Bo and Nora
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On the Eleventh Day of Christmas....
 
December Makes Me Feel This Way
 
Two days before Christmas:
 
"Mom!", Matthew shouts from the top of the stairs.
Nora walks out of the kitchen, drying her hands, "Matthew Hanen, how many times have I told you about yelling down the stairs after me."
 
Matthew comes hopping down the stairs, one sneaker on, "Sorry mom, but I can't find my other sneaker and Granma's going to be here soon to pick me up."
 
Matthew turns around and Nora follows him back up the stairs, "Well did you look under your bed?"
 
"Yeah."
 
"Okay, did you look in your closet where they actually belong?"
 
Matthew smacks his forehead, "The closet."
 
The doorbell rings just as Matthew victoriously raises his sneaker up. He starts to run down the hallway but Nora calls after him, "I'll get the door, you put on your sneaker."
 
Matthew plops down on the top stair, making Nora walk around him as he pulls his sneaker on and quickly ties it. He runs down the stairs and grabs his coat off the coat rack, grabbing Renee's hand. He begins to pull on her before she's finished her conversation with Nora, "We're gonna be late Granma", Matthew whines.
 
"You have plenty of time, Matthew. Now finish zipping up your jacket while I finish talking with Granma."
 
Renee pulled him close against her, "I'll have him home in a couple of hours and then Asa and I will be back just before dinner to celebrate the fourth night of Hanakkah."
 
"Sounds good, we're having dinner around seven." She looked down at her watch, "Actually, Renee if you don't mind could you drop Matthew off at the station. Bo wants to take him Christmas shopping and they need to find something for the party, " Matthew and Renee exchange a quick glance at the mention of the Christmas Eve party, "and I know we'll be at the station most of the day."
 
"Sure that won't be a problem."
 
Nora leans down to kiss Matthew, "You be good, champ and I'll see you in a couple of hours."
 
Nora stood out on the front porch and waved as she watched them drive out of sight. She walked back into the house; grabbing her coat and briefcase and left for the station. She arrived just after nine in the morning and she expected that Bo had been there since the crack of dawn. Antonio had found another victim the night of the tree trimming at Asa's and he's been working around the clock trying to find the killer.
She walked towards his office a half hour later, after dropping her briefcase off in her office and answering a few messages. She stood in the doorway for a moment, his back was towards her. She could tell by the way he was standing that he was exhausted. Even after all these years apart she could still read him, his body language was as familiar to her as her own. She allowed herself a few moments to just watch him before she made her way over to him. She laid her hand on his shoulder, causing him to jump slightly at the contact, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
 
He turned and looked at her, his eyes showing the stress and strain of the past month and a half, "I was just lost in thought that's all," he turns his attention to the case board in front of them, photos of all the victims, stare back at them, "He's going to strike again, Nora. Why can't I find him?"
 
She laid her hand on his arm. He looked down at her hand and smiled as he laid his hand on top of hers. Their eyes locked and she smiled, "You will. Bo Buchanan always gets his man."
 
He nodded his head and turned back to the board, 'but I never get the woman', he thinks to himself. He looks at her out of the corner of his eyes, the case forgotten for a moment, as he finally lets himself admit what deep in his soul he's always known, and that was that this woman standing beside him was in his blood. He turned, ready to try and tell her what he was feeling, when Marcie opened the door, "Commissioner, Ms. Medina is on the phone for you."
 
Bo turned and laid his hand on the reciever. Nora excused herself from his office. Bo tried to get her to stop but he hadn't told her that Gabrielle had moved out so of course she thought she was giving him a private moment with his girlfriend. Bo sighed and picked up the phone, "Buchanan."
 
A few hours later...
 
Nora glanced at her watch, "Wow, is it that late already," she said to herself just as her office door flew open. Matthew ran into the office and over behind Nora's desk. Nora pulled him up onto her lap and kissed the top of his head, "Hey there, mister. Were you good for Granma?"
 
"He was a perfect gentleman. We had lunch and finished up some last minute details for the party."
 
"Mom can I go get a snack out of the machine?"
 
"Sure, but just one." Matthew jumped off her lap and ran out the door after kissing Renee good bye, "Thanks again for taking Matthew out this morning and dropping him off at the station. I know it was out of your way."
 
"It wasn't a problem and Matthew is a joy to have around. You've done a really good job with him Nora. You should be very proud of the son you've raised."
 
"I am. He really is a good kid." Nora walked over and joined Renee on the couch, "I think he's adjusted well to Bo and not Sam being his real father."
 
