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On the First Day of Christmas.....   Christmas Eve 2004...6:00 p.m.   Bo paced back and forth in the terminal of JFK Airport. He had been there since ten o'clock that morning and his flight had been delayed three times. It was a hell of a time for him to be stuck in a blizzard. He needed to get home. He needed to be with his family. He had been roped into going to this law enforcement conference at the last minute when the keynote speaker was unable to make it. Nora had insisted that he go. She said it would look good for the LPD and the city of Llanview, especially since the bad press revolving around the DA, Daniel Coulson's son Riley, being found guilty of the music box killings, still hadn't died down. He decided she was right but only agreed if she went along, she was the new DA after all. Plans were made and they were all set to go to the conference and spend a romantic night touring the city at Christmas time, but Matthew got sick at the last minute and Nora had to cancel. So here he was stuck in an airport terminal on Christmas Eve; away from everyone he wanted to be with.   Nora and Bo had begun dating shortly after the MBK trial. They had been working night and day together for months, and when they weren't working they were spending time with their son, helping Matthew adjust to Bo being his father. Gabrielle had been killed tragically shortly after New Years, in a drunk driving accident. She had been drinking herself into oblivion and it had finally caught up with her. Nora had helped Bo work through his grief, and they quickly found themselves in a familiar state. Bonding through grief, but this time they had their son to consider and Bo found himself pulling out of the depths of despair quickly, and the bond that had been created between him and Nora brought them full circle, brought them back into each other's arms....and eventually each other's beds. He moved in with Nora and Matthew in the early part of the summer and they began the life they should've had all those years ago.   He glanced over at the rental car counter and decided once more to see if he would be able to rent a vehicle. When he had tried a few hours earlier they had no other four wheel drives available and the city had made it quite clear that the snow plows wouldn't have the roads cleared for travel for a few more hours. He sighed heavily as he waited his turn. Finally he approached the same attendent he had spoken to just a few hours earlier. The attendent glanced up and tried to smile through her frustration, knowing that Bo was there once again with his same request, "I'm sorry Mr. Buchanan. We still have no vehicles in our fleet that will accomadate your needs. I'm afraid you're stuck here until either the roads are cleared for normal travel or your flight arrives."   Bo nodded and walked away; pulling his cell phone off his belt. He had already called Asa and tried to get the Buchanan jet sent to New York but it was grounded with engine problems in Texas. He had even tried to wrangle the NYPD's helicopter but they had grounded all flights. Nothing and no one was getting in or out of the city tonight. He looked down at his phone and sighed heavily as he dialed the number. He sat down in one of the vinyl chairs and stretched his legs out in front of him while he listened to the endless rings on the other end of the line. Finally Matthew's voice was heard through the phone, "You've reached the Buchanan's. We're not home right now so wait for the beep, you know what to do." Matthew, Nora, it's me. Umm...you must be out doing some last minute stuff. I'm still stuck at the airport in New York. No idea when I'll make it home. I miss you guys. I'll call once I know more. Love you both." Bo clicked his phone shut and dialed her cell phone. Her voice mail immediatley picked up. He shook his head and smiled knowing most likely her battery was dead. He was always reminding her to charge it. He clicked it shut once again and placed it back on the his belt. He looked over to his right and noticed the bar across the terminal from him.   *~*   Nora and Matthew walked through the door around six thirty. Matthew sat down on the bench in the foyer and removed his boots and jacket. Nora shook the snow off her jacket before hanging it up on the coat rack.   Matthew stood to walk into the living room but one look from his mother and he walked back over and picked his jacket up and placed it beside hers on the coat rack. Matthew walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch with a sigh. Nora noticed the flashing light on the answering machine and pushed the play button. Bo's voice filled the air and Matthew stared at her in anticipation. They listened to Bo's message; the look of anticipation on Matthew's face soon turned to one of dissappointment. Nora sat down on the couch beside him and pulled him close. He rested his head against her and sighed once again. Nora kissed the top of his head, "Hey buddy, he'll be here. You know your dad always keeps his promises."   "This is our first real Christmas. Last year we weren't a real family and all I wanted for Christmas was for dad to be here, and now he's not."   "Oh, Matthew, honey. You know your dad is going to do everything he can to be here with us. He wants to be here."   "Why did he have to go to that stupid conference anyway?"   "That's part of his job, sweetie. It was very important that your daddy went to that conference," she paused for a moment, "Hey, how about we call him."   "Okay," he said quietly as he picked up the phone.   *~*   Bo was sitting at the bar the local weatherman not offering him the news he wanted to here. No sign of the snow stopping for at least another hour. Bo picked up his beer, immediatley putting it back down when his cell phone rang. He pulled it off his belt and smiled at the number that appeared across the screen, "Buchanan."   "Hi dad", Matthew said sadly, "When you coming home?"   Bo could hear the sadness in their little boys voice and it broke his heart, "I don't know, champ. I'm trying to get there as soon as possible but they're not letting any airplanes in or out of the airport right now."   "Can't you drive here? Mom said New York isn't that far away from Llanview."   "Well mom's right but all of the cars that would be able to make the trip have already been rented and the roads are really dangerous right now," Their conversation paused for a moment. Bo knew how much Matthew had wanted them to all be together for their first Christmas as a real family and he could feel the tears choking him up. He cleared his throat before speaking, "Listen we still have a few hours to go before it's Christmas, and I promise you that before you wake up on Christmas morning I'll be there. We'll be together for Christmas Day, Matthew, I swear we will."   Matthew nodded on his end of the phone, "Okay, dad. I know you'll try. Mom says you always keep your promises."   "I love you, Matthew and I'll see you soon. Let me talk to mom for a minute, okay."   "I love you too, Dad." Matthew handed the phone to Nora, "Dad wants to talk to you."   Nora took the phone from Matthew and watched him run up stairs to his room before putting the phone to her ear, "Hey handsome."   "Hey, there gorgeous. God, I miss you."   "I miss you too, Bo, but I understand and Matthew does to,o he's just dissappointed."   "I know he is." Bo picked up his beer and took a quick drink. "I've tried everything I can think of to get home to you guys. Pa's jet is being serviced in Texas. The rental car place has no more four wheel drives, and they've grounded all flights until it stops snowing, which according to the news won't be for another hour." He runs his hands through his hair in frustration, "I even tried to use my police connections and get the NYPD helicopter to fly me home, but no dice. They're not letting anything up there."   Nora could hear the sadness in his voice and she was having a hard time fighting back the tears, knowing how important this Christmas was to all of them, "I'm sure you've done all you can do and now all we can do is sit back and wait and hope that our Christmas wishes come true and you're able to be here by Christmas morning. We still have a lot of Christmas Eve left, Bo. Everything's going to be just fine."   He smiled on the other end of the phone. She always knew what to say to make him feel better, "I know, hey listen my batteries getting ready to die here so I better go. I love you, Red. I love you so much."   "I love you too, Commish and I'll be waiting up for you."   Nora placed the phone back on the cradle and walked over to the Christmas tree. She ran her fingers over a few ornaments as she thought about the night they spent decorating their first family tree. Matthew had fallen asleep amongst the ornaments and after Bo carried him up to bed they had spent the night lying in front of the fire, the lights from the Christmas tree illuminating the room, as they spent the night in each other's arms. She glanced up the stairs and wiped a stray tear off her cheek before going up to help Matthew get ready for Santa.   *~*   Bo paid for his beer and then walked back over to his gate. He stood in front of the wall of screens and located his flight, "Delayed", he sighed, "approximate take off seven-thirty," Bo walked over and took a seat amongst the other weary travelers, another half hour until they would be on their way...hopefully. He reached into his bag and pulled out the pale blue bag and placed it on his lap. He untied the white ribbon and pulled out the small box. He opened the lid and stared at the ring in front of him. He went over and over in his mind what he was going to say when he asked her the question he has been dying to ask her for months, but was afraid it would be too soon. He had finally decided before he left for NY that he was going to do it, that he was going to make her his wife once again. Bo placed the ring back in the bag, silently making a Christmas wish. He laid his head back and closed his eyes; hoping to pass the time with a nap.   Bo woke when he heard the words he had been waiting to hear for hours. "Flight 1155 to Llanview PA will be boarding in 10 minutes." Bo reached for his phone, but quickly shut it, "Dead." He looked over at the bank of pay phones but every one of them was being used. He glanced at his watch. He would never make it down to the other level and back to the gate in time. "Oh well, so it'll be a surprise," he thought to himself as he picked up his bag and walked over to the boarding area.   *~* 8:00...Llanview   Matthew carried the tray of cookies out of the kitchen and placed them on the coffee table, along with a note for Santa. He helped Nora finish up the last minute wrapping of the special gifts they had bought for Bo that evening. Matthew couldn't contain his excitement as they talked about the look that they were sure would be on Bo's face when he opened the presents they had bought for him. Matthew felt quite grown up to be let in on such a special secret.   He placed the last present under the tree, silently making his final Christmas wish.   *~*   8:30...Somewhere between New York and Pennsylvania   Bo leaned his head back and looked out the window at the dark sky as it moved passed his window. His thoughts were back on Birch street in Llanview and not on the flight that was taking him to them. He barely heard the flight attendent when she handed him the drink he had forgotten he ordered. He smiled and took the drink from her; setting it down on the tray in front of him. He looked at his watch. They had been in the air for about an hour. They should be landing within the next ten minutes or so and then it would be a half hour ride home. He couldn't wait to get home to his family. The lights flickered as the fasten seat belt light came on. The pilots words brought a smile to Bo's face....almost home.   *~*   9:15...Llanview   Nora sat in front of the fire; Christmas carols playing softly in the background. Matthew had tried to stay awake but he fell asleep shortly after setting out Santa's cup of milk. Nora stared at the fire as she ran her fingers through Matthew's hair. He had fallen asleep with his head in her lap. She laid one hand across her stomach and smiled. This was definitely going to be a special Christmas for all of them. She closed her eyes and secretly made her special Christmas wish.   *~*   9:30...Parking lot Llanview airport   Bo practically ran to his car careful of the many ice patches on the asphalt. Bo threw his carryon onto the passenger seat and started the car. He pulled out onto Airport Road; flipping on the radio; singing along with the singer as he made his way home. Twenty five minutes later he was pulling into their driveway. He grabbed his bag and ran up the walkway. He looked in through the window and saw them both lying on the couch, asleep. A smile spread across his face, and he fell even more in love with her in that moment.   He quietly opened the door; shaking the snow off his jacket before hanging it up. He placed his bag on the bench; taking out the pale blue bag that he had hidden in there. He put the bag in his inner pocket and walked into the dimly lit living room. He smiled at the plate of cookies and glass of milk that Matthew had so lovingly placed on the coffee table. He walked around to the front of the couch and stared at them for a moment before picking Matthew up off her lap. Matthew stirred for a moment; immediately wrapping his arms around Bo's neck but failing to wake up. Bo carried him upstairs and carefully laid him on his bed. He covered Matthew up and brushed the hair off his forehead, placing a kiss where the hair once was. He smiled at his son before walking towards the door. He turned back once and looked at Matthew, "I love you, champ. I'll see you in the morning," he whispered before closing his door. He quietly walked down the stairs. He put out the fire and walked over to where she lay on the couch sound asleep. He sat down beside her and reached out, running a finger down the side of her face. The feel of his skin against hers caused her eyes to slowly flutter open. She smiled when she saw him and sat up, throwing her arms around his neck, "You're here." she looked around the room, "Hey, where's Matty?"   "I took him upstairs already. He never woke up."   "He tried so hard to stay awake." she leaned in and kissed him, "God, I'm so glad you're home."   "Miss Christmas with my two favorite people, never." he said, his eyes sparkling.   "I told Matthew you wouldn't miss Christmas, but I have to be honest. I was starting to get a little nervous that you were going to be stuck in the airport on Christmas."   "Well, we don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm home."   She pressed her forehead against his, "Home...I like the sound of that."   Bo stood up and pulled her up off the couch with him. He picked her up and carried her upstairs where they fell asleep in each other's arms.   *~*   Matthew woke up the next morning and ran down the hallway. He banged on their door, "Mom, mom....dad's home. Dad's home."   Bo and Nora quickly scrambled for their clothes. They kissed quickly before Bo walked over to open the door. Matthew jumped into his father's arms, almost knocking Bo over in the process, "Mom said you'd be home for Christmas. She said you wouldn't miss Christmas."   Bo carried him over and dropped him on the bed. Matthew crawled up and leaned against the headboard. Nora pulled him close; both watching as Bo walked towards the door, "Hey where do you think you're going?"   "I'll be right back. I have a surprise for you." Bo winked at Matthew.   Matthew winked back and looked at his mother, "You're gonna love our surprise, mom."   "I'd love anything that my two favorite guys surprised me with."   "Yeah, but you're really really going to like this."   Nora kissed the top of his head as they waited for Bo to return. He walked into the room five minutes later. Bo walked over to the bed, his hand behind his back. Matthew positioned himself behind Nora and placed his hands over her eyes, surprising her, "Matthew Buchanan what are you doing?"   "You have to close your eyes mom. It's a surprise."   "Yeah mom, it's a surprise."   "Fine" she said, knowing she'd do anything for the two of them.   Bo nodded to Matthew who removed his hands from Nora's eyes. She gasped when she looked down and saw Bo kneeling beside the bed, holding out a ring in front of him, "Nora Buchanan, I've spent the past few years trying to find a love that I had lost never realizing that it was right there all along, right where I had left it. I love you with all my heart and you would make me the happiest man in the world if you would marry me...again."   Nora shook her head, trying to find her voice through her tears. She threw the covers back and kneeled down in front of Bo. She leaned her forehead against his and cupped his cheek in her hand, "Yes, I'll marry you, yes, yes, yes."   She threw her arms around him; knocking them both off balance. He fell onto the floor; bringing her down on top of him. They began to laugh when they looked up and saw Matthew jumping up and down on the bed, shouting, "We're getting married, we're getting married." Matthew jumped down off the bed and Bo grabbed him pulling him down with them. Matthew whispered in Nora's ear. She nodded and kissed him quickly on the cheek, "Mom and me have a present for you too dad. I'll be right back."   Bo and Nora exchanged a few more kisses as they climbed back up onto the bed. Nora looked down at the ring on her hand and the tears began to well up in her eyes once again, "It's so beautiful, Bo. I can't believe we're getting married again."   He brought her hand up to his and kissed the top of her finger just above the ring, "You've truly made me the happiest man in the world, Nora..." His thoughts were interrupted by Matthew, who jumped up onto the bed, "What'cha got there, champ?"   Matthew handed Bo the package, exchanging a quick wink with Nora, "Open it dad. It's from mom and me."   Bo ripped off the wrapping paper, setting it off to the side before lifting the lid off the box. Bo pulled back the tissue paper and looked at the contents. He looked between Nora and Matthew, the tears welling up in his eyes, "Merry Christmas, Daddy." Nora said through her own tears.   "Really....we're having a baby?"   "We sure are. Early summer."   Bo crawled over in front of Nora and kissed her softly on the lips before bending down and kissing her stomach, "Merry Christmas, little one."   Matthew stood up on the bed and announced that it was now time to open the rest of the presents. Bo and Nora followed him downstairs hand in hand. They spent the rest of the morning watching Matthew open his presents, holding each other tight, both secretly thanking God for making their Christmas wishes come true.   THE END!!!!!