William Murdoch was deeply regretting agreeing to make one last crossing with his friend, Charles Lightoller, as the two men navigated the steamer trunk that carried both of their belongings through the White Star offices. It wasn't that he hated Lights, in fact sometimes he felt he was closer to the man than to his own brother, but it was the fact that Lights seemed to have realized that God had tattooed a horseshoe to the man's arse and he abused that luck for all he was worth.

It did make it all the sweeter when that luck ran out for a moment though, as Will watched Light's goggle at the clerk who had just informed him that the ship they had been planning to return on had left not two hours ago. He spread his hands wide, "I'm sorry sir, but she left at her appointed time."

"But," Lights stammered, "But how are we to get home? I booked those tickets because we need to get back for Christmas!"

"You gentlemen are off the Olympic, correct?" The clerk glanced down, "She leaves in a week."

"Which gets us back there barely before New Year's!" Lights turned to Will, "Sylvie is going to kill me if I'm not home for Christmas."

"And my Da will help her, and string me up with you." Will grumbled, already picturing his father's face when he didn't show. It had taken quite a bit of cajoling to get Ma to agree to a Christmas in Southampton, even though the marginally warmer weather would help. The two of them were waiting for him in his home, all prepared to spend Christmas with the Lightollers.

It had been the first time Will had been looking forward to Christmastime, the first since Ada had passed that he actually wanted to enjoy it.

He sighed, looking back to the clerk. "Is there any ship that leaves in the next day or two?"

"No White Star ships." The clerk shrugged, "I am sorry sirs, but I do have other business to attend to."

That was as polite of a dismissal as they were likely to get, although Will did have to tug on the handle of the trunk several times to get Lights to follow him. The street in front the White Star pier was busy, and they were snug up against the building as they plotted their next move. Will rubbed his hands together, getting a bit of warmth in them. "We can find another line."

"None can get us there fast enough." Lights grumbled, tugging the collar of his coat up. "American Line's slow, and I refuse to go look at a German one."

"There is one."

Lights paled, although two points of color quickly rose on his cheeks. "No, no! We can't Will, not Cunard. They'll pitch us over the side!"

Will sighed, reaching down for the trunk handle again. "They won't, and we can afford Second Class tickets. I'm sure they have something leaving soon."

"We buy those tickets and they'll let us cross," Lights kept up his complaints as they began making their way through the crowd and toward the other pier. "Right after they throw us in a lifeboat and tie us to the stern."

Fortunately, they knew the docks well, and after hastily changing out of their uniform jackets and caps outside, they were able to secure a cabin with two berths on a ship leaving tomorrow evening. That came with the promise of food and quick passage, in relative comfort, and should see them to Liverpool a few days before Christmas.

All that was left was to find a place to spend the night, which Lights simply grinned at when Will had suggested a dockside hotel. "We're in New York, you get me a phone and I'll find us some place better."

Will consulted his billfold, having taken command of both of their finances. "We can't afford much better, not after having to get those tickets."

"I have a favor to call in, I'll be right back after using their phone." Lights had an impish grin as he went back into the offices, which he often had right before doing something stupid and which often made Will worry. In his mind, Lights' idea to see them through the night involved them sneaking into some mansion where the owner was out of town for the winter, or the both of them sleeping a first-class cabin of the ship they would be sailing. Which would likely lead to them either being thrown in jail, or the brig, and that would just ruin Christmas.

Will hastily pulled a cigarette from his pocket, a match providing a brief flare of warmth as it lit. He gave it a few puffs, trying to stamp his feet and drive some warmth into himself. All he wanted to be was home at the moment, even if would be returning to his usually empty house. But his parents would be there, at least on Christmas Day, and Lights was sure to set the boys on him as soon as they saw him. And Sylvie would be there to join Ma in admonishing him about eating properly, stuffing him fuller than he had ever thought possible.

Sylvie had really been a godsend, he had liked her at first when he had met her, but then after what she had done for Ada, he had firmly fallen into the camp of loving the dear woman. She had taken Ada under her wing when his wife had come to Britain from Australia, sat with her while he had been gone, and when Ada had grown sick, she had nursed her and held her hand at the end.

Sylvie had seemed to consider him a brother after Ada had passed, and when he hadn't been with his family, she had been over at the house every day to tend to him in her own way. Mostly that was making him go for walks and feeding him, but she had always brought the boys to help cheer him up. The two boys had never once called him Mr. Murdoch, he had always been Uncle Will to them and at one point he had mentioned it to their mother., how it was odd for them to be so informal. Sylvie had laughed, "I'd have Bertie belt them if they called you that." He had laughed as well, for he knew Lights would rather take the belt to himself than his boys.

