Carmen couldn't process the words she had just heard. It was though a bomb had exploded in the room and all those standing among the rubble were silenced by the devastation.

"Is this true Carmen?" Bernardo finally spoke, "You have a lead on Mick's killer?"

"Yes," Carmen answered playing along with Ben's brilliant setup.

"Why didn't you just tell us, instead of playing these absurd games all this time?"

"I......."

"This was a sensitive matter," Ben interjected.

The look that Bernardo shot in Ben's direction was pure death, "Sensitive matter? Are you trying to elude that we can't be trusted with such information?" Bernardo was barely able to say the words without spitting.

"No....Bernardo," Carmen spoke up thankful that Ben had given them an out for the moment but knowing he was in way over his head with these men.

"Then what?!?!"

"I didn't know if this would lead us anywhere. All of the other avenues came up dead ends........"

"So what you thought this suit was better qualified to handle it rather then those who have been like family to you?"

"No......." Carmen struggled for the words to handle damage control here.

"Please then do explain."

"No explanation really. I saw Mr. Warren and his abilities as an asset to my organization. Both Daniel and I did. Then when the information about Mick's killer came out Daniel acted on it."

"Why all the secrets?" Manuel inquired.

"That's how Danny wanted it," Ben added. Carmen turned looking at him as if to say keep your damned mouth shut.

"Oh really?" Bernardo was quick to raise a brow at Ben's remark his suspicions satisfactorily raised.

"So you see Bernardo, the information you received about my not knowing where my son was.....well it was a plant on my part." Carmen looked at Dietz who was doing his best to disappear into the woodwork, "It was never my intention to dupe any of you. I just want the justice my son deserves."

"I see."

"Now that we have gotten this straightened out," Carmen said making her way to the sliding panel that would allow her guests to exit.

"Not quite Carmen," Bernardo countered.

"Now what?!?!?" she huffed.

"There is still the little matter of Danny's taking his place at this table. I want it on record that your days in that chair," he pointed to the seat she just vacated, "are numbered."

Bernardo wasn't buying any of this story, but he would give Carmen enough time to hang herself further. That way disposing of her would be all the easier.

"Not to worry Bernardo, Daniel will be exactly where he belongs," Carmen said cunningly.

"We will be in touch."

Dietz turned away as Bernardo tried to make eye contact as he walked through the doorway. He felt the beads of sweat collecting on his brow knowing that either way he was doomed. Carmen knew what he had done and she had made certain that Bernardo thought his squealing had been her set up all along.

"Might I suggest that you make yourself scarce?" she instructed to the man who had been her husband's right hand.

"What?" Dietz said hoarsely totally taken aback that she was just letting him walk.

"You heard me."

"Carmen......."

"Dietz," she growled, "Be gone before I change my mind and take care of you before Bernardo has the chance."

He exited the room without a moments hesitation knowing full well that it wouldn't take long before Bernardo came calling. He didn't even bother to pack a bag, time was of the essence. That was if he valued his life any.

Carmen walked back to the table where Ben was still seated looking like the cat that had just swallowed the proverbial mouse. She surely had to give the man credit for thinking fast on his feet.

"Might I congratulate you on a job well done?"

"Thank you."

"I hate to admit this but your fast thinking came in very handy."

"I saw that."

"What on earth made you think up such a believable tale?"

"And what makes you think it was a 'tale'? he countered.

"It must be."

"Don't be so sure about that," Ben said pulling a large brown envelope from his briefcase.

"What's this?" she asked as he handed it over.

"The person who killed your son."

"What?!?!?"

"All you need to know about who killed Mick is in there."

At the moment Carmen could have been bowled over by a feather. Her brain wasn't able to make sense out of Ben's words. As she opened the envelope it was as if she was standing outside of her body watching the scene unfold before her. Inside was a folder, her hands trembled as she laid it's contains on the table in front of her.

The two pockets of the blue folder neatly held all the things about Mick's killer that Danny hadn't been able to locate. Suddenly it dawned on Carmen why. The block print read WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM.

"How?" was the only word Carmen was able to sputter.

"I did some checking. I still have a few people who are loyal," Ben smiled thinking how loyal he was to himself. He most certainly ensured his place in the grander scheme of things.

"Why?"

"It's all in there."

Carmen felt her nausea fill her as she fingered the papers, the details of her son's death. She swallowed hard as she read the recount of events that lead up Mick lying on the beach with his skull bashed in.

"I can't......WON'T believe this. IT'S A LIE!!! ALL OF IT IS A BALL FACED LIE!!!!"

"Well the authorities believed the story enough to grant protection."

"NOT FOR LONG!!!" Carmen continued to read through all of the information. It was only when she got to the name and photo of who was truly responsible that she gasped. The face of Michelle Bauer, the daughter of the good doctor stared back at her.

"What are you thinking Carmen?"

"That it's time that Daniel lived up to his original responsibilities. So Ms. Bauer is lurking around Galveston, Texas is she? And thinking that she is in the clear for cutting my son's life short. Well we will just have to remedy that," Carmen smiled sinisterly.

This was far better then she had ever expected things to turn out. Until now she had been so caught up in keeping her rightful place that she didn't have time to be overly concerned with the job Danny had left unfinished.

