It was one week before Christmas and the Team Seven Christmas party was that night. It was going to be held in the Penthouse suite atop a thirty story building in the Denver Tech Center. Everyone was coming including The Travis', Mary, Inez, Rain, Casey and Nettie. Everyone would be dressed in their best and the penthouse had been beautifully decorated.

Currently Ezra Standish was standing at the bar of the saloon. He intended to ask Inez if she would accompany him to the party. She was a good friend and he thought it would be nice for them to attend together. "Good afternoon Ms. Ricillos."

"What can I do for you Ezra?" Inez smiled at Ezra. She enjoyed being friends with him, but sometimes wished for more.

"I was wondering if you would do me the honor of accompanying me to the Christmas festivities this evening?" He saw surprise on her face, but then her features melted into a smile.

"I'd love to Ezra. It would be my pleasure." Inez was very happy. It had been a surprise when he asked her to go with him. Maybe she would have a chance for more with him.

"I'll pick you up at seven o'clock." Ezra took her hand and gently kissed the back. A smile spread across his face as he looked across the bar at her.

"That sounds perfect Ezra."

"Until then." Ezra gave her his two fingered salute and left the saloon. It was his lunch hour and now he needed to get back to the office.

Inez's mind started to wander. She'd felt rather left out after hearing that all the other women attending were going with someone. Chris was taking Mary, Nathan was taking Rain, JD was taking Casey, and even Josiah was taking Nettie. Not that there was anything romantic between the two. Buck had asked her, but she knew better than to accept with him and she'd really hoped that Ezra would ask her. It was going to be an interesting evening.

The rest of the day passed quickly. Everyone went home from work early so they could get ready. The men were all wearing tux's and the ladies were wearing evening gowns. Except Inez, she'd opted for a formal pantsuit that was rather tight fitting. The pantsuit was gold and accentuated her curves. Around her neck she wore a green scarf and on her right wrist was a diamond tennis bracelet. The last thing she needed to do was put her little Christmas pin on her blouse.

Ezra arrived promptly at seven o'clock. Ringing the bell he waited for Inez to answer the door. His breath caught as she opened the door. She was wearing a waist length white fur jacket and under that was the gold pantsuit. She looked incredibly beautiful. "Might I say that you look
ravishing tonight." Ezra smiled and handed her a single red rose.

"Thank you Ezra. You are looking very handsome yourself." Taking the rose, she brought it to her nose and breathed in it's scent. "It's beautiful Ezra."

"Not as beautiful as you, darlin." Ezra was always a gentleman, but right now he felt more for Inez than just friendship and it scared him a little. "Shall we?" He held his arm out to her and she wrapped hers around it.

"I'm ready Ezra." Inez pulled the door closed behind her and made sure it was locked. The two walked out to Ezra's Jag and as they walked it began to lightly snow. She let Ezra assist her into the car and smiled to herself as he walked around to the driver side. There was no doubt that Ezra was a gentleman. 'Too bad men like him were so very hard to find these days.' She thought.

The drive to the party was about a half an hour and the two talked quietly about their day and the weather. Both felt a little uncomfortable about the new feelings they were having towards each other. They both figured the other would not feel the same way. By the time they reached the party the snow was coming down harder. Ezra parked his car in the underground
parking, not wanting his car to be covered in snow when he left. He also didn't want his beautiful date to get all wet from the snow.

As they stepped off the elevator on the thirtieth floor, they could see that everyone else was already there. AD Travis greeted them and Ezra took Inez's jacket and hung it up for her. He glanced around the room and saw everyone else dressed in their finest. It was odd to see people like Buck, JD, and Vin in tux's. They were usually dressed so casually. Mary looked beautiful in a long, blue, velvet gown. Casey had on a green, snug fitting, short sequined dress. Both Evie and Nettie had on sweaters and long skirts. Rain was wearing a silver gown that came just below the knee.

"Beautiful date ya got there Ezra." Buck commented as he slapped Ezra on the back. "She turned me down."

"Well, she's obviously got good taste Mr. Wilmington." Ezra's smile spread across his face and made his dimples more pronounced.

Inez was watching Ezra as he talked to Buck. When he smiled like he did and those dimples grew deeper, she thought she would melt. The more she watched him the more she began to feel things stirring inside her. Ezra Standish was an amazing man. At one moment you couldn't even begin to guess what he was feeling and the next his emotions were reflected in his amazing green eyes for all to see. He was incredibly handsome and intelligent. The term *Southern Gentleman* fit him perfectly. 'How could any woman not be attracted to him?' She wondered. She turned to talk with Mary and Casey as they moved next to her. So far the party was a lot of fun and Inez was enjoying herself. Much of the reason for that was because Ezra
had asked her to be his date. Throughout the evening she continued to watch him and when they sat down to eat she felt his hand cover hers briefly. This made her smile and look at him. She could see that he had affection for her too. It was in his sparkling green eyes.

Ezra had been enjoying the evening and had noticed the way Inez was watching him. He was beginning to wonder if she had feelings for him as well. When she looked into his eyes during dinner he knew there was something there. Her deep brown eyes shown with affection. Unfortunately he would not get the chance to talk to her about it as Evie Travis began talking to him. When dinner was over he began looking for Inez to talk to her. She was standing alone by a window. Knowing this might be the best chance he got to talk to her alone, he moved in her direction.

Inez had moved to a window after dinner. She wanted to see if it was still snowing. As she glanced out the window her breath caught. What she saw was not just snow, but smoke. It was coming up from the lower floors of the building. She sensed Ezra step up next to her, then his hand was on her shoulder. "Ezra, I see smoke out there. It looks like it's coming up from below."

