Belle's penthouse. Belle stomped through the snow and almost slipped, catching herself on his arm.
"I think I liked this better when you were carrying me" she joked.
"I don't know if I can carry you anymore but I can definately help you" he said, holding out his arm. She gladly took it and they continued happily the rest of the way. At the doorway to the building, he stopped her.
"Hey, Belle, do you have plans for this evening?" he asked.
"Nope" she said, her blue eyes sparkling in the late-afternoon sun.
"Great" he said. "Can I pick you up at 8?"
"That depends, what are we doing?"
"It's a surprise" he said. "But trust me, you'll like it"
"Ok..." she said. "What should I wear?"
"Wear whatever you want" he said. "But dress warm"
"Ok" she said. "8:00. It's a date" She immediately blushed at the word "date", remembering what had happened last time.
"It's a date" he echoed, grinning at her, and she smiled.
"Ok, see ya then Shawn!" she said, turning and running to the elevator. He gave her a little wave right before the doors closed and then leaned up against the building with a groan-his back and arms were killing him.

Chapter Two
     Shawn was at her door promptly at 8:00. She met him there, dressed in black pants and boots and a tight sky-blue sweater.
Hey" she said, opening the door and grinning at him. He looked nice, wearing khaki pants with a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath his winter jacket.
"Belle, you didn't have to dress up" he said. "I mean, you look great but still..."
"I know, I just felt like it" she said, reaching for her jacket. He caught it up and slipped it onto her arms. John came down the stairs and stopped in the entryway.
"And where are we going, Izzy B?" he asked.
"It's a surprise" she said. "But I'll be with Shawn"
"I'll bring her home early" Shawn added.
"Ok, just be careful" he said.
"Thanks, bye!" Belle said, slipping out of the open door. They got on the elevator and she pulled on her gloves and hat again. They went outside into the cool winter air and started walking down the sidewalk.
"So, where are we going?" she asked.
"Well, call me corny" he said. "But one of my favorite things about Christmas is going out at night and looking at all the house lit up"
"Shawn, that is such a great idea!" she said.
"I'm glad you like it" he said. She slipped her gloved hand in his and they continued down the sidewalk. After a few blocks of silence Belle stopped suddenly.
"Look!" she said, pointing above a house. "The first star of the night...make a wish!" Shawn watched her with a smile as she squeezed her eyes shut and made a wish. When she opened them again, she caught him watching her.
"Did you make a wish?" she asked.
"Yeah" he said, admiring her in the moonlight.
'What did you wish for?" he asked, as they continued down the walkway, hand in hand.
"If I tell you, it won't come true!" she said. "Do you think your wish will come true?"
"I hope so" he said, looking down at her again and she blushed, walking faster. They continued walking and talking and Shawn noticed as her nose and cheeks became redder throughout the night. After an hour, she was shivering in the cool wind.
"I have an idea" Shawn said. "How about we go to .Com for something warm?" She nodded and they hurried in that direction. Once they came within sight of the entrence, they both broke into a run and went flying into the place together, laughing.
"Look, there's Philip and Chloe" Belle said, looking to a far corner. Philip saw them and motioned them over.
"Hey guys!" Belle said, as Shawn helped her take her coat off and then slid out of his own.
"I'm going to go get two drinks" Shawn said, walking over to the counter.
"Well, you two seem to be enjoying yourself" Chloe commented.
"Yeah, we are" she said, as Shawn came back carrying two steaming drinks. "Thank you!" she said, taking a sip of the one he offered her.
"Are you warming up yet?" he asked, wrapping his arm around her and rubbing her shoulders She wiggled up against him, taking in his body heat, and the other two watched in amusement.
"Where did you guys go that got you so cold?" Philip asked.
"Shawn and I went for a walk to look at all the Christmas decorations" Belle answered. Chloe hit Philip on the arm.
"Why can't you be romantic like that?" she asked. Philip shot Shawn a look.
"You're making me look bad here, Brady!" he said. The word "romantic" rang in Belle's ears and she quickly slipped out of his arms and picked up her hot chocolate. She took a few more sips and continued chatting with the others. Chloe was intent on watching Shawn and Belle, sure that they had somehow connected in the time they had spent together. She watched as Belle picked up her drink with her left hand and Shawn nervously ran his right hand through his hair. *That's strange* she thought. *I thought Belle was right-handed* She watched them carefully as she took her lip gloss from her pocket and applied it. She was putting it back when it slipped from her hands and fell on the floor. She quickly bent to pick it up and saw something that made her pop up quickly.
"Hey, Belle, wanna share an order of fries?" she heard Shawn ask her.
"Sure, thanks" she said, and he excused himself from the table.
"I'm going to run to the bathroom real quick" Belle said, slipping away too. As soon as they were both out of hearing distance, Chloe grabbed Philip's shirt front excitedly.
"Oh, I see..." he said, grinning, as he leaned over to kiss her.