"Heading to Texas are we?" Ben questioned glad that Carmen was far too caught up in the information rather then exactly how he obtained it. Looked like for all intents and purposes he was in the clear on all accounts. He finally could breath a needed sigh of relief.

"Not just yet. I can't walk away from here quite yet. If I know Bernardo he didn't exactly buy this little concoction of yours."

"You think?"

"I know. Hell until minutes ago I thought it was a story, myself."

"Sorry to disappoint," Ben joked.

"Hardly!"

"So what's your plan then if it's not going to Texas?"

"Not to worry. What needs to be done will be. I will most definitely see to that."

Albert poured his wife a glass of white wine and watched as the flames from the fire fanned her beautiful face. He felt that they had come full circle. In the days since Richard's name was now allowed life in their home once again, an amazing transformation between the two of them had taken place. They had found each other again. All those feelings that had first drawn them together all those years ago were now at the forefront enabling them to love again.

"Melanie is a very special girl. Danny is lucky to have her," Jenny said taking the goblet from Albert's hand, "The thought that went into all she did tonight was just amazing."

"Yes it was."

"You know Albert this is the first time that I can remember enjoying myself during the holidays."

"Me too."

"Thank you."

"For what?" he questioned.

"Helping me remember our son. Remembering that it was our love that made him. A love that didn't have to be lost to us just because he was," Jenny breathed deeply as to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

"Jenny, I always loved you," Albert said kneeling along side his wife.

"I didn't. There was a time Albert, that I hated you with everything I had in me."

Those were words that Albert had always known, none the less hearing them aloud was still difficult. "No more then I hated myself." Gently Jenny reached out and stroked his face for the first time truly seeing the pain in her husband's eyes.

"Why did we wait so long to do this?" she asked.

"Anger and pain, they do funny things to a person."

"Maybe........."

"I just think we took the easy way out. If we didn't speak it then we could pretend it didn't exist."

"How foolish."

"That it was. I thought immersing us in a different place with a different business that it would somehow make it all disappear."

"The only thing we succeeded in making disappear was ourselves," Jenny remarked.

"Why did it take Danny to make us see that?" Albert questioned.

"I know why for me. What about you?" she countered.

"Watching your reaction and hearing your revelations. That's what really woke me up. I had no idea the anger you had buried inside of you."

"I lost my only child Albert. And not by some freak accident, but by a rival family's gun. I had a right to be angry."

"I know. I just didn't know how much."

"I'm still angry."

"Do you think that you can ever forgive me?" he questioned, "Forgive me for not knowing any other way to live; forgive me for drawing Richard in the way I was?"

"The more important question Albert, is can you forgive yourself?"

"I wish I knew the answer to that one myself."

"Then I say we work on it together. The way we should have done many many years ago?" Jenny leaned in and kissed Albert. Kissed him for the first time truly loving him again.

Sarah's eyes traveled to the beautifully framed photo of her and her mother and did her best attempt not to cry. The effort was a fruitless one.

"Hey," Matt reached for her hand as the car came to a stop.

"I'm sorry," she wiped away the tears, "I just can't believe that Melanie did all of this for me."

"Yeah she did a lot of nice things for us all tonight."

"It's like having my mom with me."

"That's what she was hoping for."

"Too bad my own father couldn't have done the same," Sarah's disappointment was evident.

"Don't let him ruin the night. Forget about him. From all that you have told me about him, he's certainly not worth the time it takes to think about him."

"He's still my dad," she whispered.

Somewhere in the back of her mind Sarah still clung to the fantasy she held of him she had as a child. That one day he would appear and all those things she had missed he would somehow make up for. Unfortunately the harsh reality of the man she had met months ago was sobering.

His arrogance and ego were still the driving forces behind all that was Carl Beck. Sarah had deluded herself in thinking that all that her mother had told her could have possibly been warped by her mother's own perception. Yet that hadn't been the case. Carl Beck proved his inadequacies as a father in spades.

"Biology doesn't make you a father," Matt said softly.

"I know."

"Sarah, I don't know your dad. I don't want to make judgments about him, but from where I am standing he doesn't deserve one ounce of your anguish."

"Then why do I care?"

"I don't know. I see you as a bright wonderful person. You father should be damn proud to say that you are his daughter. And if he doesn't have the good sense to be then I say to hell with him!"

"It was a lot easier when I never saw him."

"I bet."

Sarah flipped through the pages of her scrapbook as Matt leaned in to get a glimpse of what Melanie's hard work actually looked like.

"You were a cute kid."

"Thank you. But I was a tomboy at heart."

"Tomboy huh? You certainly don't look like on now."

"Thankfully I grew out of it," she laughed.

"Sarah," Matt began, "I'm really sorry that things aren't so good with your dad but I'm glad you ended up here."

"You know what?" she pulled back and looked at his handsome face, "So am I."

Danny inched off the bed wrapping himself in the fleece throw that lay on its end. The only light in the apartment was the faint glow of the Christmas tree lights. Danny stood there in awe of the beauty that had long been lost to him.

It wasn't until right now that he came to realize just how much he missed it all. If he thought hard, he was able to remember a time when this holiday had meant everything to him. The span between then and now was wider and deeper then even the Grand Canyon.