"What?" Ezra moved closer to the window and looked out. "Good Lord. Stay calm Inez. I will inform Mr. Larabee and AD Travis." Ezra squeezed her shoulder and moved away. He knew she was afraid, because he was afraid. "Mr. Larabee, AD Travis. I do believe we have a situation."

"Ezra, what the hell are you talking about?" Chris asked roughly.

"Senorita Ricillos and myself were looking out a window and there is smoke coming up from one of the lower floors." Ezra made sure his concern was on his face. They would not doubt him if he showed what he was feeling.

"What?" Chris and Travis moved to the window and looked out. "Shit."

"Why haven't the fire alarms gone off and why didn't the sprinklers come on?" Travis asked.

"That would be the question of the day." Ezra remarked.

Chris picked up the phone that sat on the table by the elevators. There was no dial tone and he slammed it back down. Glancing at the elevators he knew they couldn't use those during a fire. The stairs might be an option, but someone would have to check it out first. "The phones are dead too."

"I see fire trucks." Inez said as she continued to look out.

"Then we stay put. The fire department will have it out in no time." AD Travis began dialing a number on his cell phone. He spoke to someone for several minutes, then ended the call. "The fire department is aware that we are up here. They think they can get the fire under control fairly quickly and suggests we stay put. The fire is five floors below us."

"What about other people in the building?" Chris asked.

"Most of the building is empty. These upper floors are all business's and the lower floors have been evacuated." Travis replied.

"What about the roof?" JD Asked.

"It's a last resort JD. It's snowing hard and the wind has picked up. The roof would be very cold and they probably couldn't get a helicopter up there." Travis would have loved to be able to use the roof. He didn't like the idea of being trapped in the burning building either, but he had to keep everyone calm.

The party fizzled out after the development and the ladies had all sat down in chairs while the men paced. Ezra could see that Inez was scared and worried. Moving to where she sat, he sat next to her. "Everything will be all right Inez. Try not to worry."

"I'm trying Ezra. I just hate feeling trapped." She looked down as he took her hand and squeezed it.

"I know darlin. No one likes to feel trapped." He was doing his best to keep her from looking at the door to the stairwell. Smoke was already beginning to come in underneath. In a few moments he planned to go down those stairs and see if they were passable. "Could I trouble you for some assistance?"

"Sure Ezra, what is it?" Inez was afraid Ezra was going to do something foolish.

"I want to go down the stairs and see if they are passable. I need you to stay by the door and let me back in." He knew the doors were security doors and would be locked.

"Ezra, do you think that's a good idea?" She understood why he wanted to do it, but she had a very bad feeling about it.

"I've got to do something. Before long this whole floor is going to be full of smoke." He squeezed her hand again and gave a reassuring smile.

"All right. But I think you should let Senor Larabee know what you are doing." Deep down she knew Ezra wouldn't. Chris would forbid him to do it and then he'd have to disobey Chris.

"There's no time for that. It would only cause an argument and we don't have the time to stand and argue. Come on." Ezra stood and helped Inez up. He moved them to the window first. Trying not to draw attention to their movements. Quickly they moved into the stairwell.

Inez kept the door from closing by placing her shoe between the door and frame. Both coughed from the acrid smoke. Ezra turned to Inez and smiled. Removing his tuxedo jacket, he draped it over her shoulders and turned to go down the stairs. "I'll be right back." Before he could take a step he heard Inez's voice.

"Ezra."

He turned to look at her and she moved quickly to him. He could see the concern in her eyes and he hated to be the cause of it. "What is it Inez?"

Inez didn't say a word. She just took his face in her hands and kissed him deeply. Feeling Ezra's arms move around her as the kiss deepened. After a moment they separated. "Please be careful Ezra."

Ezra was a bit stunned by her actions, but the kiss had been wonderful. "Don't worry darlin, you know me." He smiled at her and began down the stairs.

"Yes I do. That's what worries me." Inez whispered as Ezra disappeared down the stairs. The smoke was already pretty thick and she didn't know how long she could wait in the stairwell for him. What worried her most was that Ezra was headed deeper into the smoke.

Meanwhile Ezra and Inez were being missed. "Anyone see where Ezra and
Inez went?" Chris asked.

"Probably went off someplace to make out." Buck smirked.

"We are talking about Ezra here Buck, not you." JD piped up. He ducked Buck's swing and smiled. "Sorry Chris, ain't seen them."

"Damn. All we need are a couple of missing people." Chris was pacing again. The fire department had called Travis and told him they were having trouble fighting the fire because of the snow, wind, and cold.

"Want me to go look for them?" JD asked.

"No, not yet. If they don't show up soon, then I'll send someone to find them." Chris wasn't sure what to do. He had no idea where the two could have gone.

Ezra's progress down the stairs was slowing with each step. The smoke was thick and acrid. The chemicals from burning plastic, paint, carpeting, and other objects was burning his eyes and lungs and it was hard to breathe. He was coughing heavily now and was beginning to feel weak. The heat increased with each floor he went down. It was starting to look like this had been a bad idea. Reaching the floor where the fire was he could see the stairs were impassable. The fire had already begun to consume part of the floor above and it wouldn't be long before the rest went with it. Turning to climb back up the stairs he found his strength drain away and it was an effort to take each step. As he grabbed the railing for support a searing heat shot through his hand and he pulled it away quickly. "Ahhhhhh. Good Lord." The railing was so hot that it had seriously burned his hand. Continuing to try and get back up the stairs it was only one floor later that Ezra collapsed in a heap on the stairs. His lungs had taken in too much smoke and the heat sapped every ounce of strength he had. The last thought he had before losing consciousness was that Inez had been right. This was a mistake and now he might never have the chance to taste her sweet lips again.

