They must have sung Christmas carols for another hour before Derek begged off. A greater assembly of people had gathered around the piano by then, and they had not wanted to let him go. His guests seemed to be as surprised and delighted as she was that the Luna Foundation chairman and the CEO of the Winston Rayne Hall of Antiquities would be providing such entertainment.

As Derek began to mingle once more, the tie of his tuxedo hung loose and his shirt collar was open. She observed him as he spoke to Dr. and Mrs. Peters, and he laughed at something the cardiologist said. Probably something related to the caroling. Again she marveled at how relaxed and happy he looked. Who would ever suspect that he had faced demons at a portal to Hell the previous month... At least she presumed that, since he had yet to tell them everything that had happened that night.

Bernie greeted her then and talked about plans for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Christmas would likely be spent with her friends at the San Francisco House, she informed him, but she still wasn't sure what she would do for New Year's.

"There's a party at the embassy that night, if you'd like to come," he said.

Bernie was a nice guy, handsome as well, and worked at the Australian Embassy. She should say yes; she had no idea what was stopping her from accepting his invitation. Who was she kidding...

"That sounds great." She smiled at him. "What time should I be there?"

He gave her a wide grin. "I could pick you up about 8 o'clock?"

"Unless something urgent comes up, it's a date." She saw Rachel waving at her. "I'm sorry, someone's signaling me. There might be a problem I need to take care of. I'll see you later."

She made her way over to her friend. "What's the matter? Is everything okay? It's not about Kat, is it?"

"Oh, no, she's fine." Rachel beamed. "She's having a great time so far, and they're all excited about Christmas at Disney World. I had to wait for her call, which is why I'm so late." She lowered her voice and drew Alex away from a group near them.

"I was about to ask you," the blonde said. "Is Derek all right? I overheard Mavis say that he was singing Christmas carols and playing the piano?"

Alex giggled. "That's right. Maybe the ghost of Christmas future came to visit him. Nick and I would be concerned about him being possessed if he was nasty or cold, but he's..." She shook her head. "He's like a changed man since that night."

"I was talking to Nick yesterday. I think it's just that Derek didn't expect to survive and this could simply be the euphoria of his survival," Rachel said. "Maybe I should have a talk with him." She started to walk away, but Alex grabbed her arm.

"Wait. How about you hold off for a couple of days," the younger woman said, holding up her hands. "I'd hate to have this good mood of his end so soon."

"I can understand that," the psychiatrist smirked.

"You know, I still wonder what kind of holiday we'd be having if Derek had to detonate the C-4," Alex said softly. "Where would we be? I'd be..."

She took a deep breath. "And what were those bright lights? Some sort of heavenly speed cleaning that rid the house of evil?" She shrugged. "Maybe that's why the house is fine. I can't sense any evil, unlike the night it happened."

"Bright lights? What lights?"

"Just before I saw Derek, I saw this... flash of brilliant white light. At first I thought the house was going to explode. I asked Nick later, but he said he didn't see any lights."

"I'm sorry, sweetie," Rachel said. "I can't say that I saw any either."

"Maybe it was just my imagination..."

"It was a very stressful night, so don't worry about it," Rachel squeezed her hand. "Listen, I see David over by the tree in the foyer looking a little lost."

"Go ahead." Alex nodded. "I'll be fine. Have a good time," the young woman said as she watched her disappear into the crowd.

Alex continued moving among the guests, hearing bits and pieces of conversation. She had to step back into the doorway to avoid a waiter with a tray of champagne, when she felt a touch at her shoulders. "You seemed rather astonished to see me playing the piano." Derek smiled at her.

"Can you blame me?" She chuckled, then turned to face him. "I couldn't believe you were singing Christmas carols. And taking requests!"

"How about standing under mistletoe?" Her eyes widened as he pointed up to the sprig hanging from a nail.

"Who...who put that up there?" She fought the blush that she could feel coming.

"I thought either you or Nick." Her eyes met his squarely, and she saw the mischief in them. "It wasn't me, Derek. Personally, I think it's rather silly." Damn, he smelled good...

"Silly? It's one of my favorite traditions. And since you're standing here," he moved closer, "I think you should go along with the tradition." He smiled and his hands went to her bare shoulders.

"All right, but only because it's a tradition..." His mouth lowered to hers and her eyes closed as he kissed her. It was shorter than the one they shared at the portal, but this time when he pulled away there was a smile on their faces.

"Merry Christmas, Alex."

Her heart melted as she gazed into those hazel eyes. "Merry Christmas, Derek." They stood silent for several moments until a shrill voice broke the quiet.

"Why Derek Rayne!" Oh, shit, Mavis... Alex couldn't bear to listen to her. God knows what she'd say about their kiss under the mistletoe. It would probably be all over the room in five minutes.

"Derek, I... I'm sorry, I need to check something with Edward." With that she fled to the kitchen.

End part 3