Danny picked up his present. The flood of emotions came rushing back as Melanie's words of thanks rang in his ears. In all honesty he owed her his own gratitude. He never fully expected to ever feel the emotions she set a stir in him. He had only felt this deep of love for one other person in his life and that being his father. When Miguel was gunned down, that was the day that Danny walled his heart off.

"Penny for your thoughts," a voice came up from behind him.

"Just this is the best Christmas I can remember in a long time," he turned to face her, "Do you know what a special person you are and more importantly how lucky I am to have found you?"

"Well that luck runs on a two way street," she smiled brightly at him.

Danny looked away unable to meet her eyes. No matter who tried to convince him or how much he did it himself, he couldn't believe that he deserved any of this. More importantly Danny knew that this incredible person before him didn't deserve the danger that came along with him.

"What?" she questioned watching the dark mask again befall his features, "What's wrong Danny?"

"I.........."

"You what?"

"I can't believe that I deserve you. You are the kindest most genuine person I have ever come across. I don't think that you understand just how wonderful you are."

"I'm no Saint, Danny," Michelle said this being her turn to look away. It was difficult to hear all the kind things said about her with the secret she carried within.

"Closest thing to one I've ever seen," he countered, "I just expect to wake up one morning and this all be a dream."

"Does this feel like a dream?" she asked using his own words as she kissed him fully on the lips.

"No."

"Then I say we stop waiting for this to vanish. I love you Danny. For the first time in my life I can actually say those words and know what they truly mean. What I feel for you is so strong that I barely know how to breathe when you aren't with me."

"I love you too, Melanie," he said resting his chin within the curls of her hair. He couldn't help but wonder exactly what price that love would have.

Michelle stood in front of the closet in her room debating what exactly to wear. It was one thing to be the host of a party it was another story completely when you were an invited guest.

Danny had called the afternoon after her own tree trimming party to say that his aunt and uncle were so taken with the idea they decided to have one of their own. He also made mention of the possibility of attending midnight mass. The thought of setting foot in a church made her tremble. She feared the roof might fall in on them all if she dared to enter.

She had never actually asked for forgiveness in the role she played in Mick's death. Everything had happened so quickly that somehow that had gotten lost in the shuffle.

"Hey do you have a pair of black hose I can borrow?" Sarah asked popping her head in Michelle's room.

"Yeah, top drawer in the chest by the window," she returned absently still lost in her own thoughts.

"I really wish we were spending Christmas Eve together," Sarah sighed.

"What......worried about meeting the family?" Michelle asked. Matt had invited Sarah to spend Christmas Eve with his family much in the way that Danny had her. She could tell by the look on her friend's face that the whole idea was terrifying.

"NO!!"

"Then why is it you are looking for any excuse not to be ready when Matt knocks on that door?"

"I don't know," she sighed throwing herself down on the bed.

"Sarah, what's going on in that head of yours," Michelle asked perching herself along side Sarah's outstretched body.

"I don't know."

"Yeah like I believe that."

"I just didn't expect to feel this way."

"What way?"

"Remember me saying that I wanted what I saw between you and Danny?"

"Vaguely."

"Well last night I think I finally saw that in Matt and now I'm scared to death," she groaned.

"That's good."

"GOOD?!?!?!" Sarah said exasperated.

"That means that this is the real thing. Besides a little fear keeps you on your toes. Now go on and get out of here so I can get dressed myself before we are both late," Michelle giggled.

She went back to the task at hand. Her eyes were instinctively drawn again to the blue velvet dress hidden in the back of the closet. She moved away the articles of clothing that stood between her and that supple fabric. Pulling it out to stare at it, she was still reminded of what it represented about her past. But in the here and now she found herself thinking how what she had shared with Jesse was more for the preparation of what was to come with Danny.

The relationship that she had with him showed her many things that up until this present moment she hadn't been able to see.

The time had come to know that without Jesse, she would not have been able to have what she now had with Danny. For that Michelle owed Jesse a great debt. In more ways then one.

Danny moved about the club still unable to understand why three local companies had booked their Christmas parties on Christmas Eve of all days. The clock on the wall was nearing four in the afternoon and there was still so much to be done at the house for his own family's party.

Aunt Jenny was certainly making up for all the Christmases that had gone by unnoticed in the previous years. Not only was she doing a major portion of the cooking herself, she had given him a list of things that she had wanted Reggie to prepare as well. There would be enough food to feed the entire city of Galveston if not the state of Texas.

"Are these people ever going to leave?" Danny asked half-joking half-serious to Joe.

"The way it looks right now, I would have to say no."

"Thanks," he frowned, "Not quite the answer I was looking for."

"Well we are set to close in an hour. So whether they like it or not the party is just about over," Joe said falling into his new managerial skills rather nicely.

"Now that's what I wanted to hear."

"Thought it might be."

"You are coming to the house tonight right?" Danny asked the only man other then Albert he considered a friend.

"I will try. My family does the big Christmas Eve thing too. They don't take too kindly to those of us who make other plans," Joe smiled in his usual cocky manner.

"Albert, better yet Jenny will have your hide if you don't show your face. So tell your family if they want you to keep your job........"