Inez became more and more worried. It had been at least twenty minutes and there was still no sign of Ezra. Pulling his jacket around her she breathed in his scent. All she could think about while she waited for him to return was the kiss they'd shared before he left. She'd always wondered what it would be like to kiss Ezra and now she knew. It had made her whole body tingle and she had wanted nothing more than to melt against him and let him do what he wanted. She couldn't wait any longer. The smoke was beginning to affect her and she knew that Ezra was in trouble. Quickly she left the stairwell and went to find Senor Larabee.

Chris saw Inez come out of the stairwell. Noticing Ezra's tuxedo jacket wrapped around her shoulders he moved to her. "Inez, why were you in the stairwell? And where is Ezra?"

"Senor Chris. Ezra went down the stairwell to see if it was passable. He's been gone for over twenty minutes and I think something happened to him." Inez was fighting not to cry. She and Ezra were just beginning to realize that they had feelings for each other and now he might be dead.

"Shit. All right Inez. We will find him, don't worry." He put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Feeling Ezra's jacket under his hand made his concern grow. Something deep down told him that Ezra was in serious trouble. "Nathan? Josiah? I need your help."

"What is it Brother Chris?" Josiah took in Inez's appearance and felt dread fill his heart.

"Ezra went down the stairs to see if they were passable. That was almost thirty minutes ago and he hasn't returned."

"Damn fool." Nathan replied. Deep down he was very worried about the stubborn
southerner.

"I want the two of you to go after him. I need you to go Nathan so you can give any medical assistance you can, and Josiah, I need you to go so you can carry him." He watched as both men nodded their agreement.

"We should each get a cloth of some sort and wet it. We need to put them over our faces to fight the smoke. I'll be honest with you Chris, if Ezra's taken in too much smoke he could be a dead man." Nathan frowned. As much as he and Ezra seemed to be at odds he still didn't like the idea of the man dying.

"Get moving then." Chris returned to his pacing as Inez moved to where the other women were gathered together. Evie put her arm around Inez and let her cry into her shoulder.

Nathan found two cloth napkins that were left over from dinner. Wetting them with water from the fountain, he handed one to Josiah. "Lets go Josiah. Ezra doesn't have much time."

"I'm with you brother. What do you think his chances are?"

"If he's been in the stairwell as long as Inez says he has, it's not going to be good." Nathan's brow was furrowed with his concern. Tying the napkin around his neck, he pulled it up over his mouth and nose. Glancing at Josiah and seeing he was ready they entered the stairwell.

With the added protection of the wet napkins Nathan and Josiah were able to move down the stairs quickly. Knowing that Ezra didn't have much longer if it wasn't already too late. It took them several minutes to get down the three flights of stairs. There they found Ezra laying in a heap on the stairs. Nathan knelt down next to him and felt his neck for a pulse. It was faint, but there. What worried Nathan most was that Ezra was barely breathing. "Lets get him outta here Josiah. It may already be too late, but I have to try."

"He's a fighter Nathan. He'll make it." Josiah knelt down and gently lifted Ezra. Draping him over his shoulder, they began to climb back up the stairs. The heat was intense and even with the napkins over their faces they coughed some.

"Maybe, but he needs oxygen and I don't have none. I don't know if he will survive without it. His lungs are saturated with toxic smoke." Nathan followed Josiah up the stairs. He never took his eyes off Ezra's slack, pale face.

"Keep the faith brother. It is the season of miracles."

"I pray you're right Josiah." Nathan had serious doubts though.

Everyone's focus was on the door to the stairwell. Everyone prayed that Nathan and Josiah would return with Ezra. Their prayers were that Ezra would be all right, but somehow deep down, they knew he wasn't. Otherwise he would have been back by now.

A few moments later there was a knocking at the door and Chris moved quickly to open it. Everyone was on their feet waiting to see who would come through the door. Josiah was the first through the door and he had Ezra draped over his shoulder. Nathan was right on his heels looking very worried.

"How is he Nathan?" Chris asked as Josiah took Ezra to a couch and gently laid him down. He removed Ezra from over his shoulder and made him comfortable on the couch.

"Not good Chris. He needs oxygen and I don't have none." Nathan bent over Ezra and removed his tie and cumber bun. Quickly he unbuttoned Ezra's shirt and the button of his trousers. He wanted it to be as easy as possible for Ezra to breathe. The more clothes he had fastened up around his chest and neck the harder it would be. What he really needed was oxygen and the more the better. It didn't help that the air on their floor was starting to fill with smoke as well. The southerner was barely breathing and what breath's he did take were raspy. It was obvious that Ezra had inhaled a good deal of smoke and was probably suffering from some carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Do what you can Nathan. Anything I can do to help?" Chris looked at Ezra's pale, soot covered face. 'You hold on Ezra.' He said to himself.

"I'll let ya know."

Chris nodded and moved back to AD Travis. Chris filled him in on Ezra's condition. Travis looked concerned as he listened to Chris. He had hoped this would be an evening to remember, but not like this.

Inez rose from where she was sitting and moved to the couch. Sitting on the arm, she reached down and stroked Ezra's hair. "Is he going to be okay Senor Nathan?"

"I don't know Miss Inez. He took in a lot of smoke." Nathan had Ezra's shirt open and was examining him for any other injuries. Ezra's flesh was very warm to the touch and he thought it might do Ezra some good to be wiped down with a cool, wet cloth. Perhaps it would soothe him enough that his breathing would become easier. "Would you do me a favor Inez?"

"Si Senor, whatever I can do to help." She looked at Ezra's slack features and prayed he'd make it.

"Find some of those cloth napkins and wet them. I think it would help to wipe him down with them." He looked at Inez and could tell she was worried. Hell, he was worried. Other than wiping him down he just didn't know what else to do. Ezra needed oxygen and an IV with sodium nitrite, but he didn't have that.