"Cab!" Lights' voice shook Will from his thoughts, his friend holding up a hand and summoning a car with an ease that shocked Will. Usually, it was hell to get a cab around here, but Lights not only had one, but had the driver help them load up the trunk. Lights was rubbing his hand across his nose when he spoke, "Waldorf-Astoria, if you please."

Will goggled, waiting until the sound of the engine drowned out his voice. He could still hiss at Lights though, "We can't afford that!"

"And we won't be paying." Lights grinned, "I called in a favor."

"What favor? Who do you know that could get us a room at a place like that?"

"Some first-class idiot on a run a month or two back. He said he would slip me an extra tip if I'd help him win the lottery on the daily run, so I did, and then the git said he didn't have the cash but I could call on him anytime in New York. Managed to get him on the phone, told him he could consider us square if he paid for a cheap room there for us and dinner. Otherwise, I might have to mention to his wife how he was paying awfully close attention to a stewardess."

Will pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. "Jesus Christ." Lights's great idea had been blackmail, although Will supposed it was the least likely route that would lead to them in jail.

"Relax, I told him we just needed it for one night. And he told us to order whatever we wanted in the restaurant, so you'd better eat up. Cunard is probably going to serve us nothing but gruel for the next few days." His friend could definitely turn on the charm when needed, engaging in some manly braggadocio with the bellboy that got him to take the trunk up to their room before another man with a dozen trunks that had been waiting when they had pulled up. The manager found Lights delightful, gladly took down a wire Lights wanted sent to Sylvie and offered to have extra blankets brought up after Lights had commented how he could feel the warmth of care in the hotel as soon as they walked in. The maid assigned to their room brought them an extra set of pillows after Lights had exclaimed over how it was obvious she was very skilled after seeing their small room, clean and well put together even if it was the smallest in the hotel.

Will groaned as he sat down on the bed, feeling the mattress sink as Lights sat next to him. "We're only here for one night, you know. You don't have to make friends with everyone."

"You've seen the stewards onboard," Lights shrugged, "They feel better about it when you tell them they're doing a good job. You should leave a good tip when we leave."

"Your friend isn't handling that?"

"He's not my friend, and you know he'd skimp." Lights fell back against the mattress, "Give me five minutes before we head down."

Which meant Will had to shift himself to the other side of the bed as he did his best to put himself to rights. He shed his overcoat, fetched his toiletry case, and did his best to wash up with a handkerchief dipped in a water pitcher. It was cold, and made his face flush a bit as the blood rushed up.

It did mean he felt a bit more put together than Lights as they made their way to the restaurant, even if he hadn't had a chance to brush out the plain blue suit jacket he wore with his uniform trousers. Although he still pursed his lips as he looked at the menu, "Lights, these prices are insane."

"Then be glad you aren't paying." He was grinning as he traced a finger down that list. "Order whatever you like."

"He's going to sue you when you come back."

"He won't even remember me and our bill is going to be a drop in the bucket compared to what he has. He should just be glad I'm not bleeding him with I've got on him." Lights shrugged, setting the menu down. "Honestly Will, just enjoy this. Why can't you just be glad to eat on someone else's dime?"

Will shifted in his seat, "It just doesn't sit right with me." Not only was he uncomfortable with how they had come by their free meal and room, Will just couldn't shake the feeling of not belonging, especially in a place like this. Men in tailored suits, ladies in glittering jewels and silk gowns. He watched as the host led a family to a table, an older man and woman, and a young woman in a white fur coat who was no doubt their daughter. The host even helped her out of her coat, revealing an icy blue dress in the latest style that seemed to set her blonde hair to glowing.

Although perhaps it was the diamonds around her throat and in her ears, catching the light of the restaurant and throwing it around the room.

"It seems like nothing has for quite some time," Lights' grumble drew Will from his thoughts, "Will, you know Sylvie and I want nothing but the best for you, and that your parents do as well. You deserve nothing but the best."

He sighed, knowing where this was going. "I know you care about me, and that's very kind of the both of you."

Lights leaned closer; his voice low. "Will, it's been three years. I know you miss her, but you should try looking again." Will could see Lights glance around the room, settling on the blonde girl as she accepted a glass of champagne. "Now, look at that one. Pretty, and I have no doubt she'd make a fine wife. Of course, she's a bit high up for you, but there's nothing wrong with striving for someone like that."