"No, no" she said, pulling away impatiently. "You know when I dropped my lip gloss on the floor? Well, I saw something down there"
"Cold french fries?" he said, looking confused.
"No!" she said, playfully hitting him. "Shawn and Belle! They were holding hands under the table"
"Wait...Shawn and Belle were holding hands?" he asked.
"Yes!" she said.
"Whoa, that's wild" he said, shaking his head. "Did something happen tonight?"
"I don't know" she said. "But you're going to go find out" With that, she shoved him out of his seat. "Go talk to Shawn!" Belle came back and looked at them funny and Philip hurried over to the bar. "He had to ask Shawn something" Chloe said, covering herself. "So, what's going on with Shawn? You seem to be getting along extremely well...do you like him?" She blushed and pushed a piece of hair off her face.
"I don't know" she said, with a little smile. "He's so amazing-I can't believe I haven't seen it. But we've known each other so long Chloe! I don't know if we could do anything about it, even if I did like him" Meanwhile, Philip had caught Shawn at the bar.
"Hey Shawn" he said, stopping him from returning to the table. "What's up with you and Belle?"
"What about me and Belle?" he asked, a knowing smile on his face.
"You know what I mean" he said. "You guys seem really tight"
"We've always been tight" he said, happily jumping around the subject.
"No man...do you like her?" he asked. "And no trying to play me...I mean, *like* like her". Shawn blushed slightly and pushed his hair off his face.
"You know what? I'm gonna be straight with you" he said. "I do...a lot. I'm just debating if I should make a move or not"
"Well, if you don't want to, me or Chloe will talk to her for you..." he said, and Shawn interrupted.
"No, if anything happens, I want it to be between just the two of us" he said. "No one else getting involved. And I don't even want you telling Chloe. She's her best friend and I know she'll slip up or something. So, Philip, this is just between us, ok?" Phil looked at Shawn and then nodded.
"Ok, mums the word" he said.
"Great" Shawn said. "Let's get back to the ladies" Shawn picked up their fries and hurried back to the booth, sliding in next to Belle again.
"Here you go, Bella" he said, popping one in her mouth. She smiled and leaned up against him as she chewed it.
"Thank you Shawn" she said, as they started to eat them together. Chloe and Philip barely concentrated on their conversation about the upcoming holiday, both of them watching the two carefully for any hidden signs. But they acted like they usually did, getting along one minute and then gently arguing the next. Philip looked up and saw the clock above Belle's head.
"Well, I better take Chloe home, it's getting late" Philip said, stretching.
"Yeah, and I told your Dad I would have to in early" Shawn said, gently poking her in the side. They all stood up and Shawn picked up her jacket and helped her put it on. Chloe shot Philip a look and he jumped to attention and also helped her on with hers. At the door, they started their separate ways.
"Bye guys!" Belle yelled.
"Bye Shawn!" Chloe said. "Belle, call me tomorrow!" Shawn and Belle started to walk down the sidewalk into the wind.
'Wow, it's even colder now" Belle commented, slipping her gloved hand again into Shawn's. He didn't object as he squeezed her hand a little. They were almost home when Shawn pointed to above a house.
"Look Belle, there's our star" he said, pointing.
"Our wish star" she said, looking up. "I can't believe you remember which one it was!"
"How could I forget something that's so special now?" he asked, looking down at her. She put her head down, a little embarrassed, and they continued silently down the sidewalk. They hurried into Belle's building and rode the elevator up in silence. At the doorway, they both stood there awkwardly.
"Thank you, Shawn, that was so much fun" she said.
'I'm glad you enjoyed it" he said. She suddenly came forward and wrapped her arms around his neck for a hug. He gladly took her in his arms and rubbed her back. She pulled away slowly and looked up at him. She paused uncertainly for a minute and then gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.
"I'll talk to you tomorrow" she said, turning on her heel and going on the door.
"Bye" he said, as she gave him a quick wave right before she shut the door behind her.

Chapter Three
    Shawn was enjoying his day off by sleeping in late when he heard his phone ringing near his ear. He growled lightly in his sleep and rolled over, trying to ignore it but the person was very persitant. After 8 or 9 rings, he groggily rolled over and picked it up.
"Hello?" he asked, a little annoyed.
'Good morning, Shawn Douglas" a perky voice said.
"Belle?" he said, turning to the clock. "Why are you calling so early...well, I guess it's 11"
"Yes, and you should be awake by now" she said.
"Is there a point to this call or can I just go back to sleep and pretend to listen?" he asked.
"Shawn!" she said.
"I'm just kidding" he said. "So what did you need?"
"You" she said. He dropped the phone on the pillow next to him. "Hello? Shawn?"
"I'm here" he said, picking the phone up again. "The phone just slipped...nevermind...what did you say?"
"I need your help with something" she said. "Can you be ready in an hour?"
"That depends, what do you need?" he asked, kinda hoping that it was just him.
'I'm having a lot of trouble finding a Christmas gift for you" she said. "And I was going to go get Chloe's today so I thought you might want to come with me? Then I might be able to get a little inspiration from you being there" Shawn groaned.