"I will be right back." Inez moved away and found several of the cloth napkins. Once she wet them at the fountain, she came back to the couch. She started to hand them to Nathan, but he stood up and stepped back from Ezra.

"Could you start wiping him down? I need to go talk to Chris and AD Travis." Nathan motioned for her to take his place. Moving over to where Chris and Travis stood talking and watching Ezra, he began to tell them what he needed. "I have got to get some oxygen on him. I also need an IV with sodium nitrite and it would be a big help to have a dose of Methylene Blue. If I can't get all that soon, he won't make it."

"My God. It's that bad?" Travis asked.

"Yeah, I am afraid so. He took in a lot of smoke and he's beginning to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. The medications I mentioned would begin to counteract that." Nathan glanced at Ezra and watched as Inez gently glided the cloth over his brow. It was obvious that she was falling for the stubborn southerner.

"Sir? If they can't land a helicopter on the roof, is there any chance they can fly over and drop a package up there?" Chris asked. It was the only way he could see them getting the necessary supplies for Nathan.

"Possibly, let me call the chief and ask him." Travis pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and hit re-dial.

Back at the couch Inez was gently wiping Ezra's face. As she wiped the soot from his handsome face she discovered that he had some burns on his face. Nothing more serious than a bad sunburn, but she wanted to be sure and let Nathan know about them. As she moved down to his chest Inez couldn't help noticing how muscular Ezra was. She'd never seen him with his shirt
open before and she liked what she saw. More than anything she would rather be running her fingers over the soft flesh of his chest instead of the cloth. The urge to feel his muscles under her fingertips was strong. Taking a deep breath she pushed those thoughts away. Ezra was dying and all she could think about was what she wanted.

"Someone is falling in love and falling hard." Nettie said. She'd been watching Inez and knew what was happening.

"Who?" Casey asked. Then looking in Inez's direction added. "You mean Inez?"

"Yes. It's all over her face." Evie smiled. Her prayers had been with Ezra and she hoped that he made it so the two could have a future together.

"Not to mention her actions." Mary added. She too had been watching Inez and it was obvious to her too. "Can't say I blame her. Ezra's a fine looking man and very intelligent."

"Indeed." Evie smiled. She might be older, but she still knew a handsome man when she saw one.

AD Travis ended the called and nodded at Nathan. "They are going to try and drop the stuff you need on the roof as soon as the helicopter gets here. Do what you can for him Mr. Jackson. They are working as quickly as they can on the fire."

"Yes, sir." Nathan moved away from Travis and Chris. As he reached the couch that Ezra was laying on Inez rose and moved out of his way. "How's he doin` Inez?"

"He's still unconscious and as I was wiping the soot from his face I discovered
that he has some burns. They are no more than a bad sunburn. He does have some blistering burns on his right hand, but that was all I found."

"Thanks, Inez. They should have some oxygen and medicine up here shortly. We'll have him fixed up in no time." He tried to smile up at Inez, but he was worried about Ezra. The man should have regained consciousness by now.

"Buck?"

"Yeah, Chris?" Buck walked away from the ladies and over to where Chris stood with Travis.

"Get your coat. They are about to drop a package of supplies for Nathan on the roof and I want you to go and get it." Chris had a look on his face that said, 'Don't even think about arguing.'

"Okay, Chris." Buck moved towards the coat room wondering why he got all the shit details. Even though right now some fresh air sounded good. It was getting very smoky in the room.

"Where ya goin` Buck?" JD asked as he walked up to the ladies man.

"The roof. Gotta pick up a package for Nathan."

"Can I come?"

"Better stay here kid. Just in case you're needed for something." Buck got his coat fastened and moved to the stairwell. He was very glad he was going up and not down. As he opened the door a surge of smoke and heat came out at him and he coughed. Stepping into the stairwell he closed the door. It had such a permanent sound to it and he had an urge to pound on
it and make them let him back in. Putting his hand over his mouth and nose he began climbing up the stairs to the roof.

When Buck opened the door leading to the roof he had to suck in his breath. The wind was freezing cold and it was snowing hard. "Sure hope they get here quick." He whispered aloud. Stomping his feet to keep warm, Buck breathed into his hands and let the warmth of his breath warm them. Squinting through the snow he could see a red flashing light in the distance. It was getting closer quickly and he knew it was the helicopter. It amazed him that their freedom from the burning building was so close and yet so far. There was no doubt that the helicopter couldn't land in that weather, but he sure wished it could.

Once the helicopter pilot caught a glimpse of the man standing on the roof waving his arms he moved over top of him and hovered. Quickly the co-pilot tossed out the package and they moved away. The rotors of the helicopter had been really stirring up the snow around the man. Now that the package was delivered they could go back to base and get out of the weather. They just hoped that what was in the package would help the victim inside.

Buck quickly retrieved the package and moved back inside. As much as he didn't want to return to the smoke and fire, he also didn't want to stay out in that cold, snowy weather. Putting his hand back over his face he hurried down the stairs and noticed that the fire looked like it was only a floor or two below them. Pounding hard on the door to be let back in he breathed a sigh of relieve when he was safely back with the others. "Here's the package Nathan. Is this going to help him?"

"I hope so Buck." The package was fairly large because it contained a container of oxygen. Nathan moved quickly to Ezra and placed the oxygen mask over his face. Placing the elastic strap around Ezra's head, he turned the oxygen on to a full mixture of pure oxygen. Once that was finished he used the other medications in the order that was required. All they could do now was wait.

"He will be okay now Senor Nathan?" Inez asked as she watched Nathan work.

"I hope so Inez, but what he really needs is a hospital."

"He will make it. He's too stubborn to die." Chris commented at Inez's question.