He flushed, sure that his friend must have noticed him staring at her. "I'm hardly worth her time, far too old for someone like her."

"You're not that old, you grouchy Scot," Lights quipped, "And who's to say that she wouldn't like you? I'm sure I could go over and charm the parents, might get a nice dinner conversation out of it."

"You get out of that chair and I'll leave."

Lights snorted at that, and after they had relayed their order to their water, grasped the man's arm before he moved off. "That family that just sat down, who are they?"

The waiter glanced over, "The Dalians, sir."

"And the daughter?"

"Some Russian name, I see her in the society pages every now and then. Her father's a generous tipper."

"Oh, everyone loves a generous tipper." He smirked, noting how Will was slowly growing red. "How much are they worth?"

"Enough to buy this place three times over." The waiter was slowly moving away, "I'll be right back with your drinks, sirs."

Lights gave a low whistle, taking another look at the table. "Christ, you think they're in the market for a son?" He cracked a grin at Will, "Or maybe a son-in-law? Or a lover for the lady? I wouldn't mind being a kept man."

"Sylvie would murder you."

"But that still leaves you Will!"

"You want me to apply for the position of lover?" He smiled a bit, glad that the tension seemed to have diffused in the wake of the jokes. He even risked another look at the table, seeing the daughter was smiling widely as she laughed at something her parents had said. But then those brown eyes flicked over, landing on him. He should have looked away, acted as if he had never noticed her, but he couldn't help himself. He gave her a polite nod, and she smiled even wider as she winked at him before returning to the conversation her parents were having, her hands moving as she spoke animatedly about something.

He barely even noticed when Lights reached over and gently shoved his shoulder, "No, you idiot, son-in-law!"

Will chuckled at that, shaking his head. It would be nice to have that title again, to have someone to come home to. Someone who cared about him, who would hold him in the night and be an aunt to Lights' boys. A woman to love, who could give him children of his own. He felt a bit of betrayal at that thought, that he would be replacing Ada, but he tried to stifle it. Lights was right, it had been a long time. He missed her deeply, and he always would, but maybe it was time. He would always carry her with him in his heart, but the boys at least deserved an aunt.

Those thoughts were quickly dropped as their food began to arrive, and Will desperately hoped that Charles' 'friend' really wouldn't see him again, not after the feast they had ordered. Oysters, lobster, lamb chops, salmons, steaks, potatoes, asparagus, cheese, anything and everything had been to their table. He did stare though as the waiter brought over a bottle of champagne, something he hadn't heard Lights order and he hadn't ordered himself. The waiter quickly began to pour and, sensing his confusion, tipped his head at the family across the room. "Compliments of the Dalians, sirs. They wanted me to wish you a Merry Christmas."

Lights stood at that, bowing to the family as they were headed out, earning a nod from the parents. The daughter ignored him though, catching Will's eyes and wiggling her fingers in farewell. He blushed, then stood and gave her a bow himself. She laughed, but it wasn't cruel, it was simply as if she was having a wonderful night and wanted to share it. And then she did something that made him blush, she called out loudly. "Merry Christmas!"

Lights chuckled as they sat back down, "She does know it's over a week until Christmas, right?"

"And she likely knows we're not usually here." Will tried to fight the blush, already feeling it travel down to his neck. It had been a long time since he had felt flustered like that, had had a woman flirt, at least a little, with him. It was nice, and he wanted to feel that way again.

Later, as they readied for bed, Will decided to at least consider looking for another wife. He wanted that happy feeling in him, that little spark that had lit tonight, to grow. Which it decidedly did not when he laid down next to Lights. It wasn't the first time they had shared a bunk, sometimes things couldn't be helped when berths were limited, but Lights had a terrible habit of stealing all of the blankets during the night.

Will knew enough to pull on two pairs of socks before he went to sleep.

Boarding the ship had gone quickly, although Will had spent most of the time waiting to board looking around at the other passengers. Some of the first class bunch were mixed in, and he spent an enjoyable time watching the farewells and goodbyes.

The most entertaining was a father obviously sending his daughter off with her aunt and her cousin. She was a pretty thing, if a bit young for him, with her brown hair and green eyes. But she had a sad look to her, and her father kept trying to cheer her up. Her cousin, a handsome lad who walked with a cane, had more success and at least managed to draw a smile out of her. It did take her aunt prodding her to hug her father, but she at least appeared to care for him.