"I get the picture," Joe cut him off smiling, glad that Danny had come here.

"Danny," he heard a voice call to him as he headed towards the kitchen to check on the progress of things in there, "Hey Danny man can I talk to you for a minute?" Matt asked as he approached him.

"Yeah sure. What's up?"

"I need some advice."

"Okay?"

"What should I buy Sarah for Christmas?" Matt knew how utterly ridiculous the question was given the day and time but he asked it none the less.

"You are kidding right?"

"NO!!!!!"

"What on earth did you wait to the very last minute for?" he questioned.

"I don't know!" Matt sounded baffled by the simpleness of Danny's words.

"So what are you going to do now?"

"I don't know. I thought you might be able to help me."

"Me? Why me?"

"I have watched you with Melanie. You are a natural at this and me well I'm a natural screw up. I mean look how I handle the whole Alexa interview thing. That was a complete disaster," he sighed.

"It's Alexa. She has that effect on women."

"Huh?"

"Never mind. So do you even have an idea of what you want to buy Sarah?"

"Ah," he paused, "No."

"I need a bit more help then that," Danny tired not to laugh.

"Sorry. I just never expected to still be together. Things there for a while weren't going so hot. Thought for sure that she was going to give me the boot. Then suddenly it was like everything just fell into place. Go figure. Can you please help me?"

"I'll give it my best shot. Don't count on any miracles though," Danny said thinking he had enough problems with his own gift buying. But after seeing the present that Melanie had given him he knew that he had picked the right things for her.

"Go grab a drink at the bar. I need to check on a few things and then we can get going."

"Don't take too long. We don't have a lot of time."

All Danny could do was shake his head at the absurdity of Matt's remark as he walked away. Once he was satisfied that all would be ready for Jenny's party he made his way back to where Matt was sitting slamming down what Joe indicated was his third shot.

"You better let me drive," Danny remarked, "What the hell's gotten into you man?"

"I wish I knew."

"Would you like a hint?" Danny joked holding the door open for him.

"Yeah!!!"

"Think you finally figured out you love the girl and you are scared shitless? Am I getting warm yet?" Danny laughed wondering if this was how he must have looked the minute he had fallen for Melanie, "Come on let's get going, before there isn't anything left to buy."

"Hey Danny wait a minute," Joe yelled to him, "I almost forgot this package came for you awhile ago."

"You know what just toss it the office. Probably just another sample from a purveyor. It will keep. Besides can't you see we are on a mission?"

Joe laughed as Danny and Matt walked towards the car, feeling happy for once to be married and not expected to come up with anything too spectacular for Christmas. Those days for him and his wife had long since past.

After endless hours of fighting all those people, mostly men Danny gathered, in search of the perfect gift twenty minutes before it was to be given, Matt and he headed out to the parking lot.

"Thanks man."

"Not a problem," Danny remarked until he looked at the time, "Shit!"

"What?"

"I am supposed to be picking Mel up in less then hour. I still have to go back to the club gather up all of the food Reggie made for the party. DAMN!!!!"

"Hey I'm so sorry," Matt apologized.

"Forget it," Danny countered as he pulled out his phone and began dialing, "Hey Albert, it's me........I know, I know........things got a little away from me........no, no nothing like that........I had to help Matt pick out a present for Sarah........I know.....don't ask. Can you do me a huge favor........go to the club and pick up the food........yeah I have to pick her up in less then an hour.......I have to shower and all of that.....thank you."

"I can't believe I screwed up your evening."

"It's no big deal. Albert will get what we need from the club and I will pick Melanie up in plenty of time." He hoped.

"Thanks again for helping me out. It's amazing you knew just the right thing."

"Don't start handing out the awards just yet. Let's at least wait to see what Sarah has to say."

"There's no doubt about it. She'll love it."

"Why don't the two of you drop by my uncle's this evening. I'm sure that the ladies would like to compare gifts."

"Sure. That sounds like a plan."

"Okay great see you two later then," Danny said as Matt exited the car.

"Thanks again," Matt remarked for the billionth time.

"Would you go already......," Danny laughed.

"See ya."

Danny looked around the living room. Between the previous night and this afternoon his aunt and uncle's home had been transformed into holiday spectacular. He even thought about going out and coming in again just to check the number above the door ensuring that he had entered the correct house.

It was a wonderland of lights, garland, holly berry wreaths and more poinsettias then Danny ever remembered seeing in one place before. This house was such the antithesis of what he could only imagine his own home back in Springfield must have looked like. Even in the hay day of the Santos family, Carmen had never gone to such extremes as he saw here.

"Well, what do you think?" Jenny asked motioning towards the enormous blue spruce whose bows nearly reached the top of the vaulted ceiling.

"It's......unbelievable," Danny gasped.

"Well Melanie got Albert and I thinking that it's been a long time since we celebrated the holidays in the fashion that they should have been. And it's funny all the things you find stashed in the attic when you really start looking," she laughed.

"Obviously."

"You think it's too much?" she questioned.

"It's perfect!"

"This is all so foreign to me. I can't tell you the last time I threw a party, any party not to mention a holiday one," she gushed her own excitement getting the better of her.

"Foreign or not I think it's stunning. Everyone will have a wonderful time not doubt about that."