"Si, he is at that." Inez stroked Ezra's hair as he remained motionless on the couch. She hated waiting and wished more than anything that Ezra would wake up. Settling on the floor next to the couch, Inez took Ezra's hand and gently applied a cool cloth to the burns. It still amazed her how soft and smooth his hands were. Thoughts of those hands touching her and caressing her body began to fill her mind and she closed her eyes.

Everyone had settled down and were either talking quietly, or dozing. There was nothing anyone could do now but wait. Some time later everyone was jerked awake or out of their conversations by an explosion. Flames came out between the cracks in the elevator doors and the building shook.

"What the hell was that?" Buck hollered.

"Sounded like an explosion." JD replied.

Travis' cell phone began to ring and he answered quickly. "What's going on?"

"There were some explosive materials being illegally stored on the 28th floor. They blew and now the fire has spread to the 29th floor. I suggest you get your people onto the roof and we will get you off there as quick as we can." The fire chief advised Travis of the situation.

"Damn. It's cold and wet up there chief and a lot of my people aren't dressed for that kind of weather." Travis looked at the ladies. He knew they'd all worn coats to the party, but none of them were heavy enough for them to last for any length of time up on that roof.

"It's your only choice. Take anything you can to wrap yourselves in and keep warm." The chief had to yell over the wind and sounds of the firefighters working.

"Okay. Stay in touch." Travis ended the call and looked around the room at everyone. "He says we have to move to the roof. The explosion spread the fire and it's now on the floor directly below us."

"We'll freeze up there." Buck looked shocked at the prospect. He'd only been up there a few minutes and had nearly froze.

"Take all the table clothes and anything else you can find to wrap yourselves in to stay warm. This isn't going to be pleasant, but it's the only way to stay alive." Travis watched everyone move into action.

"Sir, what about Ezra? I don't think he can take the cold and wet. With his smoke inhalation he's more likely to get pneumonia." Nathan glanced back at his patient. He'd yet to come around and moving him to the roof had Nathan very worried.

"Wrap him in that fancy, heavy coat of his. Put a table clothe around him first. That should help for a while at least." Travis glanced at Standish. He was worried about the man too, but he had others to think about.

"Yes sir." Nathan didn't like it. What kind of choice was that? Burn to death or freeze to death. Moving back to where Ezra lay he leaned down and spoke to Inez. She had been sleeping next to the couch, but had been wakened by the explosion. "I need your help Miss Inez."

"Sure, what can I do?" Rising to her feet she waited for instructions.

"Find me at least one table cloth and bring it back here. We need to wrap him in it before putting his coat on him." Nathan saw the confusion on her face. "We have to move to the roof. The floor beneath us is on fire."

"Si. Will he survive the cold and wet?"

"If I have anything to say about it he will." Nathan decided to take as many of the cushions from the couch as he could so Ezra could lay on them and be off the wet surface of the roof. "Buck, take some of these cushions with you up to the roof. I need to keep Ezra off the wet surface."

"Okay, Nathan. Anything else?"

"Nah. Just try to stay as warm and dry as you can." Nathan was worried about all of them. If they were on the roof for very long they'd all be suffering hypothermia.

"You gonna need help with Ezra?" Buck asked before heading for the stairs.

"Yeah, but I'll get Josiah to help me." Nathan nodded to Buck and watched as he and JD went into the stairwell. Each time the door was opened smoke would pour out into the room. The situation was getting bad and he hoped they all made it out alive. One by one the members of the party made their way up the stairs and out into the cold, wet night. "Josiah, help me with
Ezra and be careful of the IV in his arm."

"Certainly brother." Josiah gently took Ezra under the arms and lifted him from the couch. Nathan took his feet and together they carefully carried him up the stairs to the roof. Buck and Inez had the cushions ready for him. Ezra was carefully placed on the cushions and covered with another table cloth.

Nathan checked Ezra over to make sure that everything was still in place and that he was not in any distress. He shivered as he sat on the edge of the cushions. "Damn, it's cold out here."

"Colder than a witches heart." Buck replied.

"Lets all just make the best of it. The fire department will have us down as soon as possible." Chris reminded everyone that help was on the way.

"Have faith everyone. It is the season for miracles." Josiah was praying harder than he had in a very long time. How had such a wonderful, fun filled night, turned into such a nightmare? 'he wondered'.

Everyone huddled together as best they could. Chris was trying to keep Mary warm, as was Orrin and Evie, and JD and Casey. Rain and Buck were huddled together only because Nathan was staying close to Ezra. Inez also remained close to Ezra and held his hand. As much as they tried none of them could keep warm.

A moan from Ezra got everyone's attention. They all hoped he was coming to. Ezra was becoming more aware, but didn't like it. It was so hard to breathe and his chest felt like it had a piano on it. He also felt very cold and feared it meant he was dying. Then he heard the voice of an angel and that made him really believe he was dying.

"Ezra? Can you hear me?" Inez whispered in his ear. The wind was blowing too hard for Ezra to hear her unless she said it into his ear. Her hope began to fade as Ezra settled again and he made no more sounds.

"It's a good sign Inez. It means he's starting to become aware. I just hope all this cold and wet doesn't cause him to get pneumonia." That was Nathan's biggest fear right now. Ezra's lungs were already weakened from the smoke inhalation, so he'd be much more likely to get pneumonia.

Another explosion shook the building and the door to the roof blew open spilling smoke and flames out like a mythical dragon. Everyone screamed and Chris began to wish that they would just try a helicopter. Otherwise they were all going to be dead soon. It was obvious now that the 30th floor was on fire too. Steam was rising from the roof as the fire heated it.

"I'm calling the fire chief again. They've got to get us off this roof." Travis commented. Dialing the number, the chief answered on the first ring.