"So you're initiating a mall crawl with me?" he asked.
"It won't be bad, I promise!" she said. "And lunch is on me"
"In that case, I can be ready in an hour" he said. "Meet at the cafe at 12?"
"Sounds good" she said. "See you later!"
     They met sometime later and quickly went to a restuarant to catch a quick lunch before they started. Shawn quickly scanned the menu and found something inexpensive. He quickly ordered his hamburger and then turned to Belle.
"You know, I can pay for lunch" he said. "You don't have to buy me lunch to make me come with you"
"I know" she said. "But you paid last night"
"Oh, yeah" he said. "Hot chocolate and fries are really going to break my bank" She laughed and gently swatted his arm.
"I'll take care of it this time and you can get it next time-deal?" she said.
"Whatever works" he said. "I just like spending time with you". They quickly ate their food and then started on their shopping trip.
"So what do you think?" Belle asked, holding up a pink sweater set.
"For Chloe?" he asked, scratching his head. "It's nice-but I don't know if she's ready for pink yet"
"But it's so cute" she said, running her hand over the front of it.
"For you, yes" he said, rummaging through a rack. "But this is more her-the blue matches her eyes" Belle narrowed her eyes-since when did he notice what would match her eyes? Shawn saw the look and inwardly groaned.
"Ok, Belle, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing" she said, grabbing the sweater from him and starting to walk toward the counter.
"Don't give me that shit, tell me what's wrong" he said. He watched her walk off from him. "I know what it is-Belle, you know Chloe and I are just friends, right?"
"Whatever you say, Brady" she said, continuing. He hurried after her.
"Belle, I wouldn't do that to Philip, he's a good friend of mine" he said.
"Uh huh" she said, setting the sweater down on the counter and looking for a salesperson.
"You're jealous, aren't you?" he said, a grin coming across his face.
"I am not!" she protested.
"Are too"
"Am not"
"Yes you are"
"Brady, if I say I'm not, then I'm not, ok?" she said, frustrated.
"Whatever you say" he said, walking off a few feet. "You're so jealous" he said jokingly, in a low whisper.
"Shawn!" she exclaimed. "I am not!" A salesperson suddenly appeared and laughed at their argument.
"'Tis the season" she said, ringing up the sweater and folding it. Belle suddenly felt stupid for the argument-it was Christmas after all. She hurridly paid for it and they continued on their walk.
"Look, Shawn" she said, after a minute. "I'm sorry about earlier, ok?"
"It's not a big deal, Belle" he said. "We were both just kidding around" She stopped him by placing her hand on his arm.
"I'm sorry, ok?" she said. "Really, that was stupid and immature..."
"And showing high amounts of jealousy?" he teased. She sighed.
"Ok" she said. "I admit-I was a little..." Shawn caught a sign over her shoulder-Goldman's jewelry. Belle continued talking as he zoned out, looking in the window. *Wow* he thought to himself, as she talked. *How perfect is that?*
"So do you understand where I'm coming from?" Belle finished, hands on hips.
"Yeah, of course" Shawn said, finally looking at her. "You weren't jealous at all. C'mon, let's go" Belle looked at him, confused, and then continued after him.

Chapter Four
     Belle sighed as she continued along Salem Place. She had gotten no inspiration by shopping with Shawn the day before and here she was again, trying to find a present for him. She was confused by his actions the day before-he had seemed to zone out after awhile, not paying attention to her. She had turned and looked at one point, expecting to find some gorgous blonde behind her, but had only found two children playing in front of a store. And she knew that Shawn wasn't a pedophile...the absurdity of the thought brought a smile to her face as she entered another store.
     Another hour later, she had finally bought his presents. She had found a nice blue sweater in a store and had also bought a cd she knew he wanted. Still, she was disappointed. She had been hoping she would find a perfect gift, one that would jump out at her screaming "Buy me for Shawn! I'm freakin' perfect for him!" But no such luck.
     Shawn in the meantime had also returned to Salem Place. He stood in the same store that had caught his attention the day before. A saleswoman stood in front of him, patiently waiting for his decision, while he fingered the delicate item.
     It was a necklace-a diamond one, to be exact. He normally wouldn't have gone to such extreme measures for a present but it seemed too perfect to pass up. It had a clear string-an "illusion" necklace the saleswoman had explained-with a simple diamond hanging from it. The perfect part of it was the shape of the diamond-it was shaped like a star. Not like a 5-cornered star...more like a sunburst actually. But regardless, it was perfect. He could picture her opening it on Christmas eve, her face overcome with excitement as she saw it. "Our wishing star-Shawn, it's perfect!" she would exclaim, as she wrapped her arms around him for a hug. He would smoothly lift her chin up and plant the long-awaited kiss on her lips, pulling her closer as the rest of his family disappeared from view. He coughed and brought himself back to reality.