"Well he's certainly taken to Asa and Asa has most definitely taken to Matthew. I haven't seen Asa this excited about Christmas since the other grandkids were young. And Bo...well when Matthew and Bo are together, his eyes just light up. Bo being Matthew's father is...well it's a dream come true for both Bo and Asa."
 
Nora smiled despite the tears welling up in her eyes, "It's a dream come true for me too, Renee."
 
Renee laid her hand on top of Nora's, "I know it is, darlin'. I know how much you and Bo wanted a child and now you have him."
 
"It's not the same though, Renee. I mean I am so happy that Bo is Matthew's real father. That we have the child we dreamed of having, but this isn't the way it was supposed to be. Bo across town, with someone else, me and Matthew living in another house. We were supposed to be a family, Renee; the three of us."
 
"I know." she pauses for a moment and stands up, slipping her jacket back on, "I'm sorry I've got to go."
Nora stands up and they embrace. Renee lays her hand on Nora's cheek, "You never know darlin', things always seem to work out, when they're truly meant to be."
 
Nora just nodded and hugged Renee, "You're a hopeless romantic, Renee Buchanan."
 
"No, I'm just a woman who has seen and experienced her share of broken hearts, and despite everything that Asa and I have been through, he's always been the one. I've found my heart again, Nora and I know you'll find yours." she leans in and kisses her cheek, "And I have a feeling it's right where you left it."
 
Their moment was interrupted when a chocolate covered Matthew walked back into her office, "Can we go find dad now?"
 
Renee kissed Matthew's forehead, "I'll see you tonight, darlin'. Be good for mom and dad, okay?"
 
"I will." Matthew pulled Renee down towards him so that he could whisper in her ear, "Don't forget to get the mistletoe for the party."
 
Renee stood up and ruffled his hair, "I won't." She turned back and faced Nora who was watching them both closely, "We'll see you tonight."
 
Nora nodded and took Matthew's hand; picking up his jacket off the back of the chair. She turned out her office light and closed the door, "Let's go find your father."
 
Bo was finishing up a phone call when Matthew and Nora walked through the side door of his office. Matthew ran over and jumped into Bo's arms, "Hey there, buddy." Bo reached over and tried to wipe the chocolate smudges off his face, "What have you been up to today?"
 
"Granma and me went to out for lunch and we did some secret Christmas stuff," he looked over at his mother to see her reaction to him talking about his secret, "Um...and then we went to see Santa."
 
Bo laughed, "Again...we just went to see him two days ago."
 
"I know, but I forgot that there was something I needed to ask him." He turned and looked over at his mother, "I swear I didn't ask him for anymore toys. I asked him for something for someone else." He looked back over at his father, "That was okay, wasn't it?"
 
"That was fine, champ. Santa doesn't care how many times boys and girls come see him." He looked over at Nora and winked, "So, sport, are you ready to go finish up our Christmas shopping?"
 
"Yep." he jumps off of Bo's lap and takes his jacket from Nora, "Are you coming with us mom?"
 
"No, sweetie, I have some things to finish up in the office and then I'm going to go home and get ready for dinner tonight. I'll see you two when you get back." she leans in and kisses Matthew, "Oh and Bo, don't let him talk you out of buying something nice for the Christmas party."
 
"I won't." Nora raised her eyebrows, knowing full well that Matthew had his father wrapped around his finger. Bo raised his hand as if taking an oath, "I swear. He'll have the perfect suit for the party."
 
"All right then, I'll see the two of you at home later." She walked towards the door but stopped and turned back into the office, "Oh, I almost forgot, will Gabrielle be joining us for dinner tonight?"
 
Bo shook his head, "No." Nora noticed the look in his eyes change for a moment but it wasn't sadness or anger, it was indifference, "Oh...well tell her she's more than welcome."
 
Bo looked down at Matthew, "Hey champ, why don't you go take this," handing him a file, "out to Marcie for me and I'll meet you out there in a minute."
 
"Sure."
 
Bo waited until Matthew was gone before walking over and closing his office door, "Nora, Gabrielle's gone. She moved out the night I was over at your place talking to Matthew about sneaking out and going to Asa's."
 
"Oh, Bo, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
 
Bo shrugged, "She made her choice. She couldn't handle me spending time with Matthew. She called today to tell me she was going to North Carolina to be with Max. She's going to help him raise the twins." He motioned for her to sit down with him in front of his desk, "It's for the best, Nora. Neither of us have been happy for a while, and I...." Bo was once again going to tell her that he thought they needed to talk about some things; things that were changing between them, when his door flew open and an impatient Matthew stood in the doorway, "Dad...."
 
Bo stood up and grabbed his jacket off the chair, "I'm coming, champ." He turns back to Nora, "We'll see you at six."
 