"And does that everyone include yourself?" she asked hating to dampen the festive mood.

"YES......it includes me too."

"I am glad to hear you say that. I couldn't help but notice the photo of you and Melanie in your room. I wasn't snooping," she said quickly the old habits used upon his arrival still lurked now and again, "I had some decorations stored in the upper portion of the closet......."

"Aunt Jenny, we are past that aren't we?" he smiled doing his best to reassure her of that fact.

"Yes....yes I guess we are. Melanie is a very special girl. She amazed me with the care she took in all the gifts she gave last night. You are very lucky."

"I am just wondering when that luck is going to run out?" Danny remarked still torn.

"One piece of advice," she began, "As long as you make your decisions from here," Jenny pointed to his heart, "All else will fall into place."

There was a rustling from the kitchen, "Uncle Albert must be back," Danny pointed out.

"That he is. I better go see to the rest of the food. Just don't forget what I said, understand?"

"Understood," Danny replied still not sure.

Michelle heard the doorbell sound and the butterflies in her stomach began circling again. They had been doing their nonstop dance ever since she slipped the soft blue dress over her petite frame. She did her best in resisting the urge to rip it off and find something else to wear. But now it was apparently too late, as Danny had arrived.

She gave herself one more look in the mirror. As much as she hated to admit it, she had always loved this dress and until now didn't realize just how much she missed wearing it.

"Coming," she yelled as the bell rang again, "Oh Matt," she sounded disappointed.

"Not who you were expecting huh?" he asked still feeling guilty about the part he played in Danny's obviously being late in picking her up.

"No, I just thought you were Danny. I'm sorry, please come in. I think Sarah is about ready. Go easy on her tonight. She is petrified at the thoughts of meeting your family. And I swear to god you tell her I told you I will deny it all!" Michelle laughed.

"I will," he laughed, "As long as you promise to do the same for Danny if he's a bit late in picking you up tonight. It's all my fault."

"Your fault?" she returned quizzically.

"I was a doofus and waited until the very last minute, no make that second to get Sarah a present, and well I kinda roped Danny into helping me pick something out."

"I see," she shook her head knowingly, "Well I promise to only raze him a little bit," she chuckled.

"Matt," Sarah said a bit shocked that she hadn't heard the doorbell.

Matt let his eyes travel over the length of her body. The gauze emerald green fabric of her dress clung to her effortlessly, "You look beautiful," he said barely able to find his voice.

"Thank you," she whispered looking away trying to hide the blush that had crept across her cheeks. Michelle smiled thinking how sweet it was to watch two people finally realizing that they loved the other.

"Have a good time tonight," Michelle said as Matt helped Sarah with her wrap.

"We'll probably see you later. Danny invited us to join you at his uncle's," Matt stated.

"That would be great," Sarah sighed relieved glad in the fact that she would get to be with Melanie after all.

"He thought you two would enjoy it."

"Danny's........."

"I'm what?" he questioned coming to the door before Michelle could finish her comment.

"I was just about to say what a wonderful man you are for thinking about Sarah and I," she kissed him instinctively.

"The more the merrier."

"Well then we will see you later," Matt said leading Sarah through the doorway.

"Thank you," Michelle said.

"For what?" he questioned not actually paying attention to her words his eyes focused on how breath taking she looked standing there in front of him.

"Danny," she said snapping her fingers in front of his glazed chocolate eyes.

"Huh?" he was embarrassed to be caught off guard.

"Never mind," she smiled.

"I'm sorry," he countered scooping her in his arms, "You just look so fabulous I can't take my eyes off of you much less think clearly."

"I'll take that as a compliment then," she giggled.

"That's the way it was intended."

"Well Mr. Sampson, you don't look too bad yourself, I might add."

Michelle pulled back and took a long look at the man before her. His charcoal gray Armani suit was a change from the normal black business type she had gotten used to him in. And looking at his heather gray silk shirt with its faint hue of blue, she knew now the reason for wearing her dress. Besides its meaning of putting the past in the past, she and Danny made a perfect match standing side by side. And in her mind that was in keeping with exactly what her heart felt.

"We better be going. Jenny and Albert will be expecting us."

"Danny......"

"What?" he asked sensing the tension suddenly filling her.

"I'm nervous," she said knowing full well how childish she must have sounded.

"For what? You have already met my family," Danny said doing his best not to choke on his words.

"It's one thing to give a party. I didn't have much time to think about things. But now I don't know, what if they don't like me?" her remarks were getting more ridiculous by the minute.

"Not like you?!?!?" he joked, "After last night, Mel, they love you. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Jenny doesn't have us married off already." The words fell out of his mouth before he gave them much thought yet suddenly self-conscious of them.

"Oh really?" Michelle raised a brow, not wanting to show that her heart had just leapt into her mouth.

"You know what I mean. You don't have a thing to worry about."

"I hope not."

By the time they arrived back at the house, it was filling quickly with more people then Danny thought his aunt and uncle even knew. He recognized some of them the markets, others were suppliers from the club and many faces that he was at a loss for their names.

"Danny, my boy," Jackson Packerd said, he and his daughter came to stand before him.