"How much is it again?" he asked, fingering it gently. She told him and he swallowed hard. He had the money and it wouldn't take all his earning to buy it. But he was afraid of what Belle would think-he didn't want to scare her off. The saleswoman saw his problem.
"Is she a special girl?" she asked, gently. Shawn looked up, as if startled.
"What?" he said. "Yeah, she's amazing-smart, funny, incredibly cute...I'm just afraid it's too much, too soon. Do you know what I mean?" The woman smiled.
"Yes, I know what you mean" she said. "But as a woman-and not as a saleswoman-any lady would be extremely happy to receive this as a gift. Especially from someone who obviously put so much time into the present" Shawn blushed. "I'll give you a minute to think about it"
"It is perfect" he mumbled to himself, as he ran the idea through his head again. But all he could think about was her face lighting up when she saw it. He could imagine her lifting her long hair up and allowing him to clasp it around her neck, turning to face him while the diamond shone underneath her beautiful smile. That was all he needed.
"Excuse me" he said, catching her attention. "Could you ring this up for me, please?"

Chapter Five
     Belle nervously sprayed her hair again with hairspray-the last thing she needed was for her hair to start falling out in the middle of midnight mass. She cringed at the thought and turned to pull her dress from her closet.
"Isabella!" she heard her dad yell. "Fifteen minutes!"
"Alright!" she said, taking it from its hanger. She looked over at Shawn's present on her bed as she slipped out of her robe. She couldn't believe it was Christmas eve already! She unzipped the dress and slid into it, carefully zipping it up the best she could. She slid into her shoes and walked awkwardly to her bed to strap them on. The door slammed open and she jumped, looking over to see Brady standing in the doorway.
"I still can't believe you agreed to come" she said, continuing with her shoes. Ever since their accident with the train, Brady seemed to be trying to get along with the family more. And he followed Belle everywhere she would permit him.
"Yeah, well..." he said, striding into the room. "Hell, it's Christmas, ya know?"
"Yeah, I know" she said, absently, as she put on her perfume and checked her make-up one more time.
"Who are you getting all hooched up for?" he asked, shaking his head at the dress length. She took a playful swing at him. "It wouldn't happen to be for a certain young man? With the initials S.D.B.?"
"Brady, you don't know what you're talking about" she said, grabbing the present and her purse.
"You're so hooked on him, Belle" he said.
"Am not" she protested.
"You're head over heels" he said, laughing.
"Shut up...jerk" she said.
"Nerd"
"Loser"
"Stupid"
"Freak" she finished. He looked at her and grinned.
"Merry Christmas, sis" he said, grabbing her in a hug. She laughed and held him tight for a minute.
"Ready to go?" she asked, her hand on the doorknob.
"Wait, don't you have to go put your dress on first?" he asked.
"Brady!" she said, as they headed down the stairs, laughing.

Chapter Six
     Shawn was standing at his Great-Grandma's house, sipping his soda and waiting for Belle to show up. He flipped through her extensive cd collection, laughing at the fact that it held every Christmas cd imaginable, including Garth Brooks and 'N Sync. He shifted his position and checked his watch-where were they? Shawn caught a view of his reflection in the mirror. He was wearing nice khaki pants with a dark green sweater. He was suddenly self-conscious of his shirt. It was a knit sweater with a kind of turtleneck-he had seen guys in magazines wearing them. But maybe it wasn't right for now-the last thing he needed Belle to do was to laugh at his outfit. *Shit* he thought. *I wonder if I have time to run back and change*
      Suddenly, the door flew open and Marlena stepped in, holding her arms tight from the cold. John followed and Belle and Brady brought up the rear. He watched as she immediately gave his grandma a hug. She still had her jacket on and Shawn noticed appreciately that her dress wasn't long enough to show underneath it. Brady helped her take her coat off and Shawn's breath caught in his throat.
     Her hair was mainly worn down with the front pieces twisted off her face. His eyes followed their way up her curves, starting at her black shoes and stockings covering her long legs. She was wearing a short red dress that had a black lacy covering over it. It cut low across her chest and Shawn quickly took his eyes up further. He was delighted to see that her neck was bare. He leaned up against the wall and took another sip of his drink, still watching her. She turned suddenly and he was caught.
She set down the bag she was carrying and hurried over to him. He quickly set down his drink and caught her up in a hug.
"Merry Christmas!" she said, hugging him tightly.
"Merry Christmas" he repeated. She pulled away and looked him up and down, appreciating the view. He swallowed hard.
"You look really nice Shawn" she said, her hand gently brushing a piece of fuzz of his arm. "I didn't know you were so in style" Truthfully, he looked incredibly sexy to her. His shirt was tight enough that you could see his muscle without being too tight. And the color brought out the green in his eyes.
"Thanks" he said, pretending to look her from her shoes up. "You don't look so bad yourself" She smiled and playfully took a swing at her. He caught her arm and spun her around, pulling her back close up against his chest.