Nora nodded and watched them leave. She wasn't sure about the feelings that were raging through her. She knew she was falling back in love with her ex-husband but she knew she had to keep those feelings to herself. It was too soon, Gabrielle and Bo had only just broken up. There was just too much at stake to risk moving too soon; especially if Bo feelings for her hadn't returned.
 
*~*
 
Bo and Matthew spent the next few hours at Logan's trying on suit after suit. They finally found the perfect one for the party; both agreeing that Nora would approve. They made their way over to the jewelery department. Matthew had picked out the perfect Christmas present for Nora and it was ready to be picked up. They stood at the counter and waited for the salesperson to finish up with the other customers. She smiled at Bo and Matthew, "Mr. Buchanan, I have your package right here."
 
She opened the box. Matthew and Bo looked down at the ring; resting against the blue velvet, "It's perfect."
Matthew nodded his head, "Mom's going to love it."
She closed the lid and began to wrap it for them, "It's one of the prettiest mother's rings I've seen in a long time. You really did a good job, Matthew."
 
"Thank you", Matthew said proudly.
 
A few minutes later they were walking out towards Bo's truck, their packages in hand. Bo helped Matthew fasten his seatbelt and they made their way to Nora's house. Twenty minutes later they were walking through her front door. Matthew ran upstairs to hide his present while Bo placed his packages under the tree in her living room. He walked towards her office and found her sitting behind her desk on the phone, "I love you too, baby. Give granma and granpa a kiss for me and tell them I'll call them tomorrow." She hung up the phone and walked over to where Bo was standing in the doorway, "So was your mission successful?"
 
"One perfect suit was bought and one little boy upstairs, bathing and getting ready for dinner." They walked out into the living room and sat down on the couch, "So Rachel's going to Len and Selma's for the holdiays?"
 
"Yeah, she really wanted to be here for Christmas with Matthew but she just couldn't get away this year."
 
Bo could tell she was disappointed, "Well you and Matthew are still planning a trip to see her before he goes back to school, right?"
 
"Yeah, hopefully I'll be able to still get away, with everything that's going on at the office."
 
"I'm sure they'll be able to survive for a few days without you."
 
Matthew came bounding down the stairs and plopped down in between his parents, "I'm starving, when's dinner?"
 
Nora and Bo tried to stifle their laughter, "It should be here in about a half hour."
 
Matthew grabbed Bo's hand and pulled him off the couch, "Then let's go play a game on my X-Box. I bet I can beat you again in football, dad."
 
Bo smiled as Matthew led him upstairs. Nora watched them until they disappeared up the stairs. She walked over and flicked on the radio and soon the house was filled with the sounds of Christmas.
 
Asa and Renee arrived a half hour later and they all spent the night together as a family. They watched Matthew open his fourth present. They sat around and talked and talked. Matthew fell asleep on the floor, his new toy still in his hand. Bo had carried him upstairs just before Asa and Renee left. They all said their good byes with promises to see each other at the party the next day. Bo stayed behind to help Nora clean up and just before midnight they also said their good byes. Bo softly kissed her cheek before walking off the porch towards his car. Nora wrapped her arms around her middle as she stood on the porch, watching until his car disappeared around the corner.
*~*
 
Christmas Eve dawned bright and sunny. Matthew threw back the covers and flicked on his computer. He logged on and sent Starr a quick email, reminding her to be at his house at noon. Nora was going to drop them both off at Asa's and they were going to help Nigel finish getting ready for the party. He dressed quickly and ran down the stairs. Nora was in the kitchen sitting at the table reading through a case file, absentmindely sipping her coffee. He sat down across from her. She looked up and closed the file, "So what do you want for breakfast, champ?"
 
"I'll just have some cereal."
 
Nora walked over to the counter and took out a bowl, spoon and the box of cereal. She set it down in front of him. She took the milk out of the refrigerator and set it on the table. She sat back down across from him and they talked as he ate his breakfast. Matthew finished up his cereal and placed his bowl on the counter, "I'm going to go out and play until Starr gets here."
 
"That's fine, just stay in the back yard and make sure you bundle up. I think it's going to snow."
 
Nora spent most of the morning organizing her case files, preparing them for the other ADA, so that she can try and get away with Matthew for a few days. Her work was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. She looked over at the clock on her computer, "Noon, already." She walked towards the front door and saw Blair standing on the other side. She sighed wondering how in the world her life and the lives of Blair and Starr had become so intertwined. Matthew and Starr were close and for their sakes they've tried to put their differences aside, which had gotten easier once Todd was out of the picture once and for all. Nora opened the door, "Come on in."
 