"Jackson, Alexa," he nodded in the girl's general direction. He wasn't looking forward to round two where she and Melanie were concerned.

"What a splendid party. I have to say that you have certainly brought out the best in Albert and Jenny."

"As they do me," he said more for himself then those around him.

"In the years that I have known them, I have never been invited to such an event."

"Well then you have Melanie," Danny said reaching for her arm as she skirted past him on his aunt's heels. The thoughts of not being liked long since lost. Jenny and Melanie were the perfect hostesses. It made Danny feel good to know that the picture he was watching unfold before him felt so right, "to thank for this. If it hadn't been for her tree trimming party, Jenny would have never come up with the idea," Danny kissed her lovingly on the cheek.

"Oh how sweet," Alexa said sarcasm in her tone, "Daddy, there are some people I need to see." She walked away before Jackson had time to object.

Michelle felt suddenly ashamed of herself for ever doubting Danny's feelings for her and more over ever being jealous of the girl who just walked away from them. It was crystal clear now that she had been nothing more then how Danny had originally described her.

"If you'll excuse us, Jackson? We really need to make our rounds."

"Certainly. And Danny, thank you again for the opportunity that you have given my daughter. I am sorry she was too rude not to say so herself," he apologized.

"Don't give it a second thought. The band did as much for the club as the club did for them. Let's just call it even."

"Thank you."

"I LOVE YOU!!!!" Michelle crooned over the music being piped in from overhead.

"Oh do you now?" he laughed.

"I have never felt so completely and utterly connected to anyone in my life as I do you."

"Well that goes without saying for me too."

They mingled among the crowd. Stopping to be introduced to the many new faces and chatting with those Danny now knew from the club. Michelle felt as if she was walking above the clouds. She was so at ease here. Almost like she belonged there and up until she had come there everything before had been a trial run.

She had never expected to think of the life she left behind as a precursor to something bigger and better. But somehow it had turned out to be just that.

Danny led her to the portion of the floor in the living room that had been cleared for dancing, as the crowd started to thin. He had let himself get lost in the magic of this evening. Everything but this night had fallen away. Tonight he had spent the first genuine Christmas being totally fulfilled. Being Danny Sampson or Danny Santos didn't matter at the moment. Nothing mattered but the way he felt holding Melanie in his arms. He almost believed that anything was possible; almost believed that together they could conquer the world.

Albert made his way to where Jenny was standing watching her guests as they mingled throughout the room.

"Wonderful party, Mrs. Sampson," he whispered in her ear.

"Look at them, they remind me so much of us," she said nodding in the direction of where Danny and Melanie were dancing oblivious to their surroundings.

"That they do," Albert wrapped his arms tightly around his wife content for the first time in years.

"We can't let Carmen ruin that!" Jenny stated with a firmness that surprised him.

"Jenny?" he questioned.

"What?" she countered.

"You never cease to amaze me."

"Why is that?"

"I just never expected you to be Danny's champion, that's all. To be honest I half expected you to be willing to feed him to the wolves."

Jenny wasn't sure how to respond to that comment. She herself knew how true it was. There had been a time that she would have gladly sent Danny packing, but suddenly things were different. It was though unleashing Richard's ghost brought out the mothering instincts in her that had been bottled up for far too long. She most certainly knew that Danny had had very little mothering in the last years, so she couldn't help but want to fill that void for him as well as herself.

"I just want him to be happy," she said finally.

"He certainly looks that way."

"But for how long?" Jenny said foreboding.

"I wish I could say that I knew."

"Damn Carmen!" Jenny cursed.

"Jenny," Albert turned her to face him, "We will handle whatever is thrown our way. I want Danny to be happy as much as you do. I don't have any intention of letting Carmen ruin one more Santos man."

"Albert............."

"Ssshhhh," he placed a finger to her lips, "It's Christmas Eve. It's a time for celebration and miracles, not the devil incarnate. I got my miracle this Christmas. I got my wife back. So I will do everything in my power to ensure that Danny gets his too."

"I love you, Albert."

"I love you too."

Michelle could have stayed wrapped in Danny's arms forever. This Christmas hadn't turned out anything like she had expected it to, nothing about this new existence had. The events that had brought her here in the first place had been a life altering experience but suddenly she was thankful for them. Actually correlating being responsible for a person's death and then to be thankful for what it brought to her were thoughts that made her shudder at times. It went against every grain in her, but looking into Danny's black eyes right now she didn't want to be anywhere but here. To hell with how she had gotten there.

"Hey you two," Matt's voice invaded Michelle's thoughts.

"Hey!" she said looking at her friend's radiant face, "I would guess by that smile that all went well?"

"Very well," Sarah replied.

"See what did I tell you? Not a thing to be worried about."

"Well?" Danny asked as the girls headed to the bar for a drink.

"She loved it!" Matt said thankful for all of Danny's help.

"I am so glad to hear that."

"So was I. I was sweating bullets all night."

"So really how did things go at your place?"

"Perfect. My parents absolutely loved her."

"Glad to hear it."

"And you and Melanie? Did she like what you bought her?"

"I haven't had time to give it to her yet."

"What?"

"Well we have been so busy with the party and all that I just haven't gotten the chance yet."

"Now who's the scared one?" Matt joked seeing as the pressure had now been lifted from his own gift giving experience.