"We have a helicopter from Buckley National Guard base coming to pick you all up. It's big enough to fit all of you in it. They will have to hover and lower down a basket, but we will have you all off there as quick as possible." They were making progress on the fire, but would not have it out before it got the people on the roof. This was their only chance to get them all to safety.

"Okay chief. We'll be ready." Travis ended the call and looked at the tired, cold people around him. "They are sending a large helicopter from Buckley. It will lower down a basket and bring us all up. I want Ezra and Nathan to go first." Travis nodded to Chris.

"Okay, sir." Chris began moving around giving his team orders. He wanted everything to go smoothly and quickly. After Ezra and Nathan went up in the bucket, the ladies would be next.

Everyone went into action and a few moments later the helicopter arrived. Faces turned away as the rotors of the helicopter stirred up the snow and smoke. The basket was quickly lowered to the roof. Nathan and Josiah carefully moved Ezra to the basket and lowered him in. Nathan climbed in after him and held on to Ezra's limp body. He'd let out another moan as he was placed in the basket, but Nathan's concern for the southerner hadn't eased any.

The National Guard soldier in the back of the helicopter helped get Ezra out of the basket and settled on the floor. He and Nathan made Ezra as comfortable as possible and made sure the IV and oxygen were still in place. Nathan was handed some blankets and he covered Ezra with them while the Guardsman helped bring up the next group of people.

Three at a time the rest of the group was brought aboard the helicopter and off the roof of the burning building. Chris, JD, and Buck were the last to be brought up and the minute they were aboard Chris was asking about Ezra. "How is he?"

"The same. We need to get him to the hospital quickly." Nathan remarked.

"We're ready to go." The guardsman spoke into his mike to the pilot. As the helicopter moved quickly away from the building everyone watched in horror as the roof they had been on only moments ago, collapsed. "My God. That was close." The guardsman gasped.

"Let's get out of here." A very tired and worried Chris replied.

The helicopter made it's way to the hospital through the blizzard. Landing on the cement heli-pad at the hospital, a group of orderly's came rushing out with a gurney and blankets. Ezra was quickly loaded onto the gurney and covered with another blanket. As the other members of the group exited the helicopter, blankets were wrapped around them as well. They followed close behind the gurney into the hospital where Ezra was taken to an exam room. The others all made their way to the waiting room. No one was going to leave until they knew how Ezra was.

Inez sat quietly in the corner. Her thoughts were of that night and how it had started out so wonderful and turned quickly into a nightmare. She didn't know what she would do if anything happened to Ezra. As tired as she was, she would not leave that hospital until she knew Ezra would be fine. Now all she had to do was hope that he'd be out of the hospital before Christmas. The hospital was no place to be spending Christmas and she'd make sure he didn't spend it alone if he did have to stay that long.

Everyone else sat in silence in the waiting room. All of them were thinking back on the evening that was supposed to be an evening of happiness. Travis was unhappy because the gifts he'd brought to give out that night had been destroyed. He'd have to make sure he went out and replaced them before Christmas. Especially the gift he had for Ezra. Even though just having Ezra with them and alive would be gift enough for him.

Ezra had been taken to an exam room where he was changed into a hospital gown and cleaned up. The doctor examined him and ran all the necessary tests. Once that was done, Ezra was moved to a private room where the IV and oxygen were hooked up. The tubes ran into the back of his hand for the IV and his nose for the oxygen. Ointment and a bandage were applied to his right hand and all that could be done then was to wait for him to regain consciousness.

Everyone rose to attention and got on their feet as the doctor entered the waiting room. "How is he doctor?" Inez asked.

"Mr. Standish is in stable condition. He's suffered pretty severe smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. I can't say what kind of damage it may have done to his brain until he wakes up."

"When will that be?" Chris asked.

"It's going to be a few days at least. His body and brain need time to recover. Getting the oxygen and IV on him as quickly as you did probably saved his life."

"When can we see him?" Inez wanted to go and see Ezra. She needed to see for herself that he was still alive.

"I ask that you give it until morning. He needs all the time he can get to rest and recover. Other than the smoke inhalation, he has some minor burns on his face and slightly more serious ones on his right hand. Mr. Standish should make a full recovery depending on what, if any, damage there was to his brain." Doctor O'Brien wished he could tell them that Standish would be out of the hospital by Christmas, but he didn't think that would happen.

"Thank you doctor." Travis shook the doctors hand and watched him walk away. The news could have been far worse, but he was still worried about his undercover agent. The best undercover agent the ATF or any other agency had.

"I want everyone to go home and get some rest. It's been a long and tiring night." He knew no one wanted to go and he certainly couldn't tell Travis what to do, but he knew Orrin would want to get Evie home where she could warm up and rest.

"Okay Chris. We'll be back first thing in the morning." Buck draped his arm across JD's shoulders and nodded to Casey. "Let's get your lady home kid."

JD gave Buck a weak smile and nodded. He and JD took Casey and Nettie home. Nathan and Josiah followed closely behind with Rain. Vin waited to see if Chris needed anything. "You goin' home Chris?" Vin finally asked after everyone but he, Chris, and Inez had gone.

"No. I'm going to stay here. You could take Inez home though." Mary had left with Orrin and Evie, but Inez was still there in the waiting room.

Vin nodded and moved towards Inez who was sitting in the corner. "Can I give you a ride home Inez?"

"No, Senor Vin. I am not leaving until I can see him."

The worry and pleading in her eyes almost broke Vin's heart and he would let her stay if she wanted. He'd known deep down that Ezra and Inez would make a great couple, but until tonight the two stubborn people had denied their feelings. Vin was very glad to see them give in to their feelings. "Okay, Inez. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Vin." Inez gave a half-hearted smile and closed her eyes. She was so tired, but there was no way she was leaving that hospital until she could see Ezra.

"You sure you don't want to go home and get some rest?" Chris asked Inez after Vin left.