When he mentioned all this to Lights, the other man had rolled his eyes and told him to stop reading so many sentimental novels.

Now, if there was one thing that could be said for Cunard's Lusitania, she was as fast a ship as Will had ever been on. She cut cleanly through the waves, even if she did have the occasional drop that would leave Charles cursing her designers.

He wound up cursing her designers quite a bit. The Second Class accommodations were not as comfortable as White Star's, he could feel the damn ship vibrating through his bed, the food wasn't up to standard, and for God's sake, could they offer anything besides bridge to entertain the passengers?

Will had almost rolled his eyes at that. "We could go play shuffleboard."

Lights had snorted, "And have the sea wash our disks off the deck." While they weren't exactly rushing through a storm, the seas were rather high and it was bloody cold outside. Lights sighed, "I don't suppose we could play poker?"

"You play poker and they're going to throw us in the brig as swindlers." Will shook his head. "I remember you doing that one time."

"Well, when you cheat a man out of a hundred dollars and he fetches an officer, what's the officer to do?" He chuckled, "It wasn't as if I could let him off with a warning." Will chuckled, they'd both had their own experiences with the professional gamblers that seemed to make their home on liners and ply their trade in the smoking rooms.

To be quite honest, Will was rather bored as well. He mostly just wanted to be home, to have Christmas dinner and see the Lightoller boys run and play with their toys. The boys were his nephews in all but blood, and a few gifts for them were hidden in the depth of their trunk where Lights wouldn't find them. But they were getting closer now, as was his family. In a few days they'd be in Liverpool and then it was just a short train ride to Southampton, they'd be home several days before Christmas.

Both he and Lights perked up though, when an officer entered the Second Class Lounge, asking for everyone's attention. The officer held up his hands, "Ladies and gentlemen, my apologies, but I am afraid we will not be docking in Liverpool." That led to a groan from everyone. "We've been having trouble with our steering gear and will unfortunately have to have all of you disembark in Queenstown tomorrow while we make repairs."

Back in their cabin, Lights had cursed Cunard for all he was worth. "Bloody fools can't even sail right, they can make it to Liverpool!"

Will shrugged. "I've been through similar, we had to take Olympic back to dock after the collision."

"You didn't decide to switch cities though." Lights sat on his bunk, a furrow on his brow. "Christ, how are we going to get home?"

"We take a train up to Dublin and catch the ferry to Liverpool." Will swung his legs up onto his bunk. "Now, get some sleep."

Both of them were still yawning when they struggled off the ship and collected their trunk, and Will swore that Lights had nodded off in the cab that took them to the train station. But then it was his turn to nod off, Lights shaking him awake when they reached Dublin. When they reached the ferry terminal though, Lights almost tore his hair out. "What do you mean there's no crossings to Liverpool today?"

The ticket agent gave an exhausted sigh. "The Liverpool ferry won't be back until tomorrow."

"But I need to get to England."

"May I suggest the Blackpool ferry?" The agent glanced at a clock. "She leaves in twenty minutes."

Before Lights could reply, Will shouldered forward. "We'll take it." The Blackpool ferry was small, slow and Will couldn't help but laugh to watch Lights pace the deck. "We won't get there any faster if you keep doing that."

"This is taking too bloody long." Lights threw him an irritated look. "I should be home by now, if not for that Cunarder."

"White Star also failed us." Will reminded him. "We could have been back even sooner."

Lights groaned as he sat. "How much do we have left?"

Will drew out his billfold, having taken command of the cash for the both of them. It was a dwindling supply. "I think enough for the tickets home, even if we have to walk back from the station."

"I've walked enough. Can't we stop by a bank and get something out of our accounts?"

"If you don't mind waiting even longer."

"It's what, barely a day until Christmas? We can't even sleep if we're going to get home by then." Lights folded his arms, and Will had to agree. They needed to speed along, to get home quickly and if that meant they barely had time to eat, well, it wouldn't be the first time they'd gone hungry.

When they docked in Blackpool, Will inquired with a local about the train to London, only to be told that the tracks had been damaged and they'd need to take a cab to Liverpool to get one. Will had expected Lights to let out a stream of curses at that, but instead he'd only asked the man where the nearest church was.

Will shifted his grip on the trunk as they walked along. "Lights, I don't think we can count on divine intervention to help us."