"I'm not.........."

"You're not what?" Michelle asked handing Danny his scotch.

"Nothing," he kissed her to silence her next sentence.

"Look what Matt gave me," Sarah said to the pair as she took the beautiful locket in her hand.

"Oh, Sarah, that is gorgeous," Michelle said taking it in her own hand for closer inspection.

It was a gold puffed heart with diamond chips scattered about its surface. Michelle opened it but found it empty, "So where are the pictures?" she questioned.

"I was hoping you might have a few left of my mom. I wanted to put her on one side. And you on the other," Sarah said to her friend.

"Me....why me?" Michelle said looking in Matt's direction wondering if he felt slighted by the fact that he had given the gift but wasn't exactly part of it's meaning.

"Because, if it hadn't been for you this would have been the worst Christmas for me. So I wanted to have the two women that inspire me close to my heart. For those times when I need reminding that the world isn't all that bad."

Michelle felt the tears well in her eyes with Sarah's kind words. Words that she had difficulty accepting. Deep down she knew that she was the person that Sarah spoke of. But as hard as she tried the reality of her sins came back to negate it.

Danny wrapped his arms tightly around her as her tears fell silently. They were a mixture of the joy and sadness that were rolled into one. She wished that she could find a way to rid herself of the guilt she felt over her happiness. She needed to be able to tell Danny her secrets; needed him to understand her completely. How could she do that though? What would he think of her if he knew her secret? Could she risk seeing the horror in his eyes; could she risk her safety? She hadn't thought much about the Santos Family since she had come to Texas but they still loomed large in her life. There was no denying that fact. She knew that she couldn't take the chance but still couldn't reconcile a life built on a lie.

Ben and Carmen walked up the center aisle and took their seats in the Santos pew among the remaining members of the family. In the last days, Ben had been brought up to speed on all of the Santos Family business. All things ranging from legal to illegal. His show of good faith in giving up Michelle Bauer had brought him exactly what he had hoped for. Carmen was more then happy with his work, she was indebted to him. And that fact pleased Ben beyond his wildest dreams. For once he had been thankful for his "brother" Ross's insistence that he do the "right thing". It gave him a bargaining chip that at the time he didn't even know he needed.

He felt the eyes of the other family members burning holes in his back. At the moment he could have cared less. He was right where he supposed to be and had every intention on staying there.

"That's my nephew Ray," Carmen leaned in to whisper as Father Ray Santos came to stand behind the pulpit.

"A priest?" Ben asked raising his brow, "Not something I would have expected from the Santos family."

"Ray is a good man."

"What he's your token good guy? You know to ensure you are absolved of all your sins?" he joked not able to resist the pun.

Carmen did nothing more then glare at him as Ray began the Christmas story.

Ben had never been much for holidays, and this time was no exception. The words Ray spoke were nothing more then a story. A story that he wasn't even sure he believed. His life had been less then picture perfect. Christmas for him growing up had been nothing more but another day of the year. So as an adult it held even less appeal. Right at the moment he was more concerned with exactly Carmen had up her sleeve. She had been very forthcoming will all parts of the business, except for how you intended to draw Danny back in by having him avenge his brother's death.

Each time he made an attempt to broach the subject, she would wave him off. Saying things like she had all under control; that Danny would do what needed to be done. Ben had his doubts about all of it. He had seen how out of control things had been not that long ago. So her words of control now were very little comfort to him. And as for Danny doing his duty as a Santos, well Ben didn't believe that was going to happen either. It seemed to him that Carmen had conveniently forgotten Danny's threats. Ben had serious doubts that Danny would be returning home tail tucked between his legs to once again do his mother's bidding. He had gone to great lengths to ensure that he wouldn't have to. Ben still thought that Carmen was underestimating her son and overestimating the power she thought that she willed over him.

Carl sat in the darkness of his apartment. The only light was the white glow from the television set across the room. He poured himself another vodka and looked on as George Bailey ran through the streets of Bedford Falls.

He cursed his life. All the things that he thought he would have by now still evaded him in one way or another. There he was a forty something man with nothing, not a damn thing to show for his life. Sure he had a daughter. She despised him and he knew it. The glorious acting career he had fled her and her mother for never came. There had been a few bit parts here and there but nothing that every amounted to that big break he had hoped for. The position he had strived for with Albert and his business had been ripped away like some rug being pulled out from beneath him.

He couldn't help but laugh thinking that if his life had been used to fashion the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" there wouldn't have been an angel sent to save him. There would have been no prayers for him. It was a bittersweet testament to the way he had chosen to live his life. Carl Beck had always come first. No matter what else came up he had found a way to work the angles to his advantage. Just the way he had now. He had had the last laugh where Danny and Albert Santos were concerned as well. But why was it he was sitting alone in the dark on Christmas Eve while he was certain that they were enjoying themselves?