"No. I need to be here."

Chris understood how Inez felt. He had been in love once himself and knew how it made you worry about the ones you loved. "I understand Inez. I'm going to get some coffee, can I get you anything?"

"Gracias, but no." Once Chris was gone, Inez tried to get comfortable in her chair and drifted to sleep. The next thing she knew it was almost dawn and all she wanted was to see Ezra. Moving quietly to the nurses station, as not to wake Chris who was sleeping across from where she'd been sitting.

"Can I help you?" The nurse as the station asked.

"I wanted to know if I could go in and see Ezra, I mean Mr. Standish?"

"One moment." The nurse pulled up the information on the patient in question and reviewed the notes. "Certainly, but not too long. Mr. Standish needs his rest."

"Gracias, what room?"

"Room 177."

"Gracias." She moved away from the nurses station and down the hall towards Ezra's room. Entering the room as quietly as she could, she made her way to Ezra's bed. He was covered with a blanket and there was an oxygen tube in his nose. His skin was pale except where the minor burns were on his face. Laying there like that he looked so young and peaceful. Inez prayed that there was no damage to that intelligent mind of his and that he would be fine in a few days. "Ezra? I know you probably can't hear me, but I'm here for you. Please come back to me soon."

Ezra was in a deep state of unconsciousness, but somehow he could sense Inez's presence. It was something he'd never experienced before and it was a little scary. He decided that it was also pleasant and he liked the feeling of being that connected to someone. All his life he'd hidden his feelings and denied that he had any feelings for anyone. That had all changed when he met the other members of Team Seven. They'd changed him forever and now he wasn't afraid to let people in. He was finding it very pleasant to let Inez in and if he got any gift this Christmas, her love would be the greatest gift of all.

Inez gently took Ezra's bandaged hand and held it loosely. Leaning down she gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "I'll see you soon Ezra." And with that she left the room. The next several days passed and Ezra drifted in and out of consciousness. Most of the time he was unconscious and everyone worried about just how much damage Ezra had suffered from the carbon monoxide poisoning. The doctor maintained his belief that Ezra would recover with little or no effects. Inez decided that she would not let Ezra spend Christmas alone in the hospital. She talked with the others and with the staffs permission they were going to arrange for a Christmas celebration right in Ezra's room. The only condition was that Ezra had to be conscious more than he had been and on Christmas Eve he woke in the morning and stayed awake most of the day.

Ezra still felt weak and he coughed a lot. The only apparent damage he suffered was some short term memory loss. He had no memory of what happened to him. The last thing he remembered was arriving at the party with Inez and how wonderful he felt being with her. Ezra had no memory of anything that happened after that, including the kiss in the stairwell.

Christmas eve was spent preparing the feast for Christmas day. The ladies all prepared the turkey with all the trimmings while the men put together some decorations and picked up a few remaining gifts. Inez already had her gift for Ezra. She'd had it specially made by a local jeweler. It was a lapel pin in the shape of a hand of cards. Each card had either a ruby or onyx to represent the color of the suit. With the exception of the Ace of Spades, it had a diamond instead. It was something she knew Ezra would love and it would look striking on the nice suits he wore.

Come morning, Inez was the first to leave for the hospital. She wanted to be sure he was feeling okay before the others came with everything. It was also important for to have a few minutes alone with him. She'd give him his gift along with another little surprise. Quietly she entered his room and found him awake. He seemed to be staring out the window at the falling snow. It hadn't stopped snowing since the night of the party and there was several feet of snow on the ground. "Merry Christmas Ezra."

Ezra turned and smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes. "Merry Christmas Inez."

The sadness and loneliness she saw in his eyes nearly broke her heart. Did he seriously think they would let him spend Christmas in the hospital all alone? Well, he was in for quite a surprise then. "I came to see how you were feeling and give you your Christmas present." She moved and sat on the edge of the bed next to him.

"That's very kind of you Inez. However, it was unnecessary."

"It certainly was necessary. I have feelings for you Ezra and I know you do for me too." She smiled at the stunned look on his face.

"How?"

"You don't remember, but it happened at the party." She was going to enjoy showing Ezra how magical their kiss was all over again.

"Do tell." Ezra did not remember any of it and it made him feel bad.

"Well, I'd rather show you, but I want you to open your present first." She handed Ezra the small box with the pin in it and waited. It was obvious that Ezra was curious as to what she'd gotten him, but he still removed the wrapping carefully. Inez should have expected as much. Ezra was meticulously neat with everything he did.

Ezra was stunned when he opened the box and took in the pin sitting strikingly against the black velvet. It was the most beautiful lapel pin he'd ever seen. "You go this for me?"

"Yes, Ezra. I knew you'd like it."

"Indeed. It's stunning, but it's too much." His gazed moved to Inez's face and he was struck again at her beauty. Her deep brown eyes reflected the happiness and love she felt. She really did have feelings for him. Taking her hand, he gently kissed the back.

"Ezra. Nothing it too much for you. I want to show you what our first kiss was like. It had been in the heat of the moment before, but I don't think that will change anything." Pulling out a piece of mistletoe she held it over his head. Slowly she leaned forward and closed her eyes. The moment their lips touched the tingle returned and she practically melted against him as his arms came around her. This kiss was longer and deeper than the one in the stairwell and it proved to her that they both had feelings for each other. Pulling away Inez whispered. "Merry Christmas Ezra."

Ezra was out of breath, which wasn't all that hard at the moment. "Merry Christmas Inez. That was indeed a wonderful kiss and I am just sorry that I have no gift for you." Gently he caressed her cheek and smiled. This time the smile did reach his eyes.

"You've given me the best gift I could ever have. You are alive and you've opened your heart to me. I know how hard that is for you Ezra and it means so much to me that you would give your hear to me." Leaning down she kissed him gently. "Now you have to get ready for your surprise."