Blair walked in behind Starr who was holding Jack's hand, "Thank you so much for inviting Starr to go to the party tonight with Matthew."
 
"It was no problem. Matthew wanted to have a friend there." She looked over at Starr, "Matthew's in the back yard. Why don't you go out and get him. We'll leave as soon as you guys come back."
 
Starr started to walk away but Blair called her back for some last minute instructions. Starr rolled her eyes and ran out to find Matthew. Blair and Nora said their good byes and Nora grabbed her coat off the rack and waited for them to come back into the house. Five minutes later they were on their way to Asa's. Nora made her way back to the station and dropped the files off in her office. She answered a few emails and returned a few phone calls before making her way to Bo's office. He wasn't there and Marcie informed her that he was in a meeting with the mayor. Nora left a message with Marcie that she'll see him at the party and she left the station.
 
She arrived back home just before five; having finished her last minute Christmas shopping and picking up her and Matthew's plane tickets from the travel agency. The party started at seven and she had wanted to find some time to just relax before the excitement of the evening began. She drew herself a hot bath and filled the water with bubbles. She undressed and put her robe on; walking over to her closet as the tub filled with water. She pulled out the dress she was going to wear and laid it out on her bed. She walked back into the bathroom and stepped into the tub. She leaned back against the back of the tub and closed her eyes, the heat of the water and the scent of the bubbles relaxing her. As soon as she closed her eyes, thoughts of Bo filled her mind and for the first time she didn't try to stop them.
 
Across town he walked into the empty garrett and threw his coat and keys down on the couch. He looked down at his watch. He had an hour until it was time for the party. He walked down the hallway towards the bathroom, untucking his shirt as he made his way towards the shower. He turned on the water and undressed as the steam filled the bathroom. He stepped under the hot stream of water and let the heat relax his tight muscles. He laid his palms in front of him on the shower wall and let the water trail down his body. As soon as he closed his eyes, thoughts of Nora filled his mind and for the first time he didn't try to stop them.
 
Nora stepped out of the tub and walked back into her bedroom. She picked up the dress off the bed and began to dress. She stood in front of the mirror and ran her hands down over the bodice of the dress. She finished up the final touches on her makeup and ran her fingers through her hair once more. She walked over to her dresser and opened her jewelry box. She pulled out the necklace she hadn't worn in five years and brought it up to her neck. She sighed as it fell perfectly in place. She ran her hands over it and smiled. She was about to close the lid when they caught her eye; lying in the corner of the box. She picked up the rings and she felt the tears well up. She looked down at her empty finger on her left hand and sighed. She had worn two other rings on that finger since she had removed Bo's ring from her hand but now, after everything that has happened in the past few months, her finger suddenly felt empty without it, without his ring.
 
She sighed and placed the rings back in their place. She ran her hands across the top of the box before taking a moment to glance at her reflection before picking up her shawl and purse off the bed. She reached the bottom of the stairs and walked towards her office when she heard someone's quick intake of breath. She slowly turned and met the piercing blue eyes of her son's father. She raised her hand to her heart; hoping to still it, "Bo, you scared me."
 
"I'm sorry. I...", he stumbled over his words, the sight of her before him was stealing his breath, "I knocked on the door but...."
 
"Oh...um...well I wasn't expecting anyone so I...I had the radio on in my bedroom," she pauses for a moment as the sight of him, standing in front of her in his tuxedo, sinks in, "what are you doing here?"
 
"I thought I would escort you to the party. When you didn't answer the door I used the key you had given me. I'm really sorry if I overstepped...."
 
She walked over and stood in front of him; laying her hand on his arm, "No...God no, Bo, it's fine. I would be honored to have you as my escort tonight."
 
He smiled that smile and she felt her heart leap into her throat. He held out his arm and she placed her arm in his. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek, "You look amazing."
 
She smiled and her smile radiated into her eyes just like it had all those years before, "Well you look mighty fine yourself, Commish."
 
He helped her into the back of the limo. She looked back at him and smiled, "Well, well, pulling out all the stops aren't we, Buchanan."
 
"Well it's my first Christmas with my son...and with you...as my son's mother, and I want it to be special."
"It already is, Bo. It already is."
 
He smiled as he closed her door and made his way over to the other side. Twenty minutes later they were pulling up outside of Asa's. Bo exited the limo and opened her door; helping her out of the limo. They were met at the door by Nigel who quickly closed the door, leaving him and the two of them standing outside the door. Bo and Nora exchanged curious glances before looking back at Nigel, "Nigel...."
 
"Yes, Mr. Buchanan."
 
"Why are we standing out in the cold when there is a nice warm house just on the other side of that door?"
 
