"So, Angela, is this what you wanted?" Frankie glanced at his cousin over his glass of punch.

Angela smiled. "It's pretty darn close," she laughed, looking around the room. Christmas Eve had finally arrived. The day had dawned clear and cold. The DeLanci household was in an uproar as preparations for the evening meal were in progress. Between Grandma, the cook, Johnny, Angela, Frankie, and Great Uncle Leo, they managed to prepare enough food to feed the 60 guests. Aunts and uncles and cousins all helped out with the decorations. The band had arrived (late, which severely rattled Angela's already frayed nerves) and finally the guests began to arrive. And now, several hours into the party, things seemed to be going at full swing.

"Would you like to dance?" Frankie offered as the band started on a fast number.

"Certainly," Angela smiled.

Jack stared out at the dance floor, watching the suits and skirts twirl past. He tugged at his shirt collar. It felt strange to be wearing borrowed clothes but all Jack had had with him was what he had been wearing a week ago. Jack sighed and shifted his weight, watching the dancers. How could he just sit there? The beat was getting to him and he couldn't sit still.

"Sarah, would ya like ta dance?" Sarah smiled and shyly accepted Jack's outstretched hand. They were soon whirling across the dance floor.

Angela craned her neck, trying to see over Frankie's shoulder but it wasn't working very well. "Must you be so tall?" she grumbled.

"What?"

"It's...oh, forget it."

Frankie sighed and rolled his eyes. Still, he was curious and turned Angela so that he could see where she was looking. It was then that he saw Jack dancing with a tall, brown-haired girl. "Oh, I see." Frankie smirked.

"See what?"

"Oh, nothing." Frankie smiled knowingly. He then sighed and put Angela in a spin. As soon as the song ended, Frankie excused himself and sauntered over to Sarah and Jack.

"Excuse me," he said, smoothly stepping in front of Jack. "May I have this dance?" Frankie grinned and bent to kiss Sarah's hand.

Sarah giggled. "Yes, you may." Frankie then took Sarah in his arms and whisked her away, throwing a wink at Jack over his shoulder. Jack smiled and slowly walked off the dance floor. He sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets as he left the noise and movement of the ballroom.

"Hey." Jack came up behind Angela and placed a hand on her shoulder. Angela stood in the hallway, staring out the window into the darkness.

"It's starting to snow," she replied. "See?" Angela placed a hand on the glass and then turned around to face Jack.

"Would ya care ta dance?" Jack asked sheepishly.

Angela smiled and nodded. "Yes, I would."

Jack sighed contentedly, beginning to lead Angela to the soft music. A quiet hum could be heard coming from the ballroom, flowing under the current of music that was gently filling the room. Angela pressed her cheek against Jack's shoulder and closed her eyes. Jack turned his head slightly as he felt Angela's smooth hair brush against his face and the comforting scent of her spicy perfume float past his nose.