"Actually" he whispered, his mouth close to her ear. "You look amazingly gorgeous" He let go of her arm and quickly walked away, leaving her watching him with a stunned expression. But she was brought back to reality by little Will jumping on her and dragging her over to look at the Christmas tree and all the presents underneath. By the time she had deposited him with her mother, Shawn was gone. Her eyes scanned the room and laughed when she saw him at the food table-*where else would he be?* she thought, with a smile, as she walked over to him.
'How's the food, Shawn?" she asked, coming up from behind him.
'Amazing" he said, with his mouth full. She raised her eyebrow at him and he swallowed quickly. "Sorry"
"No problem" she said, picking up a plate.
"Can I get you a glass of eggnog?" he asked her.
"Yes please" she said, pleased with how he was acting. He came back a minute later and almost dropped the two cups at the sight before him. She was on her toes slightly, bending over to reach something on the table, and her dress was hiked up considerably in the back. He bumped into a chair staring at her and she turned to him suddenly. *Shit* he thought. *Nice move, Mr. Obvious*
"Something wrong, Shawn?" she asked, knowing what his problem was.
"Umm...uhhh..." he stuttered. "Here, take these" he said, handing her the glasses. "I'll get you a plate full-I know what you like-and you go get us a seat on the couch, ok?"
"Sounds fine" she said, taking the glasses and going to sit on the couch. He joined her a few minutes later and together they shared the snacks he had chosen her. His dad waved him over to talk to John. He got up with a few silent groans and went to see what he wanted. Belle leaned back, obviously disappointed that he had to leave.
"Belle!" a little voice said, and Will soon jumped on her lap.
"Uhh" she grunted. "You're getting big" He looked up at her with his big eyes, obviously waiting to be entertained.
"So, Will, what did you ask Santa for?" she asked.
"Well, I asked him for a new firetruck and..." he started, obviously willing to tell her his whole Christmas list. She zoned out, watching Shawn with his dad and her dad. John made a comment and Shawn let out a hearty laugh and she smiled just watching him. Will in the meantime had stopped talking and watched his aunt stare.
'What did you ask for for Christmas?" he asked her again, when she hadn't answered the first time.
"What?" she asked, breaking her spell. He followed her gaze to the fireplace.
"Do you want Shawn for Christmas?" he asked, innocently.
"What?" she said, now fully paying attention. "No, I don't want...Shawn for Christmas" Brady chose that moment to plop down next to his little sister.
'What's that?" he asked, hearing the end of her sentence. "Did Belle say she wanted Shawn for Christmas?" Will nodded and Belle felt her cheeks getting red.
"No, I didn't say that!" she protested. "Actually, what I would like is...a car. A red one so I could pick you up and drive you to the amusement park" Will stared at her and Brady laughed slightly.
"She's lying, Will" Brady said. "Do you know what a crush is?" Will shook his head and Belle elbowed her brother. "Well, Belle has a big one on Shawn Brady. She likes him"
"No I don't!" she protested.
"I'll go tell him" Will said, starting to slide off her lap.
"No!" she said, grabbing him and holding him tight. Brady laughed at the predicament he put his sister in and decided to finally be nice to her.
"Hey, Will, Marlena gave me one of your presents to give you" he said. "You can open it now to keep you busy" He handed him a shiny red package which he immediately ripped into.
"Wow, a new race car!" he shouted.
"Yeah, let's go check it out in the kitchen" Brady said, scooping Will up and playing airplane with him out of the room. She breathed a sigh of relief as she watched them leave and then saw Shawn motion her over to the far side of the room.

Chapter Seven
    She got up and hurried over to him. He had a small smirk on his face as he waited.
"What?" she asked, when she got there. He laughed slightly and pulled a piece of ribbon off her dress, where Will had left it.
"Are you my present?" he asked, a small smile forming around his lips. She felt her cheeks getting red.
"Is that what you called me over for?" she asked, overreacting from her embarrassment.
"No" he said. "Actually, I saw Will open his present...and thought that you might like yours now too"
"Oh, ok!" she said. "Let me go get yours first" He watched as she went over to her coat and got a large bag from underneath it. She presented it to him with a smile and he peeked in the bag to see a large green and red package. He handed her the bag and ripped the paper off to find a box. He opened the box to find the sweater and the cd.
"Thanks Belle, how did you know I wanted this?" he asked, looking over the songlist.
"I overheard you one day" she said, embarrassed a little.
"Well, thank you, I love it" he said, flashing her a grin. "The sweater too-they're both great"
"You're welcome" she said, and they both stood there a minute, enjoying the closeness they shared. He suddenly shook his head.
"I almost forgot, here's yours" he said, pulling a black velvet box from his pocket. Belle's heart jumped into her throat imagining what could be in that small box with the tiny red bow on top. He handed it to her and she stared up at him.
"Well, open it" he said, an impish smile on his face. She did slowly and people looked over at them when they heard the gasp escape her.
"Oh, Shawn!" she said, looking up at him with shining eyes.