"Oh no, I'm not hoping for that." Lights chuckled. "No, I want to ask the good Lord if he's doing this specifically to have a laugh at our expense."

Will stopped, tugging on the trunk to bring his friend to a halt. "We don't have the time, and I don't have the money to pay the priest for having to put up with you." He could see Lights prepare for an argument, but Will put on a firm look. "We need a cab, and then we need cheap tickets to London."

"Fine." Lights snapped, lifting up his side of the trunk as they moved towards a nearby pub that had a cab loitering outside. "I'm still going after Christmas."

"I'm sure Sylvie will be proud."

When Will had sent Charles to purchase cheap tickets to London, he had anticipated eating a greasy sandwich while crammed shoulder to shoulder in a smoke filled car. What he had not been thinking was riding in a cold car next to a shipment of milk.

Lights held out a thermos he had acquired from somewhere. "Tea?"

"How did you get this arranged again?" Will took a drink of the rapidly cooling drink, trying not to shiver.

"Well, I plead our plight to the ticket agent, as well as our lack of finances, and he told me that as long as we keep our head down and that when we get into London we should tell Tommy that Evan said we were good, we shouldn't have any trouble." Lights grinned. "Only cost me half what our usual fare would."

"Well, I suppose this at least means we can avoid the bank."

"Even if the milk train is slower than the passenger one." Lights drew out his pocket watch. "We should just make it."

After that there was little to do but pull their coats closer around themselves and wait. The milk train rattled through the country side, stopping every now and then to collect more cargo and passengers. Eventually when the train came to a stop, Will could barely feel his fingers and both of them clumsily made their way out of the car.

Right into the path of the men coming to unload the train, and it took Charles's glib tongue a moment to warm up enough to Tommy and his boys to leave them be. Given that the man looked strong enough to break the both of them over his knee, at the same time, Will almost fainted in relief when the man simply snorted and rolled his eyes. "Evan's a bleedin' heart, now, out of my way."

At that dismissal, the two of them staggered through the station with their trunk between them. Will still couldn't feel his fingers as he turned out the last of his billfold on the ticket agent's counter. The man leaned over to consider the pile of coins. "You're short."

He turned to Lights, who shook his head. "Cunard cleaned me out."

"Please, we're just trying to get home for Christmas." Will turned back, "His wife and children are waiting for him."

"I need the full fare." The ticket agent sniffed. "Otherwise you can take your business elsewhere."

Will looked down at the small pile of coins, the last of his pay and the savings on hand. It was Christmas Eve, the banks were closed, and Lights, who was actually flagging and looking tired, had been by him the whole time. His best friend would not see his children on Christmas, all because of Will.

He shoved the coins back towards the agent. "One ticket then, for him."

Lights immediately slapped his hand over the money. "Will, what the hell are you doing?"

"Getting you home." Will shoved at Lights's shoulder. "You need to see your boys, and Sylvie will kill you if you don't get home."

"And I'm not leaving you here." Lights shoved him back. "Quit trying to be so damn noble."

"But Lights-"

His friend cut him off. "Don't be stupid, Will. We can figure out something. There might be a church nearby, surely they won't mind a skim off the donation box."

"I'd thrash you for that if I didn't know you were joking."

"Well, perhaps there's a wealthy widow who needs a little company? I can sell myself for half an hour and come back with more than our fare."

"Sylvie would kill you, and then me for allowing it."

"Then give me a moment." Lights paused, glancing around the deserted station. Everyone was already at home, eating homemade feasts, drinking and warming themselves around fires while they sang and played games.

Will rubbed a hand over his face, feeling the past week hit him like a train. There was no way they'd make it in time, not with this ticket agent refusing to have even a little bit of charity in his heart. Will would be better to buy the ticket, shove it into Charles's hand and toss him onto the train.

But then Lights tossed the coins back on the counter, flipped open his cigarette case, and added the contents to the pile. He turned to Will, "Well, are you going to help or not?"

Will fumbled for his own case, turning out everything next to the coins. "What are you playing at?"

"Trust me." Lights gave him a grin, leaning over the counter to get the agent's attention. "We have enough for both of the fares!"

The agent came up, raising an eyebrow at the smokes next to the coins. "We don't accept barter."

"Well, the rail line might not, but you'd be a fool to pass these up." Lights glanced around, lowering his voice. "We're on our way back from the States, and you have never had tobacco like this."

"They look like plain cigarettes to me."