Absently Carl pulled out the drawer in the coffee table. His hand reached in and retrieved the picture of Sarah's mother he kept tucked away there. The photo of Amanda Wainwright was torn and tattered from years of handling. Carl swallowed hard around the lump in his throat. He had loved her. In his own warped way he had. But the call of the bright lights of Hollywood had been too strong for him. Then when she told him that she was pregnant every bell and whistle sounded in his brain. The mere thought of being tied down with a kid sent him running for the hills. He never looked back. That was until the day that Amanda called him to say she was dying and that it was time that he met his daughter. In the beginning she had tried to keep him involved. Amanda would send pictures now and again but then they just stopped. Apparently she had given up on the hope that he would change his mind and return to see his daughter.

Watching the final scenes of the black and white movie playing out before him, he wished he had. He longed to have people in his life like this character George Bailey did. People that would give of themselves without question.

Carl knew better though. He knew you couldn't get that without giving it first. And he was far too old to start now. And his list of sins was far to long to even think that there would be an angel looking out for him tonight, he thought as he poured himself another vodka.

Dietz ducked out of the bright light of the street lamp. He was far from Springfield but he knew that it would never be far enough. People like Carmen and Bernardo just didn't let you rat and live to tell about it. He was certain that it would only be a matter of time before they found him.

He laughed wondering if this was his holiday reprieve. He remembered how sacred this time of year was to all the families. He was hardly a religious man. And found it hard to believe that the momentary break in the action somehow gave the families a sense of absolution from what they did for the rest of the year.

He spread out his holiday feast, a hoagie from the corner deli and a warm beer, on the table and switched on the television. He needed to come up with a better plan then to continually be on the run for the rest of his life. He wasn't meant to live this way. He had grown far too accustom to the lifestyle that he had led for decades now. This stark reality was sobering.

He was a smart man. There had to be a way to still come out on top of all of this. He knew he jumped the gun. But what he had been watching unfold before him, he didn't see any other way. He thought that aligning himself with the Sandoval's was the right thing to do. As much as he admired Carmen for the way that she had weaseled her way in, he knew that was how much Bernardo and the other's loathed her. At the time he thought it was the right move. But now the right move was saving his own hide. And to do that he needed to neutralize Carmen and her threats and pray that would buy him the respect he needed from Bernardo to have his life spared.

There was one card that he had yet to play. But just how to go about doing that was something he wasn't sure of how to do. He needed to find the right time to strike, but he needed to stay alive long enough for that to happen.

"Well it's about time we headed out for midnight mass," Albert said approaching the foursome, "You two are more then welcome to join us if you would like," he added to Sarah and Matt.

"I think I would like that," Sarah commented, "If it's okay with you?" she turned to question him.

"Sure, that would be nice. Thank you for the invitation Mr. Sampson."

"Call me Albert for heaven sakes."

"Thank you, Albert," he said again.

"We'll meet you there," Danny said to them.

"Why?" Michelle asked.

"There's the little business of your Christmas present. That is unless you aren't interested in it," he laughed knowing better then that.

"We'll see you there," she returned quickly.

"That's what I thought," he laughed again.

"Don't be too long," Jenny said as they all made their way out the door.

Danny took her by the hand and led her to the immense tree in the middle of the room. He lowered the lights just enough to let the twinkling white lights from it's bows dance around the room. He then went over to the stereo and let the soft tones of holiday music fill the air.

"Danny," she began.

He said nothing, only shook his head for her to remain quiet. He was actually nervous suddenly. He went to the tree and reached down for the gifts he had placed there earlier. He made his best attempt to stop his hands from shaking as he handed the first one over to her.

Michelle reached for the exquisitely wrapped package. As he fingers grazed Danny's the electricity surged though both of them. Tenderly she unwrapped it to find a velvet black box. Upon opening it, Michelle found a beautiful diamond pendant swinging on a delicate gold chain.

"Danny," she gasped, "It's........" she was at a loss for words. "You shouldn't have. I mean I never dreamed........"

"The minute I saw it I thought of you. Here," he said reaching for to help her put it on.

"But what I gave you...................."she began self conscious suddenly of her gift.

"What you gave me was perfect. I wouldn't have wanted anything but that," he reassured her. "All the things you gave everyone.....you put your heart and soul into. That's what makes them special. Don't ever forget that."

"I love it. And more importantly I love you!" she leaned her body against his and kissed him restraining the desires that swirled within her. There was so much she wanted to say to him. So much she wanted to share. Maybe someday she would be able to.

Danny pulled away knowing that if he didn't they would never make it the service.

"I have one more thing for you," he said as he watched her pout at his ending their kiss.

"One more?" she remarked.

"That's right. This was another one of those things that cried your name as I walked past it.

"Oh really......did it now?"

"That it did."

Danny brought a much larger present out from under the tree and laid it on her lap. Michelle ripped away the colored paper to reveal a framed calligraphy that read.........

I was lost and blue

until there was you

Your loving gaze

amaze my condensing ways

I thought love was not true

until there was

Michelle choked back a new wave of tears as she read the words again. Those words fit her feelings for Danny perfectly. It was like she could have written them herself.

"I never expected to find love when I came here," she said her voice cracking.

"Nor did I," he said, "But I have. And Melanie please know that I do love you. More then I ever imagined possible. More then I thought I was even capable of."

"Thank you."

"I should be thanking you too. As much as you say I showed you that love doesn't always have to end badly. Well that goes for me too. You enabled me to do something that I never expected. You gave me the courage to be a better person. So thanks to you too."