Chapter Eight
    Belle's jaw dropped when she opened up the box and saw the diamond shining up at her. Her gasp of surprise had only brought a larger smile to Shawn's face before she turned her eyes back down to the gorgeous necklace.
"Do you like it?" he whispered in her ear. "It's our wishing star"
"Shawn, it's absolutely beautiful" she said. "I can't believe this...thank you so much!" She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, causing him to almost lose his balance. She pulled away and stared at it again. He slipped his hands into the case and took it out.
"Turn around" he said, grinning, and she obliged. He unhooked it and then put it around her neck. She turned back to him and touched it lightly, her eyes still wide.
"How does it look?" she asked, striking a mock-model pose.
"Beautiful" he said. "But it does nothing to compare with the face above it" he added, gently stroking her chin.
"Belle!" Hope called out, interrupting them. "What did Shawn-D get you? He wouldn't tell me" Belle turned toward the group of women near them and a collective gasp was heard.
"Did he get her that necklace?" she heard her dad ask as Hope rushed over.
"Oh, honey, it's beautiful" she said, examining it closer. She hit Shawn lightly on the stomach. "I'm impressed, I didn't know you had such good taste"
'I didn't know you two were exchanging such...extravagent gifts" her mom said, giving Belle a look.
"We weren't" Shawn interrupted. "There's a story behind it and well...it was too perfect to pass up"
"A story?" Mrs. Horton asked. "What story?" Belle and Shawn exchanged a glance.
"Actually...it's a secret" Belle said, and Shawn shot her a grin. "Just something between the two of us" The women continued talking about the necklace and then they soon moved away. Belle gave Shawn another hug and a kiss on the cheek and he went to get them both some more eggnog when she felt a hand on her arm. Without time to yell out, she felt herself being dragged from the living room down the hallway. There were no lights on in the hallway so she didn't have a chance to see who her attacker was until she was pulled into the bathroom. The door slammed shut behind her and the lights flickered on, revealing who it was.

Chapter Nine
"Sami!" Belle exclaimed, once she realized who it was.
"Yeah, who else?" she asked, her hands on her hips. "So spill it"
"Spill what?" she replied, innocently, as she turned to check her hair in the mirror.
"Don't play dumb" Sami said. "Tell me-what's going on with you and Shawn?"
"Ohh, that" she said, still primping. "Nothing"
"Yeah, right" Sami said, putting her hand on her sisters arm. "Tell me what's going on. No guy would just randomly buy you a diamond necklace for Christmas"
"You never know..." Belle teased. Sami made a face and turned for the door.
"Alright, be that way"she said, with her hand on the doorknob. "But I know you're going crazing wanting to tell *someone* what's going on" She acted like she was going to leave and Belle sighed, knowing she was right.
"Stop" she said, and Sami turned again. "You're right-I gotta tell someone!!"
"So spill!" Sami said, sitting down on the shut toilet seat.
"Well" Belle started, sitting on the edge of the bathtub. "I've been having these feelings for awhile about Shawn-I'm not really sure what they are but they're there and..."
"You like him" Sami interrupted.
"What?" Belle said. "I didn't say that"
"You didn't have to" Sami said, grinning. "But go ahead"
"Anyways" Belle continued. "We've been spending a lot of time together-just doing stuff. And it doesn't matter what we do, I always have a blast"
"I know, I know" Sami said. "So get to the good stuff-what's up with the necklace?"
"Oh, that" Belle said, absently fingering it. "We went out this one night to go look at Christmas lights and I saw the first star. I told him to make a wish and after that, we continued walking and we went to get hot chocolate. Well, later that night-like 2 hours later-we're walking home and Shawn points out a star, saying it was our wish star. So that's why he bought me this-cause it's our star"
"Awww!" Sami said, after a minute of silence. "That's so cute! But I always saw it coming"
"But Sami, now what?" Belle asked, finally looking scared. "I think I like him and I'm not sure what to do"
"Don't do anything" Sami advised. "Just be yourself-it'll work out. Trust me. And you never know-it's Christmas after all...miracles happen all the time"
"I guess you're right" she said, reluctantly standing up. "We better get out there, we have to get ready to go to midnight mass"
"You're right" Sami said, taking Belle's extended hand. "I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!"
"Thank you!" she said, as the two sisters hugged before heading out the door.

Chapter Ten
"Belle!" someone called out, right before they slammed into her.
"Whoa!" she said, losing her balance.
"Sorry" Shawn said, catching her arm. "Where did you take off to? We're getting ready to go" Still holding her arm, he led her back into the living room, where everyone was gathered making driving arrangements. Hope and Marlena were conversing on the outskirts of the group and stopped once the trio entered the room.
"Belle, sweetie, I need a favor from you" Marlena said, walking over to them. Hope joined the rest of the group and began to talk to Bo.
"Sure mom" she answered, as Shawn dropped her arm.
"We're driving Sami, Austin and Will to the church so do you mind finding another ride?" she asked, a mysterious grin on her face.