"Because they're disguised." Will ha to fight to keep a smile off his face as Lights launched into his tale. "We've got some high dollar friends, and they gifted us these. Made of the finest Cuban tobacco, but hidden so that they don't have to worry about getting jumped if they smoke them on the street." Lights waved the man to come closer. "They're more like cigars than anything, and you should see how they roll them."

The agent actually looked interested, "And how would that be?"

"They're rolled on the thighs of the most beautiful women in Havana, and they kiss each one after they're finished." Lights grinned, deliberately ignoring the fact that Will had moved behind him to hide the fact that he was shaking with laughter. "Now, I'd say that is worth the cost of you covering the last of our fare."

The cigarettes were swiftly swept into the agent's palm, and a few coins from the man's pocket joined the pile. "Two tickets to Southampton, now, you'd better move. The train's leaving soon."

Halfway to the platform Will was wheezing from laughing while running, the trunk almost slipping from his grasp. "How the hell did you come up with that?"

"Oh, that was nothing." Lights was chuckling. "My other idea was to offer my watch and tell him it was a gift from a Maharajah. Then he would have paid me for it!"

The two were still laughing as they dropped onto the wooden bench of the train car, and Will couldn't believe that they were on their way. They'd have a hell of a walk, and he wouldn't want to see the trunk again, but they'd make it. He'd be able to see Lights's reaction when he gave Roger that tin Lusitania he'd picked up in the barber shop when he'd had a shave onboard. He would give his Ma the biggest hug, pick her up off the floor and swing her around.

Da might not like it, but he'd only be gruff enough to make it clear he just didn't want Ma hurt.

Technically it was Christmas Day when they pulled into the Southampton, even if the sun still wasn't up. With no cash on hand, the two of them had to ignore the single cab loitering outside the station as they set off. The one thing that kept Will going was thinking about the food Sylvie would no doubt be making later in the day, a roast with all the fixings, soup, fresh bread and pie to end the whole thing.

When they arrived outside Lights's house, there were some muffled curses as Lights had to dig through the trunk for his key and they had to navigate themselves inside while keeping quiet. The last thing they needed was Sylvie coming downstairs and thinking there were burglars. Will groaned as he stood after setting the trunk down in the foyer. "I'll be heading home then."

Lights rolled his eyes and drug him into the parlor. "You're staying here, your parents are coming over anyway. Now, do you want the settee or two chairs?"

Will wound up taking the chairs, stretching his legs out to rest his feet on the other chair while Lights curled himself as small as he could on the settee. He felt like he had barely closed his eyes when a pair of shrill screams sounded, two forms hurtling past him to launch themselves at their father.

Lights was all smiles as he hugged the two of them to him. "I told you I'd be home for Christmas!"

Will couldn't quite follow the babble that followed, Roger and Trevor speaking over each other as quick as they could, but Lights seemed to follow it without any issue. He was shaking his head in disbelief when a softer set of footsteps sounded, accompanied by the slight tapping of a cane. He looked back over his shoulder, "Merry Christmas, Sylvie."

"Merry Christmas, Will." Charles's wife, a dressing gown belted across her waist, sighed from where she stood in the doorway to the parlor. "I'll go call your parents, we all thought you wouldn't make it."

"Of course we made it." Lights stood, dislodging his sons who decided to drag Will down from his chair. "I promised we'd be home for Christmas, and here we are."

"Here you are." Sylvie smiled widely, her hand coming up to cup her husband's cheek as she drew him down into a kiss. They were so caught up in each other that they didn't notice as the boys decided to gang up on Will, doing their best to pin him while he struggled like a fresh caught fish.

Eventually they pulled apart though, although Charles went back in for several more kisses before he chuckled. "Go give them a call, I'll help Will tame these hellions."

"I've got them." Will called up from the floor, "Go spend time with your wife."

"Well, right now I want to spend time with my boys!" Lights turned, taking in the sighs of Roger trying to keep Will's legs pinned while he fended off Trevor with one hand. "And you need help."

Will was laughing as his friend leapt into the fray. He was exhausted and broke, but happy. His parents would arrive shortly, and everyone would enjoy the holiday together. And by this time next year, well, God only knew but he might even have a woman he'd been courting to spend the day with. Part of him could have dwelled on Ada's loss, but seeing his friend so happy with his children, all Will wanted was that for himself.

In a few years, that would be him, he just knew it.

But for today, he had his nephews, his parents on the way, and he could smell Sylvie's cooking from the kitchen. It was going to be a good Christmas, and he had no doubt next year's would be even better.