Nigel looked back at the door, his hand still on the door knob, "Um well....I..." he stuttered obviously trying to keep them from going inside, "well we...well I thought you might just want some peace and quiet before facing the entire family...."
 
"It's a Christmas party, Nigel, not the Spanish Inquisition. Come on, please open the door. It's freezing out here."
 
Nigel looked up at the sky, silently praying he had stalled long enough. He bowed slightly and opened the door for them, "Thank you, Nigel." Nora said as Bo led her through the door.
 
Nigel helped her off with her coat and stood and waited for Bo to hand him his. Bo and Nora exchanged looks once more before their son came bounding out of the living room, "Mom...Dad you're here, finally."
 
Matthew took their hands and led them towards the living room but stopped just inside the doorway, "Matthew what's wrong," Nora asked.
 
Matthew looked over at Renee who was standing off to the side with Asa. Bo and Nora looked between their son and Asa and Renee. Renee quietly cleared her throat and looked up. Nora and Bo both followed her gaze. Their eyes settled on the sprig of mistletoe that was hung above the doorway. Their gazes fell and their eyes locked for a moment before turning their attention to their son. They both looked into the expectant eyes of their son. They turned and looked at each other again; they could feel everyone's eyes on them. Bo smiled first, he smiled that smile that had always made her heart melt. He reached out and laid his hand on her cheek and gently pulled her into a soft kiss. Matthew looked between this parents and his grandparents and his eyes danced with excitement.
 
After a moment Bo broke their kiss. He leaned in and rested his forehead against hers, but neither of them spoke. Renee took Matthew's hand and led him into the living room; closing the doors, giving Bo and Nora a few moments alone.
 
Bo pulled her into a tight embrace and she rested her head on his shoulder just as she had done so many times before. They broke their silent embrace, their arms still wrapped around each other's waists, "I've been wanting to do that for a while now."
 
"Me too." she said as a few tears welled up in her eyes, "I never thought I would get to do that again."
 
Bo was just about to pull her into another kiss when the living room doors flew open and they were both being pulled into the room, "Come on, granpa said I could open my presents."
 
They looked over their son's head at each other as he led them over to the couch. Matthew opened a few presents and he and Starr took off to play with his new toys in the room Asa had set up for him. Nora had been pulled into a conversation with Viki and Renee, while Asa had ushered Bo over to talk with the Govenor and a few of his business partners. They spent the evening exchanging long looks as they tried desperately to concentrate on the seperate conversations they were involved in.
 
Matthew and Starr came running into the room announcing to everyone that it had started to snow.
They both ran back out of the room as quickly as they ran into it. Bo excused himself from his latest conversation when he saw Nora walk out onto the terrace. He stood just inside the terrace doors; watching her as she leaned against the railing; her back to him. She looked so beautiful standing there with the snow falling around her. He quietly walked up behind her and whispered in her ear, "Penny for your thoughts, Red."
 
She looked up at the sky and blinked as a few snowflakes landed on her eyelashes, "Oh...I was making a wish."
 
Bo looked up at the sky, "Making a wish on what, Red? The clouds are blocking all the stars."
 
She shook her head and laughed, "My mother once told me that if you make a wish on the first snow of the winter it was guaranteed to come true, and if that first snow was Christmas snow every wish and every dream you would ever make will come true."
 
"Oh," he pauses as he walks up and stands beside her; closing his eyes and making his own Christmas wish, "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."
 
She shook her head, "Nope...if I tell you then it won't come true."
 
They stood in silence for a few moments. He reached out and placed his hand on top of hers, "Will you tell me when it comes true?"
 
She looks over at him as she intertwines her fingers with his, "I promise you'll be the first to know."
 
They continue to watch the snow blanket the estate in white as they stood there hand in hand. He felt her shudder beside him, "It's cold out here...."
 
She turns to look at him, a small smile on her face, "Yeah I guess,:" she wraps her arms around herself noticing the chill.
 
He takes his coat off and wraps it around her shoulders, " Bo, you didn't have to do that..."
 
He silences her with his finger then wraps his arms around her, "This way we will both stay warm."
 
She leans back against his chest and lets his warm embrace envelope her."There's just something about December..."
 
"What?"
 
"I don't know. I can't put my finger on it but I know, that of all the months of the year, the one I always find myself missing you the most...."
 
"Is December, " he finishes for her "I know," he rests his head on her shoulder, placing a kiss on her cheek, "I guess you could say..."
 
"December makes me feel this way..." they say together as they begin to sway to the music only they can hear, and as the snow continued to fall around them and their son looks on from the window, they realized that all of their Christmas wishes had come true.
 
THE END!!!!