"I'm sure she can fit in with us" Shawn interrupted. "Let me go ask my parents"
"Oh, Shawn honey" Hope interrupted. "We're taking Gran and with JT's baby stuff, there won't be room"
"What, weren't we invited this year?" Shawn asked, almost angrily. Belle took his arm to calm him.
"I'm sure there's *some* way you two can get there" Bo said. "Why don't you go check the driveway?" Shawn shot him a questioning look and Bo held up a set of keys, dangling them in front of him. "Go check" he said, and Shawn flashed Belle a quick glance. He turned and jogged to the front door, throwing it open before letting out a yelp of surprise.
"Oh my God!" Belle heard him shout and everyone went over to see his reaction. She got lost in the crowd and arrived after the others to see Shawn circling around a brand new, Midnight Blue Jeep with a big red bow on the hood.
"Merry Christmas, Shawn D" Hope said, her smile growing at Shawn's reaction.
"Wow!" Shawn said, running back to them all. "Thank you guys soooo much! I never expected this" he said, pulling his mom in for a giant hug.
"You've been really great this year, son" Bo said. "You've been through a lot and have really grown up and we wanted to show you how proud of you we are"
"I know you're proud but I never expected you to show it this way!" Shawn said, hugging his dad.
"Well, expect to make a few diaper runs in it" Hope joked.
"Anytime" Shawn said, shaking his head in disbelief.
     Soon, everyone gathered in their cars and drove off to church. Shawn helped Belle pull on her jacket and walk across the snow to the car. Opening up the door, he helped her climb in the front seat, trying his best not to peek at her legs as she tried to get in the tight squeeze. Shutting the door behind him, he jogged around to the drivers side.
"Let's see how this beauty runs" he said, starting up the engine.
"It's so nice, Shawn" she commented, checking out the interior. "And it smells so new"
"Thank you" Shawn said. "You're welcome to as many rides to school as you would like"
"Thanks Shawn, that's so sweet" she said, setting back in the seats. WIth a flourish, he produced the cd she had bought him for Christmas from his pocket and popped it in the player.
"Nice system" he commented, as he eased the Jeep through the light traffic. Shawn sang along to the cd quietly and Belle silently admired the Christmas decorations. He pulled into the church parking lot and shut the car off without a word. He hurried over to her side of the car and helped her climb down.
"Everyone must be inside" he said, taking her hand. She nodded silently and they hurried through the brisk wind to the church. No one was in the entrance so they went in and saw the whole group near the front, nearly taking up two rows. They slid into the seats on the end next to his parents and after they prayed, she sat back and he helped her slide off her jacket. She leaned back in her seat between Shawn and his mom and admired the Christmas decorations.
    Shawn settled in the seat next to her and reached for JT over her. She smiled as she watched him take his baby brother in his arms and cuddle him gently. The baby smiled and giggled as Shawn made faces at him but he soon quieted once mass started. They stood and began to sing and Belle was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. Next to her, Shawn stood holding JT and rocking back and forth slightly as he sang along to "Oh Holy Night". He had a beautiful voice-deep and strong and full of emotion. She snuck a glance at him out of the corner of her eye-he was beautiful all over. The baby fussed slightly and Shawn shifted him so that he was lying on his shoulder. Belle felt tears sting her eyes as a wave of emotion passed over her. It was Christmas after all and here she was, happy and safe, surrounded by the family and friends that loved her-she never felt more content. Shawn saw it written on her face and slipped his hand in hers, never losing his place as he continued singing. She smiled and wiped at her face quickly, no one ever noticing. The mass went uneventfully, minus the cries that had forced Bo to rush JT out of the church until he had fallen asleep. Before they went up for communion, they stood to offer each other peace and Belle turned to Shawn first, hand extended. He had been reaching around her for his mother and suddenly, as if a side thought, he gave her a lingering kiss on her cheek, before turning to shake hands with Austin behind her. She stood there, hand on cheek, until Sami had nudged her, bringing her back to life.

Chapter Eleven
      After mass, they all stood at the back of the church, saying goodbyes. Belle stood to the side after hugging her sister good-bye when a sudden wave of panic hit her.
"Where's my purse?" she asked, looking around her.
"You didn't have it in church, dear" her dad said, overhearing her.
"I don't know where I put it!" she said, a sudden panic coming over her.
"Calm down" John said. "Maybe you left it in Shawn's car"
"You're right, it's probably there" she said, rushing off. She caught Shawn hugging his grandmother and waitied somewhat impatiently.
"What's up Belle?" he asked, hoping she wanted a hug good-bye.
"I think I left my purse in your car" she said.
"Oh" he answered. "We can check but I don't remember you having it when you got in"
"Well, can we go check? Please?" she said, impatiently.
"Yeah, come one" he said, and they hurried out to the Jeep. But a hurried inspection showed that it wasn't there. They rushed back through the cold to their waiting parents.
"It's not there" Shawn said, to the group.