"There are more?"

Inez laughed and winked at Ezra. "It's only just begun Ezra."

The rest of the day was spent celebrating. The others arrived with the food and decorations. Each member of Team Seven presented Ezra with their gift and told him that they'd already received his gift in that he was alive and with them. Ezra had a very difficult time controlling his emotions and a few stray tears fell down his cheeks. When he grew tired the others left to go home.

A few days later Ezra would be released from the hospital, but he was not allowed to return to work until after the new year. The doctor did give him permission to go to the gala New Years Ball being held at the Brown Palace Hotel. There was no way he was going to miss spending New Years with his friends and especially Inez. The two of them had gotten closer with each day that passed. The words 'I love you' hadn't been uttered by either of them yet, but Ezra had plans for New Years Eve.

The special evening arrived and Ezra was dressed in his tux with the pin Inez gave him on the lapel. Everyone else was also in their tux's and the ladies again dressed in their finest. It brought back some memories of the Christmas party for some, but not Ezra. Inez was wearing a long, royal blue, velvet gown and her hair was pulled up with crystals scattered through it. Ezra was stunned by how beautiful she was. He had a hard time believing that such a beautiful, intelligent woman would be in love with him. "You look stunning tonight Inez."

"You are looking very handsome yourself Ezra." She kissed him gently before she took her seat that he'd pulled out for her. They enjoyed their dinner together with the others and had a few dances. When it became obvious that Ezra was tiring she suggested he go home, but he'd refused.

"I'll just rest for a while. I want to be here to ring in the New Year." He was feeling tired, but he had special plans for when the clock struck twelve and he would not change them for anything. If he rested for a while and didn't dance again until the last song, he'd be okay.

It was a few moments before twelve and the band began playing the song he'd requested. He was still a bit tired, but it wouldn't stop him from having that one last dance with Inez. It could be the most important dance of his life. Rising from his seat, he moved to Inez and took her hand. Bowing before her he kissed the back of her hand and smiled at her. "May I have this dance, darlin`?"

Ezra's actions made Inez's heart race. He was such a gentleman and she had never experienced such grace and class before. All she could do was return his smile and reply. "I would love to Ezra."

Assisting her to her feet, Ezra guided Inez out onto the dance floor where he put one arm around her waist and took her other hand in his. He pulled her close as the song *The Gift* began to play. To him it was the perfect song to sum up how he felt about Inez.

Inez let Ezra pull her close and savored the feel of being in his arms again. As soon as she recognized the song that began to play she smiled. It was the perfect song for their relationship. Resting her head on his shoulder, she let him guide her around the dance floor and she never wanted the moment to end as the song played on.

The Gift

by Jim Brickman:

Winter snow is falling down
Children laughing all around
Lights are turning on
Like a fairy tale come true
Sitting by the fire we made
You're the answer when I prayed
I would find someone
And baby I found you

All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart
From being broken apart
You gave your love away
And I'm thankful every day
For the gift

Watching as you softly sleep
What I'd give if I could keep
Just this moment
If only time stood still
But the colors fade away
And the years will make us gray
But baby in my eyes
You'll still be beautiful

All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart
From being broken apart
You gave your love away
I can't find the words to say
That I'm thankful everyday
For the gift

The clock struck twelve just as the song ended and waiters came around with glasses of Champaign. Ezra held his glass up and smiled. "To you Inez. You saved my heart and soul and I love you very much."

"Oh Ezra, I love you too. Your love is the greatest gift I could ever receive." They touched their glasses together and sipped from each others glass. Being careful not to spill any of her Champaign on Ezra, Inez slipped her arms around Ezra's neck and pulled him down to her. She took his lips with such tenderness that she thought she would melt.

Ezra pulled Inez closer as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. The kiss was so tender and wonderful that he did not want it to end. He didn't think he'd ever felt such strong emotions for a woman before. There had been a few times when he thought he was in love, but in the end he hadn't been. Now he knew for sure he was in love and he wanted nothing more than to take the beautiful woman in his arms home and show her how much he loved her. The problem was that he already felt tired and didn't think it would be wise just yet.

Inez was having similar thoughts. There was nothing she wanted more than to take Ezra home and make love to him. She also knew how tired Ezra already was and that he was not fully recovered from his ordeal yet. Never in a million years would she do anything to jeopardize his recovery. No matter how much she wanted to be with him. Their kiss finally ended and she smiled up at him. Despite the fact that his eyes sparkled with happiness, the exhaustion in his eyes was also unmistakable.

"Happy New Year, darlin`." Ezra tried to hide how tired he was, but had a feeling it wasn't working. He could see the concern in Inez's beautiful eyes.

"Happy New Year, Ezra. I think I should take you home and put you to bed. You look like you are about to fall down." She could tell he was trying to hide it, but it wasn't working and she just what wanted to get him out of there before he collapsed.

"Just what I had in mind." Ezra's smile was seductive, but he was obviously joking.

"You never quit do you?" Inez smiled. It was so nice to hear his sense of humor again after all he'd been through over the last few weeks.

"Not if I can help it." He put him arm around her shoulders and the two of them said goodnight to everyone. It was obvious to all present that Ezra was on the verge of collapse.

Chris came up to Inez before they left and whispered. "Take good care of him."

"Don't worry Senor Chris, I will." She smiled at Chris, then turned to help Ezra into his coat. There was no way she was letting him drive, so she took the keys from him and helped him into the passenger seat. Soon they were at Ezra's townhouse and he was fast asleep while Inez made herself comfortable on the couch. It wouldn't be much longer before the pair did make love and it was a magical experience for both of them. They were very excited about what the new year held for them, not to mention the future.

THE END

Enid