"It's not here either" Marlena said. "We checked all over-honey, when did you last have it?" Belle thought back.
"I remember taking it to Mrs. Horton's and setting it down but I don't remember after that" she said, after a minute.
"That's probably where it's at" Shawn said.
"We can take you now to get it, Izzy B" John said.
"No, I can" Shawn interrupted. "I have to take Gran home anyway"
"But our place is out of your way..." John started, before being nudged by Marlena.
"That's fine Shawn, thank you" she said. She gave Belle a quick kiss. "I'll see you home in a little bit"
"Ok, bye mom and dad" Belle said, as she left with Shawn and Mrs. Horton. She gave up the front seat to Mrs. Horton as Shawn helped them both into the Jeep. Mrs. H kept a steady stream of light conversation the whole way back and the trip was soon over. They hurried through the wind to the front door, which she unlocked. They all piled in.
"Where do you think it is?" Shawn asked, turning on the living room light.
"I don't know" Belle said, frustrated. "If I knew, I wouldn't be looking"
"Alright, sorry" he muttered. "Gran, do you...where did she go?" Belle looked up to see that they were alone.
"Maybe she went to check upstairs" Belle suggested. They poked around a few more minutes before she looked up at the sudden light. Shawn straightened up from behind the Christmas tree.
"Sorry, just felt like being festive" he said, with a shrug, as they continued looking. "This it?" he asked, a few minutes later, holding up a black purse.
"Yes!" she said, rushing over. "That's it" Suddenly, all the lights in the living room went off, minus the Christmas tree. Belle jumped close to Shawn who instinctively pulled her closer.
"It's alright" he whispered. "Gran might have just bumped it from upstairs"
     On the stairwell, Mrs. Horton peeked over to see the two children standing in front of the lite Christmas tree in each other's arms. Her hand still rested on the lightswitch.
"Merry Christmas, my loves" she whispered, to herself.

Chapter Thirteen
     After a minute, Belle pulled herself from his arms. She turned away, pulling down the hemline of her dress that never wanted to stay down.
"We better go" she said, quietly.
"Yeah" Shawn admitted. "Wait, look!" He stood by the window and the view was blocked by the tree. Belle went over to look and was surprised to see a light snow falling over the front lawn.
"We haven't had a white Christmas in such a long time" Belle said, a childish smile coming across her face.
"I knew it was a special Christmas" Shawn said, quietly. She looked up at him and he gave her a quick wink. *Now or never, Brady* he thought to himself, as he slipped behind her. With one swift movement, he wrapped his arms around her from behind. She didn't pull away as he had feared, only snuggled up closer to him.
"It's so beautiful" Belle whispered, taking in the snow and the lights and Shawn's warmth from behind her.
"You're beautiful" he whispered back, inches from her ear. Surprised, she turned to face him and he kept his arms around her, keeping them close.
"Belle..." he started, but she stopped him.
"Shawn, there's something I need to tell you" she said.
"No, let me, please" he said. "Before I lose my nerve"
"Ok" she said, placing her hands on his chest for the lack of a better place to put them and trying to ignore the electricity she felt.
"Belle, I know we've known each other all our lives" he started. "And we're friends-really good friends. But lately, I've been having these...feelings. I don't know, it's hard to explain...but when I'm with you...I just get...I mean, I feel..." Belle smiled at his stuttering.
"I think I know what you're saying" she whispered, smiling.
"Good, cause I don't even think I do" he said, flashing his famous grin. "I mean..."
"Brady, don't you ever shut up?" she said, stopping him by leaning closer. Closer and closer they moved until her lips gently touched up against his. They pulled away and then Shawn leaned in again, this time bringing all his emotions and passions into the one swift motion. When they finished, he leaned his forehead up against hers. Belle took a quick breath to calm her fluttering heart.
"This is so perfect" Belle whispered, to no one in general.
"Hold on a minute" Shawn said, stepping away. She gave him a funny look as he winked and hurried over to the stereo. Slipping in a cd, he adjusted the volume to low and waited till a familiar song began to play.
"I don't want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need..." Mariah Carey began to croon. He hurried back to her.
"I just want you for my own, more than you would ever know..."
"Isabella, would you care to..." he asked, holding out his hand.
"I'd love to" she said, as he took her hand and kissed it gently. He pulled her into his arms and they moved to the music, hardly listening as they swayed to their own rhythms.
"I won't ask a lot for Christmas, I won't even pray for snow...." Belle giggled as she caught a glimpse at the still-falling snow outside the house.
"I just want to keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe..." Mariah sang as Shawn gently touched her forehead with his lips. The rest of the song became a blur as Shawn pulled her tighter and the world disappeared. All that mattered were the strong arms that held her close.
"Make my wish come true...baby, all I want for Christmas is you" As Mariah Carey hit her last note, Shawn looked down at her, gently stroking her cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Brady" she said, smiling shyly up at him.
"Merry Christmas, my love" he said, kissing her softly by the tree as the snow continued falling silently outside.